Originally published in Motorcycles On The Road Again, October 2005.
By Carmen Juch
Warning: This article is based on MY opinion. It can contain sarcasm, mockery or contradictions. Protective clothing may be necessary when reading.
Harley. Harley-Davidson. Yes, I have been a biased rider for many years. Sure, I said all bikes were equal. But deep down, deep, deep, deep, I really didn’t mean it. “My name is Carmen. And I’m a ‘Harleyholic.'” “YO Carmen!”
But the time has come and I have realized the error of my ways. When I was young, Harley was the only choice because it was the only acceptable symbol of the rebel. Like I said, I was young.
Then it was to “belong”. Much later it was the better bike. Then it was a status thing.
I have crossed over. I now realize that the “other bikes” are cool too. And now I ride on one.
Secretly, looking at those other bikes and making admiring comments, always in my mind was that smug thought that owning a Harley somehow made me superior and I could be kind to those who could not ride a Harley. I didn’t really think for a minute they wanted that other brand — well, except for the crotch rocket riders — but now I realize that I was so wrong.
I know, if you are like I was, no amount of statistics will sway you. But I have seen others like me who have come around to the “other side” also. OK, comfort was one factor. Price was clearly another. But in the end, the ride is so much more enjoyable and that is the ultimate purpose of having the bike isn’t it? It isn’t just for show and to go bar to bar, it is to ride, right?
The Harley does really hold its value, I will give you that, but it also made buying another brand that much easier. But behind Harley, other bikes with good resale value include BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Indian, and Triumph. So, I cannot say that is a great reason to be a Harley snob.
Quite frankly, this was a very hard transition for me and I have been fighting it for years. And I admit, while peer pressure doesn’t really work on me most of the time, years of the old “if it ain’t a Harley it ain’t %^#%*” was hard for me to shake.
I have let others influence my viewpoint. But I was weaker then. I remember years ago being told if you didn’t ride a Harley, then you weren’t a “brother” or I guess “sister” in my case. But, that really isn’t true. At least it isn’t to me. I’ve discovered that if the reason you are my friend is what I ride, then most likely you aren’t my friend anyway, so what does it really matter?
What is important is just having the two wheels. That really matters.
And sincerely, if someone doesn’t want to be my friend because of the type of bike I ride then perhaps they are right, I wouldn’t be a good friend for them to hang on to anyway.
There are clubs that require you to ride a Harley or you cannot be a member. I understand “HOG”, that’s a smart marketing tool. I can’t help but wonder what some of those other clubs are missing by being exclusive? There are some very wonderful people out there riding “insert name here” bikes. I know; I’ve met them. Like me, for instance, I’m quite wonderful even if I do say so myself.
In Hell’s Angel Sonny Barger said if he had it to do over again, he wouldn’t choose Harley, well, that has to make you sit back and take a deep breath! If the original biker said he would rather ride a different bike, I sure am not going to be the girl to argue with him. Even the first “Biker” in the movies, Marlon Brando, wasn’t riding a Harley.
Let’s compare.
Harley | Other Bike
2 wheels | Check
Seat | Ditto
Wind in your face | Yep
Rain Proof | uh-huh
People check bike out | Right-o
See, pretty much the same. Except, there is the sound. Yep, that kept me with Harley a long time. I do think the loudness does help you be heard and thus seen and therefore safer. But then, so does being sober, being vigilant and paying attention when you are maneuvering a bike.
I had to think about the reality of riding. Why own a motorcycle? The real reason is to ride. To take trips, to see the world like no other vehicle. So, what really matters? A dependable, comfortable ride. (of course, some sparkly and shiny chrome doesn’t hurt!)
Dependability. I think about the bikes I see on the road…and the side of the road. I also consider old bikes I have seen. Quite frankly, older Harleys always look cool even cooler than when they were new, but an old Japanese bike? Not so much. But some old Triumphs or BSAs are just as cool.
Comfort. Well, you can get a comfortable H-D but it will cost more buckaroos than say, a comfortable Honda Gold Wing or BMW cruiser.
What would change for me if I were no longer a Harley owner? Well, first I would have to go through a period of harassment by the other H-D riders. But in life I find that people usually give up eventually when they find out you aren’t going to change your mind nor back down and it doesn’t bother you. Unless of course, someone offers to make the payments for me, then it won’t make much difference to me. After the giggles and finger pointing is done, well, then nothing really changes except maybe I will be more comfortable on trips.
In order to complete the evolution, (pun intended) I have to say it wasn’t as dramatic as I had made it out to be in my psyche. I do still miss the vroooooommmmm.
And I have a lot of jewelry, t-shirts and boots for sale.
What’s important to you? The bike or the ride?