Barnes93cb wrote: ↑Sat Apr 28, 2018 1:31 am
Yes I know I want a harley. I know its not a performance bike.
But holy hell. I can buy a 2015 FZ07 with aftermarket parts for 6k. I cant buy a single 2015 harley of any kind for 6k.
Is there an actual reason why theyre so expensive? Is it the additional parts the bike requires? I know theyre not technologically advanced as for the powertrain. Does the infotainment center cost that much? What is it that drives the price of such a slow bike up? Their opposition seems to be pulling away slowly.
You're buying the following with a Harley:
1: An American brand / icon.
2: A luxury brand.
3: A lifestyle / family / club membership.
Of it's actual competition, it is fairly priced against Indian. Being an American brand that is not quite so mass produced is going to cost more than a Japanese bike.
It's kind of like this.... Buying a Harley is like buying a Lexus when you could just buy a Camry, or an Infiniti instead of a Nissan Maxima, or a GMC Denali instead of a Chevy Silverado, or a Ducati over a Suzuki.
People will scoff at the lifestyle/club/family comment but I can tell you that it is no bullshit. If you own a Harley that is not a VRod other HD owners treat you differently and there is a very cool vibe coming from those people, and from dealerships.
This last year since getting the Harley I have been to about 30 dealers around the US to buy small things like the poker chips with the dealer name on them, or a shirt. Every one of the dealerships has been extremely cool with us and when they find out I own a bike and I'm not just buying merch they open up and start talking about bikes and events. I've NEVER had that experience while owning multiple GSXRs and multiple R1s. Even other customers at the dealerships have been nice and started up conversations while looking at bikes on the sales floor. At Suzuki dealers most customers just want you out of their way and give you a dirty look instead of talking about what they think.
If you're at all interested in being part of a group of enthusiasts, I don't think Harley can really be beat. My Ducati experience is similar, but on a much, much smaller scale.
I think it really boils down to this... If you know you want a Harley you will buy one, the question is will you buy it now, or after you buy other brands only to sell them and buy a Harley later.
I always wanted a Harley in the back of my mind, but was into the sport bikes and thought I wouldn't like the "slow bike". The thing it's, they don't really feel slow since the big twins make up to double the torque of many "fast bikes". The first time I rode a Harley the torque was gut wrenching and made me feel giddy. Something none of my sport bikes ever did so well.