Harley Harley Harley Harley Harley

[chucks1911]

I've never been a brand loyal kind of guy. Grew up in the 70s hotrodding both Chevys and Fords. Still do that, as a matter of fact. Never really understood the guys who limited themselves to one brand, anyway.

I dont understand the cost difference issue. Its shrunken so much that it really plays no part in the process anymore, at least to me.

When buying this year, I rode the Victory cross country multiple times, Voyagers numerous times, and an HD Ultra Classic. Following are my "takes" on them.

All had "clunky" transmissions. The Victory was the worse though.

Victory- just didnt "feel" right to me. Little to no aftermarket support. I was used to that, coming off my Nomad. The Cross Country Tour was within a couple of hundred dollars of the HD. As long as you liked red or black, you were good to go. The 3 dealers that I talked to would NOT come off the MSRP. And insulted me on the trade in offer for my Nomad.

Voyager- It was okay. Started off with an MSRP about 3000 less than the HD. The 3 area dealers were wedded to the MSRP like the Victory guys.............probably had something to do with the fact that two of them were the same dealers as the Victory guys. I could not make myself like the color choices though. Could not. My Nomad was black, and I live on a gravel road. Too hard to keep clean. Little to no aftermarket support again.

HD- Was a little "small" (I'm 6ft 2in and 265) I knew that I could address that with all the aftermarket and dealership support. I didnt feel as cramped as the victory made me feel though. Dang near any color you want. Much, much aftermarket support. Willing to deal on the price. Dealerships everywhere in case you're on the road and need something. A new Ultra classic for $20,000 out the door.

This may not count for some people, but its likely why I'll be staying with HD. Buying the HD was like being brought into a family. Why do you think HD riders travel to other states and dealerships to buy a T-shirt? Laugh and mock me if you feel the need. But caring about you after the purchase counts for something to me. Sure, they count on that, knowing that you will spend $$$ on aftermarket stuff through them. But who really rides a completely stock bike?

[Top Cat]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

With all due respect, I wasn't asking you, Gerry.

I'm sure Spoon059 is a big boy and can explain himself. I just want to hear what he has to say.

I was wondering how Gerry's attempt at smoothing things over for the new guy was going to hit you.
We have a new peace keeper on board
On another note, stay calm CJ, you are a Harley rider on a Kawasaki forum

[trip]

You guys know my motto.... Live and Let Live. I've always said that it's your money and you're a big boy... do what you want and I'll never second guess. My opinion on things may not apply in your case and visa versa. I can only go off of my experiences and facts as they apply to me. Pushing my way of life and my opinions off on others is not my style.

Having that said...I've ridden just about every brand of motorcycle there is (except for BMW and Moto Guzzi). I certainly don't consider myself the authority on motorcycle brands, but I know what works and doesn't work for me.

It's interesting that we keep bringing up the caveats of the Harley tho. I've been a member of the Blue Knights for 5 years. Talk about Harley pressure. I've been there many times... even to the point of being ridiculed for owning a Nomad in front of everyone in a meeting. They were kidding of course, but ridiculed none the less.

So, what's my opinion on Harley's and other brands? Because of my position in the VBA, I don't want to sway anyone's opinions or alienate anyone. Every motorcycle has its drawbacks...because each of us is different. But, next time we're talking one-on-one, based off of talking to various owners and doing the research...I'll tell you what I think is the premiere bike, IMHO.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by trip

You guys know my motto.... Live and Let Live. I've always said that it's your money and you're a big boy... do what you want and I'll never second guess. My opinion on things may not apply in your case and visa versa. I can only go off of my experiences and facts as they apply to me. Pushing my way of life and my opinions off on others is not my style.

Having that said...I've ridden just about every brand of motorcycle there is (except for BMW and Moto Guzzi). I certainly don't consider myself the authority on motorcycle brands, but I know what works and doesn't work for me.

It's interesting that we keep bringing up the caveats of the Harley tho. I've been a member of the Blue Knights for 5 years. Talk about Harley pressure. I've been there many times... even to the point of being ridiculed for owning a Nomad in front of everyone in a meeting. They were kidding of course, but ridiculed none the less.

So, what's my opinion on Harley's and other brands? Because of my position in the VBA, I don't want to sway anyone's opinions or alienate anyone. Every motorcycle has its drawbacks...because each of us is different. But, next time we're talking one-on-one, based off of talking to various owners and doing the research...I'll tell you what I think is the premiere bike, IMHO.

Trip... you can tell me. What's the best bike?

On a more serious note... A variety of bikes is fun and more interesting.

If I had it my way, I would have about 20 bikes (and other such vehicles) in my garage now.

Lastly, when I bought my HD in 2009, I was given a ration of crap by many on this site... some of which now own a HD themselves.

I was defensive at first... then realized it is a futile battle. However, I never did like "mis-information" being stated by people about any bike. It would serve everyone well if "we" wouldn't continue to spread information that is not based on facts or actual experience. Simply repeating what you think or what you hear is not doing anyone any good.

Just for the record... my HD has not had any more problems than any other bike I have owned except a Kawasaki 500 I owned. The 500 never had any problems, and I wish I still had it in my small collection. That bike was a riot to ride...

[ponch]

Originally Posted by chucks1911

But who really rides a completely stock bike?

For the most part, I do.

[trip]

Originally Posted by ponch

For the most part, I do.

So do I.

[trip]

Originally Posted by glwilson

Trip... you can tell me. What's the best bike?

PM me.

[Fooch]

Geez. Didn't mean to start a war. I know HD owners are highly devoted to their bikes as most of us are. And I never said they were a bad bike. It just didn't fit me. I was ready to plop down the money to buy one and was hoping it was everything they said it would be. For me it wasn't. And the difference in price is about $9K for the Ultra and Voyager.
Funny though as after I made the original post, I completed an online survey that Kawasaki sent me about my bike even though I've owned it since Aug 2011. And one of the questions was something about 'Is image an important factor with your bike'. I think that's what HD relies on. They've built themselves a tremendous image as the All American bike and it's paid off for them. I just don't buy into the image thing, again, it's not my thing. The Voyager is the first bike I've owned in almost 30 years. I love the looks, ride, styling, you name it. Will I 'feel the love' at a Kawasaki dealership and stop at everyone I pass as well as plan my trips around them? Probably not. Can I buy a thong for my dog with a Kawasaki logo on it? Don't think so. But that's not why I bought it.

[trip]

Originally Posted by glwilson

Trip... you can tell me. What's the best bike?

On a more serious note... A variety of bikes is fun and more interesting.

If I had it my way, I would have about 20 bikes (and other such vehicles) in my garage now.

Lastly, when I bought my HD in 2009, I was given a ration of crap by many on this site... some of which now own a HD themselves.

I was defensive at first... then realized it is a futile battle. However, I never did like "mis-information" being stated by people about any bike. It would serve everyone well if "we" wouldn't continue to spread information that is not based on facts or actual experience. Simply repeating what you think or what you hear is not doing anyone any good.

Just for the record... my HD has not had any more problems than any other bike I have owned except a Kawasaki 500 I owned. The 500 never had any problems, and I wish I still had it in my small collection. That bike was a riot to ride...

I agree Greg.... mis-information is not really welcome here. All it does is misinform and cause strife. If I were wealthy, I'd have a warehouse full of Corvettes, muscle cars of all brands and every motorcycle I feel would be worth having. And that would probably include a Screaming Eagle Road King, but, alas, I'm not wealthy.

I kick myself for a lot of things in life.... one of them is selling my 1963 2-door Chevy Impala and selling a 1998 Honda Magna that I loved to ride and travel on.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Top Cat

I was wondering how Gerry's attempt at smoothing things over for the new guy was going to hit you.
We have a new peace keeper on board
On another note, stay calm CJ, you are a Harley rider on a Kawasaki forum

That may be, but all I am asking is for someone making an ignorant, blanket statement to back up his assertion with some facts. I want to know what he knows that Mitch, Al, Chuck, Dave, myself and everyone else here that rides a Harley apparently doesn't know.

Trip, I'm not trying to ram Harley Davidson down anybody's throat. I am 100% satisfied with my decision to buy one and am happy to tell anyone that who asks. I just have a problem with somebody making a derogatory statement like that without some explanation.

[R_W_B]

Originally Posted by Fooch

. . . . . . . .
I like mine way better. I still don't get the CD player. When we got back from the test ride, I didn't even bother finding out what their deal would be. So I guess I'll be ridiculed by the guys in my club forever. I won't be 'welcomed' and feel the love at Harley dealerships everywhere I go, as one guy said, and I won't have to stop at every Harley dealership I pass, as they do, but I'll still love what I ride.

Originally Posted by redjay

"So I guess I'll be ridiculed by the guys in my club forever".
Misery loves company (g).

Ha, I know you guys are being purposely facetious, I had some Harley friends rib me when I bought my Nomad. It ain't nothin can't be handled. The best one I ever heard was when I asked one them to tell what he disliked about Kawas. He said the first letter was K.

Originally Posted by ponch

The new nomad is over 16K now, which puts it in a different price class from the old one.

Newer bikes of all brands go up every year. My new Nomad MSRP'd for $15,500 (or was it 15,700?). The same year Road King MSRP'd for somewhere round $18,000 can't remember for sure the MSRP on the RK. But the "go in and sit down best Out the Door offer" from Harley on the RK was $20,200.

I bought my Nomad for $14,000 out the door.

It was just a better deal for me and of course I like the Nomad quite a bit.

chucks1911, I never heard of buying an Ultra Classic for $20,000, but a dealer's inventory will cause things to happen. Now if I had seen an offer like that, I might would have gone the extra 6 grand cause I do love those Ultras. But honestly even as nice looking as they are with their stylish Pizza Boxes on the back etc, I rode an Ultra once and it didn't really ride any more comfortable (to me) than my Nomad.

And Trip, I did not know the Blue Knights were that way on Harleys (nor did I know you used to be (or are) in law enforcement since I'm pretty sure that's a requirement of the Blue Knights.

But I did know the Nam Knights ( a Viet Nam Veterans MC ) requires that you ride a Harley or at least a custom that resembles the Harley style. I think it's tied to a buy American thing.

But a very large percentage of the parts on a Harley are made in Mexico and overseas. And it's been proven with "any" corporation local or abroad, that what profit is not reinvested to the manufacturing can end up in "any" market investment, local or foreign. That is what happen to the old US Steel mills.

But since Vulcans stopped manufacturing in the US sometime back, I guess they do have a point there. Maybe someday we can make it worth Kawa's effort to bring Vulcan production back to the US and create more US jobs.

The Combat Vets Motorcycle Association is not that way. You just have to own a bike of a certain CC size. There are guys in the CVMA with all kinds of bikes.

Ride free, and ride what you want, it's like J.C. Wentworth said, "It's your money".

[trip]

Originally Posted by R_W_B

And Trip, I did not know the Blue Knights were that way on Harleys (nor did I know you used to be (or are) in law enforcement since I'm pretty sure that's a requirement of the Blue Knights.

I'm an Honorary member of the Blue Knights, Texas Chapter 34. I'm not in Law Enforcement. I was invited to join. I know you're going to laugh, but they invited me for the purpose of becoming their Road Captain to take them on trips and show their members how to ride. The brass felt their membership needed more riding experience.

Most of the membership owns and rides a Harley, that's why I get ribbed a lot. I just laugh when they give me a hard time. Nobody else can boast being the founder of a 2,400 member International motorcycle club.

[smbke]

Originally Posted by chucks1911

I've never been a brand loyal kind of guy. Grew up in the 70s hotrodding both Chevys and Fords. Still do that, as a matter of fact. Never really understood the guys who limited themselves to one brand, anyway.

I dont understand the cost difference issue. Its shrunken so much that it really plays no part in the process anymore, at least to me.

When buying this year, I rode the Victory cross country multiple times, Voyagers numerous times, and an HD Ultra Classic. Following are my "takes" on them.

All had "clunky" transmissions. The Victory was the worse though.

Victory- just didnt "feel" right to me. Little to no aftermarket support. I was used to that, coming off my Nomad. The Cross Country Tour was within a couple of hundred dollars of the HD. As long as you liked red or black, you were good to go. The 3 dealers that I talked to would NOT come off the MSRP. And insulted me on the trade in offer for my Nomad.

Voyager- It was okay. Started off with an MSRP about 3000 less than the HD. The 3 area dealers were wedded to the MSRP like the Victory guys.............probably had something to do with the fact that two of them were the same dealers as the Victory guys. I could not make myself like the color choices though. Could not. My Nomad was black, and I live on a gravel road. Too hard to keep clean. Little to no aftermarket support again.

HD- Was a little "small" (I'm 6ft 2in and 265) I knew that I could address that with all the aftermarket and dealership support. I didnt feel as cramped as the victory made me feel though. Dang near any color you want. Much, much aftermarket support. Willing to deal on the price. Dealerships everywhere in case you're on the road and need something. A new Ultra classic for $20,000 out the door.

This may not count for some people, but its likely why I'll be staying with HD. Buying the HD was like being brought into a family. Why do you think HD riders travel to other states and dealerships to buy a T-shirt? Laugh and mock me if you feel the need. But caring about you after the purchase counts for something to me. Sure, they count on that, knowing that you will spend $$$ on aftermarket stuff through them. But who really rides a completely stock bike?

Haha! Brought into a family? More like a cult! Harley has done such a good job of brainwashing people that they'll spend more money riding hundreds of miles to buy cheap pins and Chinese t-shirts than they do on aftermarket parts... at a much higher profit margin, I might add. No offense to anyone here but I didn't really buy my bike to make friends or feel a part of a group. In some cases that's the happy consequence but not the goal. To all the Harley riders out there, family members included, God bless.

[chucks1911]

Originally Posted by ponch

For the most part, I do.

Well, you and Trip are definately in the minority on that. I'm guessing that you both would agree.

[trip]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

That may be, but all I am asking is for someone making an ignorant, blanket statement to back up his assertion with some facts. I want to know what he knows that Mitch, Al, Chuck, Dave, myself and everyone else here that rides a Harley apparently doesn't know.

Trip, I'm not trying to ram Harley Davidson down anybody's throat. I am 100% satisfied with my decision to buy one and am happy to tell anyone that who asks. I just have a problem with somebody making a derogatory statement like that without some explanation.

You know I have no problem with that CJ...... I know you're not raming anything down anyone's throat. I don't like anyone making inacurate statements either. All I've said is keep in mind that you're on a Kawasaki forum. Have a thicker skin, like I have to have when I'm on a Blue Knight ride.