Re: Questionare

Hey Clayton,

Me again! reading all these memos from your web site makes one wonder, why does anybody ride a Harley? There must be a reason. I'll give you my 2 cents worth here.

I began riding a Harley back when they were not a popular machine, when only bikers rode them. The outlaw image was certainly a persuasive factor. I fell in love with Harleys as little boy up in Wasaga beach which was considered neutral territory for many clubs. This was the 70's and the pinnacle of the chopper culture. It was rolling sculpture and no Honda could match these inspirational designs. When I started riding myself at the age of 16, the thing that was noticeable, was that japanese bikes were built like consumer products and Harleys were industrial; not pretty, just functional. If you are a tradesman, you know what I mean. The tool designed for the home owner is not the same tool designed for the job site. Of course Harley-Davidson has pretty much adopted the japanese formula for manufacturing now (except maybe the good engineering). It's sad really, there was a time when Harleys were considered one of the best engineered and reliable machines available.

My first Harley was a very used sportster so I avoided the dealership problem from the very beginning and we have a very good custom shop in the area which made my experience better than some I suppose. I'm also mechanically inclined, so I'm not really intimidated by a machine that is temperamental, I see it as a challenge and a more authentic motorcycling experience. People who want a maintenence free ride I think don't really "get it", but that's just my perspective.

I've only been to a Harley dealership for parts or service a few times, and was disgusted every time. My first experience was to replace the starter switch on my sporty. $17.00 for a 75 cent part. I knew right then I wouldn't be visiting the dealership very often. So I learned to service the bike myself and buy aftermarket parts.

So, why do we ride Harleys? Ask yourself that on a perfect day when your bike is running perfectly and the road is just twisty enough. I've ridden many bikes, Japanese, European, etc. There are good points and bad points to them all; but nothing compares to a panhead or a shovelhead for feel and look, it's an experience. I don't like japanese bikes much, just something missing. and I don't like the spongy suspension on most of them. I don't care much for softails either or any five speed Harley for that matter. If I were to go back to Europe now, I would want to take a faster bike with me this time. It sucks running at 80 or 90 miles an hour when everyone else can go 120; but over here, a Harley is plenty fast. I haven't had the pleasure of riding a Ducati or a Cagiva, but I suspect that after getting over the initial intimidation I would really like it.

Well, This sermon went on longer than I intended, but I hope maybe it adds some perspective or a bit of comfort to someone who feels dejected about their current ride. That is of course if you will post this long winded diatribe Clayton.

Chat soon, Buzzman