11-16-2018, 01:11 AM
My perspective supports the quality of HD in terms of product build and service. No doubt. I believe HD has the best quality bill of materials in the business and the fit and finish are tops. Some other manufacturer's are a close second. My opinion thinks Moto Guzzi and some other Aprilia selections come to mind. Honda is very good, but not quite to HD standard - but definitely good enough for many. Now, when speaking about performance and operational durability, I believe the alternatives excel. Maybe sans Ducati for continued sketchy electrical/electronic issues. HD has indeed come a long way since the mid-80's federal bailout and the U.S. imposed import tariffs on competition over 700 cc. Not fair marketing, but nevertheless HD did not waste the opportunity. I believe that is good.
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A general beef with HD is its membership. Too many narcissist males who think what their wallet buys and waves that through everybody's ears. Yes, you know - everybody's ears (even mothers with children and seniors trying to enjoy an evening stroll out). "Look at me! Looks what I can buy." Male HD riders - grow up! - really. Like cagers who speed to get ahead often forget that many people can speed too because their cars can - it just may take a few more seconds to get to speed. But they don't because they have nothing to demonstrate. Everybody can speed. [Almost] everybody can buy a HD but choose not too for their various reasons, including value. What am I getting and what does my soul really need without annoying everyone else? Yes, many BMW riders have some sort of snob issue, but they generally do not wave that matter in everybody's face.
I think Honda owners have no creed. They just ride 'n' enjoy. They are likely the vast majority of riders.
Yes, non-HD service generally sucks. Heck, I have even seen incompetent HD service people, so there might be some [bad] luck involved there. Nevertheless, Honda might be just arrogant enough to think service is an afterthought because their product just works decade after decade of use and abuse.
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A general beef with HD is its membership. Too many narcissist males who think what their wallet buys and waves that through everybody's ears. Yes, you know - everybody's ears (even mothers with children and seniors trying to enjoy an evening stroll out). "Look at me! Looks what I can buy." Male HD riders - grow up! - really. Like cagers who speed to get ahead often forget that many people can speed too because their cars can - it just may take a few more seconds to get to speed. But they don't because they have nothing to demonstrate. Everybody can speed. [Almost] everybody can buy a HD but choose not too for their various reasons, including value. What am I getting and what does my soul really need without annoying everyone else? Yes, many BMW riders have some sort of snob issue, but they generally do not wave that matter in everybody's face.
I think Honda owners have no creed. They just ride 'n' enjoy. They are likely the vast majority of riders.
Yes, non-HD service generally sucks. Heck, I have even seen incompetent HD service people, so there might be some [bad] luck involved there. Nevertheless, Honda might be just arrogant enough to think service is an afterthought because their product just works decade after decade of use and abuse.