Why are Harleys disliked?
Discussion
Howdy
I only got my licence earlier this year and have a Kawasaki ER6-F that I really like. I've always preferred sportier style bikes.
I do however like the look of various Harleys (and similar style bikes from other brands).
Looking online and on PH there is often a negative opinion on the brand - Is there a general reason why?
I'm probably 1/2 of the age of the typical Harley rider, and not into the Sons Of Anarchy/Tassles/Revving the tits off it that you might stereotype to Harleys, but something like a Street Rod 750 on the face of it seems like a nice thing to pootle around on.
I only got my licence earlier this year and have a Kawasaki ER6-F that I really like. I've always preferred sportier style bikes.
I do however like the look of various Harleys (and similar style bikes from other brands).
Looking online and on PH there is often a negative opinion on the brand - Is there a general reason why?
I'm probably 1/2 of the age of the typical Harley rider, and not into the Sons Of Anarchy/Tassles/Revving the tits off it that you might stereotype to Harleys, but something like a Street Rod 750 on the face of it seems like a nice thing to pootle around on.
Firstly, if you like a bike, buy it. If you want a Harley, buy a Harley.
For me though, I’d be very unlikely to buy an ICE Harley as I see them as selling an image rather than selling a bike.
If you look at handling, braking, performance, build quality, comfort, weight, reliability etc. there are, in every class, bikes that “score higher” for less money than an HD. The people I know who own an HD own it because it’s an HD, not because its particularly good at anything (other than being an HD).
There are lots of modern retros that offer what, for me, would be a better riding experience, but don’t have the HD name. But each of us are different and each want’s something slightly different from our bikes. As said, if you want a Harley, buy a Harley.
For me though, I’d be very unlikely to buy an ICE Harley as I see them as selling an image rather than selling a bike.
If you look at handling, braking, performance, build quality, comfort, weight, reliability etc. there are, in every class, bikes that “score higher” for less money than an HD. The people I know who own an HD own it because it’s an HD, not because its particularly good at anything (other than being an HD).
There are lots of modern retros that offer what, for me, would be a better riding experience, but don’t have the HD name. But each of us are different and each want’s something slightly different from our bikes. As said, if you want a Harley, buy a Harley.
Edited by black-k1 on Monday 20th November 12:14
I've seen lots of brain dead "all Harley owners are rich/playing at being outlaws/bank mangers etc." I've seen just as many, just as accurate swipes at all sports bike owners having small d*cks and needing to compensate. Usually, it's just immaturity, jealousy or ignorance...
As Black K1 stated, objectively, most Harleys can be beaten on paper... however, if you like what a Harley delivers, no other bike quite does the same. Similar to owning a Dodge when many would suggest a BMW.
I hated Harleys back in the 1980s when a mate had a new Ironhead Sportster, many memories of pushing it up and down the road in the rain, desperately trying to bump start it after the electrics had lost all their smoke, again! Reputations like that take a long while to repair.
That said, I started riding Harleys twenty years back (Evolution engines) and mine have been among the easiest to live with, and the most reliable of all my bikes. Lived outside at times, very little maintenance and parts are well cheap and available anywhere in the world - think Coca Cola or McDonalds. Would I buy a new one? No. But they no longer build what I want... and they are too f*ckin* expensive (tho' the Thruxton I looked at recently was £17,000, so who can say?).
I know of folk with modern/new Harleys who have had some troubles, but I've seen similar with BMW/KTM/Honda Triumph etc. My mate's GS needed a new engine after 15,000 miles, t'other mate's Multistrada had brake issues... Look at the threads on here...
As Black K1 stated, objectively, most Harleys can be beaten on paper... however, if you like what a Harley delivers, no other bike quite does the same. Similar to owning a Dodge when many would suggest a BMW.
I hated Harleys back in the 1980s when a mate had a new Ironhead Sportster, many memories of pushing it up and down the road in the rain, desperately trying to bump start it after the electrics had lost all their smoke, again! Reputations like that take a long while to repair.
That said, I started riding Harleys twenty years back (Evolution engines) and mine have been among the easiest to live with, and the most reliable of all my bikes. Lived outside at times, very little maintenance and parts are well cheap and available anywhere in the world - think Coca Cola or McDonalds. Would I buy a new one? No. But they no longer build what I want... and they are too f*ckin* expensive (tho' the Thruxton I looked at recently was £17,000, so who can say?).
I know of folk with modern/new Harleys who have had some troubles, but I've seen similar with BMW/KTM/Honda Triumph etc. My mate's GS needed a new engine after 15,000 miles, t'other mate's Multistrada had brake issues... Look at the threads on here...
Like anything in life, it's horses for courses. I ride a BMW GS and those are real marmite bikes that get a lot of stick from owners of other types of bikes. Harley Davidson have created a great lifestyle brand around a product this is (usually) dynamically not fabulous but that has a very distinct "brand" that people buy in to.
I don't suppose many people that own modern high-performing sports bikes can extract anything like the bikes' true potential and yet they like the "package" including the image of what their bike symbolises and they often have all the coloured leathers and replica helmets etc that complete the image. Harley is just the same - a machine that appeals to a certain type of rider and load of other stuff that completes the deal. Cycling is just the same - bicylce + all the tech stuff and clothing.
Just buy and ride what appeals to you and don't be swung by other people's opinions. We all prefer different things. There are a LOT of Harley in the world so they must be doing something right.
I don't suppose many people that own modern high-performing sports bikes can extract anything like the bikes' true potential and yet they like the "package" including the image of what their bike symbolises and they often have all the coloured leathers and replica helmets etc that complete the image. Harley is just the same - a machine that appeals to a certain type of rider and load of other stuff that completes the deal. Cycling is just the same - bicylce + all the tech stuff and clothing.
Just buy and ride what appeals to you and don't be swung by other people's opinions. We all prefer different things. There are a LOT of Harley in the world so they must be doing something right.
Interesting responses, thanks 
I'd not let others opinions dictate what I'd buy - It just seemed like there was a lot of negativity surrounding them so was unsure whether I was missing something
My ER6-F has all of 75bhp and is more than enough for me, so I don't think the lack of dynamics on a HD would be stopping me from achieving my inner Rossi
I'd not let others opinions dictate what I'd buy - It just seemed like there was a lot of negativity surrounding them so was unsure whether I was missing something
My ER6-F has all of 75bhp and is more than enough for me, so I don't think the lack of dynamics on a HD would be stopping me from achieving my inner Rossi
Hired one in Florida many moons ago.
Really enjoyed it and it got it out of my system.
Think it would feel weird riding one in the UK. Must be a perceived image thing, how far that permeates through general society I don't know.
That said get what you want. Worst case you have it for a summer and move onto something else.
Really enjoyed it and it got it out of my system.
Think it would feel weird riding one in the UK. Must be a perceived image thing, how far that permeates through general society I don't know.
That said get what you want. Worst case you have it for a summer and move onto something else.
Having ridden one, albeit about 30 years shy of Harley’s target demographic.
Weird un-dynamic riding position. Underpowered. Heavy. Under-braked. Expensive. Cheap and un-compliant suspension. Often no traction control or LS-ABS. Wooden brake feel. Too much chrome. Very low.
Naff marketing and product names (‘Road King’, Fat Boy’), Snooty dealers. The association with ‘patches’, ‘cuts’ and 1%ers. ‘Screamin Eagle’. The HOG. Bucket helmets. Accountant/dentist jokes.
But that said, if you want a Harley nothing else will come close, and I’d still own an XR1200 if a good one came up cheap enough.
Weird un-dynamic riding position. Underpowered. Heavy. Under-braked. Expensive. Cheap and un-compliant suspension. Often no traction control or LS-ABS. Wooden brake feel. Too much chrome. Very low.
Naff marketing and product names (‘Road King’, Fat Boy’), Snooty dealers. The association with ‘patches’, ‘cuts’ and 1%ers. ‘Screamin Eagle’. The HOG. Bucket helmets. Accountant/dentist jokes.
But that said, if you want a Harley nothing else will come close, and I’d still own an XR1200 if a good one came up cheap enough.
Each to their own.
After suffering a back injury, I went down the cruiser/custom route. Prefer Indian over Harley though….
I went to have a look and a ride on a Street Rod 750, all I say is make sure you do the same. I’m 6”1 and the peg position was awful for me, knees round my ears, almost like they designed the whole bike then realised they had forgot the pegs so just stuck them anywhere. It was 2 years old and only done 1,500 miles yet the amount of corrosion and lose trim was ridiculous, could have just been one bad bike but I’ve heard this is very common.
If you are dead set, make sure you get a later model, little more power and kit.
I ended up going for a Kawasaki Vulcan S, not for everyone but suits me. Revvy little 650, comfortable, reasonable handling, light enough for me to manage with my back. I keep considering switching to an Indian Scout after having the Vulcan S a few years now but everytime I ride the Vulcan I enjoy it so…. Maybe one day.
After suffering a back injury, I went down the cruiser/custom route. Prefer Indian over Harley though….
I went to have a look and a ride on a Street Rod 750, all I say is make sure you do the same. I’m 6”1 and the peg position was awful for me, knees round my ears, almost like they designed the whole bike then realised they had forgot the pegs so just stuck them anywhere. It was 2 years old and only done 1,500 miles yet the amount of corrosion and lose trim was ridiculous, could have just been one bad bike but I’ve heard this is very common.
If you are dead set, make sure you get a later model, little more power and kit.
I ended up going for a Kawasaki Vulcan S, not for everyone but suits me. Revvy little 650, comfortable, reasonable handling, light enough for me to manage with my back. I keep considering switching to an Indian Scout after having the Vulcan S a few years now but everytime I ride the Vulcan I enjoy it so…. Maybe one day.
Because (here in North America) they are mainly seen as a status symbol, rather than a decent motorbike.
They cost a fortune compared to other bikes, you're generally looking at $25K-$50K, with some more expensive than that. The bikes aren't that good, fast, or reliable, in fact they are pretty poorly made in comparison to Japanese bikes. Plus a lot of the styling is chrome, leather, and tassels, so you have to be willing to play the part.
Whereas other brand owners tend to talk about the performance/comfort/reliability of their bikes, Harley riders (generalising here) tend to talk about the cost, how loud it is, how loud the stereo is. I find it quite bizarre. I've had many owners just tell me they ride a Harley, and wait for some sort of reaction to their amazing purchase. Like the fact they can spend $30K+ on a toy needs a round of applause. And I've actually seen owners argue about who has the best sound system.
Owners also COVER themselves with merch, just so that everyone knows what they ride. The dealers are basically a clothing shop that happens to sell motorbikes. Harley know this, and are sh!tting themselves that Gen-Z/Gen-X absolutely don't care about the brand at all, which is why they are sponsoring everything 'cool' and releasing cheaper, lighter bikes. Their main demographic is dying.
Plus they are stupidly heavy, and generally not that quick, but the HOG people talk about them as if they are literally the finest machine ever made because theirs is loud AF.
There are some great Harley owners out there, but unfortunately they are overshadowed by the majority, which has created a brand reputation. Personally I could always find something better to spend the same money on, Indian for one.
They cost a fortune compared to other bikes, you're generally looking at $25K-$50K, with some more expensive than that. The bikes aren't that good, fast, or reliable, in fact they are pretty poorly made in comparison to Japanese bikes. Plus a lot of the styling is chrome, leather, and tassels, so you have to be willing to play the part.
Whereas other brand owners tend to talk about the performance/comfort/reliability of their bikes, Harley riders (generalising here) tend to talk about the cost, how loud it is, how loud the stereo is. I find it quite bizarre. I've had many owners just tell me they ride a Harley, and wait for some sort of reaction to their amazing purchase. Like the fact they can spend $30K+ on a toy needs a round of applause. And I've actually seen owners argue about who has the best sound system.
Owners also COVER themselves with merch, just so that everyone knows what they ride. The dealers are basically a clothing shop that happens to sell motorbikes. Harley know this, and are sh!tting themselves that Gen-Z/Gen-X absolutely don't care about the brand at all, which is why they are sponsoring everything 'cool' and releasing cheaper, lighter bikes. Their main demographic is dying.
Plus they are stupidly heavy, and generally not that quick, but the HOG people talk about them as if they are literally the finest machine ever made because theirs is loud AF.
There are some great Harley owners out there, but unfortunately they are overshadowed by the majority, which has created a brand reputation. Personally I could always find something better to spend the same money on, Indian for one.
Sycamore said:
Howdy
I only got my licence earlier this year and have a Kawasaki ER6-F that I really like. I've always preferred sportier style bikes.
I do however like the look of various Harleys (and similar style bikes from other brands).
Looking online and on PH there is often a negative opinion on the brand - Is there a general reason why?
I'm probably 1/2 of the age of the typical Harley rider, and not into the Sons Of Anarchy/Tassles/Revving the tits off it that you might stereotype to Harleys, but something like a Street Rod 750 on the face of it seems like a nice thing to pootle around on.
I think a lot of it stems from the performance focus of many riders. If you're half the age of the average HD rider, you will have missed the period when 90% of people were on superbikes and were pretty much only interested in performance. Although the world has moved on a lot, it's still a factor for an awful lot of riders... And fast bikes are great fun (if ever more difficult to enjoy reasonably in the UK)I only got my licence earlier this year and have a Kawasaki ER6-F that I really like. I've always preferred sportier style bikes.
I do however like the look of various Harleys (and similar style bikes from other brands).
Looking online and on PH there is often a negative opinion on the brand - Is there a general reason why?
I'm probably 1/2 of the age of the typical Harley rider, and not into the Sons Of Anarchy/Tassles/Revving the tits off it that you might stereotype to Harleys, but something like a Street Rod 750 on the face of it seems like a nice thing to pootle around on.
But there are other joys to be had from bikes. I decided to buy a cruiser beginning of this year but went Triumph instead of HD (only because I thought the bike ridiculous and a completely different type of fun to my other bikes). I've been trying to find more ways to enjoy bikes without it always having to include speed, and this really has been an enjoyable bike.
All I can say is that if I'm going for a gentle ride, I really enjoy being on a cruiser, its also a different type of fun when pushing on a bit. The weight etc mean you have to be really precise, its pretty rewarding to hustle it along, and very pleasant just to roll around on. I've done over half of my road miles on it this year.
Some don't like cruisers and HD in particular for the SOA / tassles etc image that you suggested (I ride my Triumph in normal bike gear, not cruiser gear).
And many don't like them as they are ultimately a bit agricultural, heavy etc and not aiming at the attributes many really want in a bike... This was exactly what I wanted from mine though.
I should also say that I enjoy riding pretty much all bikes. I can find something to enjoy in most of them so maybe that should factored into my comments.
Yours - Fatty
A triumph of marketing over engineering, any company that can sell you a motorcycle for serious money, and then sell you a set of brakes / air filter / exhaust from the accessories catalogue to make it work …..
I did have an Ironhead Sportster many moons ago, it was terrible to ride, I wasn’t at all surprised when I bought a Haynes manual and it covered models from something like 1952-1982, if I’d bought one in 1952 I’d probably have been quite happy with it!
I did have an Ironhead Sportster many moons ago, it was terrible to ride, I wasn’t at all surprised when I bought a Haynes manual and it covered models from something like 1952-1982, if I’d bought one in 1952 I’d probably have been quite happy with it!
The main take-away is if enjoy riding it then ride it...regardless of the name on the tank. Most of the haters have probably never ridden a US v-twin, or have - but measured it up again something it simply isn't.
I'm sure I've bored folks with this tale before, but in my youth it was important to have the fastest thing on two wheels that I could afford - Norton Commando at 18, Z900 at 19...then Z1R, GPZ1100 etc through to my 40s. But in saying that, while the Kawasakis were undoubtedly quick (for their time) I always felt the old Commando 'felt' the best to ride - power delivery, sound, vibes (yes, vibes) etc. But the Japanese fours were quicker, and to me at the time that's what counted.
As an aside, my dad was always in to bikes and would often tell me - misty-eyed - of the 'big Indians' he came across in the war (bikes!). And so despite turning up on some new shiny Japanese steed it would always be second-best to some 'big Indian' he'd seen 30+ years earlier. And despite the fact he had a Z400 in his later years; but he always wanted an Indian, so maybe that planted some seed.
Anyway, there came a point at middle-age when I decided sports bikes were getting too uncomfortable to me and also I recognised I needed to slow down. And for some reason I fancied a Sportster. The idea of riding the big, heavy 'glides' appalled me, although I did love the look. So off I went on a Sportster test-ride - this must have been 25 years ago. Dreadful. Absolutely dreadful. (In deference to current owners I think they've got a lot better in the intervening 25 years!). I turned round after about 10 miles and handed it back; awful thing. Never been on a bike that vibrated so badly or was so uncomfortable. But I'd booked the day off work, so got convinced to take out a Road King so as not to waste the day. Very reluctantly I took the pig of a thing out. But wouldn't you know it, in a few miles I just fell in love with it. It just felt so good to ride - comfortable, nice power delivery, great sound-track and handled well-enough for my needs. I was, against all expectations, smitten by a big American v-twin.
But much as I loved the idea, I just couldn't get past the image. I didn't want to cut the sleeves off my jacket or cover it in patches, I wanted to ride and not hang about the local dealer. And I didn't want to be in any club. But every time we passed a Harley dealer I'd pop-in an lust after a Road King, but I only ever got as far as parting cash for a tee-shirt.
Roll on 2013 and Indian gets resurrected and launches a new line of Chiefs at Strurgis. So to me it looks like a Road King, but better...and it's not a Harley! With a bit of investigation I found where I could get one in the UK, and unseen, put my money down. In the end I got one from the first container-load in the UK, so a 'numbered' bike, and the first time I sat on it was on the ride home. And a glorious thing it has been too. Fabulous mile-eater, it's done many-a-day of 600+ miles with no aches and pains. Handles surprisingly well - quite chuckable really. It's clearly not a sports bike, but it handles well enough to keep up with most others doing 'normal' speeds - sure, most folks on sports bikes will only be scratching the surface on their bikes' abilities while the old Chief might be nearing its limits, but I don't want/need to lean any more than it's capable of now. With go-faster goodies it's 100+hp and 130ft/lb so again, not in sports bike territory, but up there with quite a few of the tourers (and GSs!). I love it. Coming up for 10 years old now and 30,000+ miles. I live right on the coast so you can smell the sea-air, but no sign of rust or corrosion - the chrome and alloy remain unmarked and the paint remains good. No major reliability issues either - touch-wood - apart from the speedo (and ABS and cruise) packing-up in France in torrential rain. Turned out to be water ingress in a connector, which in fairness was located in a pretty stupid position.
I kept the GPz for a while after I got the Chief, but I took it out one day and just decided it hurts for me to ride and I just didn't enjoy it, so it went. But now the 2014 Chief has a 1947 Chief stable-mate (that my dad would have loved), and a wee 1948 Indian Papoose. (And an X-75 Hurricane...but that's another story).
I rate Indians much more highly that Harleys - like for like they seem better built, faster and handle better - 'twas always so
But I'm now seeing some Harleyesque traits creeping in to Indian ownership, like patches everywhere, hanging about the dealers and riding slowly in groups. Count me out of that!
OK - end of a long essay - if you want a Harley go ride one and ignore what anyone else things. If you're not in the 'must be the fastest kid on the block' camp then a lot of the pleasure of riding comes from just the 'feel' of it, and US v-twins have that in spades. But I'd buy an Indian in your position
I'm sure I've bored folks with this tale before, but in my youth it was important to have the fastest thing on two wheels that I could afford - Norton Commando at 18, Z900 at 19...then Z1R, GPZ1100 etc through to my 40s. But in saying that, while the Kawasakis were undoubtedly quick (for their time) I always felt the old Commando 'felt' the best to ride - power delivery, sound, vibes (yes, vibes) etc. But the Japanese fours were quicker, and to me at the time that's what counted.
As an aside, my dad was always in to bikes and would often tell me - misty-eyed - of the 'big Indians' he came across in the war (bikes!). And so despite turning up on some new shiny Japanese steed it would always be second-best to some 'big Indian' he'd seen 30+ years earlier. And despite the fact he had a Z400 in his later years; but he always wanted an Indian, so maybe that planted some seed.
Anyway, there came a point at middle-age when I decided sports bikes were getting too uncomfortable to me and also I recognised I needed to slow down. And for some reason I fancied a Sportster. The idea of riding the big, heavy 'glides' appalled me, although I did love the look. So off I went on a Sportster test-ride - this must have been 25 years ago. Dreadful. Absolutely dreadful. (In deference to current owners I think they've got a lot better in the intervening 25 years!). I turned round after about 10 miles and handed it back; awful thing. Never been on a bike that vibrated so badly or was so uncomfortable. But I'd booked the day off work, so got convinced to take out a Road King so as not to waste the day. Very reluctantly I took the pig of a thing out. But wouldn't you know it, in a few miles I just fell in love with it. It just felt so good to ride - comfortable, nice power delivery, great sound-track and handled well-enough for my needs. I was, against all expectations, smitten by a big American v-twin.
But much as I loved the idea, I just couldn't get past the image. I didn't want to cut the sleeves off my jacket or cover it in patches, I wanted to ride and not hang about the local dealer. And I didn't want to be in any club. But every time we passed a Harley dealer I'd pop-in an lust after a Road King, but I only ever got as far as parting cash for a tee-shirt.
Roll on 2013 and Indian gets resurrected and launches a new line of Chiefs at Strurgis. So to me it looks like a Road King, but better...and it's not a Harley! With a bit of investigation I found where I could get one in the UK, and unseen, put my money down. In the end I got one from the first container-load in the UK, so a 'numbered' bike, and the first time I sat on it was on the ride home. And a glorious thing it has been too. Fabulous mile-eater, it's done many-a-day of 600+ miles with no aches and pains. Handles surprisingly well - quite chuckable really. It's clearly not a sports bike, but it handles well enough to keep up with most others doing 'normal' speeds - sure, most folks on sports bikes will only be scratching the surface on their bikes' abilities while the old Chief might be nearing its limits, but I don't want/need to lean any more than it's capable of now. With go-faster goodies it's 100+hp and 130ft/lb so again, not in sports bike territory, but up there with quite a few of the tourers (and GSs!). I love it. Coming up for 10 years old now and 30,000+ miles. I live right on the coast so you can smell the sea-air, but no sign of rust or corrosion - the chrome and alloy remain unmarked and the paint remains good. No major reliability issues either - touch-wood - apart from the speedo (and ABS and cruise) packing-up in France in torrential rain. Turned out to be water ingress in a connector, which in fairness was located in a pretty stupid position.
I kept the GPz for a while after I got the Chief, but I took it out one day and just decided it hurts for me to ride and I just didn't enjoy it, so it went. But now the 2014 Chief has a 1947 Chief stable-mate (that my dad would have loved), and a wee 1948 Indian Papoose. (And an X-75 Hurricane...but that's another story).
I rate Indians much more highly that Harleys - like for like they seem better built, faster and handle better - 'twas always so
But I'm now seeing some Harleyesque traits creeping in to Indian ownership, like patches everywhere, hanging about the dealers and riding slowly in groups. Count me out of that!OK - end of a long essay - if you want a Harley go ride one and ignore what anyone else things. If you're not in the 'must be the fastest kid on the block' camp then a lot of the pleasure of riding comes from just the 'feel' of it, and US v-twins have that in spades. But I'd buy an Indian in your position
There are a few reasons.
I think a major one is the sportsbike mad focus of British riders - OK, somewhat turned over to Adv bikes now.
They tend to attract the same people (those having a midlife crisis) as with the likes of convertible sportscars.
They are very rarely used year round so you don't get the "real biker" image.
Hideously expensive for archaic technology.
Marketing aimed at the baby boomer crowd with a focus on nostalgia rather than improving tech.
However, If it's for you then go right on, people should ride what they like.
I think a major one is the sportsbike mad focus of British riders - OK, somewhat turned over to Adv bikes now.
They tend to attract the same people (those having a midlife crisis) as with the likes of convertible sportscars.
They are very rarely used year round so you don't get the "real biker" image.
Hideously expensive for archaic technology.
Marketing aimed at the baby boomer crowd with a focus on nostalgia rather than improving tech.
However, If it's for you then go right on, people should ride what they like.
Up until recently I feel most Harley models represented a style that personally I feel was long outdated and becoming cliché, for that reason I've never given them a second look or been at all interested.
The current range? Particularly the Sportster S 1250 and the Pan America, I love them, well done to HD for putting out something properly modern. Money no object I'd be down the dealership tomorrow.
The current range? Particularly the Sportster S 1250 and the Pan America, I love them, well done to HD for putting out something properly modern. Money no object I'd be down the dealership tomorrow.
Just dug this out of the phone memory banks, the Ultra I hired in the US a couple of years back. This is in Zion National Park
At the time I was riding a GSXR1000 at home and had ridden only sports bikes for 30+ years so to climb onboard a Harley for 3 weeks was a change! I covered 3000 miles through California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and back to California.
I really bonded with the Harley, it was really easy to ride. I rode through deserts, mountains, coast roads cities and highways and each was very easy and no stress. I met a guy near San-Francisco that took me on a scratch through the Redwood forests to Angela's restaurant. A half day sprint where we were not hanging around. Most of the time it was just me, cruising.
The Ultra, handled well, had good ground clearance (unlike the Sportster I had previously ridden that hit the deck at the merest hint of a bend) and fantastic brakes - Brembo branded as HD I believe. The low weight made it easy to ride slowly, but a pig to haul up from parked. It was comfortable and it drew a crowd, which really added to my holiday experience.
The bad bits were that the quality of the materials, especially the plastics, was very poor. It looked cheaply made. And the surprising thing - the engine was completely gutless, It was a 110 cubic inch motor which is 1800cc and it not only was it not fast, it also didn't really have any low down grunt or torque. Amazing! I remember riding up a long steady climb up out the desert in to Flagstaff, maybe a 2 mile 30 degree climb and with only me on the bike (15 stone and two full panniers) it couldn't do it in sixth at all and in 5th it was still slowing down. So, surprisingly, that huge motor was the worst aspect of the bike!! Great chassis, good brakes, easy to ride, rubbish engine.
I loved the trip. It changed my life and I can't think of another bike I would have enjoyed it more on. Was sad handing it back at the end of my trip in San Diego. Would I ride one in the UK? Nope, for me what I want to get out of riding wouldn't suit that bike here but if that's your thing then go for it.
At the time I was riding a GSXR1000 at home and had ridden only sports bikes for 30+ years so to climb onboard a Harley for 3 weeks was a change! I covered 3000 miles through California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and back to California.
I really bonded with the Harley, it was really easy to ride. I rode through deserts, mountains, coast roads cities and highways and each was very easy and no stress. I met a guy near San-Francisco that took me on a scratch through the Redwood forests to Angela's restaurant. A half day sprint where we were not hanging around. Most of the time it was just me, cruising.
The Ultra, handled well, had good ground clearance (unlike the Sportster I had previously ridden that hit the deck at the merest hint of a bend) and fantastic brakes - Brembo branded as HD I believe. The low weight made it easy to ride slowly, but a pig to haul up from parked. It was comfortable and it drew a crowd, which really added to my holiday experience.
The bad bits were that the quality of the materials, especially the plastics, was very poor. It looked cheaply made. And the surprising thing - the engine was completely gutless, It was a 110 cubic inch motor which is 1800cc and it not only was it not fast, it also didn't really have any low down grunt or torque. Amazing! I remember riding up a long steady climb up out the desert in to Flagstaff, maybe a 2 mile 30 degree climb and with only me on the bike (15 stone and two full panniers) it couldn't do it in sixth at all and in 5th it was still slowing down. So, surprisingly, that huge motor was the worst aspect of the bike!! Great chassis, good brakes, easy to ride, rubbish engine.
I loved the trip. It changed my life and I can't think of another bike I would have enjoyed it more on. Was sad handing it back at the end of my trip in San Diego. Would I ride one in the UK? Nope, for me what I want to get out of riding wouldn't suit that bike here but if that's your thing then go for it.
It's hard to say. I've looked at a few of them and "wanted" only 1 of them, a V-Rod. Even that wasn't a long held lust for me though. They make sense in the US where road are long and straight and are probably synonymous with the freedom that the Americans love and live by. In the UK where the roads are all wiggly, narrow and usually wet, they seem excessive. I'm led to believe the LiveWire ones didn't fare particularly well on the Long Way Up, either.
A notable portion of their riders that I've spoken to all gate keep biking as some sort of religion and if you're not sleeping on it or bringing it in the house at night then you're no proper biker. That can sod off. I want to enjoy my motorbike in a casual and social way, and I don't need a Hell's Angels wannabe to tell me I'm doing it wrong. As other comments have stated too, it's an image. A lifestyle that they sell. You can cruise forever on your machine of wonder in complete freedom. No matter that the 125 scooter has flown past you because it can filter more easily or that you've spent 8 hours of your Sunday polishing miles of chrome trim, you're having the time of your life.
A notable portion of their riders that I've spoken to all gate keep biking as some sort of religion and if you're not sleeping on it or bringing it in the house at night then you're no proper biker. That can sod off. I want to enjoy my motorbike in a casual and social way, and I don't need a Hell's Angels wannabe to tell me I'm doing it wrong. As other comments have stated too, it's an image. A lifestyle that they sell. You can cruise forever on your machine of wonder in complete freedom. No matter that the 125 scooter has flown past you because it can filter more easily or that you've spent 8 hours of your Sunday polishing miles of chrome trim, you're having the time of your life.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff