Originally Posted by blackxpress

Amen. Having owned a few Japanese two wheeled technical marvels myself it’s hard to explain why I love Harleys so much more than them. It isn’t just marketing, although I must admit HD has done a masterful job of that. When I wheeled into the Harley dealership on my Goldwing for my first ever Harley test ride I really had no intention of trading. But once I got on that Harley and let out the clutch the first time I just had to have it. Now I’m on my second Harley and love it more every day. Hard to explain really.

Originally Posted by FatBob2018

And yet... Harley sells more 600cc+ bikes than Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Ducati, Indian, BMW, Husqvarna, Aprilia, Benelli, Moto Guzzi, MV Augusta, and all other makers, COMBINED.

Can't compete? Really?


I'm very familiar with that K1600, the K1600B. I love that damn thing, and want to buy one. To be fair, the 160hp/129tq is flywheel; once it gets to the wheels it's more like 135/110. Still more than any stock Harley, but not a massive gulf. And there's no doubt, the BMW is more technically sophisticated than any Harley. Electronic suspension adjustment, power adjustable windscreen, and on and on. I want one. I am waiting on reviews and a comparison shootout between the new Gold Wing and the K1600B Grand America at some point. And the base model of the K1600B costs only, theoretically, if you could buy it, about $1000 more than the stripped-down Fat Bob that I did buy. I will not argue that the Harley is up there with the BMW in technology, nor in features.

But... for some reason, maybe I'm too stupid, I don't know, I bought another Harley. Because it did something for me that the BMW didn't. And -- that something, seems to be happening for a lot of folks. BMW can't even hardly sell K1600's to BMW customers, fer cryin' out loud; some absurd proportion of BMW sales is RT1200's and GS1200's. The big-dog GS1200A, by itself, is BMW's best-selling model and 15% of all their bikes sold are GS1200A's. I had heard, but cannot verify, that only something like 73 K1600GT's were even being brought into the USA this year. And yet -- the K1600GT will ride the wheels off any Harley.

I mean -- you're not wrong. The BMW is vastly technically superior than any competing Harley at its same price point.

And yet...

BMW sold 13,500 motorcycles in the USA last year. All year. Harley sold 148,000 bikes in the USA last year.

So why aren't people buying the technical marvels at their lower price points? Why will Harley sell more Ultras this weekend, than BMW will probably sell K1600GTL's all year? Must be some reason... let's think... maybe... maybe... people actually DO want that freedom/soul/brand/marketing/lifestyle/whatever that Harley sells, along with their bikes?

Originally Posted by TomcatCV62

I think the BMW is ugly. Saddle is too high, bags look like crap....... doesnt do anything for me. The goldwing......... blah. If I didnt buy the Harley, I wouldve bought the Indian. By the way, I wouldnt own a BMW or Mercedes Benz vehicle either. After 60000 miles, you get rid of them because everything starts failing. You can argue that all day long, an Infinity or Lexus is better in every aspect. Forgot Acura, another great vehicle.

Originally Posted by jd05flhtci

You had intentions or you wouldn't have been there for a test ride.We all have done it a number of times before. I tell my wife the same story and always end buying something new if I find the product worth an upgrade

Originally Posted by roadpop

That’s not true about BMW or Mercedes after 60k...and as far as Jap cars as great vehicles...it’s like Harley’s vs Indians...the Harley is recognized as king of the road by most people just because of their image over the years..Indian has really no name recognition to majority of people...when people think of MB the felling is that you drive it because you’ve made it in life...and the BMW is the same to most people...what do you drive??...I’ve had Harley’s since 1971 ...love my Harley wouldn’t even consider any other touring bike..does anyone really worry how expensive my Harley was when riding it..F no!!! We’re a different breed.......

Originally Posted by TomcatCV62

I think the BMW is ugly. Saddle is too high