Harleys really worth the $$$?
kingf...@my-deja.com
issue. I like the Fat Boy, and now that it has the balance shaft engine
I'm seriously considering it. But, I like the look and ride of the Wide
Glide. Seeing as the dealers here in CT get around 3k over retail, I'm
considering yet another Jap bike. A new Fat Boy or FXDWG will cost me
around 18k, whereas I can get on a Valkyrie for under 12k. I plan to
keep this next bike for a long time, so the investment argument doesn't
mean that much to me. Just not sure if it's worth paying so much for a
toy with a 6 month riding season. And, I'd be splitting that time by
being on my boat as well. Like to get input from HD owners or others.
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
sign...@my-deja.com
I will try to help you out here, from the stand point of one who owns
an H-D, as well as a couple of Jap bikes, two fine Italians and a
German.
IMHO, even the MSRP for a new H-D is too hig, except for the low end
models, and who wants one of them, right? To have to pay over that
price is ridiculous, and borders on masochism, again IMHO. But if you
REALLY want that brand, you'll have to pay for it. Is it worth it? Who
can say, technically (and technilogically) I'd say no. But how much is
image and mystique worth to YOU?
If you want to keep the bike for a long time and are not concerned
about the ever so touted "re-sale value" them my suggestion is to go
with the Valkyrie. It is a machine unto itself, no imitation of
anything, and it'll kick-ass on any other bike in its class, and many
even out of its class. You don't have to worry about its reliability,
the maintanence is easy, and it'll run and run and run. It is
comfortable, easy to handle, very responsive, VERY quick and VERY fast
(for nearly 800 pounds), quiet (this may not be a virtue to some) but
you can make it way loud(!).
Plus, if I were going to put up the kind of money H-D wants, I'd want
to live in an area where you could at least have the option of riding
it all year!
So you've got ask yourself a few questions; not the least of which
being, "do I want to pay for poser rights, or do I want to ride"? Of
course, the Valkyrie being unique how it is, one can certainly pose
while out on it!
Good luck...either way, get what YOU really feel you want, not what
someone else, or worse yet some ad exec tells you what you *should*
have.
Jeff W.
kingf...@my-deja.com wrote:
> Been thinking about a new HD, and going back and forth over the money
> issue. I like the Fat Boy, and now that it has the balance shaft
engine
This may sound simplistic, but HDs are worth exactly what you pay for
them: no more and no less. It's a buyer's market and every individual
has their own threshhold of pain when it comes to sticker shock. I
would never buy a Harley for the simple reason that I would never pay
$18,000 - $20,000 for a motorcycle. It has nothing to do with brand.
The local Honda dealer here is selling brand-new '98 Valkyries for
under $10,000 with full factory warranty.
Jeff
DwP
>Like to get input from HD owners or others.
Get thee on the internet and contact HD dealers all over the country. Just
because they're charging $3000 over list where you are doesn't mean they are
doing that everywhere. You may have to wait some but as the riding season is
nearly over that shouldn't be all that much of a concern. I've found a HUGE
difference in price by shopping around all over the country. If your local
dealer is an extortionist then find a different dealer.
You may have to pay for the freight but $3000 will go a long way. Or better
yet, fly there and drive it home.
Have fun shopping.
--
Never squat with your spurs on.
C. Bybee
L.A. and rode it back to Denver (shipping would have only been another $250,
but why miss the chance to ride when the plane fare was free on frequent
flyer miles). Don't be held hostage by local prices on bikes. Since I am a
totally stumped by what people see in HD's I can't comment on what to pay
for one other than saying that paying a premium over factory price is stupid
regardless of make. The Internet makes it easy to compare "local" markets
and find some place better to make a deal.
Chris B.
<kingf...@my-deja.com> wrote in message
news:8sfrq3$5rf$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
> Been thinking about a new HD, and going back and forth over the money
> issue. I like the Fat Boy, and now that it has the balance shaft engine
> I'm seriously considering it. But, I like the look and ride of the Wide
> Glide. Seeing as the dealers here in CT get around 3k over retail, I'm
> considering yet another Jap bike. A new Fat Boy or FXDWG will cost me
> around 18k, whereas I can get on a Valkyrie for under 12k. I plan to
> keep this next bike for a long time, so the investment argument doesn't
> mean that much to me. Just not sure if it's worth paying so much for a
> toy with a 6 month riding season. And, I'd be splitting that time by
> being on my boat as well. Like to get input from HD owners or others.
Dan Nitschke
> This may sound simplistic, but HDs are worth exactly what you pay for
> them: no more and no less.
It's not simplistic; it's the definition of "worth".
I paid a lot of money for my motorcycle... but it's
worth that to me. Someone else may not think it's
worth that much money... to them.
We're both right.
The bottom line is: do you think it's worth it to
you to spend that money for what you get? I can't
answer that for you.
--
/* dan: The Anti-Ged, BOF #26, GAGARPHOF (tm) #1, LCDB (tm) #1 */
Dan Nitschke )) peDA...@idiom.com (( (.)@(.....).net
=-|-==-|-==-|-==-|-==-|-==-|-==-|-==-|-==-|-==-|-==-|-=
Y'know, I remember a time when things were a lot more
fun around here; when Good was good, and Evil was evil.
-- Don Henley, "In the Garden of Allah"
Jon
keep paying to keep it serviced and maintain the warranty. Do some web
surfing and checkout the reliability issues before you take a second
mortgage to buy a porker. I tasted the Harley flavor this year and found
it to be artificial. The overall build and finish quality is very nice,
but there are disappointments. The Japanese still offer the best value and
highest reliability.
Flash - DoD #412
Certain folks need to take note.
- Flash - DoD #412
- http://www.deathstar.org/~flash
Vertilli
news:8sfrq3$5rf$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
> Been thinking about a new HD, and going back and forth over the money
> issue. I like the Fat Boy, and now that it has the balance shaft engine
> I'm seriously considering it. But, I like the look and ride of the Wide
> Glide. Seeing as the dealers here in CT get around 3k over retail, I'm
> considering yet another Jap bike. A new Fat Boy or FXDWG will cost me
> around 18k, whereas I can get on a Valkyrie for under 12k. I plan to
> keep this next bike for a long time, so the investment argument doesn't
> mean that much to me. Just not sure if it's worth paying so much for a
> toy with a 6 month riding season. And, I'd be splitting that time by
> being on my boat as well. Like to get input from HD owners or others.
>
>
>
> Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
> Before you buy.
I was in the same boat as you a short time ago....let me save you some time.
Buy a Yamaha Roadstar Silverado and be done with it.
Great bike, great handling, great power/torque, great ride, *fantastic*
looks and will save you anywhere from $6000 to $11000!!! I was gonna get
the Heritage Softail (actually had one on order) and just flat gave up. Too
much money and my buddy who just bought one 6 months ago, has already had it
in the shop for a retune and to fix a lifter cover that came loose and
spread oil everywhere. I rented one for a ride up to OKC to meet him when
he got his and ride back to Dallas and just wasn't impressed. It's *still*
a Harley, ifyaknowhatImean.
Another thing, if you can get a Fat Boy for $18000....BUY IT!! I haven't
seen one around here for less than $19500.....most hover around $22000.
Sincerely,
Vertilli
mortimer snerd
> Been thinking about a new HD, and going back and forth over the money
> issue.
#1 : Go Look at this site before you do anything else. Otherwise you are
wasting yours and everyone elses time. This will give you the lowdown on
HD dealerships by name and location from the people who dealt with them,
pro and con, no pulled punches, no baloney. The everlovin' $tealers and
Dealers page :
Now that you have an idea of who the good dealers are in your area, it
becomes a very simple decision. Do you really want the HD? Answer the
question with a simple "yes" or "no". Don't try to equivocate, explain or
justify it, a simple answer is the best. Yes or No ? That will clear up
things for you and let the rest of the process proceed easily no matter
how you decide.
I am a multiple bike owner and I absolutely love my 2000 Road King. It
has been flawless so far and a joy to ride. I went with a dealer who was
not in my immediate area because the local guys are thieves. I got a great
deal on the exact model and color I wanted and the dealer support after
the sale has been top notch. I also love my BMWs. The HD and BMW are very
different machines with different attributes and they fill different roles
for me. I would have no problems riding cross-country on either one.
Get what you really and truly want. Only then will you be truly happy and
not wondering "what if" or "I shoulda/coulda" Remember, you can always
sell it and HD depreciate far more slowly than any other bike. Look at
the Motorcycle Consumer News (US) price guides for evidence of that fact.
Motorcycles are not an investment item, so don't look to make money on it,
they are big toys. Unsold, brand new 1998 bikes on a showroom should make
you wonder as to why they are unsold, and you will take a depreciation pop
if you get one.
Looking for a deal on a budget ? If you shop around, you can probably
find a very low mileage used HD from an owner that just wasn't cut out to
be a rider. Lots of folks thought they wanted a motorcycle and found out
they didn't after they bought one. You may find a good deal and profit
from their folly. That's how I found my /5 years ago.
You may also want to bring this up in the alt.moto.harley group and get
some information there. There's a penchant for Harley bashing on
rec.moto. but the reality is the current HD Big Twins are damn nice
machines if that is the bike you really want. That's really the question,
what do YOU want ?
jm
'73 R75/5
'99 R1100RT
'00 FLHRCI
"Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day
Teach a man to troll and he will laugh his ass off"©
mortimer snerd
<Fl...@REMOVE.deathstar.org> wrote:
We're very proud of you Flash. You get a gold star on your chart and a
note home to Mom. :D
jm
mortimer snerd
aki....@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>
> And, IMHO, you'll never truly enjoy a "compromise" bike.
>
> Finally, what's important...as always, is not *what* you ride but that
> you *do* ride.
DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING !!!!
We have the winning response, thank you all for playing ! :D
mortimer snerd
Don) wrote:
> From reading some of the messages here, it is clear that some people
> simply regard bikes as toys. I think that's sort of an odd view, but
> people are welcome to their own opinions.
I dont think this applies to me, but I did use the word "toy" in a post on
the thread, so let me clarify my take just in case...
Anything that reliably and safely carries you around is transportation,
ergo, the $1500 paint faded crapmobile will suffice. Anything better than
that, be it a Cadillac, Wide Glide, Porsche, Hayabusa, etc is a toy. It's
nice, but it's not mandatory to get you from point A to point B. Bread
and water will keep you alive, but a nice Filet and Chateau Margeaux is a
helluva lot better.
For most people, motorcycles are toys. Like Don, however, my Road King is
my regular transportation and I love it. It's hardly necessary and
certainly there are safer methods of getting around so by my personal
definition it's a toy, albeit a very practical one.
Regardless, Don is absolutely right, as were the others who also said
get/ride what makes you happy because life is too damn short to wait to
enjoy it.
Stevie Gee
Harley owners fooled, even one who was the owner/manager of a Harley
dealership. The bike is well engineered and a beautiful machine. He could
have dropped the 10 to 15 grand (Canadian) more on the Harley, but he would
not necessarily like it more. She gets plenty of attention all black and
decked out in her chrome...
Stevie
"Ride for Inner Peace"
http://www.zenriders.com
"Jon" <jtec@#cnw.com> wrote in message
news:01c037c6$067420a0$418195cf@crmqusve...
csoto
>Been thinking about a new HD, and going back and forth over the money
>issue. I like the Fat Boy, and now that it has the balance shaft engine
>I'm seriously considering it. But, I like the look and ride of the Wide
>Glide. Seeing as the dealers here in CT get around 3k over retail, I'm
>considering yet another Jap bike. A new Fat Boy or FXDWG will cost me
>around 18k, whereas I can get on a Valkyrie for under 12k. I plan to
>keep this next bike for a long time, so the investment argument doesn't
>mean that much to me. Just not sure if it's worth paying so much for a
>toy with a 6 month riding season. And, I'd be splitting that time by
>being on my boat as well. Like to get input from HD owners or others.
I just spent four days surrounded by thousands of Harleys and far fewer "other
things" (among them about a dozen or so sportbikes). There are some VERY nice
Harleys to be had. There was a LOT of $$$ riding around South Padre. I thought
the whole thing very cool. Harley's are cool. They have something about them.
But, ANY bike can be cool. If you really want one, and can afford it, get it.
If you'll be happy with "something else," get that instead.
Charles
--
Charles Soto - Austin, TX *** 1979 KZ650, 1999 GSF1200S, DoD No. uno
Free Tibet!*
* With purchase of equal or greater value. Not available in all stores.
(If you can't figure out my email, you should unplug the WebTV and lie down.)
Road Glidin' Don
>Been thinking about a new HD, and going back and forth over the money
>issue. I like the Fat Boy, and now that it has the balance shaft engine
>I'm seriously considering it. But, I like the look and ride of the Wide
>Glide. Seeing as the dealers here in CT get around 3k over retail, I'm
>considering yet another Jap bike. A new Fat Boy or FXDWG will cost me
>around 18k, whereas I can get on a Valkyrie for under 12k. I plan to
>keep this next bike for a long time, so the investment argument doesn't
>mean that much to me. Just not sure if it's worth paying so much for a
>toy with a 6 month riding season. And, I'd be splitting that time by
>being on my boat as well. Like to get input from HD owners or others.
My opinion? Get the Harley if the price-tag isn't going to bust you.
If you can't afford it, get something else (or wait a little while
longer until you can afford the one you want).
From reading some of the messages here, it is clear that some people
simply regard bikes as toys. I think that's sort of an odd view, but
people are welcome to their own opinions.
And people complain that a bike (for some reason) isn't worth more
than XXX. Huh? Do they get more enjoyment or use out of their cars
(which cost more) then? That says something, if you think about it.
I get way more use (and miles per year) out of my Harley than I do out
of my car. Accordingly, I don't see a problem justifying the bike
costing more than the car either. When it comes to cars, I want an
appliance. When it comes to bikes, I want the Harley.
Don't be timid. Life is short. If you really want the Harley and cut
yourself short by wasting your time on a bike that is only a 'Shadow'
of what you really wanted all along ...does that make sense? You
won't be able to get those years back - no matter how much money you
have in the bank.
I get more fun out of my bike than anything else I've ever owned in my
life - partly because I have exactly the ride I wanted. And I can
ride it everyday (unlike real 'toys', like boats). When I get home
from a busy day at work, I wish I lived further away because the ride
was too short. That's value for the buck.
--
Work to ride. Ride to work.
98 FLTRI
83 Nighthawk
Aki
>On Mon, 16 Oct 2000 21:26:37 GMT, kingf...@my-deja.com wrote:
>
>>Been thinking about a new HD, and going back and forth over the money
>>issue. I like the Fat Boy, and now that it has the balance shaft engine
>>I'm seriously considering it. But, I like the look and ride of the Wide
>>Glide. Seeing as the dealers here in CT get around 3k over retail, I'm
>>considering yet another Jap bike. A new Fat Boy or FXDWG will cost me
>>around 18k, whereas I can get on a Valkyrie for under 12k. I plan to
>>keep this next bike for a long time, so the investment argument doesn't
>>mean that much to me. Just not sure if it's worth paying so much for a
>>toy with a 6 month riding season. And, I'd be splitting that time by
>>being on my boat as well. Like to get input from HD owners or others.
>
what's important is that you get *exactly* what will make you happy.
If you get a Harley because you think that's the "cool" thing to do
but really in your heart it's a Valkyrie that you want, you'll have
spent a lot of money and not be happy. The same goes in reverse.
Harleys are a big investment and they're not for everyone...if you can
rent the model of your choice, spend the money and time trying one
out. Unfortunately it's more difficult to find a place that rents
Valkyries but I'm sure they're out there.
And, IMHO, you'll never truly enjoy a "compromise" bike.
Finally, what's important...as always, is not *what* you ride but that
you *do* ride.
See ya on the road...
-aki
01 FXDWG (tinkle)
85 700 Magna
AMA,DoD,HOG,yada,yada
Road Glidin' Don
>And, IMHO, you'll never truly enjoy a "compromise" bike.
I agree. Not only that - it must apply to many people. In general,
for people in the market for that kind of bike, there is no real
substitute, so a higher asking price can be sustained. If it wasn't
valued or deemed irreplaceable by so many, the price would be
instantly lower.
While, in some peoples' minds, a Harley is a waste, I think it is more
of a waste to spend even half the amount and ride something that you
are somewhat disappointed in (no matter what your taste in bikes).
That slight disappointment will also tend to foster less enthusiasm
for riding than would be the case otherwise. Less riding = the
purchase (at whatever cost) being even more of a waste. If you get
precisely the bike you want, you will ride more (more than you would
with a substitute), so you're money has been spent more wisely.
Then, in strictly dollars¢s terms, the bike retains its value
better so you're not exactly hurting there either.
In terms of cost of ownership, one of the previous repliers had it
completely wrong. With a Harley, you can do _all_ of your own
servicing (very easy - partly because of the excellent service manuals
and the general engineering approach). Then, add in the fact that
servicing your own bike adds to the pride of ownership and
appreciation of your ride. A win-win situation.
It's not motorcycle-politically-correct to say it (and there's always
anecdotes people throw out to try to show the opposite), but it's an
undeniable fact: Many, many people riding the non-Harley cruisers
have simply settled for second best (and they'll tell you - especially
if you ride a Harley, it seems). I know, because I hear it almost
half the time I get into a discussion with someone who owns one.
The reverse simply doesn't hold true with Harley owners. Simple
reasoning (on the basis of available resources) indicates that they
have made no compromise.
Rather perversely, that same logic tends to create a (unfair?)
perception that then works even more against the interests of the
non-Harley cruiser-owner - no matter what they based their purchase
decision on! In other words, the 'cheap' tag sticks and can't be
shaken by any amount of advertising. That's because everyone with a
teaspoon of sense knows it's the consuming community that supports the
relative asking prices involved.
I think the previous paragraph is part of the reason why the Japanese
have a truly impossible task succeeding in the cruiser niche. I'm
sure they're doing the best they can, but they have no viable options.
In fact, they may have only succeeded in boosting Harley Davidson's
image among consumers.
It makes me think that the only possible reason for their persistence
is that they really do not understand Western ways very well. If I
were them, I would just bail out of that market, because it just makes
them look bad.
Road Glidin' Don
Not so quick. (I think I'll have him flushed out any time now)
Demetrios
Candidia" sponsored in part by Mutual of Ontario. In this week's
excitiing episode we chart the ruminations of a nearly extinct
Candidian species.
On Tue, 17 Oct 2000 01:11:11 GMT, langkd_...@home.com (Toad
Lickin' Don) wrote:
>My opinion? Get the Harley if the price-tag isn't going to bust you.
>If you can't afford it, get something else (or wait a little while
>longer until you can afford the one you want).
Here we see Mr. Toad Lickin' Don suggesting that one postpone the
motorcycling experience until they can afford a proper motorbike. This
is quite common amongst the Motor Company's faithful. They do not want
to pollute the mystical experience of maintaining 1940s technology
with prior experiences of soul-less appliances that work without
whimper for thousands of miles. The Harley is lifted upon the altar as
supreme and no doubt to rebuild it's cantankerous transmission derived
from the geared workings of 1890's printing presses.
>From reading some of the messages here, it is clear that some people
>simply regard bikes as toys. I think that's sort of an odd view, but
>people are welcome to their own opinions.
A brief interlude of sanity to provide needed respite for the
ludicrocity that follows.
>And people complain that a bike (for some reason) isn't worth more
>than XXX. Huh? Do they get more enjoyment or use out of their cars
>(which cost more) then? That says something, if you think about it.
Evidently Mr. Toad Licker has no gaggle of squealing tapoles to ferry
about. Or perhaps they fit nicely in a jar in his right saddlebag.
>I get way more use (and miles per year) out of my Harley than I do out
>of my car. Accordingly, I don't see a problem justifying the bike
>costing more than the car either. When it comes to cars, I want an
>appliance. When it comes to bikes, I want the Harley.
Here Mr. Toad gives us a further glimpse into the unquantifiable
mysticism of Harley Ownership[tm]. He compares the meaningless
relationship based on neglect that defines all realible means of
transportation versus the rollercoaster emotionalism of not knowing
when and if you'll get to your destination today. Who wants the
reliable plain-vanilla girl next door when they can have thier heart
broken repeatedly by the local stealership?
>Don't be timid. Life is short. If you really want the Harley and cut
>yourself short by wasting your time on a bike that is only a 'Shadow'
>of what you really wanted all along ...does that make sense? You
>won't be able to get those years back - no matter how much money you
>have in the bank.
Notice the cute jab at Japanese cruisers in quotation marks. This
allows one to continue bashing Asian motorcycles whilst maintaining a
sense of self-righteousness when confronted with the eternal
Hardley-isms.
The interesting disconnect between missing out on years of riding
whilst trying to save up for the Harley as opposed to riding something
more affordable is lost on our Toad Lickin' friend. He would rather
run around in his chaps and leather fringe sans HOG than enjoy the
experience of motorcycling in general. To him any time spent away from
a Harley is time that is wasted.
>I get more fun out of my bike than anything else I've ever owned in my
>life - partly because I have exactly the ride I wanted. And I can
>ride it everyday (unlike real 'toys', like boats). When I get home
>from a busy day at work, I wish I lived further away because the ride
>was too short. That's value for the buck.
Here we see an allusion how mind-numbingly boring life can be in
Candidia and how little stimulation it takes to keep Toad Lickers
entertained. Wishing home was many more miles away may hint at too
much domestic tranquility.
>Work to ride. Ride to work.
A cute little motto that sums up the Hogley experience. Lots of work
to get it running and lots of running to work to keep ahead of the
attendant bills.
Cam Penner
> Here we see an allusion how mind-numbingly boring life can be in
> Candidia and how little stimulation it takes to keep Toad Lickers
Hey. Watch that brush. You're painting a lot of people with that
Canada bashing stuff. Do you really want me to come down to your house,
knock politely on the door, say "Good day, eh?", and beat your skull in
with a hockey stick? Good. I knew we could come to an understanding.
I'll give you one more chance before we "have words".
---
Cam
'89 RZ 350, eh?
Road Glidin' Don
snerd) wrote:
>In article <39eda3ed.5018981@news>, langkd_...@home.com (Road Glidin'
>Don) wrote:
>
>> From reading some of the messages here, it is clear that some people
>> simply regard bikes as toys. I think that's sort of an odd view, but
>> people are welcome to their own opinions.
>
>I dont think this applies to me, but I did use the word "toy" in a post on
>the thread, so let me clarify my take just in case...
>
>Anything that reliably and safely carries you around is transportation,
>ergo, the $1500 paint faded crapmobile will suffice. Anything better than
>that, be it a Cadillac, Wide Glide, Porsche, Hayabusa, etc is a toy.
What I found odd (just in general, I'm not sure if it relates to your
post) is that some people get sticker shock just on the basis that a
motorcycle should not be worth a lot of money (i.e. because it's just
a toy).
I think that's a different sense of 'toy' than what you meant,
Mortimer - obvious by the fact that the Cadillacs and Porches can also
demand a high price.
I suppose I just think a motorcycle is more practical than what some
give it credit for. Some seem to use the term as an argument against
any bikes being in the higher price bracket (because they're only
toys, after all).
Like cars, there should be nothing absurd about some bikes being in a
somewhat high bracket. The fact that some are and continue to sell
well is probably a boost to the image of motorcycling in general and
helps the sales of the lesser-priced bikes too.
<snip>
>For most people, motorcycles are toys. Like Don, however, my Road King is
>my regular transportation and I love it. It's hardly necessary and
>certainly there are safer methods of getting around so by my personal
>definition it's a toy, albeit a very practical one.
It's certainly great when you can have something that is both
enjoyable and practical to even some degree. It's a tough argument to
make, but I think I could almost make the case that my Road Glide is
both more convenient (for my transportation needs) and that it saves
me money (compared to a car). A few reasons:
a) The value of cars drops quickly and steeply.
b) I park my bike downtown for free (saving $80/month)
c) I can get where I want to go quicker
d) It's actually a image-boost for clientele (something that - for
the comparable effect - would take a very costly car like a Porche to
equal) [1]
e) It uses less gas than most cars (40 mpg - and these are
high-priced-oil times)
f) Insurance is way less (in my case, anyway)
g) Repairs are less costly (because you can do them yourself easier
than with a car)
h) Owned by my company, the bike gets written down every year ...but
it retains a lot of its value. That's a win on both counts. [2]
Then, once I add in how much fun and how great a stress-reliever it
is, I just kick myself in the ass for not getting one sooner!
[1] Sounds terribly shallow, but the image of being successful is an
asset to a contractor in the computer programming arena.
[2] People have been known to sell them for cash, once they have been
written off to zero.
Road Glidin' Don
<Cam.P...@pleasedontspamgoldmedalsystems.com> wrote:
>Hey. Watch that brush. You're painting a lot of people with that
>Canada bashing stuff. Do you really want me to come down to your house,
>knock politely on the door, say "Good day, eh?", and beat your skull in
>with a hockey stick?
<snip>
We could just send Marty McSorely over. I hear he's still a free man.
--
Work to ride. Ride to work.
98 FLTRI
83 Nighthawk
Alan Gideon
Glide wrote
Don't be timid. Life is short. If you really want the Harley and cut
yourself short by wasting your time on a bike that is only a 'Shadow' of
what you really wanted all along ...does that make sense? You won't be
able to get those years back - no matter how much money you have in the
bank
Hello Glide, Your're comments jaunt my mind back to the early 80's, back
when H-D had commercials on the telly which they don't need
now..lol..Anywho they show a Harley a going down the road with that
unmistakable exhaust note and this old dude says <paraphrased>
If i had it to do over again I'd got me that Harley Davidson!..member
that one?
regards
<Alan SENS>
http://community.webtv.net/allynn1940514xl/MeandLesfromarecent
mortimer snerd
Don) wrote:
> What I found odd (just in general, I'm not sure if it relates to your
> post) is that some people get sticker shock just on the basis that a
> motorcycle should not be worth a lot of money (i.e. because it's just
> a toy).
I think it goes even deeper than that sometimes. Some people get, um,
emotional when the price of a bike is comparable to a car or pickup truck
and they can't justify that for whatever reasons. Sometimes it's also
plain old envy or jealousy that someone else can drop major coin on
something they can't justify or afford to buy themselves. Harley RUB
becomes a standard moniker as a result, and I have seen the BMW RUB label
put out too. Why not GoldWing RUB or MV Augusta RUB too, they are in the
same price range and equally impractical toys if you want to label them
so. I guess "poser" gets used if it's a sportbike. Those overpriced
Ducati toys are for silly posers too.
If you mention the possibility of envy, it's immediately shrugged off as
the RUBs just not having the sense to buy something "better" ie, cheaper,
faster, flashier, more sensible, whatever. Rarely does someone admit that
the owner may have bought exactly what they wanted; rather, the RUBs must
be foolios to spend the kind of money that could buy three of other kinds
of bikes or even a new car! Well, it's not their decision to make for
someone else, so tuff luck.
> I think that's a different sense of 'toy' than what you meant,
> Mortimer - obvious by the fact that the Cadillacs and Porches can also
> demand a high price.
Vewwy Twoo. Manufacturing cost on a Cadillac is not that much greater
than a comparable Chevrolet. Perceived value justifies the sales price
difference to the end buyer. Each sale is it's own agreement by the
individual buyer and seller in each individual circumstance. "This is what
I want and this is what I will pay for it" If the seller agrees, there is
a transaction and everyone is happy. No agreement, no sale, everyone is
still happy. Outside opinions don't count either way, they are just
kibitzing the real players who make their deals or not and go on.
> I suppose I just think a motorcycle is more practical than what some
> give it credit for. Some seem to use the term as an argument against
> any bikes being in the higher price bracket (because they're only
> toys, after all).
Playing devil's advocate for a second, you could just as well get around
on a Solex instead of your Glide, ergo, the Glide is a toy. The devils
argument falls to pieces when it is put under the criteria that (1) you
don't want a Solex,(2) you want the Glide,(3) you can afford it and, most
importantly, (4) it does more than just transport you from point A to B.
Game, Set, Match to Don. Happy Gliding.
> It's certainly great when you can have something that is both
> enjoyable and practical to even some degree.
<<<<<<<<<<<snippage>>>>>>>
>
> Then, once I add in how much fun and how great a stress-reliever it
> is, I just kick myself in the ass for not getting one sooner!
Anyone who rides should have some innate understanding of the practical
side as well as the fun and mental therapy bikes provide. Boats are toys
to many people, but ask a shrimper about his "toy" of a boat and be ready
to duck his fist. It's all in how you use your "toys".
> [1] Sounds terribly shallow, but the image of being successful is an
> asset to a contractor in the computer programming arena.
No more shallow than an Armani suit and Gucci loafers for attorneys who
need that uniform to work. The bike is alot more fun than a suit. HD has
an image that is unique and easily recognized. If that pays off in
bizness, it's one more positive attribute neither the Solex nor the $1500
beater can provide. Same thing happens in my bizness. Having the King
parked out in front of the studio excites the clients who are coming in to
work. It's an initial element of "cool" before they even walk in the
door. I had one client come in all excited yelling "Man, you got the King
of the Road out there!" Hard to duplicate that. Never mind it's a damn
nice machine to ride. That's for me to enjoy.
> [2] People have been known to sell them for cash, once they have been
> written off to zero.
Works well in divorces too. Haven't had to do that myself, but have heard
some tales told by others who have. Boy, were their ex-es pissed off !
<LOL>
mortimer snerd
> Greetings and ....
*yawn*
Harry K Smith
: Greetings and welcome to another exciting presentation of "Wild
: Candidia" sponsored in part by Mutual of Ontario. In this week's
: excitiing episode we chart the ruminations of a nearly extinct
: Candidian species.
Let me guess...your family was killed by a pack of rabid Harleys.
Harry
'83 Suzuki GR650 Tempter
'91 Suzuki VX800
Tom Keener
Glidin' Don) wrote:
>On Mon, 16 Oct 2000 20:34:43 -0500, nom...@this.address (mortimer
>snerd) wrote:
>
>>In article <39EB9D85...@REMOVE.deathstar.org>, Flash - DoD #412
>><Fl...@REMOVE.deathstar.org> wrote:
>>
>>> I ain't sayin' a WORD on this subject.
>>> Certain folks need to take note.
>>>
>>> - Flash - DoD #412
>>> - http://www.deathstar.org/~flash
>>
>>We're very proud of you Flash. You get a gold star on your chart and a
>>note home to Mom. :D
>
>Not so quick. (I think I'll have him flushed out any time now)
I don't believe this. I can't help it. This is _not_ me posting.
Help!
Hi folks! Flash here. (Ya know, channeling sure can be fun.)
HARLEY SUCKS!
Tom Keener
keensurf_at_cts_dot_com
Motorps...@webtv.net
Re: Harleys really worth the $$$?
Help
---------------------------------------------------
Get thee on the internet and contact HD dealers all over the country.
Just because they're charging $3000 over list where you are doesn't mean
they are doing that everywhere.
Yea but, even if you get HD at MSRP , your still paying five times more
than what it actually worth.
MOTOR-psycho-Jim
VF750C Magna
Columbus, OHIO
Henry H. Hansteen
Demetrios wrote:
> Here we see an allusion how mind-numbingly boring life can be
Indeed. You need to get up, get out, and do something....
Aki
(Alan Gideon) swung a leg over their bike, fired it to life, looked at
me and belched: