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What is it with Harley Davidsons ?

#22
Much of it has to do with tradition and probably image. There is also resale value.

Why do people buy a Mercedes when you can buy a Hyundai for a lot less money? My guess is that if they were cheaper more people would be riding them.
 
#23
I like the wheelie :)
I remember watching a group of about 30 Harleys ride through a small village once, the noise was incredible, they all looked like ZZ Top in leathers, I will probably get a Harley one day but for the moment I love lightweight, quick and agile sporty bikes :)
 
#24
Sold my R1 to buy a Harley(Nightrod)... Test rode a couple (Vrod and Street bob) and ended up buying a Triumph Speed Triple.

I wasnt impressed at all expecially for the money they wanted...

I love the more upright relaxed position of the Speedie, while I still get to enjoy the twisties.
 
#25
Wheelies are FUN!!!!

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This is basically a stock bike. Exhaust, air filter, bolt in cam & a Power Commander.
 
#27
GRAHAM SG1 said:
That is such a stupid comment, as if you are superior, everybody has the right to expand their knowledge and learn from others :rollno:
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Not true,

If you don't get it, there is very little someone can tell you to convey the true reason.

It is like when someone with a SX or Squier asks What's the deal with Sadowsky or Fodera. The SX or Squier are fine basses but to some a Sadowsky or Fodera has a appeal that is more than just wood & pick ups and being able to stay in tune.

You can put Sadowsky pick ups and pre amp in a SX, both have ash body's with maple & rosewood necks. It will sound good, dress the fretts and you have a nice bass at a very low price, but it still is not a Sadowsky.

No one can teach you a love, you have to acquire it on your own.
 
#31
I prefer a Bonneville any day. I'm not particularly fond of Harley's. I thought the comment about them being the equivalent of Fender is quite accurate. Not the best, but thought of as what a bike should be. I know a guy who had ALL the merchandise. God, it wasn't pretty.
 
#35
pacojas said:
you mean the one's without any mufflers? :hiding:

and what's up with all that loudass engine reving at every stop light??? are ear-plugs considered an accessory?!!

/rant
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Jim Nazium said:
+1
Some dude in my neighborhood has a Harley that's so f'ing loud it sets off another neighbor's car alarm every time he takes off on it. As if the bike isn't annoying enough. If you want to damage your own hearing, be my guest, but don't irritate everyone within a 1/2 mile radius just so you can pretend to be badass.
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Ugh, I'm enraged when these people damn near blow out my eardrums.

I don't see how the noise can be an effective "alert" to folks driving their cars--most have their windows rolled up and many have a stereo playing loudly. I notice it much, much more when I'm a pedestrian.
 
#36
Funky Ghost said:
The noise is a defense mechanism. It's actually a good way to keep from being merged on top of ( well, it HELPS.. but dumb people still drive our roads... ) I've no problem with loud motorcycles. Not to be a big downer but my brother was killed by a motorist who "didn't see him". If the noise helps save a life. It's all good in my book.
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Except you can't hear the exhaust from the front of the bike, only from the rear... So you don't really hear that obnoxious exhaust until the bike has gone past you... You're a lot safer wearing a loud jacket, i.e. Hi-Vis yellow. Go ahead, point and laugh, that just means you saw me. As to HD vs Japanese, I'll take my Japanese sport touring rig any day of the week. There's a reason all the iron butt rally riders ride FJRs, Concourses, BMWs and ST 1300s. Faster, better handling, more comfortable, and far more reliable too - well, except for that annoying BMW final drive issue. When I'm ready to move on from my VFR, I'm looking at an FJR, Concours 14, or ST1300. Let the pirates keep their HDs...
 
#37
I like the Fender analogy. Nicely done.
I haven't ridden for years, but one other point that I'll add, based on living up in the mountains on roads that see a LOT of bikers of various stripes - there's a different mindset to riding a Harley that is clear as an observer.
Sport bike riders GO FAST. Harley riders seem to just enjoy cruising at a reasonable speed.
I get passed in no-passing zones by sport bike riders (and I drive fast). I almost never get passed by Harley riders.
Every year, several times a summer my drive is delayed because of ambulances and paramedics cleaning up a dead or injured biker who wiped out.
Not one of those crashed bikes has been a Harley.
I find that interesting and significant.
 
#38
GregC said:
Ugh, I'm enraged when these people damn near blow out my eardrums.

I don't see how the noise can be an effective "alert" to folks driving their cars--most have their windows rolled up and many have a stereo playing loudly. I notice it much, much more when I'm a pedestrian.
Click to expand...

Further, i've seen people freak out when they hear noises. You know the type, ones that loose control of the car every time they turn their heads. Loud noises, their head goes all over the place trying to locate loud noises and bam, they are no longer in their lane or sometimes no where near the road.

Bam.
 
#39
There is a very good South Park episode about Harley's.
The 12th episode of the 13th season.
Ther episode is called "The F word"

It Is EXACTLY what I think of Harley's. :smug:
 

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