Why are Harleys disliked?
Discussion
I don't dislike the bikes but I don't go in for the 'lifestyle'
Have a look at the Bagger racing in the states on Youtube, Harley v Indian, its not MotoGP but looks like a hell of a lot of fun.
|https://thumbsnap.com/hnpFfrGq[/url]
And also have a look at the Super Hooligan class, yes its Harleys and Indians but also Ducati, KTM and BMW
A typical racer below, hard to imagine it started life as a Pan American.
[url]
edit to add pic
Have a look at the Bagger racing in the states on Youtube, Harley v Indian, its not MotoGP but looks like a hell of a lot of fun.
|https://thumbsnap.com/hnpFfrGq[/url]And also have a look at the Super Hooligan class, yes its Harleys and Indians but also Ducati, KTM and BMW
A typical racer below, hard to imagine it started life as a Pan American.
[url]edit to add pic
Edited by XR on Monday 20th November 19:08
I could joke that the only thing worse than a Harley is any sort of Japanese imitation Harley.
Many if not most, motorcyclists are old gits whose opinions about brands go back to the 70s or 80s, when Harleys were strongly identified with grubby denim and Hells Angels wouldn't be seen on anything else. Harleys were almost synonymous with choppers, I recall liking the look of a few heavily modifed examples, but thinking 99% of the stock examples were 'orrible.
These days, they are a bit more mainstream, but at the heart of it, it's a choice to buy something of modest power but with a stomping V twin engine.
I've enjoyed it every time I've ridden one, but that's always been for a fun 'go' on someone else's bike, to t
t around rural roads in a fairly relaxed way.
A Buell or an XLCH is a pretty different animal from the fatbike models IMHO.
This I am liking:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254217087435
They are expensive for what they appear to do, but they seem to hold their value to a ripe old age. If you can wield your own spanners, I think the long term cost of ownership can be pretty low? This may be an observation from the last century though!
Many if not most, motorcyclists are old gits whose opinions about brands go back to the 70s or 80s, when Harleys were strongly identified with grubby denim and Hells Angels wouldn't be seen on anything else. Harleys were almost synonymous with choppers, I recall liking the look of a few heavily modifed examples, but thinking 99% of the stock examples were 'orrible.
These days, they are a bit more mainstream, but at the heart of it, it's a choice to buy something of modest power but with a stomping V twin engine.
I've enjoyed it every time I've ridden one, but that's always been for a fun 'go' on someone else's bike, to t
t around rural roads in a fairly relaxed way.A Buell or an XLCH is a pretty different animal from the fatbike models IMHO.
This I am liking:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254217087435
They are expensive for what they appear to do, but they seem to hold their value to a ripe old age. If you can wield your own spanners, I think the long term cost of ownership can be pretty low? This may be an observation from the last century though!
A lot of the hate is because of the 'image' over in North America and Australia with the patches/clubs/ragging the tits off it for the sake of noise is prevelant and plays into the narrative of HD owners being knobs. Here in the UK the jokes of them being owned by middle aged / old accountants/bankers/lawyers playing outlaws also factors into it with quite a few people repeating these jokes without actually ever trying to ride a HD.
As others have said; they are not the cheapest, not the fastest, not the most amazing bikes ever produced; but they fill a niche and fill it quite well. I've always been of the opinion that, to me, a cruiser is a 'proper' bike however despite that I NEVER wanted a Harley; instead being quite keen on Triumph. However when I passed my test I went straight to a Triumph dealership with money burning a hole in my pocket; got a lovely deal lined up on a Bonneville only for the best insurance quote to come in at over £2K ... went around the corner to a Harley place and I could pick up a 3 year old Sportster 883 for a fair price and even better; as a brand new young rider, get it fully comp for the year for the grand sum of ... £197 - as such I picked up the HD with the intention of riding it a few years and then jumping onto a Triumph. Nearly 20 years later here I am riding a HD having owned a number of them through the years (and one or two other bikes in interrrium periods). I'm also not the usual demographic for HD (being just shy of 40 now) and I don't buy all the 'tat' that you can find in their showrooms, nor do I do 'HOG' memberships, group rides, clubs, or any of that wkery.
Why do I stick with HD?
- The ergonomics suite me and what I want from a bike
- I can do a 140 mile a day commute and still function easily at either end without cramps or soreness
- I know my way around them quite well so do 90% of my own maintenance, saving a fair bit of money
- I'm used to riding them; they very rarely surprise me so I know what and where I an push the limits and where I need to reel it in
- I like the looks of them, and whilst I can appreciate non-cruisers they just don't appeal to me whereas I pretty much always have a second look at and HD I pass by
So horses for courses really. Will I own other brands in the future? almost certainly, will I keep coming back to HD - well that depends how they implement the new technologies they have and are developing; the new Sporster S technology really appeals to me and is a massive upgrade in terms of performance.... BUT its a pig ugly machine that I don't enjoy looking at and has too many cheap looking areas that make it look naff.
As others have said; they are not the cheapest, not the fastest, not the most amazing bikes ever produced; but they fill a niche and fill it quite well. I've always been of the opinion that, to me, a cruiser is a 'proper' bike however despite that I NEVER wanted a Harley; instead being quite keen on Triumph. However when I passed my test I went straight to a Triumph dealership with money burning a hole in my pocket; got a lovely deal lined up on a Bonneville only for the best insurance quote to come in at over £2K ... went around the corner to a Harley place and I could pick up a 3 year old Sportster 883 for a fair price and even better; as a brand new young rider, get it fully comp for the year for the grand sum of ... £197 - as such I picked up the HD with the intention of riding it a few years and then jumping onto a Triumph. Nearly 20 years later here I am riding a HD having owned a number of them through the years (and one or two other bikes in interrrium periods). I'm also not the usual demographic for HD (being just shy of 40 now) and I don't buy all the 'tat' that you can find in their showrooms, nor do I do 'HOG' memberships, group rides, clubs, or any of that w
kery.Why do I stick with HD?
- The ergonomics suite me and what I want from a bike
- I can do a 140 mile a day commute and still function easily at either end without cramps or soreness
- I know my way around them quite well so do 90% of my own maintenance, saving a fair bit of money
- I'm used to riding them; they very rarely surprise me so I know what and where I an push the limits and where I need to reel it in
- I like the looks of them, and whilst I can appreciate non-cruisers they just don't appeal to me whereas I pretty much always have a second look at and HD I pass by
So horses for courses really. Will I own other brands in the future? almost certainly, will I keep coming back to HD - well that depends how they implement the new technologies they have and are developing; the new Sporster S technology really appeals to me and is a massive upgrade in terms of performance.... BUT its a pig ugly machine that I don't enjoy looking at and has too many cheap looking areas that make it look naff.
DirtyHarley said:
I've always been of the opinion that, to me, a cruiser is a 'proper' bike
See, I've never understood that at all. I honestly don't care what anyone rides as long as they enjoy it. (and I realise you said cruiser and not Harley)Problem is, far too many Harley riders think the above, and therefore take the p!ss out of every other bike, will only ever ride with other Harley riders, and won't even wave on the road, or say hello at a biker's meet.
Every rider group has its idiots, but I don't know of any other rider group that tries so hard to be so exclusive.
P.S. The funny thing is, they'll shout insults about not having a 'proper' bike at things like mid/super nakeds, bikes that are significantly faster and better handling than theirs.
P.P.S. If you overtake a patched group on the motorway by mistake, there is a possibility they will catch up to you and run you off the road.
Bob_Defly said:
See, I've never understood that at all. I honestly don't care what anyone rides as long as they enjoy it. (and I realise you said cruiser and not Harley)
Problem is, far too many Harley riders think the above, and therefore take the p!ss out of every other bike, will only ever ride with other Harley riders, and won't even wave on the road, or say hello at a biker's meet.
Every rider group has its idiots, but I don't know of any other rider group that tries so hard to be so exclusive.
P.S. The funny thing is, they'll shout insults about not having a 'proper' bike at things like mid/super nakeds, bikes that are significantly faster and better handling than theirs.
P.P.S. If you overtake a patched group on the motorway by mistake, there is a possibility they will catch up to you and run you off the road.
I think I phrased that wrong as what you took from my words wasn't what I intended - but I get the whole point you make of HD riders thinking others are below them or otherwise not 'real bikers'. When I say I see cruisers as 'proper bikes' I mean it in the sense of whenever I think motorbike - a typical cruiser outline is what my brain has always pictured, even as a little kid riding my little PW80 around the fields - thats not to say that I don't think other bikes are 'proper' they just aren't what my brain immediately pictures; maybe its too much Terminator in my formative years?Problem is, far too many Harley riders think the above, and therefore take the p!ss out of every other bike, will only ever ride with other Harley riders, and won't even wave on the road, or say hello at a biker's meet.
Every rider group has its idiots, but I don't know of any other rider group that tries so hard to be so exclusive.
P.S. The funny thing is, they'll shout insults about not having a 'proper' bike at things like mid/super nakeds, bikes that are significantly faster and better handling than theirs.
P.P.S. If you overtake a patched group on the motorway by mistake, there is a possibility they will catch up to you and run you off the road.
I'll happily chat with bikers of any other marque and love to hear what people love about theirs: I may not share their thoughts on aesthetic aspects but I'd never take the piss out of someone of what THEY enjoy riding (a good mate of mine is a chubby chaser ... to each their own!
)I'll also happily nod at anyone (with the exception of delivery riders) ; especially during the winter months as we are all sharing the same experience of being out and about on motorcycles during the crappiest days the UK throws at us. I don't do group rides with anyone, no matter what bikes.
I will defintiely agree that the big groups of HDs in summer with their 'road captains' and other bulls
ttery do irrtate a tad: - although I find the HOG patches and similiar waaay more aholey than those of the various 'naughty' clubs. So whilst they annoy me so do the chaps who feel the need to pop their hazards on to filter (when did THAT rot set in!?), quite often poorly through gaps I can easily fit my sportster-bagger through at a good pace.Generally, live and let live - enjoy the variety!
DirtyHarley said:
Bob_Defly said:
See, I've never understood that at all. I honestly don't care what anyone rides as long as they enjoy it. (and I realise you said cruiser and not Harley)
Problem is, far too many Harley riders think the above, and therefore take the p!ss out of every other bike, will only ever ride with other Harley riders, and won't even wave on the road, or say hello at a biker's meet.
Every rider group has its idiots, but I don't know of any other rider group that tries so hard to be so exclusive.
P.S. The funny thing is, they'll shout insults about not having a 'proper' bike at things like mid/super nakeds, bikes that are significantly faster and better handling than theirs.
P.P.S. If you overtake a patched group on the motorway by mistake, there is a possibility they will catch up to you and run you off the road.
I think I phrased that wrong as what you took from my words wasn't what I intended - but I get the whole point you make of HD riders thinking others are below them or otherwise not 'real bikers'. When I say I see cruisers as 'proper bikes' I mean it in the sense of whenever I think motorbike - a typical cruiser outline is what my brain has always pictured, even as a little kid riding my little PW80 around the fields - thats not to say that I don't think other bikes are 'proper' they just aren't what my brain immediately pictures; maybe its too much Terminator in my formative years?Problem is, far too many Harley riders think the above, and therefore take the p!ss out of every other bike, will only ever ride with other Harley riders, and won't even wave on the road, or say hello at a biker's meet.
Every rider group has its idiots, but I don't know of any other rider group that tries so hard to be so exclusive.
P.S. The funny thing is, they'll shout insults about not having a 'proper' bike at things like mid/super nakeds, bikes that are significantly faster and better handling than theirs.
P.P.S. If you overtake a patched group on the motorway by mistake, there is a possibility they will catch up to you and run you off the road.
I'll happily chat with bikers of any other marque and love to hear what people love about theirs: I may not share their thoughts on aesthetic aspects but I'd never take the piss out of someone of what THEY enjoy riding (a good mate of mine is a chubby chaser ... to each their own!
)I'll also happily nod at anyone (with the exception of delivery riders) ; especially during the winter months as we are all sharing the same experience of being out and about on motorcycles during the crappiest days the UK throws at us. I don't do group rides with anyone, no matter what bikes.
I will defintiely agree that the big groups of HDs in summer with their 'road captains' and other bulls
ttery do irrtate a tad: - although I find the HOG patches and similiar waaay more aholey than those of the various 'naughty' clubs. So whilst they annoy me so do the chaps who feel the need to pop their hazards on to filter (when did THAT rot set in!?), quite often poorly through gaps I can easily fit my sportster-bagger through at a good pace.Generally, live and let live - enjoy the variety!
There also seems to be some unwritten rule of the road that no 'non HD' shall overtake a real HD, something I found out a little while back. Took the 1190 for a spin to Calabogie along some twisty roads and ran into a group of 4 HD's (non patched) chugging along.
As soon as the rear gunner saw me in his mirror, he started defending the lane as they ride in this offset 2 by 2 formation. He would ride out to the center line with a small but deliberate weave as if to say, 'nope, you don't pass"
So apparently, being from Lahndahhn, I didn't get the memo and as soon as the opportunity presented, I zapped all 4 in a single, 3rd gear 'powerful director' type overtake. Queue the looks from the pillions and front 3 as I made impressive progress past them as a speed that they were never going to block. No stress, no dramas, I continued on my way, clicking a steady 150 kph and upwards through the twisties, with the HD's disappearing in my mirrors.
I get to the destination, a well known eatery outside the Calabogie hills called the Red Neck Diner, a place well frequented by bikes, ATV'ers, UTV'ers etc. Sat there enjoying my taco's and guess who rolls in, the 4 Amigo's. Cue a lot of posturing, shouting, finger wagging etc about how you don't overtake the group which was all very impressive until I opened my mouth with a "You wot mate" cockney charmer.... Suddenly It's you should watch out man, some don't like it, will take it out on your ass etc.... When I informed them I really couldn't give a sh!t, they looked somewhat confused as to where to go with it next.
Point is, there really is a belief here that HD's are the royalty of the bike world and anything else is inferior and should stay behind from respect and deference. HD riders truly believe they are entitled to deferential treatment on the basis of the cost of the bike and the amount of HD branded merch they are adorned in...
Cool story bruh and all that but it's another planet over here.......
And goaties, don't mention the obligatory goatie and piss pot hat....
I had my first proper bikes in the late 70s/80s and developed a Yamaha RD habit.
Then a mate bought a Z650 so I thought I'd better get one as well. And it just felt heavy and handled terribly so I only kept it a couple of years and got an RD250LC which rode so much better - and was way quicker if there was a corner involved.
That's when I decided Harleys just weren't for me and that hasn't changed. Plus I think they sound bl**dy awful!
But I don't have an issue with anyone having one if that's what they want.
Then a mate bought a Z650 so I thought I'd better get one as well. And it just felt heavy and handled terribly so I only kept it a couple of years and got an RD250LC which rode so much better - and was way quicker if there was a corner involved.
That's when I decided Harleys just weren't for me and that hasn't changed. Plus I think they sound bl**dy awful!
But I don't have an issue with anyone having one if that's what they want.
Steve Bass said:
When I informed them I really couldn't give a sh!t, they looked somewhat confused as to where to go with it next.
Classic! 
That's the thing, it wouldn't be so much of an issue if they rode at a decent speed, but they don't. They cruise along slowly, thinking no one should overtake them, it's bizarre.
Bob_Defly said:
Steve Bass said:
When I informed them I really couldn't give a sh!t, they looked somewhat confused as to where to go with it next.
Classic! That's the thing, it wouldn't be so much of an issue if they rode at a decent speed, but they don't. They cruise along slowly, thinking no one should overtake them, it's bizarre.
If everyone is out enjoying the weather and let's a bike pass because you're chillin' and the approaching bike not so much, it's all cool in the pool. But to deliberately swerve to try and block me or send the message that it's not ok to pass I find idiotic. We were all over the 80 kph limit so I can't see them trying to promote my safety, it was simply about passing the group and their perceived authority.
And the staged outrage and macho posturing at my table was pathetic, in front of a full patio of diners... with the leader being 'held back' by his wingman... oh so scary, apparently I'm only here to talk about it because I'm a foreigner and don't know how things work around here........ but I'm 'marked' now
... 
So for me, that's the issue (mainly) with HD's. Other than that, they're overpriced, under performing, shoddily made, noisy, cliche and are little more than an expensive mirkin for the under endowed...
YMMV of course, but having seen the HD culture here in the continental US, nothing has changed my admittedly previous bias...
CoolHands said:
How childish (the stop you overtaking group)
I don’t like them because the nobbers that ride them like to deafen all and sundry with their amazingness (wow they can afford ‘slash’ pipes).
Being a nknobhead with a noisy pipe is what makes Harley riders the same as a lot of others....I don’t like them because the nobbers that ride them like to deafen all and sundry with their amazingness (wow they can afford ‘slash’ pipes).
Round here they are all ridden by retired old men who like to thunder through our village every summer Sunday treating us to the sound of a bad sounding engine with seemingly no exhaust pipes.
Seriously HD owners, stop taking the silencers off. It doesn’t sound nice. I love a V twin but a HD has the wrong firing interval and just sounds broken.
Seriously HD owners, stop taking the silencers off. It doesn’t sound nice. I love a V twin but a HD has the wrong firing interval and just sounds broken.
Sebastian Tombs said:
Round here they are all ridden by retired old men who like to thunder through our village every summer Sunday treating us to the sound of a bad sounding engine with seemingly no exhaust pipes.
Sorry are you talking about Harleys, off roaders or sports bikes?This sentence could literally apply to any of those groups where I live in the eyes of non bikers
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