Intersting Harley story on MSN

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JIMBO83 wrote:

My taste in motorcycles tends to lean towards the eclectic. I appreciate almost all types of motorcycles. The truth is, a large portion of pre-owned older Goldwings were initially purchased because the Harley touring bikes are cost prohibitive to many riders. It was only then that many people came to appreciate the virtues of the Goldwing. So in a sense the success of the Goldwing can be partly credited to the Harley Davidson because those same riders eventually upgrade to new Hondas instead of Harley's when its economically feasible.

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You described me perfectly. About 8 years ago, I had a small bike, a 550, and I was finally ready to move up to something a little better. At the time I was prepared to go to about $5000, but that was pushing the limit.



I was looking at a used Harley Sportster and they wanted about $6500 as I recall. It was just too much for me.



The same dealer had a nice, almost new, Honda Shadow for $5000. So Iconsidered that one. At least I could have afforded that.



My wife wasn't happy with the seat, so not knowing any better I went to a Honda Dealerto ask if there was a different seat. (I didn't knowthe right way to go about getting an aftermarket seat)



While I was at the Hondadealer,I gottalkingto a salesman and he showed me a pair ofGoldwings.



An 83 1100 for $2500 and an85 1200 for $3500.



So Ibought the 85 1200 and the rest is history. I've been aGoldwing fan ever since. I put 75000 miles on that 1200. Two years ago I finally sold it, and upgraded to a 1500.



Someday I might buy a Harley. They are nice bikes and I like them just fine. But my budget doesn't allow me to go there. At least notanytime in the forseeable future.



I rode a 22 year old motorcycle for a reason. Now I have been able to step up to a 11 year old (now 13 year old) motorcycle.



But to be honest, for the same reason, I don't see an 1800 in mynear future either.

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JIMBO83, I don't really appreciate it when I open a PM and some guy calls me a toolbag because I made a post, I don't care if it is about your precious HD's. I speak from experience, I have had a HD,it was a POS! It stayed in the shop more than it ever dreamed of being on the road. When it cost me more to have it worked on than to buy it, it went down the road.

You guys really take the cake, getting PO'd at someone for saying something about the guys that build your bike!!

In my post, I only pointed out the guy was dressed for riding, and only had to put ear plugs in his ears just so he could possibly hear anything after his ride. If you don't like that, I sure do hate it for you, but I think it is crazy to have to put anything in your ear to block sound when your very life may depend on the hearing you and your bike are blocking by using ear plugs.

I think most folks will agree that American companies play a huge role in cutting their own throats when it comes to today's economy just as each and every one of us as well. I can't afford to pay 20 something thousand to have a bike, don't blame a guy who can, but I certainly cannot. When the auto companies as well bike companies overcharge for labor as well as parts, they have to overcharge for the product and that is what is at our basic problem in America, pure GREED.

LOL, thanks for letting me know JIMBO
Jeff Hendrix

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I’m not trying to feed the fire, but I don’t think telling a story about someone who rides a Harley is bashing Harleys. The actions of people and the integrity of a product they happen to own have nothing to do with one another.

I have had my Hondas bashed by Harley riders more times than I can count, but most of time it’s done as a joke and I’m usually not offended. I usually return their compliment, but it doesn’t always go over so well. Once my wife and I had to leave a roadside bar very quickly because the entire noise place went dead quite after I defended our bike by saying “At least mine runs”. The guy had a broken down Harley and he was slamming us and our Goldwing for various reasons.

I have nothing bad to say about HD motorcycles. I think they are great and have friends and family that own them. I have had some problems with a few guys that happen to own one, but I’ve also had issues with guys who drive pickup trucks.

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First off, my very 1st opening post didn't bash anybodies Harley. It just pointed to a article that was on MSN in the business section yesterday. Don't see no names in there anywhere do you? Don't see me pointing a finger at anyones Harley do you?. The topic was plain and simple and in [General Motorcycle Discussion Forum
Discuss Goldwings, other motorcycles, dealers and accessories etc]. If the article offended someone, then write MSN Business. Apparently it struck a nerve with a few people(mostly those who bought a Harley). Because I pointed out an article that was about 4 months old, but when someone pops off and says "whats your point?" who just happens to own a Harley in the stable then I'll step up. I bashed no ones Harley in that opening post.Did I?

I get ribbing on rice burners and jap crap all the time from Harley riders, get looked down there noses because I wont ride one. Then they go home and get in their Nissan or Toyota or pop their TV dinner into a Samsung, and talk on their cell phone made in Japan. Yea, motorcycles are luxury items and IMO Harley is like a boat(a hole in the water you throw money into). 2500 on ebay now, 1500 Honda(210 Goldwings) Almost every one of Harley's on ebay alone are streetbikes. Honda has street,trail,scooters. All luxury items also. Harley is a luxury item....that's over priced and over rated. They survive on the sales pitch its All American, how many items in a Harley when stripped down turns out to be from a foreign country?not every nut and bolt and electronic piece is made in the USA I'd bet. And I'd be surprised that every shareholder/CEO/Exec keeps that American dollar made off them in the US too.

And NO, I'm not a bit jealous because someone owns both. You drop your drawers just like I do so whats to be jealous of. And still, if someone gave me a Harley I'd sell it(for what ever I could get for it) and buy a more economical,dependable, reliable ride, that looks just as good but doesn't have this all mighty Harley Davidson logo. Logo and image don't feed the bulldog. Guy ,you just got offended by MSN article. I've seen many a post on this forum that stated "they'd like to have one, but can't afford the maintenance" so what does that tell ya? GO tell them theyre bashing Harley.