08-26-2016, 10:00 AM
My family (13 riding members) is certainly experienced with Italian motorcycles and character (also American, British, Japanese German and Austrian). My first street bike was an Aermachhi. My dad and my brother both owned Moto Guzzis, my son and a nephew both owned Ducati's. Most were as reliable as their Japanese counter parts ...sorta. Only 1 that I can recall had to be brought home on a trailer (my son's Ducati), but the nephews Ducati , a similar model, never broke down. Some needed more "loving care" than the Japanese bikes we have had, but all were a pleasure to own and ride within the limits we placed on them.
The other day I was having a conversation with another nephew (2 KTM's plus A vfr 500, a couple of Suzuki SV's and others I am sure but can't recall at this moment) and I was expressing the value of a good dealer network. He wondered why that would make any difference as he never needed a dealer for anything beyond the initial purchase. I reminded him that just because you don't use something doesn't mean it doesn't have importance or value. He said like what? I said well, I've been riding 51 years and I've never used my motorcycle insurance yet I purchase it every year, and may need it someday. I said I've never tested the protection of my full face helmet or armored gear yet I wear it nearly every ride and may go down, and need it someday. A dealer is the same thing. I may be riding in the middle of nowhere and my bike break down and need repair and I'd prefer it that there was a dealer nearby to get me back on the road again. That is my biggest hang up about buying Italian or German, Austrian or British for that matter. I travel in places those marquees don't have dealerships. In this respect Harley provides the best service for their customers. There are Harley dealerships literally everywhere. Unfortunately they don't make a bike that suits me. I hope they do someday.
The other day I was having a conversation with another nephew (2 KTM's plus A vfr 500, a couple of Suzuki SV's and others I am sure but can't recall at this moment) and I was expressing the value of a good dealer network. He wondered why that would make any difference as he never needed a dealer for anything beyond the initial purchase. I reminded him that just because you don't use something doesn't mean it doesn't have importance or value. He said like what? I said well, I've been riding 51 years and I've never used my motorcycle insurance yet I purchase it every year, and may need it someday. I said I've never tested the protection of my full face helmet or armored gear yet I wear it nearly every ride and may go down, and need it someday. A dealer is the same thing. I may be riding in the middle of nowhere and my bike break down and need repair and I'd prefer it that there was a dealer nearby to get me back on the road again. That is my biggest hang up about buying Italian or German, Austrian or British for that matter. I travel in places those marquees don't have dealerships. In this respect Harley provides the best service for their customers. There are Harley dealerships literally everywhere. Unfortunately they don't make a bike that suits me. I hope they do someday.