You've got to buy a Harley

[Darren]

So recently I went to an evening event held by a local MC, they have a rule that you can only join if you ride a Harley but I like to support local groups. It wasn't that well attended, but they turned out to be a good bunch of guys and we chatted for a few hours. Mostly their tales were of runs they had been on and the parts that had fallen off their bikes. Two had had carbs fall off, one had burst a tyre after the bolt on the front fender came loose and gone into the side wall, the same guy lost the pinch bracket on the front axle just before he pulled in that evening. There were many more, too many to mention.

They all seemed interested in the F6B but were Harley till they die. One person asked me, after telling me that every winter he strips his bike down and locktite every bolt, what I did to my bike last winter. My reply was added a cup holder for the wife.

As I was leaving I was told you should buy a Harley, I had to laugh, after all they said I'd stick to my Honda.

[taxfree4]

I can't speak for everybody but from reading the forum most of the people who bought the f6b had prior experiences similar to the guys you were talking to. the f6b is usually bought by someone who has ridden other bikes I don't believe it's a bike a new rider or a first bike that is bought. many of us including myself actually have a Harley as a second bike and find that after purchasing the f6b we're using it less and less to the point I'm looking to sell the Harley as I am.I think it's the only way you can really experience how much better a bike the f6b is once you own another bike especially between the heat the handling the acceleration and it's just a cheaper bike to maintain.and unlike the Harley you don't need to spend another $2000 after you spend twenty thousand plus dollars to get it to run right. Even after Harley comes out with a liquid cooled bike I'd rather stick with a bike that has been liquid cooled and bulletproof from its inception because as we know Harley uses their riders as their research and development

[opas ride]

Don't get me wrong people as I am not a Harley rider or fan, but you can bad mouth there products and riders all you want as it is your choice......But, HD is the best selling brand in America for V-twin bikes and has the best dealer net-work around, (out-sells Honda 12-1) and their marketing scheme is, "bar-none", one of the best in the world!!!...Brings in $Billions of dollars every year.....Just sayin!!!

[53driver]

I don't think by agreeing with Harley owners - I am one also - anyone here is "bad-mouthing" them.
They freely tell their tales of woe and smile about it after that fact. Most of the HD riders I know are good people that just want to bust loose every now and again.
Yes, they have their status symbol and their wardrobe. I'd be more leery of my dentist if I didn't see him dress and act like a pirate occasionally.

And while I concur with tax, I do ride the HD-FLSTN less and less often, there is still a time and a place for her.
Cheers!

[taxfree4]

Don't get me wrong people as I am not a Harley rider or fan, but you can bad mouth there products and riders all you want as it is your choice......But, HD is the best selling brand in America for V-twin bikes and has the best dealer net-work around, (out-sells Honda 12-1) and their marketing scheme is, "bar-none", one of the best in the world!!!...Brings in $Billions of dollars every year.....Just sayin!!!

No arguments here HD has the best marketing in the motorcycle world. I am in no way badmouthing just reflecting personal experience over the last 30+ years. Badmouthing is usually associated with fippant comments without prior knowledge of what you're speaking about. The truth is spoken because we love the brand but they refuse to change with the times. The Sony BetaMax was a better product than the VHS, Apple was a better computer than the PC, Patek Philippe is a better quality watch than a Rolex yet the lesser quality has higher sales than the better product. Volume doesn't always translate to a quality product.

[DavidNC]

I have both a F6B and a Harley Road King. My Road King is flawless and never gave a problem. I did put $2k making it faster, louder and more comfortable. It is fun riding with the pack and making lots of noise.

I had a choice of putting more money into making it faster, engine size increase, and more comfortable, seat exchange. Decided to get the F6B rather than put more money into my perfectly running Harley. Planned to use the Harley for local solo runs.

Since getting the F6B, I only rode the Road King once. Just turned the tag in and cancelled insurance. I always take the Honda out.

I enjoy the F6B's power and comfort more. I found the Harley to be dependable and easier to work on than the F6B. The ease of oil checks air air filter changes are an example.

[opas ride]

Perhaps "bad mouthing" was a poor choice of words on my part, should have said "criticizing" I suppose...In any event, the thing that "bugs" me the most about a lot of HD riders is they always seem to find fault with JAP bikes, and according to the ones I have seen/met, think that HD bikes, made in America, are next to "Godliness", yet they go home and get in their Toyotas, Nissans, Hondas, etc. and drive off into the sun set fat and happy!!!!

[shooter]

I have never understood the mentality where you spend your hard earned money on something just because it is a particular brand. Pesonally I do my research and then purchase the product u think is best and gives me the most value for my money. Did I mention I have been owning and riding Honda's since 1969?

[53driver]

I have never understood the mentality where you spend your hard earned money on something just because it is a particular brand. Personally I do my research and then purchase the product I think is best and gives me the most value for my money. Did I mention I have been owning and riding Honda's since 1969?

My HD purchase had nothing to do with brand and everything to do with - "I want THAT bike." "Now!"
She was 2 years old, 2,000 miles, had lots of performance mods and custom paint, tank, chrome, controls, lighting, and whitewalls.
No other HD looked or behaved like her.
Still have never seen one like her.

[DavidNC]

My original Harley purchase was based on quality of bike, desire for the bike, local product support and local community support. I am very impressed with my Harley's quality and it was tough to accept the Honda's plastic. I now appreciate both approaches.

At the time, the F6B was not an option. Did not want the big Goldwing or other bike.

I live in Harley country with the closest Honda dealer, that's not a joke, being an hour away. I went over two hours away to purchase the bike new.

I liked the F6B enough to give up local support and I'm part of the local community enough now that the F6B is appreciated for its style and power. My confidence and knowledge makes me secure enough to own the F6B with no known local support.

My nearest Goldwing riding buddies are 45 minutes away. I have dozens of Harley, or knock-offs, riding buddies within 5 miles.