Question about Bikers (Harley Davidson)

[big_bad_buff]

It’s kind of interesting to me that Harley Davidson is in a class of its own. It’s not like Nike and Reebok, or ford and Chevy, it’s like to “riders” there is Harley and everything else is inferior, I never really understood that, I product that makes lifestyles, a product that molds an individuals personality and who they are. It’s hard to fathom for me, I get the whole freedom and open road etc, but it’s just amazing to me for people’s lives to revolve around a product, it’s like the product makes the person. I know it’s not like this for a lot of people, but the majority of “riders” are affected this way. what's the big deal? what's the difference between a doom clan online and a biker gang?

 

[seizer]

Are you on shrooms? This seems like some sort of ramble I would expect from a shroomie.

 

[big_bad_buff]

nah, few shots and 2 hours of studying for class.....you honestly don’t get what I’m saying? like a bike, makes the person, basically I’m talking about bikers, and the whole lifestyle, who would these people be if there was no such things as motorcycles? lol

Are you on shrooms? This seems like some sort of ramble I would expect from a shroomie.

 

[RADAR]

HD is just about the only product you will see tattooed on a person, I garuantee you surely won't see maytag, or sears!


They are in a class by themselves!
RADAR

 

[hardrock]

Funny thing is Harley basically started the lifestyle. Now it's all about custom bikes, or at least thats the way it's heading. More and more Harley dudes are rich dudes who have never lived the "life" of a biker. It's getting to be like a status symbol. They might get a tattoo, but only after their wifes permission. Just my outlook on the future of the "Hog".

 

[Deterass]

I guess i am a "Harley" guy but anyone who loves to ride will enjoy almost any motorcycle.Imo the popularity of Harley has deteriorated somewhat in the past few years with all of the custom bikes being built.It seems that everyone wants a custom bike, including myself.

 

[Gambino]

It’s kind of interesting to me that Harley Davidson is in a class of its own. It’s not like Nike and Reebok, or ford and Chevy, it’s like to “riders” there is Harley and everything else is inferior, I never really understood that, I product that makes lifestyles, a product that molds an individuals personality and who they are. It’s hard to fathom for me, I get the whole freedom and open road etc, but it’s just amazing to me for people’s lives to revolve around a product, it’s like the product makes the person. I know it’s not like this for a lot of people, but the majority of “riders” are affected this way. what's the big deal? what's the difference between a doom clan online and a biker gang?

I totally understand what you are saying. Harley Davidson has done what every business attempts to do, make their product a part of someone's lifestyle. Their marketing strategy, it would seem, is responsible for the companies succes...accordingly it is not their product quality (heard numorous accounts of harley's breaking down, need fine tuning whereas a jap road bike is a lot more reliable). Def. seems shallow to base your existence around a companies product, though I'm guilty of it as well...

 

[PBR]

it brings them an identity....to identify with other people who seek the same thing...it becomes a lifestyle, with the image and clothing etc. ive done the Harley thing in the past...no other form of motorcycle riding sucks you in as fast as owning a Harley...you can take that kind of bike anywhere and it will attract someone- somewhere...there is an "aura" that goes with this machine...

 

[pitbullstl]

I totally understand what you are saying. Harley Davidson has done what every business attempts to do, make their product a part of someone's lifestyle. Their marketing strategy, it would seem, is responsible for the companies succes...accordingly it is not their product quality (heard numorous accounts of harley's breaking down, need fine tuning whereas a jap road bike is a lot more reliable). Def. seems shallow to base your existence around a companies product, though I'm guilty of it as well...

The "lifestyle" has been around quite a bit longer than the branding of Harley Davidson into mainstream America.

I get along with everyone who rides, my ride of choice is a balls out fast 300 rear tire custom, but if a R1 passes me on one wheel, I give a thumbs up, instead of the insults my fellow riding partners might toss around.

Two reasons for that:

1. Anyone who rides does it for the same reason (barring trendy fucks), the autonomy, and solitude that is afforded one when the only noise you hear is your exhaust note, and the only thing on your mind is the road ahead.

2. It's impressive...as long as you aren't endangering my life or others on the road, dance on my super bike brothers.

 

[PBR]

The "lifestyle" has been around quite a bit longer than the branding of Harley Davidson into mainstream America.

I get along with everyone who rides, my ride of choice is a balls out fast 300 rear tire custom, but if a R1 passes me on one wheel, I give a thumbs up, instead of the insults my fellow riding partners might toss around.

Two reasons for that:

1. Anyone who rides does it for the same reason (barring trendy fucks), the autonomy, and solitude that is afforded one when the only noise you hear is your exhaust note, and the only thing on your mind is the road ahead.

2. It's impressive...as long as you aren't endangering my life or others on the road, dance on my super bike brothers.

here's to you my good bro...

 

[wutangnomo]

As PBR mentioned, it's all about identity. Get a Harley and you instantly have a million more friends.

The funny thing is Harley's have somewhat deteriorated in quality. It's all about custom bikes now. OCC is slowly growing into a Harley type status symbol (thanks to Discovery), though it's still not even close (way more expensive).

 

[Raptorex]

Personally, at the HD meetups, I enjoy the "rice burner" roast.

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

I totally understand what you are saying. Harley Davidson has done what every business attempts to do, make their product a part of someone's lifestyle. Their marketing strategy, it would seem, is responsible for the companies succes...accordingly it is not their product quality (heard numorous accounts of harley's breaking down, need fine tuning whereas a jap road bike is a lot more reliable). Def. seems shallow to base your existence around a companies product, though I'm guilty of it as well...

This is really sad. Seriously.

It's caused more problems than a person would think.

 

[Deterass]

I(heard numorous accounts of harley's breaking down, need fine tuning whereas a jap road bike is a lot more reliable).

Since Harley came out with the EVO motor in 1984 or 85 the motors are now very reliable.The most common thing maybe fouled plugs but other than that they really are a great motor.

 

[PBR]

This is really sad. Seriously.

It's caused more problems than a person would think.

explain a little bro...

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

explain a little bro...

It involves the whole free trade vs protectionism sort of thing.......job loss, consumers' loss of confidence in domestic products, etc.

 

[PBR]

It involves the whole free trade vs protectionism sort of thing.......job loss, consumers' loss of confidence in domestic products, etc.

i see...man i would think Harley is doing better now, than ever before...we have a big newer Harley dealership here in town, its packed every day with lots of consumers for various parts accessories and bikes....I remember when the CHP actually pulled Harley out of BK years ago by contracting them for all the new police bikes, alot of other agencies followed suit back then...think it was in the early 80's if im not mistaken...

 

[tiger88]

HD is just about the only product you will see tattooed on a person, I garuantee you surely won't see maytag, or sears!


They are in a class by themselves!
RADAR

SEEN A ducati tat on a guys head

 

[Scotsman]

In my opinion Harley isn't just a status symbol it's a piece of Americana. What other company has thousands of people by shirts, hats, jackets, etc. without ever owning a motorcycle. Why do people alter the exhaust on hondas and yamahas to try and make it sound like a Harley? Why are all bike makers doing their damndest to make theirs look like a Harley? It's simple, Harley says America and freedom louder and better than any other product. From experience I know that pulling up at a highway rest stop people come to talk to you just because you are on a Harley, this doesn't happen with any other bike. It's a close knit family of people who may ride for miles without ever seeing the other persons face, but deep down you know that for that brief time they were more family to you than some of your blood. It's a mystique that's as strong as any other there is. How many motor companies have been in continuous business for over a hundred years? How many vehicles inspire people through their sound alone?

As for the reliability issues: Harley is the most reliable bike on the road now. Then only bikes that run as long are BMW's and they don't hold thier value like a Harley does. People still only think about the dark days when AMF owned Harley. Yes in those days the motorcycles were crap massed produced hunks of junk. That is why Harley bought itself back in 1984 and endeavored to make the best bike possible. I know people with 200,000 miles on their Hogs that have never done more than change oil and tires. Harleys no longer leak oil, need tuning, ride rough, break down regularly, or any of the other negative conotations people come up with. I've got 6,000 miles on my '03 and have as yet to have any problems (aside from envious family members wanting to take it and not getting enough riding time).

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[Deterass]

Harley grosses more money from clothing sales than their bikes.

 

[The_Ghost]

I myself prefer HD over any other brand of bike but I do not thumb my nose at anyone who rides anything else and will ride with anyone.

The only riders I dislike are the snot nose little punks on rice rockets who are a menace to everyone and have no riding skills.

I must add that I would choose a nice fat back tired custom if i had the coin.

 

[curling]

I myself prefer HD over any other brand of bike but I do not thumb my nose at anyone who rides anything else and will ride with anyone.

The only riders I dislike are the snot nose little punks on rice rockets who are a menace to everyone and have no riding skills.

I must add that I would choose a nice fat back tired custom if i had the coin.

First, who you calling little? And no riding skills? I think it takes some skill do a 50mph posted turn at 120mph. Also I don't think just anyone can wheelie at 117mph. Certainly never seen anybody do it on a hawg. See I am getting torn here. I am in literally two cultures. I dig harleys(even though I don't ride one I ride a chopper) and I dig sport bikes. I don't like people attacking either.

I do want to concur with other posters that HD has gotten alot better as far as motor goes. They really do run for a long time. What I don't like about harley is them selling a bike for 20k then you have to put 3 to 6k in to chrome everything. That is why I left harley and bought a bourget. They come with speed, perforance and tricked out looking without having to bolt on everything extra. I only have a 210 back tire though and get beat by bikes with 250 to 300 and it pisses me off because I can take their asses through any set and of twistys but they beat me in bike shows. Because I think a bike needs to be functional first and look good second.

 

[The_Ghost]

First, who you calling little? And no riding skills? I think it takes some skill do a 50mph posted turn at 120mph. Also I don't think just anyone can wheelie at 117mph. Certainly never seen anybody do it on a hawg. See I am getting torn here. I am in literally two cultures. I dig harleys(even though I don't ride one I ride a chopper) and I dig sport bikes. I don't like people attacking either.

I do want to concur with other posters that HD has gotten alot better as far as motor goes. They really do run for a long time. What I don't like about harley is them selling a bike for 20k then you have to put 3 to 6k in to chrome everything. That is why I left harley and bought a bourget. They come with speed, perforance and tricked out looking without having to bolt on everything extra. I only have a 210 back tire though and get beat by bikes with 250 to 300 and it pisses me off because I can take their asses through any set and of twistys but they beat me in bike shows. Because I think a bike needs to be functional first and look good second.

Read what I wrote again bro, I didn't say I hate all people who ride rice rockets, I even said I ride with anyone.

Its the little punks who have no skills, ride a bike with waaay more power then they can control without having skills who are a menace and keep making my insurance go up as all who ride get tagged with higher rates due to these idiots crashing and causing shit all the time.


Its not attacking but fact bro.

 

[Scotsman]

First, who you calling little? And no riding skills? I think it takes some skill do a 50mph posted turn at 120mph. Also I don't think just anyone can wheelie at 117mph. Certainly never seen anybody do it on a hawg. See I am getting torn here. I am in literally two cultures. I dig harleys(even though I don't ride one I ride a chopper) and I dig sport bikes. I don't like people attacking either.

I think he meant all the little jackass kids who go out and buy a bike without any inclination of how to ride it, then go super fast weaving in and out of traffic mere inches from death.

I have seen guys riding wheelies on hogs so it can be done, just most people who buy cruisers do just that cruise (I know I do). Most people who buy sport bikes do it to go fast so they do.

And besides I think your little but at 305lbs I think most people are small

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[curling]

Read what I wrote again bro, I didn't say I hate all people who ride rice rockets, I even said I ride with anyone.

Its the little punks who have no skills, ride a bike with waaay more power then they can control without having skills who are a menace and keep making my insurance go up as all who ride get tagged with higher rates due to these idiots crashing and causing shit all the time.


Its not attacking but fact bro.

Ok I see what you are saying. And i agree. I actually like the way they license bikes in Europe. You have to ride a bike for a year before you can get the bigger cc bikes. I hate to see these kids get killed so young by having more power than they know how to handle.

 

[milo hobgoblin]

"doom clan" god damn that made me LMFAO