12-30-2023, 03:26 PM
If I based my purchasing habits on what other people thought, I would not have owned and enjoyed half the stuff I have/did. As soon as someone starts with "I hate...." I walk. Don't have time for haters.
My opinion only: Most folks misplace/project their dislike of the HD lifestyle culture on the marque's bikes. Can't blame them. Get enough unsolicited profanity laced verbal kicks in the groin for your choice of supposed anti-American bikes from a knuckle dragger with poor personal hygiene habits coupled with a slovenly appearance and 7 to 9 teeth which have never seen floss in the 40+ years of their existence and most of us would be prone to projection as well. This is a stereotype obviously, but most of us have all met one, if not more.
I'm not a MoCo lifestyle adherent and have more than a few negative anecdotes about interaction with random members of the HD cult. I don't dress like I'm part of the crew of the Black Pearl nor do I ride in their 1/2 mile long convoy's sans ATGATT.
All you need to see is the now cult classic South Park Harley episode to underscore how the HD riders are stereotypically perceived to interact with the general public. There is some truth in stereotypes. If there is a large enough percentage of occurrences in a particular category being typed then the stereotype organically develops. I'm not bashing here. Many HD owners bring it on themselves. Even mass media sees this.
Getting back to the bikes: Don't have enough info on the guy dragging your bike choice through the mud to make it personal?... then project on the bike brand which EVERYONE knows. Embrace the hate, just like your tormentor. HD's are unreliable, mostly made of imported parts. Slow, outdated. Derived from a farm implement. Pile it on...The MoCo's detractors are LEGION!
I own two Harleys. An XR1200 and a Road King. Like both of them very much. The Road King came to me almost by accident at a price I could not say no too. It's now the bike I ride the most (including short jaunts around town) and has really endeared itself to me with its laid-back 88 cu in motor and handling characteristics as well as rock solid reliability. Each Harley has started every time when the key turned and always made it home. Each has been pretty much trouble free over the years and have provided a lot of enjoyment. Just in a different aspect of riding. As mentioned above (in previous posts by our members) I consider myself a rider and not wedded/loyal to a singular manufacturer. I'll ride anything with two wheels from a Tote Goat on up. I currently have 3 brands in the garage and sold a 4th one a while back.
I don't doubt there are a few legit reasons out there were someone was wronged by the HD corporation or rightfully disappointed in a dealership resolution issue. But to paint today's HD bikes with a broad brush of unreliability, routine workmanship/quality shortcomings is misguided at best or disingenuous at worst...not saying anyone here has done that but you don't need to travel far on the internet to see it.
I didn't understand the draw to the big HD's until I had the Road King. I get it now. Totally! However, I'm not committing to the lifestyle which requires almost religious adherence to a singular brand loyalty. Ain't got time to hate.
Franov...after you do your research buy whatever you want. Don't let the opinion of other's define your actions.
PS: Just realized you're in Italy. Out of curiosity have you looked at the Moto Guzzi Flying Fortress? How are they priced there compared to a Harley?
My opinion only: Most folks misplace/project their dislike of the HD lifestyle culture on the marque's bikes. Can't blame them. Get enough unsolicited profanity laced verbal kicks in the groin for your choice of supposed anti-American bikes from a knuckle dragger with poor personal hygiene habits coupled with a slovenly appearance and 7 to 9 teeth which have never seen floss in the 40+ years of their existence and most of us would be prone to projection as well. This is a stereotype obviously, but most of us have all met one, if not more.
I'm not a MoCo lifestyle adherent and have more than a few negative anecdotes about interaction with random members of the HD cult. I don't dress like I'm part of the crew of the Black Pearl nor do I ride in their 1/2 mile long convoy's sans ATGATT.
All you need to see is the now cult classic South Park Harley episode to underscore how the HD riders are stereotypically perceived to interact with the general public. There is some truth in stereotypes. If there is a large enough percentage of occurrences in a particular category being typed then the stereotype organically develops. I'm not bashing here. Many HD owners bring it on themselves. Even mass media sees this.
Getting back to the bikes: Don't have enough info on the guy dragging your bike choice through the mud to make it personal?... then project on the bike brand which EVERYONE knows. Embrace the hate, just like your tormentor. HD's are unreliable, mostly made of imported parts. Slow, outdated. Derived from a farm implement. Pile it on...The MoCo's detractors are LEGION!
I own two Harleys. An XR1200 and a Road King. Like both of them very much. The Road King came to me almost by accident at a price I could not say no too. It's now the bike I ride the most (including short jaunts around town) and has really endeared itself to me with its laid-back 88 cu in motor and handling characteristics as well as rock solid reliability. Each Harley has started every time when the key turned and always made it home. Each has been pretty much trouble free over the years and have provided a lot of enjoyment. Just in a different aspect of riding. As mentioned above (in previous posts by our members) I consider myself a rider and not wedded/loyal to a singular manufacturer. I'll ride anything with two wheels from a Tote Goat on up. I currently have 3 brands in the garage and sold a 4th one a while back.
I don't doubt there are a few legit reasons out there were someone was wronged by the HD corporation or rightfully disappointed in a dealership resolution issue. But to paint today's HD bikes with a broad brush of unreliability, routine workmanship/quality shortcomings is misguided at best or disingenuous at worst...not saying anyone here has done that but you don't need to travel far on the internet to see it.
I didn't understand the draw to the big HD's until I had the Road King. I get it now. Totally! However, I'm not committing to the lifestyle which requires almost religious adherence to a singular brand loyalty. Ain't got time to hate.
Franov...after you do your research buy whatever you want. Don't let the opinion of other's define your actions.
PS: Just realized you're in Italy. Out of curiosity have you looked at the Moto Guzzi Flying Fortress? How are they priced there compared to a Harley?