Did you convert to Harley?
#51
06-27-2007 | 04:00 PM
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 462
Likes: 1
From: Arizona
RE: Did you convert to Harley?
ORIGINAL: Lost1
When I was raising my kids andtrying to make ends meet, it woulda been hard justifying 15-20 large for a motorcycle, so I stuck with cheaper jap bikes. Most were reliable, albeit soulless, modes of 2-wheeled transportation and I enjoyed riding them.
Once the kids were grown & I had more disposable income, the Harley was mine. I believe coming from jap bikes gives one a better appreciation of what makes a Harley a Harley. You get used to a certain level of quality (or the lack thereof)on jap machines, then you move to H-D and start seeing much better build quality, better component quality, better looks, better sound, etc. No longer do you have to keep saying to yourself "It's OK, it'sjust a motorcycle..." as you watch the plastic chrome flake off, thecheap paint fade, the frame rust, etc.
Jap bikes serve their purpose, but they will never bethe equal ofthe real motorcycles they emulate...
When I was raising my kids andtrying to make ends meet, it woulda been hard justifying 15-20 large for a motorcycle, so I stuck with cheaper jap bikes. Most were reliable, albeit soulless, modes of 2-wheeled transportation and I enjoyed riding them.
Once the kids were grown & I had more disposable income, the Harley was mine. I believe coming from jap bikes gives one a better appreciation of what makes a Harley a Harley. You get used to a certain level of quality (or the lack thereof)on jap machines, then you move to H-D and start seeing much better build quality, better component quality, better looks, better sound, etc. No longer do you have to keep saying to yourself "It's OK, it'sjust a motorcycle..." as you watch the plastic chrome flake off, thecheap paint fade, the frame rust, etc.
Jap bikes serve their purpose, but they will never bethe equal ofthe real motorcycles they emulate...
#52
06-27-2007 | 04:12 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,281
Likes: 2
From: Northern NJ
RE: Did you convert to Harley?
ORIGINAL: DirtyDave
I hear this story all the time(not just picking on you) If you want a Harley you will find a way to get one. I paid $2500 for a (barely) used Sportser in 1988. Nine years later I got $3500 on a trade in for the same bike. Love all you converts!
I hear this story all the time(not just picking on you) If you want a Harley you will find a way to get one. I paid $2500 for a (barely) used Sportser in 1988. Nine years later I got $3500 on a trade in for the same bike. Love all you converts!
#53
06-27-2007 | 04:13 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Did you convert to Harley?
I waited to buy a bike until I could buy HD. I had grown up around them and was never interested in metrics. My first bike was a1200 Sportster. Which I bought not even knowing how to ride. This year I sold off the sporty and purchased my fatboy.
#54
06-27-2007 | 04:23 PM
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 462
Likes: 1
From: Arizona
RE: Did you convert to Harley?
[/quote]
Have you ever ridden a non-HD?
[/quote]
Yes. I rode a friends Goldwing, might as well been in a car. I rode a few trail bikes, Honda I think, as a kid. A couple of friends jap bikes in high school. When I bought my own it was a Harley Davidson. All my buddies (except one) told me I was crazy. They (HD) leak oil, break down, parts fall off, etc. It was the only American brand at the time. Now I own a 06 Victory 8-Ball and a HD. On a side note - I have only owned two non-American cars in my life. Both while stationed in Germany. (BMW carsare crap by the way, Mercedes are much better.)
Have you ever ridden a non-HD?
[/quote]
Yes. I rode a friends Goldwing, might as well been in a car. I rode a few trail bikes, Honda I think, as a kid. A couple of friends jap bikes in high school. When I bought my own it was a Harley Davidson. All my buddies (except one) told me I was crazy. They (HD) leak oil, break down, parts fall off, etc. It was the only American brand at the time. Now I own a 06 Victory 8-Ball and a HD. On a side note - I have only owned two non-American cars in my life. Both while stationed in Germany. (BMW carsare crap by the way, Mercedes are much better.)
#55
06-27-2007 | 08:37 PM
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Did you convert to Harley?
bought my first bike honda vtx 1300 love it or loved the price
after the first month i new i wanted a harley no matterwhat the price
black cherry 06 street glidewhat a different
[IMG]local://upfiles/26373/8C3A5E5FC6FA49F18D2341CFEBF7A993.jpg[/IMG]
after the first month i new i wanted a harley no matterwhat the price
black cherry 06 street glidewhat a different
[IMG]local://upfiles/26373/8C3A5E5FC6FA49F18D2341CFEBF7A993.jpg[/IMG]
#56
06-27-2007 | 11:10 PM
Novice
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Rochester Hills , mi
RE: Did you convert to Harley?
early 70s i rode honda 50 then a70. High school a honda 350. Then a yamaha 850 special, BMW R80st, honda Valkrye Interstate and now a 07 ultra classic. Loved them all but it was time to buy american
#59
06-28-2007 | 12:02 AM
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,576
Likes: 3,311
From: SW WA.
RE: Did you convert to Harley?
ORIGINAL: YUCK
20 years ago u coulda picked up a running pan for $1000.00 bucks...
20 years ago u coulda picked up a running pan for $1000.00 bucks...
Maybe 30 years ago you could.
