Refreshingly honest.Ive always felt the same but it means more coming from an actual owner.I got a brand new 2015 1800cc Suzuki M109r B.o.s.s. for $11500 out the door.I get both tires changed on my sport bike for $100.HD is ripping they customers off for sure.
Well Said. They are a bit pricey! although, if you absolutely have to have a harley they do make the "street" seires.. the street 500 and 750. That said, the Yamaha R3 is a wonderful place to start, and if you are not trying to get mental with speed, a decent place to stay. I started on a Ninja 300.
I rode my ZX-14R into a Harley dealer today and they looked at me like I was in the wrong place. Love the look of the 48, but the Indian Scout has way more performance. Liquid cooling allows for more performance. They can't tune air-cooled engines to be that hot. I'm not saying I won't buy a 48, but still. I told the HD dealer that I was looking at an Indian or an HD, and he said "nobody every gets a Victory or Indian tattoo on their arm". True, true. Then I overheard him tell a coworker that he's going to go take a 45 minute dump, so that by the time he's done, it'll be time to go home for the day, hahaha.
Yep, HD' S still rank #5 in reliability although they're beautiful over priced iron horses but a rip off when it come to accessories, parts, maintenance and apparel etc.
My 82 virago still runs like new after having 8 owners of abuse. My dads 79 sportster barely can do 60 without something breaking or a part falling off. He needs to tighten tons of bolts every time He takes it out. Screw Harley, I’m going Yamaha for life. Harley needs new management and they need it fast. There is not much time left for them.
I ride a Honda Phantom and could care less what other people think especially Harley riders. I wave at scooters cause we are all on 2 wheels. Enjoy your ride man. You have a nice bike simple as that.
I agree. I also own Hondas along with my Harleys and ride anything with 2 wheels and an engine. I believe in ride what you want. But I get tired of people whining about Harleys. If you don't want one, don't buy one. If you can't afford one, don't buy one. But please don't whine about it. Just ride and enjoy life. It is shorter than you think no matter how young you are.
The best Harley-Davison is a clone from China and Donald Trump put high tariffs on the better quality copycats, now the Chinese put tariffs on the orignal piece of shits that comes from America.
I USED to think Harley riders were a bunch of DICKS for never waving back on the road, then I rode a Harley, and realized for myself they wobble like a mother fucker the second you take a hand off the bars. They're NOT being rude, they're just trying not to crash that insanely overpriced piece of shit.
Personally, I feel the metric bikes like Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha are more reliable and dependable. Some of the metric bikes that were purchased during the 1990's to date are still on the road. My question is: How many Harley's are still on the road at that age???
Right on dude, I’ve owned every brand and lots of different models, Hardley Worthavisons fail in every category. The owners ride 10 miles a year and think they’re billy badass. With that said, I currently ride a 1200 sportster, I like my farm implement.
he brings up a lot of valid points they are overpriced, their performance is not good, they have high repair costs, their accessories are out to get more money from customers. So why do they have the most marketshare? great marketing, deep history which started to take off helping the military, also the sound it goes back to kids who used to make noise from their pedal bikes.
Only 5 reasons? Aside from being too expensive, too heavy and poor by almost every criteria for a motorcycle. When I started biking in the 70's Harley riders went on about "made in the USA" and they'd never buy a "rice burner". Well for the past 30 years Harleys have had (cheap) Japanese forks and virtually every accessory is made in China. The Street 750 models we get in the UK are made in India! Harley sell a lifestyle, almost a cult, the bikes are almost incidental and just a way to get you into buying all the Harley branded clothing and accessories which is where they make their money. I'm also amused that most HD owners spend $000's customising their bikes to make them look different, and yet 90% of the owners dress in the same stereotypical Harley "style"! In the UK 99% of Harley riders don't acknowledge non-Harley riders out on the road. I guess they are too busy looking "cool" in their open faced helmets, bandannas and wrap around shades straight out of the Harley catalogue, even though it's only 50 degrees F. In Europe it's better, you'll generally get the usual low-V-sign, and they will talk to you at cafes etc. whereas in the UK they get into their little HOG huddle and ignore other bikers. Personally I'm fine with that, I don't want to spend my life discussing "custom parts" (Chinese chrome) and playing spot-the-difference between Harley models. (you paint something a different shade of black and it's a new model, really?)
Simoncelli 58 Yep. Today made in the USA is a bit over rated anyway. I've heard that slot of Harley parts actually come from Mexico . I think bikes made in UK have a much higher appeal. (Love Norton) although they are generally expensive too compared to Japanese bikes (around 20K USD or more ) Lol thanks for watching.
Harleys most powerful engine makes the same HP as my $1500 CBR... not to mention i'll catch a Vrod by the end of second gear, out of 6... it's time they update their engines. Nobody wants a bike that slow, with that high of displacement vibrating itself to pieces.
Jordan Erickson well i got news for ya harley is not about speed but about the ride and comfortable travel , and yes maybe a little bit faster would be nice but than you upgrade it !!
HD sells an image. For the price they charge, the customer is not getting his money’s worth. The purchase of a HD is only the beginning of the thousands you will end up spending to keep it running.
Personally i am not a fan of Harley. I have many bikes and have owned some Harley's but i've never kept any Currently i have: 2002 Yamaha v star 650 (wife's bike) 2002 Yamaha v star 1100 (we take these out when we ride together) 1948 Indian Chief (don't ride much, just there for the collection) 2003 Indian Chief 2010 Indian Chief Bomber 2014 Indian Chief Vintage (full stage 1 & 2 completed) 2007 Victory Jackpot Arlen Ness Edition (looks incredible) 2005 Honda CBR 600 F4i (at 52, i still can't bring myself to sell this) This year we were planning on buying new bikes, its that time My wife likes the 2018 Harley Heritage Softail, but its $22,500. My wife is short, 5'2, so she needed some adjustments (narrower seat, relocated kickstand) they wanted almost $1000 to relocate the kickstand and shave the seat to make it narrower) bringing the total to almost $24,000. I told her to fuck that and took her to Yamaha, I showed her the new 2017 Yamaha v star 1300 deluxe, she can have a faring with navigation and a sound system for $14,000. and that is all in, out the door. I am also looking for a new bike, i had it narrowed to the 2018 Harley Street Glide Special, the 2018 Indian Chieftain Limited and the 2018 Yamaha Star Eluder with the 113CI engine. Harley was $32,500 Yamaha was $24,000 Indian was $24,500 Harley lost out on both, we have not yet purchased, but my wife has decided to go with the 2017 Yamaha v star 1300 Deluxe, she is saving $10,000 on the bike and getting herself full stage 1 exhaust with a high flow air filter. I am still deciding between the Yamaha and the Indian but the Harley is a definite no again. I think it will be the Indian Chieftain limited . Had we gone with Harley for the 2 bikes, it would have cost us $56,000 and thats with no upgrades. my wife is paying $15,300 all in including her upgraded exhaust and airflow. I will be paying $28,000 for the 2018 Indian Chieftain Limited and thats all in including stage 1 Rinehart pipes and Indian HiFlow air intake along with the stage 3 big bore 116" upgrade. That totals $43,000, if fact, the dealership owns the Indian store and a yamaha dealership and said if we get both from then, they will take another $1500 off bring the total to $41,500, or $39,000 if i go with the 2 Yamaha's. Either way i go, 100% sure i will not be getting a Harley. Almost $15,000 more for a lesser quality bike and 0 upgrades. exhaust upgrades on the 2 Harley's would have been $3,200 installed + $1,800 for hi flow air breathers installed bringing my total to $56,000 + $3,200 + $1,800 + $700 for Doc fee = $61,700 So...tell me agan shy i should buy a Harley and spend $20,200 more??? This is why Harley is going down, over priced bikes, over priced service and over priced parts. Go to hell Harley!!
And a heads up Skycycles just had a guy bring back a used electra glide with a totally blown engine. I'm not sure, but where it blew looked like a cam chain adjuster. I am through with Harley, Gonna get a Yamaha 1700 road warrior.
Metric bikes all the way! My 40year old XS650 doesn't rumble down the road, but it actually feels like a bike not an overweight two wheel car. My service overhead comes down to the cost of gas, oil, brake pads, rubber and an occasional battery and a little of my time. Don't be hypnotized by the HD Cult. Ride whatever you want and enjoy it. FYI: Royal Enfield (India) makes a couple clean classic 650 parallel twins for under $7k if you know how to shop it, cause I believe Triumph is trying to fill the void for a lot of millennial riders, unfortunately like Harley they too are overpriced and not even made in Britain anymore.
Hehe funny that your voice shakes a lot. It reminds me what a motorcycle mechanic told me today: I used to work on Harley's, but they shake so much that every bolt and stuff gets broken. Changed to cobra pipes on my VS 1400. It sounds like a beast now.
If someone wants a Harley, the key is to buy an older used one. You can pick up a good used one for pretty cheap, mine was only 2200. It's 15 years old and I had to fix a few things like fuel line, plugs, new brake pads, battery. But at its core, it's built like a tank and mechanically the evo sportsters are very good.
Ive had 19 bikes scince i got my licence in 79 . 15 hondas , 3 suzukis and 1 Ducati ( loved this bike ) . Ive tried several Harleys up through the years . And with my hand on my heart , i would NEVER buy a Harley ! Overpriced , slow , shitty brakes , vibrates like hell , noisey as hell , no fucking power , parts falling off due to vibration , and just uncomfortable to ride ! and P.S. =Do you know why there called Harleys ??? Cause the word SHIT was already taken !
And when you do bring it in to Harley for warranty work on a known common issue, they pull out all the stops to avoid covering it under the factory warranty and try and convince you that an extended warranty is treated differently so you should purchase that. #fuckHD
Many bikes, including H-D, can become expensive moto enthusiasms, including the extra mods and maintenance. I've noticed the past couple of years that many new bikes in the $10,000+ range are holding their value better and longer in the market too. Thousands can be saved by getting a newer, low mileage, 'new to me' moto and a title.
Agreed, but I dont have the funds or the credit line to normally purchase second hand, whereas normally financing is pretty easy from a dealer especially for a new bike.. Thanks for Watching Good Points.
The first service with checking if the bolts are tight is a normal thing. You'll have that on any new bike. The bolts and nuts tend to loosen on any bike through engine vibration. But generally I do agree with you, the Harley's suck. Not worth buying if you're not mechanically minded otherwise they cost a fortune
I just bought a used Superlow 883 two weeks ago. I am still in the first flush of love with it, but I cannot argue with you on most of the points you made. I guess I just like the Harley name and mystique, which is why this was my first motorbike.
I have a Harley clone, a Yamaha bolt. bought new with a transferable 5 year warranty. out the door was still cheaper than the Harley. and I am not required to take it in at 600 miles to pay hundreds of dollars to get it " checked out" I bought one new Harley....once.
Harley-Davidson make some pretty bikes but they price gouge their customers on everything to me I don't think that's good at all me myself I ride an M109R and I love it. My take on it everything cost whether it's good or bad the question is are you happy with what you spend on? Right now the Japanese bikes and makers are giving you more bang for your buck. I'd rather crack the throttle than to shatter my wallet. And for the ones talkin that HD is the American bike......hmmm thats why they are closing an American plant to build in Mexico lol. Dont be brainwashed by a corporate ,nothing is truely American anymore so wake up people. I like all bikes everyone makes nice bikes, ride what makes you happy. Peace.
Want a bike engined cruiser get a Honda Valkyrie the flat hex engine rides like a dream. For the price of a Harley Davidson oil change you can get a timing belt and water pump changed on a Goldwing or Valkyrie.
Great video, Fellah. Nailed it. I am a very new rider, but I agree completely. You even stated a couple things that I always suspected. Thank you. I have recommended and shared your video to other family members and a friend so far.
you got it....I had my wife listen to your Harley rant last night and she was laughing her ass off as I was.....I'm looking at a 48 and also interested in their new Roadster....at 6'2" and 255, I'm afraid it might be too small, but man are they cool.
Billy Jackson I'm 6' 200 lbs. I think it looks small from a 3Rd person view but doesn't feel small. however I would just go for a Dyna instead OOF a sportsters. in particular the fat boy or low rider. They aren't too much more and you will be much more inclined to keep it.
Yeah, the dude at the Harley place says he's recommend a Wide Glide, but goddamn if they aren't expensive....Looking at Triumphs, too, but the sportsters are cool....You in Abbeville?
True stuff ....I bought an Iron 883cc 2017, I love it, But, your points are real ....spot on, $$$$$$$, attitudes......douchers ....more $$$$$$$...... you are exactly right..... telling the truth.... Harley you pay to ride one for sure !!!
Nice bike man, we're in the same boat. Hang in there. I did my first oil change but I buy my oil from harley and keep receipt.. I have same color same year/model. Even bought the sissy bar u had on that other video. Keep up the videos make your payments n love that bike. Lol. Gettin my slip ons after this weekend your videos are like better than any info I can find on my bike bro.
I own a Harley 1200 sport. It is a one of a kind for Harley with four spark plug heads. Mine is pretty reliable but Harley never honored their warranty. I bought a warranty and after the engine broke in it would not idle properly with the stock carb . Turns out they made the bike stock with up sized cams and an inferior carb.!They knew it and never fixed it. All they did was retard the timing and try to adjust the idle mixture. The bike knocked so bad I broke out my timing light and reset it to normal and re-jetted the carb and the bike has ran great for over fifty thousand miles of rain or shine weather. Never took the bike back for anything from the shitty dealer. As a matter of fact I have run car oil in the bike since seating the rings and the bike sounds quiet and smooth.
Love the vid man, All so true! Kinda random but so you have the link to those harley gloves you’re wearing?? I recently bought a crushed ice denim 48, overall a great bike besides the points you talk about!
excursion33 closest thing I could find. I'd suggest trying the sedici short perforated gloves ... Probably be cheaper but here's the Harley ones. mstore.harley-davidson.com/store/tailgater-full-finger-gloves
Two wide white wall tires and tubes with mount and balancing for me on a heritage was $600 so I think they ripped you off specifically on that one. A little Sportster tire is like $130 and an hours labor is $90.
Ive experienced a bit of #5. And like you said, its some sort of displacement shaming. I dunno. Its tough to hold a brand's customers against the brand itself.
Roman Nerez nice. Pretty soon I will be bikeless. Bills are too much and I need a car more. I’ll find a used dubs soon enough though. Thanks for watching.
hope you will get through and will have a bike you wish most , but the same thoughts visiting my brain , how can I afford HD in a time my income gets less...
I have a evo flhs , great bike but when it comes to Harley , if want there best bike that's bullet proof your on it, if wasn't so tall i'd have me a sporty , and there the only Harley after 1999 that still sounds like a Harley, that's why I bought an evo with a 6 speed, great bike ride safe , and the next person that calls it a girls bike just twist your throttle a little bit more and your be way out front with that bike, BE BLESSED.
jojojeep1 yea I like alot of older bikes.... problem is I can't save up $$ and financing on an old bike is near impossible... but I'm happy with my 48... once it's paid off I might even look at the 1250 kits and cams n stuff... but it's "sporty" enough for now. thanks for watching!
Cesar Orellana Yeah, if the dealer sells eBay products in the shop.... Moron. Go try and troll somewhere else you Honda fanboy. Never-had-a-Harley cause I'm a broke douche asswipe.
Cesar Orellana blah blah. All I can hear is you whining about Honda. I can afford any bike. I chose this one because I don't WANT to pay 30000. For a recreational motorcycle when I have three other cars. Dumbass
Once you get that thing paid off buy the book..you can keep that thing running for ever..the dealers rape you becouse they know it's a simple design and once you learn the basic mechanics of the machine you don't need them anymore.metric bikes last..but with harely there is wide selection of aftermarket parts you can get for them becouse there's a market for it..but with a metric bike over 20 years old you will be searching long and hard to find the simplest of parts.i learned that with my v65 sabre.
I know of some who are buying them for an image. What image? Overpriced, unreliable, 1950’s technology at 2019 prices, and yes, overpriced service. Who are these people that buy HD’s and try to modify them to be faster? WTF?
Also heard you talk about big harley basing little harley YA your right there too. They call em girl bikes. Sportsters 883's and 1200's are faster and ore reliable because they have the right kind of bottom end. My 1st Harley cost me $1900.00 it was two years old and never had a problem.
Yeah well its not just HDs that are so pricy a chevy truck or a ford truck back in the 80s only cost you about 13 grand give or take now they are 30 grand give or take the whole freaking auto & cycle industry is ridiculously over priced its insane how they have gotten so greedy
Harleys are like religions. It's all about sense of belonging rather than logic and practicality. It's more psychology than technology. That's why Harley riders, by large, behave a bit different when riding.
Japanese v twins air cooled are not even as powerful as a Harley and gas mileage they get about half. At least mine. Sportster motors go 100000 miles and need only top end work. But the dealers are all a$$$. Price for service is outrageous. They don’t even furnish bolts for license plate. Cost maybe 50cents to make but when I asked for them got quizzed on where I bought it, the bike. Didn’t want to give me the bolts. And I bought 2 at this dealer. Have never been to a dealer that wasn’t staffed with a bunch of jackasses. Boise idaho has been the best so far.
beardedforlife 129 for just the pad from Harley.... and it's not a great seat pad. And if you are that literal all the time.... Jesus good luck in life. I can find the seat, with pegs and hardware for most metric bikes for around 150$ for decent quality stuff.... Harley runs 130$ for seat pad and another 115$ for the most basic pegs. So almost double. Happy now, double the cost is still too much.
I want a Harley. I have money for a Harley. I'm 20. They are beautiful. They sound amazing. And guess what. I like em. I wanted a sport bike when I was 16 But I live in ohio.... so a car was more necessary. Can't wait to own one.
The riders are trash to begin with. They leak constantly. They’re slow as hell. My BMW 435 outruns em all day and it’s a basic sedan… Waaaay overpriced and underpowered compared to damn near anything else.
Everyone is light years ahead of Harley.. The only thing keeping them alive is the looks and the sound..their days are definitely numbered. They did good with the Vrod..I must say..jk. P.s. after the apocalypse..look for Hondas..they will last the longest..p.s.s. motorcycling is not a pissing contest..just go ride and stop hatin'..
Now now a Sportster is a decent bike but yet the fat ones are unreliable and too expensive BUT!! many Harley only owners hold dep hatred for Japanese and Euto bikes . HMMMM I ride anything, love all bikes.
Sounds like you have more of a personal finance probelm and not a Harley Problem? ! $ You do make valid points though. The problem is at the Dealer level. They Fuck you everytime with over priced service! Believe me they are not paying the mechanics $120.00 a hour. Harley should start to respect their customers or we will go elsewhere!
which would be wonderful, if I were in the used motorcycle business.. but for the average consumer resale value is of very little use. Most people dont buy a motorcycle with the intention of selling it, and by the time I sell mine, it will be worth very little because it's going to take years to pay it off... and a 6 year old sportster doesnt retail any where near what a new one does. Thanks for watching.
+Steve Percival. Me too. The Stealerships have you over a barrel as they require it to be worked on by their franchise with genuine parts that are sub-par with aftermarket. Best from NZ.
I don't understand - nobody put a gun to your head and forced you to buy it. Do your research before you buy and then buy the bike that fits your needs and budget. That being said, Harleys are not technologically advanced in comparison to most other makes. They are less reliable and are more expensive to service than most other makes. The one and only reason to buy a Harley that is not based on an emotional response is that you can rebuild a Harley motor even if it's 30 or 40 years old because parts are still available. The dealerships are snobbish and elitist in their attitude towards customers The riders themselves tend to be snobbish towards other makes and are often "posers = I'm a badass cause I drive a Harley." The bottom line is you can enjoy the open road on any make of bike and every bike has it's qualities that make it a great ride.
Of course no one held a gun to my head... I made a decision based on the excitement of riding a brand new bike... I chose unwisely. However I still enjoy the bike, any bike for that matter, and I think that once it is paid off my buyers remorse will be gone but.. the time between now and then is long. Thanks for watching and the well constructed comment.
RUBBER BAND DRIVE! MY SPORTSTER WAS THE LAST ON BEFORE THE RUBBER BANDS? EAT EM UP WITH A Kawasaki H1 500 triple! & A Kawasaki 900 quad: any day? But ya needed two or three of the to = the weight!😠😡🤬💀
never owned a Harley but I have friends that ride them. yep way too pricey. only one has called mine a ride burner but I bet he won't line up beside that Honda VTX 1800. lol
I watched this video and I am left wondering why you bought a Harley? You are right about a lot of points but wrong on others. I own Harleys and metrics because I like motorcycles. I Harley is a Harley. This just seems like you have buyers' remorse.
I have 883 ..three thousand six hundred miles leaking freaking oil from rocker seal and another Leak underneath .. I wanted a bigger bike but I’ll never own another rape bike never I had a Honda cm 450 drove it everywhere va to Ohio and back twice back and forth beach NC Never ever had a problem with it and will never get another H-D Harley sucks and that’s a fact The sound of HD is bs ..junk bike I feel like dragging behind a Vehicle and letting the insurance paying it off .. And getting Kawasaki Vulcan 2000cc .. %#£!! = Harley !
Refreshingly honest.Ive always felt the same but it means more coming from an actual owner.I got a brand new 2015 1800cc Suzuki M109r B.o.s.s. for $11500 out the door.I get both tires changed on my sport bike for $100.HD is ripping they customers off for sure.
Night Rider Awesome that you watched. I've been watching your channel for a long time man thanks.
Dego Motovlogs Oh wow glad to have ya.Great video i was laughing at the end.Keep that balls out attitude its what youtube needs😃
Night Rider No motorcycle should be above 10000 dollars in general. Freaking bikes are so damn expensive.
I'm a poor man and need to make my dollar stretch as far as it can go. That's why I ride a Yamaha R3 and avoid Harley like the plague.
Well Said. They are a bit pricey! although, if you absolutely have to have a harley they do make the "street" seires.. the street 500 and 750. That said, the Yamaha R3 is a wonderful place to start, and if you are not trying to get mental with speed, a decent place to stay. I started on a Ninja 300.
I rode my ZX-14R into a Harley dealer today and they looked at me like I was in the wrong place. Love the look of the 48, but the Indian Scout has way more performance. Liquid cooling allows for more performance. They can't tune air-cooled engines to be that hot. I'm not saying I won't buy a 48, but still. I told the HD dealer that I was looking at an Indian or an HD, and he said "nobody every gets a Victory or Indian tattoo on their arm". True, true. Then I overheard him tell a coworker that he's going to go take a 45 minute dump, so that by the time he's done, it'll be time to go home for the day, hahaha.
Yep, HD' S still rank #5 in reliability although they're beautiful over priced iron horses but a rip off when it come to accessories, parts, maintenance and apparel etc.
It's funny, they are #1 in price, but #5 in reliability.
I was reading a Consumer Reports that rank H-D as #8 or reliability and cost to maintain.
My 82 virago still runs like new after having 8 owners of abuse. My dads 79 sportster barely can do 60 without something breaking or a part falling off. He needs to tighten tons of bolts every time He takes it out. Screw Harley, I’m going Yamaha for life. Harley needs new management and they need it fast. There is not much time left for them.
I ride a Honda Phantom and could care less what other people think especially Harley riders. I wave at scooters cause we are all on 2 wheels. Enjoy your ride man. You have a nice bike simple as that.
FYERFlGHTER Sin
I agree. I also own Hondas along with my Harleys and ride anything with 2 wheels and an engine. I believe in ride what you want. But I get tired of people whining about Harleys. If you don't want one, don't buy one. If you can't afford one, don't buy one. But please don't whine about it. Just ride and enjoy life. It is shorter than you think no matter how young you are.
overpriced world of nostalgia
The best Harley-Davison is a clone from China and Donald Trump put high tariffs on the better quality copycats, now the Chinese put tariffs on the orignal piece of shits that comes from America.
I USED to think Harley riders were a bunch of DICKS for never waving back on the road, then I rode a Harley, and realized for myself they wobble like a mother fucker the second you take a hand off the bars. They're NOT being rude, they're just trying not to crash that insanely overpriced piece of shit.
LOL best youtube reply of all time. :)
I knew there was a reason why I didn't buy a Harley. Think he covered it
Personally, I feel the metric bikes like Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha are more reliable and dependable. Some of the metric bikes that were purchased during the 1990's to date are still on the road. My question is: How many Harley's are still on the road at that age???
Very good points. That's why I got a Yamaha.
MrCaptainCrazy
Right on dude, I’ve owned every brand and lots of different models, Hardley Worthavisons fail in every category. The owners ride 10 miles a year and think they’re billy badass. With that said, I currently ride a 1200 sportster, I like my farm implement.
I know how you feel, I had an 09 1200. I finally got fed up and got a kawasaki z1000. Better, more smooth and less leg burning in every way.
NO GRAVITY IT JUST SUCKS! NEVER COMPRESSES OR TURNS!
he brings up a lot of valid points they are overpriced, their performance is not good, they have high repair costs, their accessories are out to get more money from customers. So why do they have the most marketshare? great marketing, deep history which started to take off helping the military, also the sound it goes back to kids who used to make noise from their pedal bikes.
Only 5 reasons? Aside from being too expensive, too heavy and poor by almost every criteria for a motorcycle. When I started biking in the 70's Harley riders went on about "made in the USA" and they'd never buy a "rice burner". Well for the past 30 years Harleys have had (cheap) Japanese forks and virtually every accessory is made in China. The Street 750 models we get in the UK are made in India!
Harley sell a lifestyle, almost a cult, the bikes are almost incidental and just a way to get you into buying all the Harley branded clothing and accessories which is where they make their money.
I'm also amused that most HD owners spend $000's customising their bikes to make them look different, and yet 90% of the owners dress in the same stereotypical Harley "style"!
In the UK 99% of Harley riders don't acknowledge non-Harley riders out on the road. I guess they are too busy looking "cool" in their open faced helmets, bandannas and wrap around shades straight out of the Harley catalogue, even though it's only 50 degrees F.
In Europe it's better, you'll generally get the usual low-V-sign, and they will talk to you at cafes etc. whereas in the UK they get into their little HOG huddle and ignore other bikers. Personally I'm fine with that, I don't want to spend my life discussing "custom parts" (Chinese chrome) and playing spot-the-difference between Harley models. (you paint something a different shade of black and it's a new model, really?)
Simoncelli 58 Yep. Today made in the USA is a bit over rated anyway. I've heard that slot of Harley parts actually come from Mexico . I think bikes made in UK have a much higher appeal. (Love Norton) although they are generally expensive too compared to Japanese bikes (around 20K USD or more ) Lol thanks for watching.
Really appreciate how honest and straightforward you are . I got a second hand BMW they are over priced as well.
Harleys most powerful engine makes the same HP as my $1500 CBR... not to mention i'll catch a Vrod by the end of second gear, out of 6... it's time they update their engines. Nobody wants a bike that slow, with that high of displacement vibrating itself to pieces.
Jordan Erickson well i got news for ya harley is not about speed but about the ride and comfortable travel , and yes maybe a little bit faster would be nice but than you upgrade it !!
Comparing a Harley to a CBR is akin to an apple and an orange.
HD sells an image. For the price they charge, the customer is not getting his money’s worth. The purchase of a HD is only the beginning of the thousands you will end up spending to keep it running.
Personally i am not a fan of Harley. I have many bikes and have owned some Harley's but i've never kept any
Currently i have:
2002 Yamaha v star 650 (wife's bike)
2002 Yamaha v star 1100 (we take these out when we ride together)
1948 Indian Chief (don't ride much, just there for the collection)
2003 Indian Chief
2010 Indian Chief Bomber
2014 Indian Chief Vintage (full stage 1 & 2 completed)
2007 Victory Jackpot Arlen Ness Edition (looks incredible)
2005 Honda CBR 600 F4i (at 52, i still can't bring myself to sell this)
This year we were planning on buying new bikes, its that time
My wife likes the 2018 Harley Heritage Softail, but its $22,500. My wife is short, 5'2, so she needed some adjustments (narrower seat, relocated kickstand) they wanted almost $1000 to relocate the kickstand and shave the seat to make it narrower) bringing the total to almost $24,000. I told her to fuck that and took her to Yamaha, I showed her the new 2017 Yamaha v star 1300 deluxe, she can have a faring with navigation and a sound system for $14,000. and that is all in, out the door.
I am also looking for a new bike, i had it narrowed to the 2018 Harley Street Glide Special, the 2018 Indian Chieftain Limited and the 2018 Yamaha Star Eluder with the 113CI engine.
Harley was $32,500
Yamaha was $24,000
Indian was $24,500
Harley lost out on both, we have not yet purchased, but my wife has decided to go with the 2017 Yamaha v star 1300 Deluxe, she is saving $10,000 on the bike and getting herself full stage 1 exhaust with a high flow air filter.
I am still deciding between the Yamaha and the Indian but the Harley is a definite no again.
I think it will be the Indian Chieftain limited .
Had we gone with Harley for the 2 bikes, it would have cost us $56,000 and thats with no upgrades.
my wife is paying $15,300 all in including her upgraded exhaust and airflow.
I will be paying $28,000 for the 2018 Indian Chieftain Limited and thats all in including stage 1 Rinehart pipes and Indian HiFlow air intake along with the stage 3 big bore 116" upgrade.
That totals $43,000, if fact, the dealership owns the Indian store and a yamaha dealership and said if we get both from then, they will take another $1500 off bring the total to $41,500, or $39,000 if i go with the 2 Yamaha's.
Either way i go, 100% sure i will not be getting a Harley. Almost $15,000 more for a lesser quality bike and 0 upgrades.
exhaust upgrades on the 2 Harley's would have been $3,200 installed + $1,800 for hi flow air breathers installed bringing my total to $56,000 + $3,200 + $1,800 + $700 for Doc fee = $61,700
So...tell me agan shy i should buy a Harley and spend $20,200 more???
This is why Harley is going down, over priced bikes, over priced service and over priced parts.
Go to hell Harley!!
And a heads up Skycycles just had a guy bring back a used electra glide with a totally blown engine. I'm not sure, but where it blew looked like a cam chain adjuster. I am through with Harley, Gonna get a Yamaha 1700 road warrior.
Metric bikes all the way! My 40year old XS650 doesn't rumble down the road, but it actually feels like a bike not an overweight two wheel car. My service overhead comes down to the cost of gas, oil, brake pads, rubber and an occasional battery and a little of my time. Don't be hypnotized by the HD Cult. Ride whatever you want and enjoy it.
FYI: Royal Enfield (India) makes a couple clean classic 650 parallel twins for under $7k if you know how to shop it, cause I believe Triumph is trying to fill the void for a lot of millennial riders, unfortunately like Harley they too are overpriced and not even made in Britain anymore.
Hehe funny that your voice shakes a lot. It reminds me what a motorcycle mechanic told me today:
I used to work on Harley's, but they shake so much that every bolt and stuff gets broken.
Changed to cobra pipes on my VS 1400. It sounds like a beast now.
The 4 1200 Sportsters i owner were cheap to own, oil, tires, spark plugs, reliable
Yes dealers are called stealers
If someone wants a Harley, the key is to buy an older used one. You can pick up a good used one for pretty cheap, mine was only 2200. It's 15 years old and I had to fix a few things like fuel line, plugs, new brake pads, battery. But at its core, it's built like a tank and mechanically the evo sportsters are very good.
Ive had 19 bikes scince i got my licence in 79 . 15 hondas , 3 suzukis and 1 Ducati ( loved this bike ) . Ive tried several Harleys up through the years . And with my hand on my heart , i would NEVER buy a Harley ! Overpriced , slow , shitty brakes , vibrates like hell , noisey as hell , no fucking power , parts falling off due to vibration , and just uncomfortable to ride ! and P.S. =Do you know why there called Harleys ??? Cause the word SHIT was already taken !
And when you do bring it in to Harley for warranty work on a known common issue, they pull out all the stops to avoid covering it under the factory warranty and try and convince you that an extended warranty is treated differently so you should purchase that. #fuckHD
Many bikes, including H-D, can become expensive moto enthusiasms, including the extra mods and maintenance. I've noticed the past couple of years that many new bikes in the $10,000+ range are holding their value better and longer in the market too. Thousands can be saved by getting a newer, low mileage, 'new to me' moto and a title.
Agreed, but I dont have the funds or the credit line to normally purchase second hand, whereas normally financing is pretty easy from a dealer especially for a new bike.. Thanks for Watching Good Points.
I ride a Kawasaki Vulcan 2000...eats Harley’s
With the sport bike world your insurance will be through the roof!
Good video man
Welp, in typical Harley fashion, you can burn more of your money on scream' eagle stage 4 kit…
What exhaust is on there? Sounds good. Sounds beefy but not too loud.
I own a 1980 Honda Gold Wing 1100 very dependable bike extremely comfortable bike. I love it.
The first service with checking if the bolts are tight is a normal thing. You'll have that on any new bike. The bolts and nuts tend to loosen on any bike through engine vibration.
But generally I do agree with you, the Harley's suck. Not worth buying if you're not mechanically minded otherwise they cost a fortune
I just bought a used Superlow 883 two weeks ago. I am still in the first flush of love with it, but I cannot argue with you on most of the points you made. I guess I just like the Harley name and mystique, which is why this was my first motorbike.
I had the most beautiful Harley in North Dakota traded it for an M109R then traded that on the advice of the local police for a Kawasaki Vulcan 900
The bike not the family lol I am looking at an Indian Darkhorse . They are soo sick
Justin Rojas Yea. If I could muster up the cash I like Dark horses a lot... kinda heavy tho
Martin Cvitkovich Shut the fuck up
I have a Harley clone, a Yamaha bolt. bought new with a transferable 5 year warranty. out the door was still cheaper than the Harley. and I am not required to take it in at 600 miles to pay hundreds of dollars to get it " checked out" I bought one new Harley....once.
Harley-Davidson make some pretty bikes but they price gouge their customers on everything to me I don't think that's good at all me myself I ride an M109R and I love it. My take on it everything cost whether it's good or bad the question is are you happy with what you spend on? Right now the Japanese bikes and makers are giving you more bang for your buck. I'd rather crack the throttle than to shatter my wallet. And for the ones talkin that HD is the American bike......hmmm thats why they are closing an American plant to build in Mexico lol. Dont be brainwashed by a corporate ,nothing is truely American anymore so wake up people. I like all bikes everyone makes nice bikes, ride what makes you happy. Peace.
Want a bike engined cruiser get a Honda Valkyrie the flat hex engine rides like a dream. For the price of a Harley Davidson oil change you can get a timing belt and water pump changed on a Goldwing or Valkyrie.
Great video, Fellah. Nailed it. I am a very new rider, but I agree completely. You even stated a couple things that I always suspected. Thank you. I have recommended and shared your video to other family members and a friend so far.
Your videos are both informative and hilarious.....Didn't take long for me to recognize you're a Cajun. Was born in Baton Rouge.
Billy Jackson Indeed. I'm from Vermilion parish. pretty much as Cajun as it gets. Thanks for watching bud.
you got it....I had my wife listen to your Harley rant last night and she was laughing her ass off as I was.....I'm looking at a 48 and also interested in their new Roadster....at 6'2" and 255, I'm afraid it might be too small, but man are they cool.
Billy Jackson I'm 6' 200 lbs. I think it looks small from a 3Rd person view but doesn't feel small. however I would just go for a Dyna instead OOF a sportsters. in particular the fat boy or low rider. They aren't too much more and you will be much more inclined to keep it.
Yeah, the dude at the Harley place says he's recommend a Wide Glide, but goddamn if they aren't expensive....Looking at Triumphs, too, but the sportsters are cool....You in Abbeville?
Billy Jackson *near Abbeville
The price is what you pay to enter the Harley Club, that's what you pay for to enter the Harley culture.
True stuff ....I bought an Iron 883cc 2017, I love it, But, your points are real ....spot on, $$$$$$$, attitudes......douchers ....more $$$$$$$...... you are exactly right..... telling the truth.... Harley you pay to ride one for sure !!!
k carr Indubitably. Thanks for watching.
Yeah... Harley’s look fuckin dope... but I’m gonna start off with a Honda Shadow as a beginner
Honestly mate, they have us by the balls!!! And what do we do!!???
We keep coming back for more!! What the....
Nice bike man, we're in the same boat. Hang in there. I did my first oil change but I buy my oil from harley and keep receipt.. I have same color same year/model. Even bought the sissy bar u had on that other video. Keep up the videos make your payments n love that bike. Lol. Gettin my slip ons after this weekend your videos are like better than any info I can find on my bike bro.
Amen man! Years later and your comments hold up! Great video.
I own a Harley 1200 sport. It is a one of a kind for Harley with four spark plug heads. Mine is pretty reliable but Harley never honored their warranty. I bought a warranty and after the engine broke in it would not idle properly with the stock carb . Turns out they made the bike stock with up sized cams and an inferior carb.!They knew it and never fixed it. All they did was retard the timing and try to adjust the idle mixture. The bike knocked so bad I broke out my timing light and reset it to normal and re-jetted the carb and the bike has ran great for over fifty thousand miles of rain or shine weather. Never took the bike back for anything from the shitty dealer. As a matter of fact I have run car oil in the bike since seating the rings and the bike sounds quiet and smooth.
Love the vid man, All so true! Kinda random but so you have the link to those harley gloves you’re wearing?? I recently bought a crushed ice denim 48, overall a great bike besides the points you talk about!
excursion33 closest thing I could find. I'd suggest trying the sedici short perforated gloves ... Probably be cheaper but here's the Harley ones. mstore.harley-davidson.com/store/tailgater-full-finger-gloves
That's why I brought a lightly used one with low miles on it.
Many wanabees buy a Harley and get scared or put only a few miles on it a year.
I agree with you about Harley riders.
Two wide white wall tires and tubes with mount and balancing for me on a heritage was $600 so I think they ripped you off specifically on that one. A little Sportster tire is like $130 and an hours labor is $90.
and I just bought one I feel your pain lol
Ive experienced a bit of #5. And like you said, its some sort of displacement shaming. I dunno. Its tough to hold a brand's customers against the brand itself.
First lesson never buy from Harley dealership
I just loved that rant mate - funny as hell. and a lot of true stuff.
You made a good purchase, man. Id love to have a Harley sportster 48. They're fucking sweet.
I own HD Dyna Wide Glide 2017, I love that bike, but I agree and I can confirm almost everything you said :)))
Roman Nerez nice. Pretty soon I will be bikeless. Bills are too much and I need a car more. I’ll find a used dubs soon enough though. Thanks for watching.
hope you will get through and will have a bike you wish most , but the same thoughts visiting my brain , how can I afford HD in a time my income gets less...
I have a evo flhs , great bike but when it comes to Harley , if want there best bike that's bullet proof your on it, if wasn't so tall i'd have me a sporty , and there the only Harley after 1999 that still sounds like a Harley, that's why I bought an evo with a 6 speed, great bike ride safe , and the next person that calls it a girls bike just twist your throttle a little bit more and your be way out front with that bike, BE BLESSED.
jojojeep1 yea I like alot of older bikes.... problem is I can't save up $$ and financing on an old bike is near impossible... but I'm happy with my 48... once it's paid off I might even look at the 1250 kits and cams n stuff... but it's "sporty" enough for now. thanks for watching!
"any accesories from harley cost 5x as much " while wearing harley branded gloves......
lol they came with the bike, and they tore after a few weeks of light use. Thanks for watching.
Can't beat free!
Cesar Orellana Yeah, if the dealer sells eBay products in the shop.... Moron. Go try and troll somewhere else you Honda fanboy. Never-had-a-Harley cause I'm a broke douche asswipe.
Cesar Orellana blah blah. All I can hear is you whining about Honda. I can afford any bike. I chose this one because I don't WANT to pay 30000. For a recreational motorcycle when I have three other cars. Dumbass
Once you get that thing paid off buy the book..you can keep that thing running for ever..the dealers rape you becouse they know it's a simple design and once you learn the basic mechanics of the machine you don't need them anymore.metric bikes last..but with harely there is wide selection of aftermarket parts you can get for them becouse there's a market for it..but with a metric bike over 20 years old you will be searching long and hard to find the simplest of parts.i learned that with my v65 sabre.
Hes forgetting the price of all the oil that is leaking all the time.
I know of some who are buying them for an image. What image? Overpriced, unreliable, 1950’s technology at 2019 prices, and yes, overpriced service.
Who are these people that buy HD’s and try to modify them to be faster? WTF?
Where'd you go? I wanted to sub. Haven't seen any recent videos. Hopefully didn't meet your Demise
Also heard you talk about big harley basing little harley YA your right there too. They call em girl bikes. Sportsters 883's and 1200's are faster and ore reliable because they have the right kind of bottom end. My 1st Harley cost me $1900.00 it was two years old and never had a problem.
Michael Smith More fun to ride on my opinion also... Thanks for watching.
Yeah well its not just HDs that are so pricy a chevy truck or a ford truck back in the 80s only cost you about 13 grand give or take now they are 30 grand give or take the whole freaking auto & cycle industry is ridiculously over priced its insane how they have gotten so greedy
Amen I've only had metric but my family rides Harley and to me they suck
Harleys are like religions. It's all about sense of belonging rather than logic and practicality. It's more psychology than technology. That's why Harley riders, by large, behave a bit different when riding.
Japanese v twins air cooled are not even as powerful as a Harley and gas mileage they get about half. At least mine. Sportster motors go 100000 miles and need only top end work. But the dealers are all a$$$. Price for service is outrageous. They don’t even furnish bolts for license plate. Cost maybe 50cents to make but when I asked for them got quizzed on where I bought it, the bike. Didn’t want to give me the bolts. And I bought 2 at this dealer. Have never been to a dealer that wasn’t staffed with a bunch of jackasses. Boise idaho has been the best so far.
The Sportster is the only real reliable Harley
5x as much? the passenger pad for my harley was $120. I don't think that's 5x
beardedforlife 129 for just the pad from Harley.... and it's not a great seat pad. And if you are that literal all the time.... Jesus good luck in life. I can find the seat, with pegs and hardware for most metric bikes for around 150$ for decent quality stuff.... Harley runs 130$ for seat pad and another 115$ for the most basic pegs. So almost double. Happy now, double the cost is still too much.
I want a Harley. I have money for a Harley. I'm 20. They are beautiful. They sound amazing. And guess what. I like em. I wanted a sport bike when I was 16 But I live in ohio.... so a car was more necessary. Can't wait to own one.
That “girls bike” shit is so dumb it made me order a personalized license plate (GRL BKE) for my sportster
I enjoy my honda fury blue chopper
The riders are trash to begin with.
They leak constantly.
They’re slow as hell. My BMW 435 outruns em all day and it’s a basic sedan…
Waaaay overpriced and underpowered compared to damn near anything else.
LOL at "2017 Ford Pinto"
People buy Harley's for their looks and sound. And shaking lol.
They are not very comfortable to ride
Great points
Everyone is light years ahead of Harley.. The only thing keeping them alive is the looks and the sound..their days are definitely numbered. They did good with the Vrod..I must say..jk. P.s. after the apocalypse..look for Hondas..they will last the longest..p.s.s. motorcycling is not a pissing contest..just go ride and stop hatin'..
Now now a Sportster is a decent bike but yet the fat ones are unreliable and too expensive BUT!! many Harley only owners hold dep hatred for Japanese and Euto bikes . HMMMM I ride anything, love all bikes.
Sorry you got burned. Lesson learned. The hell with Harley Davidson.
Sounds like you have more of a personal finance probelm and not a Harley Problem? ! $ You do make valid points though. The problem is at the Dealer level. They Fuck you everytime with over priced service! Believe me they are not paying the mechanics $120.00 a hour. Harley should start to respect their customers or we will go elsewhere!
Sheesh you got ripped on that 48. My local dealer walks them out the door, after tax, for about 10,400.
Bruce Wayne bad credit.... really bad credit. lol thanks for watching
***** hey, at least you got a bike though. Props on that.
yea, plus the bike is making my credit go up.. maybe eventually i'll be able to afford another bike..
Don't drink the Kool-Aid!
Erik too late!
I bought a used iron sportster for $4k and it is in perfect condition
i hate harely owners who hate on sportsters. harley sportster, blowing big twins away since 1957
I love Harleys .....sportsters blow
They got good resale value tho
which would be wonderful, if I were in the used motorcycle business.. but for the average consumer resale value is of very little use. Most people dont buy a motorcycle with the intention of selling it, and by the time I sell mine, it will be worth very little because it's going to take years to pay it off... and a 6 year old sportster doesnt retail any where near what a new one does. Thanks for watching.
Dego Motovlogs all my hogs ive brought 2nd hand and always do my own mechanics -greetings from NZ
+Steve Percival. Me too. The Stealerships have you over a barrel as they require it to be worked on by their franchise with genuine parts that are sub-par with aftermarket. Best from NZ.
I don't understand - nobody put a gun to your head and forced you to buy it. Do your research before you buy and then buy the bike that fits your needs and budget. That being said, Harleys are not technologically advanced in comparison to most other makes. They are less reliable and are more expensive to service than most other makes. The one and only reason to buy a Harley that is not based on an emotional response is that you can rebuild a Harley motor even if it's 30 or 40 years old because parts are still available. The dealerships are snobbish and elitist in their attitude towards customers The riders themselves tend to be snobbish towards other makes and are often "posers = I'm a badass cause I drive a Harley." The bottom line is you can enjoy the open road on any make of bike and every bike has it's qualities that make it a great ride.
Of course no one held a gun to my head... I made a decision based on the excitement of riding a brand new bike... I chose unwisely. However I still enjoy the bike, any bike for that matter, and I think that once it is paid off my buyers remorse will be gone but.. the time between now and then is long. Thanks for watching and the well constructed comment.
'The price is stupid"...yet he bought one brand new..duhhhh
RUBBER BAND DRIVE!
MY SPORTSTER WAS THE LAST ON BEFORE THE RUBBER BANDS?
EAT EM UP WITH A Kawasaki H1 500 triple!
&
A Kawasaki 900 quad: any day? But ya needed two or three of the to = the weight!😠😡🤬💀
never owned a Harley but I have friends that ride them. yep way too pricey. only one has called mine a ride burner but I bet he won't line up beside that Honda VTX 1800. lol
Harley is just a shirt selling company that makes a nice looking decent bikes thats overprice
Love the video...all true
I rather buy a used R6 any day and I do all my own repairs just save cash fuck the harley name
Do dealers give fair trade in value
I watched this video and I am left wondering why you bought a Harley? You are right about a lot of points but wrong on others. I own Harleys and metrics because I like motorcycles. I Harley is a Harley.
This just seems like you have buyers' remorse.
3
I have 883 ..three thousand six hundred miles leaking freaking oil from rocker seal and another
Leak underneath .. I wanted a bigger bike but I’ll never own another rape bike never
I had a Honda cm 450 drove it everywhere va to Ohio and back twice back and forth beach NC
Never ever had a problem with it and will never get another H-D
Harley sucks and that’s a fact
The sound of HD is bs ..junk bike I feel like dragging behind a Vehicle and letting the insurance paying it off ..
And getting Kawasaki Vulcan 2000cc .. %#£!! = Harley !
great video.
Amen!