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The reason there’s a glut out Harley’s out there is because of this DUMB BASTARD in the White House we have to sell the $20,000 recreation to put food on the table!, it’s not just Harley, I just sold my Indian last month! It’s bad and getting WORSE MY FRIEND!! I
I have ridden high capacity bikes in the past. I now ride a Royal Enfield 350 REborn. And absolutely love it. Speed restrictions and speed traps are everywhere. There are hardly any workshops to provide mechanical support in my area. That bike I can ride, enjoy and maintain myself. As for what anyone else might think: I'm 61 and who cares, lol.
I own one also, along with 6 other bikes. I have it set up with soft bags with rigid metal frames. My other bikes are 500-750 pounds, but at around 430 pounds....I find that I jump on it as my grocery getter, or trusty commute to work bike. I love the feel it gives me of riding my old Honda SL70 at 12 years old, wide open, with hair on fire. Love it!
I ride a Yamaha Raider. It's a Japanese made bike. Alot of people don't like that. But all I do is change the oil, keep my eyes on the brakes and change tires when I wear them out. It's never in the shop. I love Japanese bikes. They don't cost a whole lot to own. You're right, "who cares".
I've had 19 Harleys and still going strong at 77! To my wife and I there still a piece of art. We like the bling so lots of chrome and lights! All States and all Provinces except 4 in each country! Route 66 from Illinois to California was our Bucket List and we did it when I was 72 and she was 65! Still going strong but long hauls are over. We're so glad we Stood on a Corner in Winslow Arizona !😊!
I finally got a HD after years of wanting one and I’m not going to let it sit there and collect dust. I live in Tassie and have just hit 16000km in 10 months. Once the weather gets warmer I’ll be racking them up even faster. Love this bike and love Tassie roads.
Was at a local used HD seller and was amazed at the number of late model, low mileage bikes. We talked about it and came up with the same conclusions. Great show.....
You nailed most of it Aymon and it's worth mentioning that the aspiration of riding doesn't always coincide with many peoples lives. They "think" things will change when they finally put something two wheeled in the garage but it never happens. Often they only have the weekend to take their bikes out for a ride, only to find family commitments, kids soccer, shopping, home improvements and home upkeep get in the way of that small window of opportunity. If on those rare weekends when the stars finally line up AND the weather is favourable (for the fair weather riders) AND their motivation/energy and watch is saying yes, they face the nightmare traffic situation in and around their god forsaken suburbs and cities. What was meant to be "living the dream" is replaced with the living a nightmare. Sitting idle in standstill bumper to bumper traffic, red light after red light, not getting out of 2nd gear and having only moved a mere few k's whilst sucking in the toxins of car and trucks right around them, they realise "the dream" is indeed a nightmare. Solution? Well, get your priorities right, first and foremost is getting your health into top gear, downscaling all other material garbage and "telling" your boss to go stick it. Pack your wife/husband, kids, dog, budgie, quite being a sooky-la-la. move to regional Aus with the greatest roads and live that dream before you're dead😊
@@OldNotDead-Club Originally from Sydney. Moved to the Sunshine Coast QLD this year with the only regret being, why not earlier!! Endless miles of magnificent roads around the stunning hinterland of Maleny, Montville, Kenilworth and all within arms reach of the coastline. Immaculately maintained roads and the perfect weather year round. A must for any rider visiting. 😁
Regardless of motorcycle brand, all that matters to me in motorcycling is maximizing smiles per mile. And I think there is a sweet spot in size and power of a motorcycle for everyone which maximizes smiles per mile. Many of these owners selling their relatively new low mileage bikes probably don't know what type of motorcycle suits them best to achieve that.
I have heard that story before.. sorta sounds like a guy I knew once ..couldn't get a girl at the bar .. so he says hey .. it's not what you ride ..it's that you get the breeze between your knees ..then him and this dude named breeze got a roomfor the night .. works for him .but I'm going back to the bar tomorrow ..find me a female
Bought a 2012 Road King Classic last year with 1600 miles on it. Wife told him to get it out of the garage. It has 16,000 miles on it in one year. Best investment I have ever made, and I have had a blast.
You are absolutely right. I've owned four big twins since 1979 and one 883 Sportster in 1988. I enjoyed and rode the 883 more than any of the big twins. I'm 6'2" and 180 so it was small but I liked it. But, due to peer pressure, I traded it for a '92 FatBoy. Only 12k miles in 31 years and I recently sold it. Looking for an 883 Iron now.
I don't even own a Harley, I own two Honda's (1976 CB750 & 1982 CM450), and I am only 32 years old...but this guy is awesome! Loved your getting out of your comfort zone talk. You just got a new subscriber! Keep up the fantastic work!!
I'm 66yo, with a '79 Sporty. I ride when I can ( Yes, the bike has issues) I noticed when HD first brought out their Evo class, they became trendy. Everyone wanted one. HD did their marketing well. Cheaper and more reliable. So the market was flooded, bikes everywhere. And it's gone on from there. The younger generation are different now. One day they're a big bad bikie, the next they're weekend warriors in their 4x4s. With matching uniforms to suit. It's the way of the world. I go for a run with my sons and friends, I'm old school, no cars, carry what you need, everything else stays home. The simple life. But not for some. Lol ... 😁
Same here. I love to ride and will put up with 2 saddle bags to carry a minimal. You gotta love to ride. If you don't love to ride don't buy a motorcycle. Buy a truck or car.
I always buy used then take it to a local mechanic. I think a lot of people take that 1st ride and get scared. Ive been real scared riding before. It takes guts to ride any bike on the road.
I don't have a Harley , but I do ride . I enjoyed your comments , especially in regards to associating with people you don't agree with , it opens the mind , it stops the silo mentallity where your view is echoed and teaches you how to associate with different people .
@OldNotDead-Club I had a full licence from 1989 , which I talked my way into. Forward 31 years , I had a licence and no experience, so at 56 years of age I researched a bike as I could not test ride ( to scared ) as I wanted to ride around Australia. The bike is a VSTROM 650 . Unfortunately covid came in March 2020 preventing the around Australia trip. In July 2020 the NT border opened up with SA , so as a learner rider ( no L plates ) I left on a 15000 km adventure ( as you say , out of your comfort zone ) , from Adelaide to the top of Cape York ( Pajinka ) via Uluru and Darwin . Three years later and 55000 km's, I love nothing more than to hop on a bike and go. Old but not dead .
I’m 60 years old and have been riding motorcycles since I was 6. I’ve owned 23 bikes, 5 of them Harleys. Like most people I wanted a new Harley and bought 4 of them new. I wish I had never bought one brand new. Besides the high prices, and then the upgrades and exhaust changes that most of us want, you are in it deep. Plus every few years they make changes to the bikes, some of it mechanical changes that can’t be seen. Most of these changes are in an effort to cut costs. Every time they change the engines for example( shovelhead, eco, twin cam 88, 96, 103, milwaukee8,) there are usually problems and the buyer is the Guinea pig to see if the hold up. If not, many times you get to pay for the repairs. The best bet is to buy a used one that has most of the upgrades you want and the bike has some history to maybe prove its dependability and you will save a fortune. Most of the bikes I’ve owed were bought new. My most recent bike purchased is a 2006 Honda Vtx 1300R. Paid cash for it and only had 6800 miles on it. For the first time in years I really enjoy riding again. Don’t get caught up in all that HD lifestyle bs.
Very proud of my 2016 Road Glide. First bike in 40 years. Before that I rode a Yamaha Virago 500. So this is a big muther after the 500! Spent a lot of time in parking lots practicing slow speed maneuvers before I put my wife on the back. This is my 3rd season and have ridden 40,000 kms through this time, 11,000 this year already. Am doing an across Canada ride in a few weeks so that alone will be another 10-12,000 km. Don’t understand having a bike and not riding it….fear???? Of the weight, of the cars, of the weather… fuck it, get out and RIDE!!!!
Viragos are awesome. My Mum had an 1100 back in the late nineties. Very fun to ride. I just had my car shit it's transmission, so I thought "fuck it", we've got the station wagon, I'll just use the bike as my all time ride. You're absolutely right. Screw the conditions, bikes were made to be ridden and the more you ride, the more experienced you are.👍
@@DmacDomage Here’s a bit of a What the F$&k!? On my initial comment: my 500 Virago only lasted 6 weeks before I t-boned a car, shattered the two bones in the lower half of my leg and TOTALLED my bike THUS a 40 year hiatus on riding. Bought a big bagger fully dressed so now my wife and I can tour all over! Rode to Winnipeg last September with a group of 10 other riders. This year a buddy and I are riding from Ontario to B.C. on a charity ride for Women’s Shelters. Combined we have raised about $20G’s!! Going to be an epic, bucket list ride!!!
Agree. Could never understand why someone buys a $30K motorcycle and lets it sit in his garage. I'm 68 and retired and ride my Yamaha Raider whenever I can. And when the weather cools off, I'll be out there 3-4 times a week. I love to ride.
Great video! I believe that you made a significant point about folks who buy a Harley and then hardly ever ride it. However I also believe that Harley Davidson itself has caused part of the problem. First, they are very expensive bikes (new). I live in a midwest city in the US and over the past three years, two long time HD dealers ended their business relationship with HD simply because HD decided to reduce the amount of bikes they were sending to the dealers. So these two dealers became "Powersports" dealers simply because HD decided to reduce the inventory. Additionally, I think many of the younger riders (40 and under) no longer want a Harley for various reasons (too heavy, too loud, etc.). I've got nothing against HD and I think they've made some great bikes. IMHO the company needs to change to attract more HD riders. I don't know what. Thanks again for the video.
I think you nailed it with your analysis, but for some of us it's not just a luxury item, but a way to save money. Tolls here in Northern Va can cost you over $120 USD a day. Motorcycles ride the toll roads for free and for me, that means I save 30 mins each way to work. I ride year round, so cold weather gear is a necessity but saving on Tolls and time... also a necessity for my sanity. Thanks for the video. 35K on my 2019 Street Glide Special and continuing to rack up miles!
I remember back in 2008/2009 in Newcastle where i lived there was Harleys everywhere,now i see a handful of Breakouts at best.I dont think younger people are into them anymore.The flood of late model harleys just tells me that they mostly bought them on a whim and got sick of them really quick.I think the 30 to 40 age group is mostly into their Tonka trucks.
Relatively new rider myself. Acquired my license in Nov of 2021, and had a Shadow as my first bike for the first summer. That summer of ‘22 I rode the living heck out of it practicing and getting comfortable with riding. That July I put money down for my current bike, a 2021 Softail Standard and now just over a year and a month she has 20K km on it. I love riding, and I’m happiest when I’m on two wheels. I agree with your reasons as to why folks treat Harleys as trophies, but you still gotta ride em! I’ll be upgrading next summer to a Road Glide.
👍 First bike in 1997 was a Shadow ACE 750...HD sued Honda for copyright or something. Amazing bike loved it but then got a HD. Now I've downsized from a Deluxe to a 48...knees and ankle injury. Girls bike...whatever but I love it.
I am 74 years old. Bought my first Harley Davidson in 1967. It was a 1961 XLH. They made about 900 of them that year. The price was $600.00 and it had a little over 600 miles on it. Back then, the Sportster was the fastest 1/4 mile bike you could buy. Cycle World said it was the fastest 1/4 mile time they had tested, with the 1967 XLCH model. Since then, I had a 1966 XLH and a 1975 XLH. Also a 1955 FL. I would still have the FL, but it was stolen from me. Currently, I have a 2006 XLH883. I bought this one for $2200.00 a few years ago. It has 28K miles. It had been kept in a barn for 2 years and was quite dirty. I cleaned it up with S100, and polished the aluminum. Looks great now. I am planning to make it a 1200 which is fairly easy. For new people, I would say get around a 500cc cruiser and ride it for 6 months. If you learn to survive, then get a big bike.
As kids we mainly only had access to fairly big bikes, wide open spaces and next to no traffic, if you could straddle it you'd ride it, a lot of kids are fearless and quickly adapt to anything, many older people are full of fear and limitations, besides that many riders don't have much control of their oversize machines regardless of years, whole point being, if beginning and have desire give it a go you always learn something and adjust accordingly...
It’s the top selling motorcycle manufacturer in the US. I think people just like Harley’s. The style, the power, the tradition. I have a co-worker who sold his M109r for a Harley. IMO the M109r is a fantastic bike, it’s my 3rd favorite cruiser behind the Sportster S and Vrod. But the Harley he got is less powerful, older but he loves it far more than the M109r. It’s hard for some to believe because they never leave the internet or go to biker events and such. But people genuinely like Harley’s. Not everyone wants to ride a Rebel, Vulcan or something. BMW and Ducati’s tend to be more expensive. Indian bikes are priced pretty much the same. You look at the Scout 101 and it’s priced the same as a Sportster S but no one says it’s overpriced when it’s actually a lesser bike performance wise. Why because it’s fashionable to hate on Harley and not other brands for doing the same things HD does or worse. Such as BMW which tend to have higher priced bikes with less features.
I am in the UK. I have a 2002 Fat Boy .They are so rare here that apart from seeing them in tbe dealers showrooms ,in the 2.5 years i have owned it i have not seen another on the road . In fact i have not seen another Harley on tbe road for months. So they certainly have not flooded the UK.@jimdavis8391
Great video. As a motorcycle instructor in Canada I have always advised students taking the licensing course to go with a smaller bike to start. When you have picked up as many students’ bikes as I have you tend to groan a bit inside when a new rider says they have a new Harley Road King already and waiting for them in the garage! Like you said though, people buying above their ability often translates into a lot of great low mileage deals for the rest of us. Ride on!
The best reason to get a small bike is to develop rider skill. And mechanical skill. Once you can ride the bike full out, you have to improve your technique to go faster. There is a lot of technique to learn. Looking into the turn. Countersteering at precisely the corner entry. Keeping your arms loose on the bars. Look where you go, go where you look. See "Twist of the Wrist". Having way too much hp means you never need to learn skills. You might pull apart the top end of a $1,500 bike and not be able to put it back together. But you would learn a lot you didn't know. Doing that on a $30,000 Harley in warranty is unthinkable. Education is good.
I'm an intermediate rider; been riding off and on since the 1970s. I currently have a small bike - 2023 500 Rebel SE. Yes great for skill development. But also just fun to ride. Fast enough for me; crazy nimble and stops on a dime. Speaking of dimes, I paid cash for it, because it was only $8K out the door. Lots of upside to smaller bikes. Also love the fact that it only weighs 420ish lbs and feels like a feather to back into the garage. Lots of upside to smaller bikes.
Never rode even a dirt bike till last year at 71. Bought a 2000 Harley Heritage, a bit big at first, but committed to ride it 4-5 x a week. Finally got some skills. Having a blast in what was a bland retirement. Had a " late life crisis", I guess. I didn't take it up so it would sit in the garage. I even joined a motorcycle ministry.
I totally agree with you. Pushing gently out of your comfort zone regularly improves mental and physical agility. Comfort is routine like the milkman's horse. In 2017 and 2018 my wife and I decided to do a bit of a Jules Vern and we are in our 60s. Started riding through Java on scooters A paddle on the Mekong Then dirt bike road bike and scooter across and up Vietnam to China. Couple of trains to Finland Then spent 2018 riding a Springfield thru Oregon to Nova Scotia to Alaska on a Cooks tour. Took the Indian out on a cool lap across the Snowies last week. Just get out and ride. Even my nieces 300cc Honda last week was still a blast! hmm a spare Harley would be nice. Always likes the anniversary models... All riding should involve discomfort because you realise it doesn't matter and should never control what you do.
It is a shame that for the last 25yrsHD twin cam and milwaukee-eight powered motorcycles have so many expensive engine problems and catastrophic engine failure at low mileage.Thus you have to pay tons of money to get them to be long lasting and reliable.We are talking about big money. Many HD repos are not worth the high prices asked for them.
I haven't been riding 25 years, but I've owned 6 Harleys, and never had one problem, ride daily and weekends. Maybe I'm lucky, or more mechanically inclined than the general public.
@@bobc8649 my Sportster is my only Harley. I have had that bike for 25 years almost. I get 10,000 mi out of the cheapo back tires that I buy and you go through two rear tires for every front one front tires last about 20,000 mi or about the second replacement on the rear you do them both. During the steering head bearings after the Storm they only lasted 25 years imagine that. I sure hope a tree don't land on it.
I agree with everything he says in this. I have 120,000 miles on my 2004 Dyna Wideglide, bought it new. Had and having fun riding and great adventures, met terrific people. Ride safely and enjoy.
Over the past fifty years I have had 23 bikes of all brands and descriptions. The last two were Harley Electra Glides, one an Ultra Classic and the other an Ultra Limited. No one on social media wants to hear that I had absolutely no issues with either bike because that is boring. They were like owning a giant piece of jewelry. My wife and I started riding together in grade 12. The only bike that ever left us stranded (really stranded) was our 2001 Goldwing.
I live in canada an for yrs didn't own a car , went through two goldwings that i only drove in the winter first was 1980 an second gear went on it at think 50000 miles second 1984 that i got rid of in 87 because i got a suzuki gsxr1100 an fell completly in love with it so drove that year round till 1994 , before the gsxr in the summer drove a kaw h2 triple bought new in 78 but was an old stock 74 , the kaw has been bored 8 times not sure what that makes it think 800 something but i drag raced it for years, drove it year round till i got the wing , would never sell it , but the gsxr was far better handling , you could go around a big sweeper flat out near 180 mph an was steady as a rock an ride a wheelie as far as you cared , great bike , the speed laws now mean pretty much anything more than a scooter is to fast to keep a lisc. though so that era of riding is over plus i'm old don't want tickets
I’m glad you had a good experience, but are you seriously going to argue that Goldwings are more reliable than Harleys? I’ve been riding 52 years and have never seen a Goldwing by the side of the road. Alternatively...let’s be honest. You see a bike broken down...you know what it’s going to be before you get there. That being said I’ve had mostly vintage Triumphs, so yeah, I’ve been on the side of the road too. LOL
@@johncahill3644 where is your data that says Goldwings are reliable. More HD touring sales by far than Goldwings so a greater chance of seeing a HD by the side of the road. See my video - "you don't know anything about motorcycles..."
Just came back from my annual two week trip- did a few days in Devon by the sea, and the rest in Wales . Rode back through gale force winds and torrential showers and felt a real sense of accomplishment. I nearly dodged the weather by leaving early but stuck with the discomfort and so glad l did. Did nearly 1100 miles and didn’t get out every day either. Back tyre being replaced soon ready for the autumn season here in U.K.. I’ve done 10k miles in 18 months and can’t believe how little some people must ride given the low mileage bikes for sale. Great video buddy, you always get my blood fired up for the next ride or challenge 👍
My Harley's motor started to fall apart at 45k miles. I grew up wanting a Harley. Glad I had the chance to own one. Now I'm on a Goldwing. Different style and following, for sure... But man, what a ride... And seems to be pretty reliable. We'll see how that goes. I'm at 30k miles so far. No matter what you ride... RIDE it! Cheers
@@ordinaryman1904 I did oil changes, changed out handlebars, little stuff... but that's about it. Anything else I bought it in to the dealer or independent shop. Motor developed a ticking. Thought it was lifters, changed those out, didn't fix it. One shop suggested "piston slap" and at that point, I got rid of it. There was always talk about the M8 being a bad motor, and I think that was in the back of my mind and I just decided to move on.
@@ordinaryman1904 I had a friend with 120k on his street glide, never gave him any significant trouble. I had high hopes for the Harley, and it was great for 4 years.
Great video, so many valid points. I'm currently looking into used Electra Glides. I've riden since I was 15. I'm 62 now and have owned 17 different road bikes and several dirt bikes of various makes. I have a little over 250,000 miles on those bikes. The largest one so far was a 98 model Honda Valkyrie Tourer. My wife is ready to get off of the back seat of my '21 Harley-Davidson Sport Glide and on to a more roomy and comfortable back seat (can't really blame her). Anyway, I've found many low mileage candidates for reasonable prices. Yes, they're out there! Enjoyed the video, keep up the good work. 👍
Get a Gold Wing....So glad I'm not riding Harley's anymore... So thankful just to Ride... Had my fill of breakdowns unreliable expensive parts ....when the Harley is wore out the Honda Gold Wing is just getting broke in...
Market is flooded in the United States too!!! .Its called BUYERS REMORSE!! Their NOT A Value purchase.....Low Quality Over priced and Under Performing.. Japanese Bikes are Superior hands down.. Unless your Hellbent on Riding a Loud, Archaic Vtwin Vibrating Bike why would Anyone with any motorcycle knowledge and riding experience want a Harley? I Understand the Older generation that grew up when they were Cool.... People grew sick and tired of Harley Davidson and the Low Quality and Unreliable compared to most other bikes... Harley's Dealerships Shop Time , Extremely High priced parts and repairs... Wait time for parts or repairs overall is ridiculous.. People make a purchase they expect to enjoy it with very little issues... Unfortunately regular issues and problems are part of the Harley experience and must go to Dealership for warranty work... That gets old.. Most people have enough eventually.
Love the vid, I have an 2004 sportster and she is nearly at 40000km and does 400km a week just going to work and back. Keep the vids coming 👍🏻ride it enjoy it
I ride 2008 1200c sportster. One of my bikes. I have ridden off road, highway . I love this machine. I don’t give a flying f what the others think do say. This Harley will last my lifetime.
Didn't start riding until I was 60. When I started shopping (after completing the Harley riders course) I was drawn to the Sportster 48. Loved that bike. But, when I told friends who were Harley riders that I was probably going to buy a sportster . . . you're right . . . I was informed in no uncertain terms that it was a girls bike! But . . . 1) I knew I wasn't ready for the heavier bikes and 2) I loved the look of the 48 so they could all piss off. I bought a new 2014 and was so excited to be riding for the first time in my life. 4 years of local riding and 25,000 miles later I bought a new 2018 Deluxe and began doing short day trips. Two years later, I bought a 2020 CVO street glide and am now touring at age 69. Love it so much. Nothing else like it.
The truth is most people who buy Harleys are at best, weekend riders. A few ride a couple of days a week to work. Others like you said are trophy riders. Buy it, Ride it a few times a year and then the rest of the time it’s garage art! They can brag to their friends they own a Harley. I personally ride several times a week, short and long distances on average a couple hundred miles when time permits. I rotate between 3 bikes. A Indian Chieftain, a softail springer, a custom 57 pan. Love them all!!
I am 69 years old been riding since 1977 just bought a 2024 road glide CVOST I have a lot of friends and family to ride with I’m in Utica New York Just Recently found you on TH-cam I do enjoy it thank you James Dean
@@OldNotDead-Club Yessir! And I am also 20+ years younger compared to the avg. Harley rider so an older bike with low mileage is and will be my go to for years to come as I must have a name on every dollar (or euro) that I spend if I wanna have it comfortable later on haha.
Well it worked out for me I just picked up a old customers 05 soft tail standard that I did all the work on changed cams chains and tensioners 2,000 ago it's got 46,000 miles on it wait for it $ 3,000.00 American green backs had to buy it. But yes these kind of deals really effect the used bike market. Always enjoy your videos sir 👍
I was recently out “running errands” aka at the HD dealership when I saw a guy buying a brand new Road Glide. I’m always excited to see that happen and I’m genuinely happy for those folks. Then, one of my sales buddies told me the guy had just signed up for a riding class and hadn’t even ridden the bike he was buying and had no riding experience or license, ever. HD was delivering the bike to his house in 2 days time. Now, we know there’s a BIG difference between sitting on and listening to any bike and actually operating said bike… I can’t imagine jumping into that scenario with zero experience on a motorcycle. Hey, more power to you if you can pull off the financial part of that but the impulsive nature of that path scares me just a bit. That’s a bike that will end up dropped (most likely), and creating a fearful and/or dangerous/unskilled operator. And of course it’ll be sold. A negative outlook indeed but I’ve seen that play out too many times. Here’s hoping that more people like that will see your insightful commentary.
Plus the class is in a parking lot on a 300cc thumper that weighs less than half of his Road Glide. $10 says he doesn't make it out of his driveway without dropping it. The classes are a false sense of security. People think they are going to learn everything they need to know to be safe riders when the classes actually set them up for failure. The classes not only don't teach trail braking, they teach the opposite, they say "never touch your brakes during a turn or in a corner". They also don't teach the concept of counter steering. Over 70% of ALL motorcycle accidents are "failure to negotiate a corner"
@@briangc1972 I know I took the Harley riding academy and you sir are also wrong . so in your defense should ppl not take the class ?? You’re an idiot too the class taught me everything I know , I had zero experience on a motorcycle if it wasn’t for the class I wouldn’t be riding now . Bunch of idiots on here
I'm not a cruiser guy but the Pan America has started to float my boat. After looking around I was shocked to see that I could save 10 grand or more on the second hand market over new on a 1-2 year old bike with extra farkles & under 10,000 km.
Great video. Agreed with everything you said. The only thing I would add is for riders to take a training course. Have a brutally honest ego check and realize we ALL need improvement in all riding skill categories. No matter if you're a beginner, intermediate, or expert rider there's no such thing as too much practice in developing and maintaining skills on the bike. Cheers! 🍺
It is amazing that new H-D owners will often spend loads on "go faster accessories" but seldom think of spending money on training, to make them smoother, safer and faster.
@@derekp2674 So true. I retired and took a job selling Harleys. It was crazy how new riders would spend $2K on a loud 'zorst and chrome before training and safety gear.
I totally agree. And in my opinion, too many people start off with a Harley when many times they can't really control the bike. Then comes crashing it because they weren't really prepared. The best way to go, IMO, is to start off with maybe an older Honda CB500. It's dirt cheap, much easier to handle, no colossal financial loss if you crash the bike, and most of all, you gain road experience. After two or three years, you'll be able to hop on that dream HOG, and handle it like a champ. I want to get a Harley. But that's the way I'd go. All my opinion, but I feel it's wisdom.
I can't tell you how many guys believed they would be instantly "cool" if they bought a Harley, only to never see them ride it anywhere but to show off!
Love this video. I agree the answer is ride more. I live in Nebraska and honestly have grown to really hate the cold. It's not unusual here to see several degrees below zero faranhieght during winter. So I step out of my comfort zone and ride as long as the roads are dry enough. Like you I believe stepping out of our comfort zone builds character and helps not atrophy in mind and body as well as spirit. People think I'm a little crazy but that's perfectly OK lol. I'm 56 years old the kids are grown and I feel like I'm just getting started. By the way I bought a 2012 wideglide last year knowing I wouldn't be as comfortable as a touring bike. It had less than 12000 miles on it and I'm coming up 20000 miles now. Haven't ridden as much as I want but responsibility has been the reason and family comes first. That being said I ride every chance available. Your videos have been an inspiration to remind me I'm not done yet and won't be for some time to come. Thank-you for the inspiration. Keep your rubber down and continue to ride to your hearts content.
Spot on! I live in Arizona and the market here is loaded with extreme low mileage Harleys. That's good for people looking to get more bike for their money and trade up but it's got to be tough for a dealership who's trying to move a $30-$40K bike when a buyer can get one used for thousands off, barely broken in.
The manufacturers are afraid to build low option vehicles. No one can build a ‘Pinto’ Cars and bikes these days are like space ships and they cost a million dollars because of it.
I live in the birth place of Harley Davidson, Milwaukee Wi., USA. Bought my first bike 3yrs ago for my 66th birthday, never rode a bike in my life. Purchased an 04 Heritage Softail with 54k miles for $4900 us dollars. As of today I have put 52k miles on it. September 4th will be 4yr anniversary, and by then I should have added another 2k miles. I've learned to do all my own work on it. Did have a local cycle shop pull the plugs this spring and use a bore scope, They told me not to touch the heads, there still is cross hatching in the cylinders. Fyi, I am retired so that allows me to put on 100 miles on average a day as well as almost 400 miles on a weekend. Needless to say, I found my love of riding and my biker group gave me the name "Everywhere Ralphie"
Most of the people, mostly men, who put lots of miles on their bikes do so because it's their primary mode of transportation. When I commuted to work from Murrieta, CA to San Diego, I did so on my only vehicle, a motorcycle. Rain, snow, yes, I rode home in the snow on my 1994 CB1000, and even really hot days, so hot, I would leave a little early so I could shower at work after getting off the bike soaking with sweat. If you get a bike thinking you're going to go on long adventures, you may get in one or two long weekend rides, but life is busy and it's difficult to find and make the time for those rides. And it's not limited to H-D. This same phenomenon happens with The Big Four and European marques.
Fuel is so expensive in the UK that riding a bike is now a practical solution for short journeys to pick up some groceries or go to and from a workplace. Even driving around 20 or 30 mls a day eats hard into a blue collar guys wages.
Just went on craigslist here in usa last week. Drove 1 hr away and looked at a 1999 sportster custom with 5.3k on the clock. Was asking 4k, threw up a 3550.00 offer, he countered with 3.6 and sold his bike that was still on original tires. In shop as we speak getting 5k harley service and new rubber. 65 and refuse to keep anything without using it.
I have a 2015 Fatboy with 36000 MILES, all of which I have clocked up. I live in the uk and ride all year round. It saddens me that my local dealership has bikes for sale that are much older than mine and have next to no mileage on them. I’m heading for 69 this year and been riding for over fifty years. She has my love and attention and gives me the therapy I need over any shrink..!!!
So I turned 48 when I decided to re-enter the motorcycle world - I bought a top heavy truimph tiger 1200 low - it was too heavy and too tall for me to manage. On paper it looked great. 2 years later - I have a HD Nightster Special and it's kind of perfect for me. Fast, looks amazing, current technology, and under 500lbs! Love it!
What’s a 1200 low? Either a Tiger, maybe speed triple. I have a street triple and it was a little high and top heavy but I got used to it. My Honda cb 500 is a lot lower but now the triple is my favorite. I think it’s just a matter of working your way up. Don’t start tall and heavy. I also have exercises that help and I try a lot of stuff in the parking lot. It depends on desire and how much you’re willing to practice. Balance is key.
I'm actually in a unique situation to answer this question. My bike (an FZ1) is my only mode of transport. I've put 8k miles on it in less than half a year. I also work in a Big 4 dealership. I've seen a bunch of people trade in their HDs. So I get to hear about what they didn't like about them. 1. Is power. 2. Is price 3. They just aren't about that life. 4. Is reliability. Usually in that order. Young and old riders alike. They all kinda go hand in hand. So a mid range HD is around 16-20k + TT&L. But for around 10500 out the door you can get a Rebel 1100 that has a 0-60 time of 3.4sec, and as long as you change the oil regularly will run forever. I have people trading in HDs under 5k miles with top or bottom end motor problems. That they decided that it wasn't worth the money to fix. Granted it doesn't have the same "feel" as a HD, but most people just want to be out on the road, and don't care about what they are one. Also the theme of "rebellion" is kinda lost when you have to be a dentist or take out a mortgage on your house to afford a bike.
A harley will hold its value longer. Much easier to keep alive than a Japanese bike. Because of the slower changes mechanically, parts and techs capable of workung on them are much more readily avaible.
I'm not a dealer, but I don't hear of anyone at all with motor problems like that. I've had 6 Harleys, with no 7 on the way, and have never had one problem. But yea 10 g will buy a kawasaki etc... that will do 150 and is still comfortable to ride, I just sold one, because I ride my harley so much now it was just sitting in the garage.
There are two kinds of Harley Riders the ones that only ride a few miles on nice warm sunny days. There are some that ride almost every day no matter what the weather is ..
@@jacobroberts2976 The first one and unashamed to say it! I have no interest in riding a motorcycle in the dead of Winter or in a torrential downpour. I bought my Harley for pleasure and if the weather isn't pleasurable then I ain't riding. My Dodge Hellcat is much more comfortable in bad weather. 😄
My first Harley was a 87 sportster back in 1988..Of course got the comments, "girls bike, skirtster.Great bike and I have many fond memories of that bike. Great video Aymon.
Reason 3: I see many people ride alone. And it’s not as fulfilling as belonging to a group of riders,where there is camaraderie and scheduled rides. I believe that many men suffer from loneliness and riding by themselves doesn’t completely fulfill their emptiness.
😂 not as fulfilling? Anyone who needs to be part of a group, needs to look at other aspects of their life. Personally, I'm waiting for my 16th bike to show up, and I've only ever ridden with someone else 2 times. I don't need to. I love riding, that's the only reason I do it.
The best place to buy used Harley is at an Indian dealer. They are traded in daily. Every trip I have gone on riding with Harley riders in a group, at least 1 breaks down every single time.
It was common a few decades ago to have a chase truck go on the poker runs with us, to haul any breakdowns. I owned 3 big twin shovelheads; sticking valves, parts breaking and or falling off due to vibration, etc. I'm currently looking for a 1 owner Fatboy or Heritage softtail up to 1995, nothing newer.
I had a heart attack last September, and decided that I had been in "my" comfort zone for way too long. After the doctors told me that my chances of survival at the time were only 2% to 7% at the time, I decided it was time to get back on 2 wheels after almost 25 years. I bought a 2008 electra glide classic from a friend for basically nothing, did the needed work for a cared for old bike with 60k and haven't looked back. Life is too short not to do the things you have on your bucket list. I'm not gonna be the one lying on my deathbed with no regrets other than not doing all the things I've always wanted to do. In those 25 years, people, including loved ones, have talked me out of doing these things. It's always been " you don't need to do that," or " you can wait, do it in a few years." Don't wait. Do them now. You might not ever get the chance if you don't actively pursue those things and make them reality. If the people who surround you aren't supportive of it, they're the wrong people, and need to seek therapy if they are that insecure about you achieving your life goals. Ride safe!
Glad you did return to riding motorcycles. Doctors are wrong most of the time ! By doing what you like you'll never get sick again ! I'm almost 70 and been riding them for 55 years. Best regards from Rio de Janeiro !
Hi mate, been riding now for 45 years and in the past put 100's of thousands of miles on different Harleys but I'm old now and in England and I only generally ride now when the weather is fine and we're having the worst summer I can remember, hoping for some better weather in the autumn as I've just traded my 114 streetbob for a new fatboy and hope to get some miles in before winter. Keep up the good work and keep the shinny side up.
I am a Brit, living in the Uk, so being cold and wet isn’t a challenge. I have a garage full of motorcycles, no HD’s only ever ridden my mates V Rod, and hired one for a day in Florida and of course they are motorcycles, what’s not to like. Just sat and listened and enjoyed your discourse. You now have a new subscriber and who knows with the glut of Harleys on the market I might just find one in the garage.
. Really go riding 300 to 400 mile days your a$$ in the saddle. Put up a tent or sleep with a tarp wake repeat 300 to 400 mile days sleep under the stars. Bikers ride lots of miles on their biked make memories on them. No memories are made if the bike is sitting in the garage, the bike soul is only dead.
Harley Davidson are cool bikes but their Dealership suck ! I sold mine because the local shop kept ripping me off ! Over charged for everything and their attitude. They were no better than common thieves. I’m riding a Honda 1980 Cb900c, it was years ahead of its time. 21,000 miles. My Don restored it for me to ride and it was a deal . Runs and rides better than my 09 Toad King . Yep I have been riding for over 50 years. I’ve owned many more than I can remember. The old Honda is a better bike. My friends and I have owned all kinds and makes and we all agree the most dependable and performance , plus easy to service. The Japanese 4cylinders horizontal motors are just unbeatable. Te old Honda I’ll bet will out last me. I ride because it has always made me feel better. To bad Harley has lost their way several years ago when they started catering to the rich want to be a new rider, instead of riders . It doesn’t matter what you ride , just ride. Celebrate Life !
Another exceptional video Ayman!!! Love the subtle ... and not so subtle humour ... and love the infusion of common sense wisdom blended in!!! Keep up the good work!!!
The REASON there are so many "Low Mileage Harley's" for sale, is the FACT that most Harley owners spend a LOT MORE TIME WORKING on their bikes than they do RIDING their bikes. And the REASON the "Market is Flooded with Low Mileage Harley's" is the FACT that most Harley owners are desperately wanting to UNLOAD their "Money Pit" motorcycles! They're tired of having to WORK on them, they're tired of having to SPEND MORE MONEY on them, and they're tired of NOT getting enough Enjoyment out of them! It doesn't take a genius to figure that out!
Show us on the doll where the HD owner touched you. Multibrand mechanic since the 1970s here including vintage British and HD. Most later model HDs don't get ridden long enough to break. Unlike the British classics I collect which went into barns because they failed to survive in the US market due to gross unreliability, Evo and later HDs get parked due to owner old age. Post-Shovelhead buyers don't work on their own machines in much volume so they're not tired of anything but buying too heavy a machine as a status symbol now they have bad backs. Even (most of) the idiotic chain tensioner shoes of the early 2000s don't see enough road miles to matter so I'm still finding them unfixed over two decades later. Of course the aftermarket has the usual upgrades making those easy to fix at home where I show my friends who do ride often how to do theirs.
Not riding your bike too much so it retains it's value is like not rooting your girlfriend too much so she's in reasonable order for the next bloke who roots her.
Loved the video. You did an excellent job of reflecting on riding in general and Harleys in particular. I especially resonated to the discussion on "comfort zone, " and getting out of it. I've been riding over 50-years, but recently my riding mileage has fallen off due to becoming more risk averse, which contributes to riding less, which is inversely proportional to the risk factor. It's a downward spiral. Riding, having been such a key activity most of my life, is hard to give up, although at the age of 82 it is a suggestion I hear more and more often from my family. Rather than quit, I down-sized from a big twin to a lighter V-4, then to my current go-to bike, a BMW 650 that weighs in at about 400-lbs. I think that the key to extending your riding window is TO RIDE! And, by that I include practicing in an empty parking lot to stay sharp on the basics of low speed maneuvers, and braking drills. Yes, sometimes it is boring, but it keeps me sharp and inspires confidence. I'll probably throw in the towel when I find myself somewhere strange, dressed in leathers, carrying a helmet, and can't for the life of me grasp why in the hell I'm dressed that way. Until then, . . . ride on. Thanks for a great video!
People don't want to ride them especially in areas like Detroit. With a road-rage like it is and black crime. People in this Detroit area or driving cars and pick em up trucks given the opportunity to run you over they will they just don't care. And when you have to battle that every time is not enjoyable.
Excellent points made and it provoked some self reflection for me and then inspiration. I have a Honda VFR and a Kawasaki R-1400 but over many years logged tons of flight time on Harleys. Fine machines, just that a japper fits me better. Key is to have whatever motorbike makes it happen for you is fine. Thanks again, excellent presentation.
The problem as to WHY is that speed limits are not honored in the USA .l drove 18 wheels for a living in the USA and in some states the police are very few to enforce the laws and when they do they are sometimes run over by speeding IDOTS WHILE ISSUING A SPEEDING TICKET TO A MORON OR ANOTHER DRUNK DRIVER in the city.
Great video mate. Maybe my favorite video you put out. I started doing push ups because you inspired me. As I mentioned in a previous video of yours I turn 62 next month and want to get a Harley for my birthday. I have NOT ridden a bike since I sold my Street Glide 17 years ago. Even though the Low Rider ST is 100 lbs lighter than a Street Glide, I am still trying to figure out if can handle a 727 lb motorcycle. Once I can bang out 100 pushups clip, my confidence will go up. Only can do 25 pushups at the moment which means I am weak as shit. Back in the day I could do one 10 one handed pushups with my left or right arm. But I am a senior citizen now and would hate to have to buy a Sportster because of the weight of the Low Rider ST. I briefly considered a Trike and even though I never test rode one, I think two wheels has to be more fun. Love your channel and the great content you always put out. Safe travels mate🙏
Overweight, underpowered with poor handling and braking and a painful riding position, yes I can see why Harley owners don't want to ride them. Some years back I rode a loaner Heritage Softail to the Daytona speed week. It became apparent that most of the thousands of cruisers there hadn't been ridden to Daytona, they had been trailered. Most owners just want to be part of the club. They don't really want to ride.
Lots of Baby Boomers getting too old to ride their big heavy HD sleds.... so they go to market. Also, during the pandemic, at least here Stateside, every dealership was snapping up used HD's and trying to corner the market on pricing of them. Now the market is soft with the recession we are in, high interest rates, and a surplus of used bikes. Great time to buy a used bike.... I'm looking for a used BMW R 18 B to add to the garage alongside the Sport Glide. Riding in extreme heat (104F) and on cold days below 50F ( a little rare here in Southern California) pushes my boundaries on staying properly hydrated and comfortable, too. Great content, Sir!
Its tempting..to buy one..but I got a Grom...Im using it for city errands..nothing threads and lane splits like one ..very easy to handle and park..chuck it on a towbar rack..great
I have found with the big tourers that the bikes are too physically big for them moving them around the garage because the people who buy them are old like me and weaker , most Harley's are dropped moving them about the garage etc, I have a Honda 125 as well as a road king just to remind me what the fundamentals of biking are , love it❤❤❤ ❤❤❤❤❤
Just picked up a ‘22 FXLRST with 600 miles on it for my 66th birthday. Back on a bike after 35 years. Feels good. Loving the mountain roads In Tennessee. Cheers!
You can fix a Harley. And, at least here in the USA, lots of places and people to work on them. Also, bend the frame? It can be fixed. Most other types of bikes, they get written off for the smallest crash. Insurance is higher on other bikes. And, you got a ten year old Harley, its still worth something. Its still cool, well, not sportsters, or other fray bikes... But, the dealerships will steal your money. Most do okay work at least. I had a Suzuki dealership change my tires and not properly secure the back wheel. It came loose on the interstate. I thought I'd die, surprisingly if you keep your head it is very survivable. Well, that and an 18 wheeler blocked the highway so I didn't get run over. Thanks again Charlie👍👍.
I bought my EVO Heritage Softail new in 1998, had about 8k's within first 6weeks.Still have it with nearly 300k's. And has been in storage a total of 6years. Longest single trip was 16k k's in 6 weeks.
I bought a 2017 street glide in July from the HD dealer it had 1500 miles on it!!! In my first season of riding on my 08 nightster, I put 18k miles on it. It's now September since I got the street glide and I'm up to nearly 5k miles on it and I haven't even gone on any trips that's just to work,gym, stores, and friends houses.
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Consider getting a new wig, that one looks too synthetic. 😂
The reason there’s a glut out Harley’s out there is because of this DUMB BASTARD in the White House we have to sell the $20,000 recreation to put food on the table!, it’s not just Harley, I just sold my Indian last month! It’s bad and getting WORSE MY FRIEND!!
I
U f#@kwods love your ☠️ maybe if you knew what it represents you wouldn't wear it so proudly
U f#@kwods love your ☠️ maybe if you knew what it represents you wouldn't wear it so proudly
@@ArmadilloGodzilla The Aussie accent aside I was thinking he looked kinda like an Old US Marine.😁
I have ridden high capacity bikes in the past. I now ride a Royal Enfield 350 REborn. And absolutely love it. Speed restrictions and speed traps are everywhere. There are hardly any workshops to provide mechanical support in my area. That bike I can ride, enjoy and maintain myself. As for what anyone else might think: I'm 61 and who cares, lol.
Thanks for sharing!
I own one also, along with 6 other bikes. I have it set up with soft bags with rigid metal frames. My other bikes are 500-750 pounds, but at around 430 pounds....I find that I jump on it as my grocery getter, or trusty commute to work bike. I love the feel it gives me of riding my old Honda SL70 at 12 years old, wide open, with hair on fire. Love it!
I ride a Yamaha Raider. It's a Japanese made bike. Alot of people don't like that. But all I do is change the oil, keep my eyes on the brakes and change tires when I wear them out. It's never in the shop. I love Japanese bikes. They don't cost a whole lot to own. You're right, "who cares".
Well, James, you sound like a BIKER......
Same here , RE classic350 , 65 years old ,
absolutely love it , and I don't care what anyone else thinks ,
I've had 19 Harleys and still going strong at 77! To my wife and I there still a piece of art. We like the bling so lots of chrome and lights! All States and all Provinces except 4 in each country! Route 66 from Illinois to California was our Bucket List and we did it when I was 72 and she was 65! Still going strong but long hauls are over. We're so glad we Stood on a Corner in Winslow Arizona !😊!
❤
Lol thanks and great to hear you are still riding
They’re
Just talking to a Harley dealer in London Ontario and he said they've sold 14 Trikes this year so far. Mostly to the older couples and individuals!
All you needed was one Honda😅😂😅😂😅😂
I finally got a HD after years of wanting one and I’m not going to let it sit there and collect dust. I live in Tassie and have just hit 16000km in 10 months. Once the weather gets warmer I’ll be racking them up even faster. Love this bike and love Tassie roads.
They are awesome bikes and you have some great roads at your doorstep
It's FREAKING INFERNO HOT August ! Where do you live ? Antarctica ? North Pole ?
I'm honestly curious.
Happy for you brother
@@GIGABACHI it is Winter time in the southern Hemisphere. I think they are in Tasmania.
Wow, only 10,000 miles! Nice!
Was at a local used HD seller and was amazed at the number of late model, low mileage bikes. We talked about it and came up with the same conclusions.
Great show.....
Thank you
You nailed most of it Aymon and it's worth mentioning that the aspiration of riding doesn't always coincide with many peoples lives. They "think" things will change when they finally put something two wheeled in the garage but it never happens. Often they only have the weekend to take their bikes out for a ride, only to find family commitments, kids soccer, shopping, home improvements and home upkeep get in the way of that small window of opportunity. If on those rare weekends when the stars finally line up AND the weather is favourable (for the fair weather riders) AND their motivation/energy and watch is saying yes, they face the nightmare traffic situation in and around their god forsaken suburbs and cities. What was meant to be "living the dream" is replaced with the living a nightmare. Sitting idle in standstill bumper to bumper traffic, red light after red light, not getting out of 2nd gear and having only moved a mere few k's whilst sucking in the toxins of car and trucks right around them, they realise "the dream" is indeed a nightmare. Solution? Well, get your priorities right, first and foremost is getting your health into top gear, downscaling all other material garbage and "telling" your boss to go stick it. Pack your wife/husband, kids, dog, budgie, quite being a sooky-la-la. move to regional Aus with the greatest roads and live that dream before you're dead😊
Thank you - and thanks for watching - where are you (regional)?
I moved to Adelaide from victoria traffic here is no probs
@@OldNotDead-Club Originally from Sydney. Moved to the Sunshine Coast QLD this year with the only regret being, why not earlier!! Endless miles of magnificent roads around the stunning hinterland of Maleny, Montville, Kenilworth and all within arms reach of the coastline. Immaculately maintained roads and the perfect weather year round. A must for any rider visiting. 😁
😂 You nailed it!
Good stuff old chap. Maybe pare down that 9th and10th minute to 14 seconds. But all true, well done.
Regardless of motorcycle brand, all that matters to me in motorcycling is maximizing smiles per mile. And I think there is a sweet spot in size and power of a motorcycle for everyone which maximizes smiles per mile. Many of these owners selling their relatively new low mileage bikes probably don't know what type of motorcycle suits them best to achieve that.
Good point thanks
I couldn't agree more, I'm 58 riding a BV 400 scooter. Just did a 360+ mile ride last week to San Diego CA.
I have heard that story before.. sorta sounds like a guy I knew once ..couldn't get a girl at the bar .. so he says hey .. it's not what you ride ..it's that you get the breeze between your knees ..then him and this dude named breeze got a roomfor the night .. works for him
.but I'm going back to the bar tomorrow ..find me a female
Bought a 2012 Road King Classic last year with 1600 miles on it. Wife told him to get it out of the garage. It has 16,000 miles on it in one year. Best investment I have ever made, and I have had a blast.
He should have kept the bike and sold the wife!
You are absolutely right. I've owned four big twins since 1979 and one 883 Sportster in 1988. I enjoyed and rode the 883 more than any of the big twins. I'm 6'2" and 180 so it was small but I liked it. But, due to peer pressure, I traded it for a '92 FatBoy. Only 12k miles in 31 years and I recently sold it. Looking for an 883 Iron now.
Thanks for sharing that - good to see you are going back to what suits
Try a ktm superduke, it'll blow your socks off and be 5x more fun than a Harley
@@tomtemple69 I do like a KTM! Not wild about the headlights.
@@79FatStrat the headlight is one of the cooler features, the praying mantis
Get a 1200. It's the same weight as the 883 with more power.
I don't even own a Harley, I own two Honda's (1976 CB750 & 1982 CM450), and I am only 32 years old...but this guy is awesome! Loved your getting out of your comfort zone talk. You just got a new subscriber! Keep up the fantastic work!!
Its not just bikes, caravans/campers, 4x4s, atvs, tons going up for sale.
You are spot on. Thanks for you emphasis on bikes and mental health.
Thanks for watching
I'm 66yo, with a '79 Sporty. I ride when I can ( Yes, the bike has issues) I noticed when HD first brought out their Evo class, they became trendy. Everyone wanted one. HD did their marketing well. Cheaper and more reliable. So the market was flooded, bikes everywhere. And it's gone on from there. The younger generation are different now. One day they're a big bad bikie, the next they're weekend warriors in their 4x4s. With matching uniforms to suit. It's the way of the world. I go for a run with my sons and friends, I'm old school, no cars, carry what you need, everything else stays home. The simple life. But not for some. Lol ... 😁
Same here. I love to ride and will put up with 2 saddle bags to carry a minimal. You gotta love to ride. If you don't love to ride don't buy a motorcycle. Buy a truck or car.
I got a 76 sporty chopper, it's not fast at all but it's the most fun I've ever had on two wheels.
I always buy used then take it to a local mechanic. I think a lot of people take that 1st ride and get scared. Ive been real scared riding before. It takes guts to ride any bike on the road.
I don't have a Harley , but I do ride . I enjoyed your comments , especially in regards to associating with people you don't agree with , it opens the mind , it stops the silo mentallity where your view is echoed and teaches you how to associate with different people .
Thanks - what are you riding?
@OldNotDead-Club I had a full licence from 1989 , which I talked my way into. Forward 31 years , I had a licence and no experience, so at 56 years of age I researched a bike as I could not test ride ( to scared ) as I wanted to ride around Australia. The bike is a VSTROM 650 . Unfortunately covid came in March 2020 preventing the around Australia trip. In July 2020 the NT border opened up with SA , so as a learner rider ( no L plates ) I left on a 15000 km adventure ( as you say , out of your comfort zone ) , from Adelaide to the top of Cape York ( Pajinka ) via Uluru and Darwin . Three years later and 55000 km's, I love nothing more than to hop on a bike and go. Old but not dead .
I’m 60 years old and have been riding motorcycles since I was 6. I’ve owned 23 bikes, 5 of them Harleys. Like most people I wanted a new Harley and bought 4 of them new. I wish I had never bought one brand new. Besides the high prices, and then the upgrades and exhaust changes that most of us want, you are in it deep. Plus every few years they make changes to the bikes, some of it mechanical changes that can’t be seen. Most of these changes are in an effort to cut costs. Every time they change the engines for example( shovelhead, eco, twin cam 88, 96, 103, milwaukee8,) there are usually problems and the buyer is the Guinea pig to see if the hold up. If not, many times you get to pay for the repairs. The best bet is to buy a used one that has most of the upgrades you want and the bike has some history to maybe prove its dependability and you will save a fortune. Most of the bikes I’ve owed were bought new. My most recent bike purchased is a 2006 Honda Vtx 1300R. Paid cash for it and only had 6800 miles on it. For the first time in years I really enjoy riding again. Don’t get caught up in all that HD lifestyle bs.
Very proud of my 2016 Road Glide. First bike in 40 years. Before that I rode a Yamaha Virago 500. So this is a big muther after the 500! Spent a lot of time in parking lots practicing slow speed maneuvers before I put my wife on the back. This is my 3rd season and have ridden 40,000 kms through this time, 11,000 this year already. Am doing an across Canada ride in a few weeks so that alone will be another 10-12,000 km. Don’t understand having a bike and not riding it….fear???? Of the weight, of the cars, of the weather… fuck it, get out and RIDE!!!!
Wise words, thanks
Brill .Enjoy I also had a Virago ( “Rumbustious Woman) .🧐
Viragos are awesome. My Mum had an 1100 back in the late nineties. Very fun to ride. I just had my car shit it's transmission, so I thought "fuck it", we've got the station wagon, I'll just use the bike as my all time ride. You're absolutely right. Screw the conditions, bikes were made to be ridden and the more you ride, the more experienced you are.👍
@@DmacDomage Here’s a bit of a What the F$&k!? On my initial comment: my 500 Virago only lasted 6 weeks before I t-boned a car, shattered the two bones in the lower half of my leg and TOTALLED my bike THUS a 40 year hiatus on riding. Bought a big bagger fully dressed so now my wife and I can tour all over! Rode to Winnipeg last September with a group of 10 other riders. This year a buddy and I are riding from Ontario to B.C. on a charity ride for Women’s Shelters. Combined we have raised about $20G’s!! Going to be an epic, bucket list ride!!!
Agree. Could never understand why someone buys a $30K motorcycle and lets it sit in his garage. I'm 68 and retired and ride my Yamaha Raider whenever I can. And when the weather cools off, I'll be out there 3-4 times a week. I love to ride.
Great video! I believe that you made a significant point about folks who buy a Harley and then hardly ever ride it. However I also believe that Harley Davidson itself has caused part of the problem. First, they are very expensive bikes (new). I live in a midwest city in the US and over the past three years, two long time HD dealers ended their business relationship with HD simply because HD decided to reduce the amount of bikes they were sending to the dealers. So these two dealers became "Powersports" dealers simply because HD decided to reduce the inventory. Additionally, I think many of the younger riders (40 and under) no longer want a Harley for various reasons (too heavy, too loud, etc.). I've got nothing against HD and I think they've made some great bikes. IMHO the company needs to change to attract more HD riders. I don't know what. Thanks again for the video.
I think you nailed it with your analysis, but for some of us it's not just a luxury item, but a way to save money. Tolls here in Northern Va can cost you over $120 USD a day. Motorcycles ride the toll roads for free and for me, that means I save 30 mins each way to work. I ride year round, so cold weather gear is a necessity but saving on Tolls and time... also a necessity for my sanity. Thanks for the video. 35K on my 2019 Street Glide Special and continuing to rack up miles!
Wow, steep tolls!
I remember back in 2008/2009 in Newcastle where i lived there was Harleys everywhere,now i see a handful of Breakouts at best.I dont think younger people are into them anymore.The flood of late model harleys just tells me that they mostly bought them on a whim and got sick of them really quick.I think the 30 to 40 age group is mostly into their Tonka trucks.
A couple of HD payments gave many riders buyers’ remorse. You could buy 2 real motorcycles for the price of one Heavy Dinosaur.
@@rastus666 that sounds dumb, and jealous.
Relatively new rider myself. Acquired my license in Nov of 2021, and had a Shadow as my first bike for the first summer. That summer of ‘22 I rode the living heck out of it practicing and getting comfortable with riding. That July I put money down for my current bike, a 2021 Softail Standard and now just over a year and a month she has 20K km on it. I love riding, and I’m happiest when I’m on two wheels. I agree with your reasons as to why folks treat Harleys as trophies, but you still gotta ride em! I’ll be upgrading next summer to a Road Glide.
👍 First bike in 1997 was a Shadow ACE 750...HD sued Honda for copyright or something.
Amazing bike loved it but then got a HD.
Now I've downsized from a Deluxe to a 48...knees and ankle injury.
Girls bike...whatever but I love it.
Thanks for watching
Yeah the old Shadow was a good cruiser to start on when $$$ are tight and you wanna get the feel and kinda the looks of a HD
I am 74 years old. Bought my first Harley Davidson in 1967. It was a 1961 XLH. They made about 900 of them that year. The price was $600.00 and it had a little over 600 miles on it. Back then, the Sportster was the fastest 1/4 mile bike you could buy. Cycle World said it was the fastest 1/4 mile time they had tested, with the 1967 XLCH model.
Since then, I had a 1966 XLH and a 1975 XLH. Also a 1955 FL. I would still have the FL, but it was stolen from me.
Currently, I have a 2006 XLH883. I bought this one for $2200.00 a few years ago. It has 28K miles. It had been kept in a barn for 2 years and was quite dirty. I cleaned it up with S100, and polished the aluminum. Looks great now. I am planning to make it a 1200 which is fairly easy.
For new people, I would say get around a 500cc cruiser and ride it for 6 months. If you learn to survive, then get a big bike.
As kids we mainly only had access to fairly big bikes, wide open spaces and next to no traffic, if you could straddle it you'd ride it, a lot of kids are fearless and quickly adapt to anything, many older people are full of fear and limitations, besides that many riders don't have much control of their oversize machines regardless of years, whole point being, if beginning and have desire give it a go you always learn something and adjust accordingly...
I feel your pain. I had a 1951 Pan that was stolen out of my garage in 1974 and I had no insurance
My BSA Hornet was faster!
@@slvrktman7824 the oil leaks were 😂😂😂
Bonnevilles were faster. Maybe you heard "fastest Americanbike"
The reason is because a large portion of Harley buys are buying a fashion statement.
Harleys are like tattoos, everyone including grandma has one now, so who's the rebel nowadays? 😅
It’s the top selling motorcycle manufacturer in the US.
I think people just like Harley’s. The style, the power, the tradition.
I have a co-worker who sold his M109r for a Harley. IMO the M109r is a fantastic bike, it’s my 3rd favorite cruiser behind the Sportster S and Vrod.
But the Harley he got is less powerful, older but he loves it far more than the M109r.
It’s hard for some to believe because they never leave the internet or go to biker events and such. But people genuinely like Harley’s.
Not everyone wants to ride a Rebel, Vulcan or something. BMW and Ducati’s tend to be more expensive. Indian bikes are priced pretty much the same. You look at the Scout 101 and it’s priced the same as a Sportster S but no one says it’s overpriced when it’s actually a lesser bike performance wise. Why because it’s fashionable to hate on Harley and not other brands for doing the same things HD does or worse.
Such as BMW which tend to have higher priced bikes with less features.
Absolutely right on. Owning a harley has become more about owning a harley and showing it off rather than being a rider.
I am in the UK. I have a 2002 Fat Boy .They are so rare here that apart from seeing them in tbe dealers showrooms ,in the 2.5 years i have owned it i have not seen another on the road .
In fact i have not seen another Harley on tbe road for months.
So they certainly have not flooded the UK.@jimdavis8391
Great video. As a motorcycle instructor in Canada I have always advised students taking the licensing course to go with a smaller bike to start. When you have picked up as many students’ bikes as I have you tend to groan a bit inside when a new rider says they have a new Harley Road King already and waiting for them in the garage! Like you said though, people buying above their ability often translates into a lot of great low mileage deals for the rest of us. Ride on!
Well said!
The best reason to get a small bike is to develop rider skill. And mechanical skill. Once you can ride the bike full out, you have to improve your technique to go faster. There is a lot of technique to learn. Looking into the turn. Countersteering at precisely the corner entry. Keeping your arms loose on the bars. Look where you go, go where you look. See "Twist of the Wrist". Having way too much hp means you never need to learn skills. You might pull apart the top end of a $1,500 bike and not be able to put it back together. But you would learn a lot you didn't know. Doing that on a $30,000 Harley in warranty is unthinkable. Education is good.
I'm an intermediate rider; been riding off and on since the 1970s. I currently have a small bike - 2023 500 Rebel SE. Yes great for skill development. But also just fun to ride. Fast enough for me; crazy nimble and stops on a dime. Speaking of dimes, I paid cash for it, because it was only $8K out the door. Lots of upside to smaller bikes. Also love the fact that it only weighs 420ish lbs and feels like a feather to back into the garage. Lots of upside to smaller bikes.
Never rode even a dirt bike till last year at 71. Bought a 2000 Harley Heritage, a bit big at first, but committed to ride it 4-5 x a week. Finally got some skills. Having a blast in what was a bland retirement. Had a " late life crisis", I guess. I didn't take it up so it would sit in the garage. I even joined a motorcycle ministry.
Nothing wrong with starting late. Great to see u on a bike at 71
I totally agree with you. Pushing gently out of your comfort zone regularly improves mental and physical agility. Comfort is routine like the milkman's horse. In 2017 and 2018 my wife and I decided to do a bit of a Jules Vern and we are in our 60s. Started riding through Java on scooters A paddle on the Mekong Then dirt bike road bike and scooter across and up Vietnam to China. Couple of trains to Finland Then spent 2018 riding a Springfield thru Oregon to Nova Scotia to Alaska on a Cooks tour. Took the Indian out on a cool lap across the Snowies last week. Just get out and ride. Even my nieces 300cc Honda last week was still a blast! hmm a spare Harley would be nice. Always likes the anniversary models... All riding should involve discomfort because you realise it doesn't matter and should never control what you do.
Thanks for watching
I don't watch you for a while and then I tune in and realize why I subscribed to you in the first place. Your an inspirational dude man! Ride on!
Thank you, appreciated
It is a shame that for the last 25yrsHD twin cam and milwaukee-eight powered motorcycles have so many expensive engine problems and catastrophic engine failure at low mileage.Thus you have to pay tons of money to get them to be long lasting and reliable.We are talking about big money. Many HD repos are not worth the high prices asked for them.
I haven't been riding 25 years, but I've owned 6 Harleys, and never had one problem, ride daily and weekends. Maybe I'm lucky, or more mechanically inclined than the general public.
Owned 10 Harley’s in 35 yrs. Never had any problems. 2 were built engines. Routine maintenance is the key IMO.
@@bobc8649 my Sportster is my only Harley. I have had that bike for 25 years almost. I get 10,000 mi out of the cheapo back tires that I buy and you go through two rear tires for every front one front tires last about 20,000 mi or about the second replacement on the rear you do them both. During the steering head bearings after the Storm they only lasted 25 years imagine that. I sure hope a tree don't land on it.
Another insightful video. Thanks for the encouragement Aymen.
Thanks mate
I agree with everything he says in this. I have 120,000 miles on my 2004 Dyna Wideglide, bought it new. Had and having fun riding and great adventures, met terrific people. Ride safely and enjoy.
Well said!
Over the past fifty years I have had 23 bikes of all brands and descriptions. The last two were Harley Electra Glides, one an Ultra Classic and the other an Ultra Limited. No one on social media wants to hear that I had absolutely no issues with either bike because that is boring. They were like owning a giant piece of jewelry. My wife and I started riding together in grade 12. The only bike that ever left us stranded (really stranded) was our 2001 Goldwing.
I agree amazing, listening to the haters
I live in canada an for yrs didn't own a car , went through two goldwings that i only drove in the winter first was 1980 an second gear went on it at think 50000 miles second 1984 that i got rid of in 87 because i got a suzuki gsxr1100 an fell completly in love with it so drove that year round till 1994 , before the gsxr in the summer drove a kaw h2 triple bought new in 78 but was an old stock 74 , the kaw has been bored 8 times not sure what that makes it think 800 something but i drag raced it for years, drove it year round till i got the wing , would never sell it , but the gsxr was far better handling , you could go around a big sweeper flat out near 180 mph an was steady as a rock an ride a wheelie as far as you cared , great bike , the speed laws now mean pretty much anything more than a scooter is to fast to keep a lisc. though so that era of riding is over plus i'm old don't want tickets
I’m glad you had a good experience, but are you seriously going to argue that Goldwings are more reliable than Harleys? I’ve been riding 52 years and have never seen a Goldwing by the side of the road. Alternatively...let’s be honest. You see a bike broken down...you know what it’s going to be before you get there. That being said I’ve had mostly vintage Triumphs, so yeah, I’ve been on the side of the road too. LOL
@@johncahill3644 where is your data that says Goldwings are reliable. More HD touring sales by far than Goldwings so a greater chance of seeing a HD by the side of the road. See my video - "you don't know anything about motorcycles..."
Just came back from my annual two week trip- did a few days in Devon by the sea, and the rest in Wales . Rode back through gale force winds and torrential showers and felt a real sense of accomplishment. I nearly dodged the weather by leaving early but stuck with the discomfort and so glad l did. Did nearly 1100 miles and didn’t get out every day either. Back tyre being replaced soon ready for the autumn season here in U.K.. I’ve done 10k miles in 18 months and can’t believe how little some people must ride given the low mileage bikes for sale.
Great video buddy, you always get my blood fired up for the next ride or challenge 👍
Thank you - sounds like an awesome holiday!
My Harley's motor started to fall apart at 45k miles. I grew up wanting a Harley. Glad I had the chance to own one. Now I'm on a Goldwing. Different style and following, for sure... But man, what a ride... And seems to be pretty reliable. We'll see how that goes. I'm at 30k miles so far. No matter what you ride... RIDE it!
Cheers
I bought my 05 Super Glide new.
I’ve put over 97 thousand miles on it.
A little maintenance goes a long way.
@@ordinaryman1904 yeah, all scheduled maintenance was performed.
@@minnybiker4505 can you elaborate on the term “fall apart” ?
And May I also ask, do you do your own wrenching?
@@ordinaryman1904 I did oil changes, changed out handlebars, little stuff... but that's about it. Anything else I bought it in to the dealer or independent shop. Motor developed a ticking. Thought it was lifters, changed those out, didn't fix it. One shop suggested "piston slap" and at that point, I got rid of it. There was always talk about the M8 being a bad motor, and I think that was in the back of my mind and I just decided to move on.
@@ordinaryman1904 I had a friend with 120k on his street glide, never gave him any significant trouble. I had high hopes for the Harley, and it was great for 4 years.
Great video, so many valid points. I'm currently looking into used Electra Glides. I've riden since I was 15. I'm 62 now and have owned 17 different road bikes and several dirt bikes of various makes. I have a little over 250,000 miles on those bikes. The largest one so far was a 98 model Honda Valkyrie Tourer. My wife is ready to get off of the back seat of my '21 Harley-Davidson Sport Glide and on to a more roomy and comfortable back seat (can't really blame her). Anyway, I've found many low mileage candidates for reasonable prices. Yes, they're out there! Enjoyed the video, keep up the good work. 👍
Get a Gold Wing....So glad I'm not riding Harley's anymore... So thankful just to Ride... Had my fill of breakdowns unreliable expensive parts ....when the Harley is wore out the Honda Gold Wing is just getting broke in...
Market is flooded in the United States too!!! .Its called BUYERS REMORSE!! Their NOT A Value purchase.....Low Quality Over priced and Under Performing.. Japanese Bikes are Superior hands down.. Unless your Hellbent on Riding a Loud, Archaic Vtwin Vibrating Bike why would Anyone with any motorcycle knowledge and riding experience want a Harley? I Understand the Older generation that grew up when they were Cool.... People grew sick and tired of Harley Davidson and the Low Quality and Unreliable compared to most other bikes... Harley's Dealerships Shop Time , Extremely High priced parts and repairs... Wait time for parts or repairs overall is ridiculous.. People make a purchase they expect to enjoy it with very little issues... Unfortunately regular issues and problems are part of the Harley experience and must go to Dealership for warranty work... That gets old.. Most people have enough eventually.
Love the vid, I have an 2004 sportster and she is nearly at 40000km and does 400km a week just going to work and back. Keep the vids coming 👍🏻ride it enjoy it
Thanks, will do!
Have logged over 130,000 km on my Road Glide. Just got back from a 6,500 km trip this summer. Loved every km of it!!
Nice 👍
I ride 2008 1200c sportster. One of my bikes. I have ridden off road, highway . I love this machine. I don’t give a flying f what the others think do say. This Harley will last my lifetime.
Didn't start riding until I was 60. When I started shopping (after completing the Harley riders course) I was drawn to the Sportster 48. Loved that bike. But, when I told friends who were Harley riders that I was probably going to buy a sportster . . . you're right . . . I was informed in no uncertain terms that it was a girls bike! But . . . 1) I knew I wasn't ready for the heavier bikes and 2) I loved the look of the 48 so they could all piss off. I bought a new 2014 and was so excited to be riding for the first time in my life. 4 years of local riding and 25,000 miles later I bought a new 2018 Deluxe and began doing short day trips. Two years later, I bought a 2020 CVO street glide and am now touring at age 69. Love it so much. Nothing else like it.
Thanks its great to hear you are riding at 69
dump your poser mates! you've got more balls than them poser bros!
The truth is most people who buy Harleys are at best, weekend riders. A few ride a couple of days a week to work. Others like you said are trophy riders. Buy it, Ride it a few times a year and then the rest of the time it’s garage art! They can brag to their friends they own a Harley. I personally ride several times a week, short and long distances on average a couple hundred miles when time permits. I rotate between 3 bikes. A Indian Chieftain, a softail springer, a custom 57 pan. Love them all!!
Thanks for watching
I am 69 years old been riding since 1977 just bought a 2024 road glide CVOST I have a lot of friends and family to ride with I’m in Utica New York Just Recently found you on TH-cam I do enjoy it thank you James Dean
Just picked up an 11 yo dyna street bob with ~12k miles in europe… i am actually happy for the situation. 😃
lol, yes good point when you are buying
@@OldNotDead-Club Yessir! And I am also 20+ years younger compared to the avg. Harley rider so an older bike with low mileage is and will be my go to for years to come as I must have a name on every dollar (or euro) that I spend if I wanna have it comfortable later on haha.
Well it worked out for me I just picked up a old customers 05 soft tail standard that I did all the work on changed cams chains and tensioners 2,000 ago it's got 46,000 miles on it wait for it $ 3,000.00 American green backs had to buy it. But yes these kind of deals really effect the used bike market. Always enjoy your videos sir 👍
Thank you
I was recently out “running errands” aka at the HD dealership when I saw a guy buying a brand new Road Glide. I’m always excited to see that happen and I’m genuinely happy for those folks.
Then, one of my sales buddies told me the guy had just signed up for a riding class and hadn’t even ridden the bike he was buying and had no riding experience or license, ever.
HD was delivering the bike to his house in 2 days time.
Now, we know there’s a BIG difference between sitting on and listening to any bike and actually operating said bike…
I can’t imagine jumping into that scenario with zero experience on a motorcycle.
Hey, more power to you if you can pull off the financial part of that but the impulsive nature of that path scares me just a bit.
That’s a bike that will end up dropped (most likely), and creating a fearful and/or dangerous/unskilled operator.
And of course it’ll be sold.
A negative outlook indeed but I’ve seen that play out too many times.
Here’s hoping that more people like that will see your insightful commentary.
Well you are correct I think that happens alot - i have seen it too
You seem like a very fearful person who’s overly concerned with others
Plus the class is in a parking lot on a 300cc thumper that weighs less than half of his Road Glide. $10 says he doesn't make it out of his driveway without dropping it. The classes are a false sense of security. People think they are going to learn everything they need to know to be safe riders when the classes actually set them up for failure. The classes not only don't teach trail braking, they teach the opposite, they say "never touch your brakes during a turn or in a corner". They also don't teach the concept of counter steering. Over 70% of ALL motorcycle accidents are "failure to negotiate a corner"
@@briangc1972 I know I took the Harley riding academy and you sir are also wrong . so in your defense should ppl not take the class ?? You’re an idiot too the class taught me everything I know , I had zero experience on a motorcycle if it wasn’t for the class I wouldn’t be riding now . Bunch of idiots on here
Too bad someone, anyone, in his life couldn’t talk sense into him to get a more reasonable first bike, or maybe they tried.
Great video and subject matter Aymon. Again delivering solid advice! Ride safe my friend
Thanks again mate
I'm not a cruiser guy but the Pan America has started to float my boat. After looking around I was shocked to see that I could save 10 grand or more on the second hand market over new on a 1-2 year old bike with extra farkles & under 10,000 km.
I just bought a pan am with 3,000kms for 22k with oem hd panniers top box and tank bag and aftermarket bash plate. The deals are coming!
Its hard to rack up miles when its sitting on the back of a tow truck all the time.
Great video. Agreed with everything you said. The only thing I would add is for riders to take a training course. Have a brutally honest ego check and realize we ALL need improvement in all riding skill categories. No matter if you're a beginner, intermediate, or expert rider there's no such thing as too much practice in developing and maintaining skills on the bike. Cheers! 🍺
It is amazing that new H-D owners will often spend loads on "go faster accessories" but seldom think of spending money on training, to make them smoother, safer and faster.
Thanks, wise comment
@@derekp2674
So true. I retired and took a job selling Harleys.
It was crazy how new riders would spend $2K on a loud 'zorst and chrome before training and safety gear.
I totally agree. And in my opinion, too many people start off with a Harley when many times they can't really control the bike. Then comes crashing it because they weren't really prepared. The best way to go, IMO, is to start off with maybe an older Honda CB500. It's dirt cheap, much easier to handle, no colossal financial loss if you crash the bike, and most of all, you gain road experience. After two or three years, you'll be able to hop on that dream HOG, and handle it like a champ. I want to get a Harley. But that's the way I'd go. All my opinion, but I feel it's wisdom.
I'm loving your thinking. There is a lot of wisdom here beyond just riding. Great work. Cheers
Thank you kindly
I can't tell you how many guys believed they would be instantly "cool" if they bought a Harley, only to never see them ride it anywhere but to show off!
Thats prob true
Some nuggets of wisdom for a better life. Use them when possible. Thanks
Love this video. I agree the answer is ride more. I live in Nebraska and honestly have grown to really hate the cold. It's not unusual here to see several degrees below zero faranhieght during winter. So I step out of my comfort zone and ride as long as the roads are dry enough. Like you I believe stepping out of our comfort zone builds character and helps not atrophy in mind and body as well as spirit. People think I'm a little crazy but that's perfectly OK lol. I'm 56 years old the kids are grown and I feel like I'm just getting started. By the way I bought a 2012 wideglide last year knowing I wouldn't be as comfortable as a touring bike. It had less than 12000 miles on it and I'm coming up 20000 miles now. Haven't ridden as much as I want but responsibility has been the reason and family comes first. That being said I ride every chance available. Your videos have been an inspiration to remind me I'm not done yet and won't be for some time to come. Thank-you for the inspiration. Keep your rubber down and continue to ride to your hearts content.
Thank you. Jump on our FB group you might like that
Thank you for your fab video . I started on a Yamaha 100 and progressed gradually to a 114 Fatboy .
Spot on! I live in Arizona and the market here is loaded with extreme low mileage Harleys. That's good for people looking to get more bike for their money and trade up but it's got to be tough for a dealership who's trying to move a $30-$40K bike when a buyer can get one used for thousands off, barely broken in.
The manufacturers are afraid to build low option vehicles.
No one can build a ‘Pinto’
Cars and bikes these days are like space ships and they cost a million dollars because of it.
Don’t jack the new price sky high then! Greed is Not Good !!!
I live in the birth place of Harley Davidson, Milwaukee Wi., USA. Bought my first bike 3yrs ago for my 66th birthday, never rode a bike in my life. Purchased an 04 Heritage Softail with 54k miles for $4900 us dollars. As of today I have put 52k miles on it. September 4th will be 4yr anniversary, and by then I should have added another 2k miles. I've learned to do all my own work on it. Did have a local cycle shop pull the plugs this spring and use a bore scope, They told me not to touch the heads, there still is cross hatching in the cylinders. Fyi, I am retired so that allows me to put on 100 miles on average a day as well as almost 400 miles on a weekend. Needless to say, I found my love of riding and my biker group gave me the name "Everywhere Ralphie"
Most of the people, mostly men, who put lots of miles on their bikes do so because it's their primary mode of transportation. When I commuted to work from Murrieta, CA to San Diego, I did so on my only vehicle, a motorcycle. Rain, snow, yes, I rode home in the snow on my 1994 CB1000, and even really hot days, so hot, I would leave a little early so I could shower at work after getting off the bike soaking with sweat. If you get a bike thinking you're going to go on long adventures, you may get in one or two long weekend rides, but life is busy and it's difficult to find and make the time for those rides.
And it's not limited to H-D. This same phenomenon happens with The Big Four and European marques.
Thanks
Fuel is so expensive in the UK that riding a bike is now a practical solution for short journeys to pick up some groceries or go to and from a workplace. Even driving around 20 or 30 mls a day eats hard into a blue collar guys wages.
Just went on craigslist here in usa last week. Drove 1 hr away and looked at a 1999 sportster custom with 5.3k on the clock. Was asking 4k, threw up a 3550.00 offer, he countered with 3.6 and sold his bike that was still on original tires. In shop as we speak getting 5k harley service and new rubber. 65 and refuse to keep anything without using it.
Thanks! Way to go
I have a 2015 Fatboy with 36000 MILES, all of which I have clocked up. I live in the uk and ride all year round. It saddens me that my local dealership has bikes for sale that are much older than mine and have next to no mileage on them. I’m heading for 69 this year and been riding for over fifty years. She has my love and attention and gives me the therapy I need over any shrink..!!!
So I turned 48 when I decided to re-enter the motorcycle world - I bought a top heavy truimph tiger 1200 low - it was too heavy and too tall for me to manage. On paper it looked great. 2 years later - I have a HD Nightster Special and it's kind of perfect for me. Fast, looks amazing, current technology, and under 500lbs! Love it!
Good stuff!
What’s a 1200 low? Either a Tiger, maybe speed triple. I have a street triple and it was a little high and top heavy but I got used to it. My Honda cb 500 is a lot lower but now the triple is my favorite. I think it’s just a matter of working your way up. Don’t start tall and heavy. I also have exercises that help and I try a lot of stuff in the parking lot. It depends on desire and how much you’re willing to practice. Balance is key.
More classes, too. Classes are great. They cost money but so does going to the hospital or paying for a funeral.
Fast and Harley Davidson are 3 words that sound funny together
@@marksandoe4809 I hope HD aims to change that!
Love the merchandise with the OLD , Not DEAD logo. I've been riding for 44 yrs.
Thank you
www.oldnotdead.club/shop
I'm actually in a unique situation to answer this question. My bike (an FZ1) is my only mode of transport. I've put 8k miles on it in less than half a year. I also work in a Big 4 dealership. I've seen a bunch of people trade in their HDs. So I get to hear about what they didn't like about them. 1. Is power. 2. Is price 3. They just aren't about that life. 4. Is reliability. Usually in that order. Young and old riders alike. They all kinda go hand in hand. So a mid range HD is around 16-20k + TT&L. But for around 10500 out the door you can get a Rebel 1100 that has a 0-60 time of 3.4sec, and as long as you change the oil regularly will run forever. I have people trading in HDs under 5k miles with top or bottom end motor problems. That they decided that it wasn't worth the money to fix. Granted it doesn't have the same "feel" as a HD, but most people just want to be out on the road, and don't care about what they are one. Also the theme of "rebellion" is kinda lost when you have to be a dentist or take out a mortgage on your house to afford a bike.
A harley will hold its value longer. Much easier to keep alive than a Japanese bike. Because of the slower changes mechanically, parts and techs capable of workung on them are much more readily avaible.
I'm not a dealer, but I don't hear of anyone at all with motor problems like that. I've had 6 Harleys, with no 7 on the way, and have never had one problem. But yea 10 g will buy a kawasaki etc... that will do 150 and is still comfortable to ride, I just sold one, because I ride my harley so much now it was just sitting in the garage.
Enjoyed that..just subscribed..some useful wise points made towards the end from the knuckle push ups… this fella knows his onions.
Thanks for the sub!
I think I put 1200 miles on my bike in the first week. Did it till I was so sore I had to rest.
Lol I know that feeling
I do knuckle push-ups because palm push-ups hurt my wrists 🤷♂️
Lol
There are two kinds of Harley Riders the ones that only ride a few miles on nice warm sunny days. There are some that ride almost every day no matter what the weather is ..
Very true
Which one are you
@@jacobroberts2976 The first one and unashamed to say it!
I have no interest in riding a motorcycle in the dead of Winter or in a torrential downpour.
I bought my Harley for pleasure and if the weather isn't pleasurable then I ain't riding.
My Dodge Hellcat is much more comfortable in bad weather. 😄
My first Harley was a 87 sportster back in 1988..Of course got the comments, "girls bike, skirtster.Great bike and I have many fond memories of that bike. Great video Aymon.
Reason 3: I see many people ride alone. And it’s not as fulfilling as belonging to a group of riders,where there is camaraderie and scheduled rides. I believe that many men suffer from loneliness and riding by themselves doesn’t completely fulfill their emptiness.
Fantastic point thank you and I agree - i will probably do a video on that soon
I prefer riding alone or maybe 1 or 2 mates who can actually ride instead of wannabe riders who are dangerous and a hazzard to everyone.
😂 not as fulfilling? Anyone who needs to be part of a group, needs to look at other aspects of their life. Personally, I'm waiting for my 16th bike to show up, and I've only ever ridden with someone else 2 times. I don't need to. I love riding, that's the only reason I do it.
The best place to buy used Harley is at an Indian dealer. They are traded in daily. Every trip I have gone on riding with Harley riders in a group, at least 1 breaks down every single time.
lol, every trip i go on, i see a troll
It was common a few decades ago to have a chase truck go on the poker runs with us, to haul any breakdowns. I owned 3 big twin shovelheads; sticking valves, parts breaking and or falling off due to vibration, etc. I'm currently looking for a 1 owner Fatboy or Heritage softtail up to 1995, nothing newer.
I had a heart attack last September, and decided that I had been in "my" comfort zone for way too long. After the doctors told me that my chances of survival at the time were only 2% to 7% at the time, I decided it was time to get back on 2 wheels after almost 25 years. I bought a 2008 electra glide classic from a friend for basically nothing, did the needed work for a cared for old bike with 60k and haven't looked back.
Life is too short not to do the things you have on your bucket list. I'm not gonna be the one lying on my deathbed with no regrets other than not doing all the things I've always wanted to do. In those 25 years, people, including loved ones, have talked me out of doing these things. It's always been " you don't need to do that," or " you can wait, do it in a few years." Don't wait. Do them now. You might not ever get the chance if you don't actively pursue those things and make them reality. If the people who surround you aren't supportive of it, they're the wrong people, and need to seek therapy if they are that insecure about you achieving your life goals.
Ride safe!
Glad you did return to riding motorcycles. Doctors are wrong most of the time ! By doing what you like you'll never get sick again !
I'm almost 70 and been riding them for 55 years. Best regards from Rio de Janeiro !
This was the best video I've seen today.
I have to say I agree with you on all counts, and I'm 68.
(And, I just subscribed. Thanks, mate. Cheers)
Harleys are luxury items in US and Auzzy. But in most of the world, a motorcycle is basic everyday transportation.
True, thanks
Hi mate, been riding now for 45 years and in the past put 100's of thousands of miles on different Harleys but I'm old now and in England and I only generally ride now when the weather is fine and we're having the worst summer I can remember, hoping for some better weather in the autumn as I've just traded my 114 streetbob for a new fatboy and hope to get some miles in before winter. Keep up the good work and keep the shinny side up.
Thanks, we all only ride when we can. Love the Fat Boy
Let's face it, most Harley owners buy them to pose with, rather than ride, and spend more time polishing them than riding.
Nonsense.
EVERY Harley rider in the US thinks they are a Hells Angel as soon as the get on one.
@Lemmon714_ I would save your arse for shitting out because talking out of it makes you look like a stupid can't.
Yep. Got a friend who had a Harley & it just sat there, used once a year. He's also got a Suzuki GSXR 1000, which he uses regularly.
@Lemmon714_ no they do not.
However, Hells Angels do.
I am a Brit, living in the Uk, so being cold and wet isn’t a challenge. I have a garage full of motorcycles, no HD’s only ever ridden my mates V Rod, and hired one for a day in Florida and of course they are motorcycles, what’s not to like. Just sat and listened and enjoyed your discourse. You now have a new subscriber and who knows with the glut of Harleys on the market I might just find one in the garage.
Welcome to the channel
. Really go riding 300 to 400 mile days your a$$ in the saddle. Put up a tent or sleep with a tarp wake repeat 300 to 400 mile days sleep under the stars. Bikers ride lots of miles on their biked make memories on them. No memories are made if the bike is sitting in the garage, the bike soul is only dead.
True, thank you
Harley Davidson are cool bikes but their Dealership suck ! I sold mine because the local shop kept ripping me off ! Over charged for everything and their attitude. They were no better than common thieves. I’m riding a Honda 1980 Cb900c, it was years ahead of its time. 21,000 miles. My Don restored it for me to ride and it was a deal . Runs and rides better than my 09 Toad King . Yep I have been riding for over 50 years. I’ve owned many more than I can remember. The old Honda is a better bike. My friends and I have owned all kinds and makes and we all agree the most dependable and performance , plus easy to service. The Japanese 4cylinders horizontal motors are just unbeatable. Te old Honda I’ll bet will out last me. I ride because it has always made me feel better. To bad Harley has lost their way several years ago when they started catering to the rich want to be a new rider, instead of riders . It doesn’t matter what you ride , just ride. Celebrate Life !
Thanks stay safe
having a harley in the driveway is like having the car with the biggest fins in the 1950s
I love those cars!
@@WillyPark I've owned em, you'd soon get bored with the maintenance and the gas mileage.
Another exceptional video Ayman!!! Love the subtle ... and not so subtle humour ... and love the infusion of common sense wisdom blended in!!! Keep up the good work!!!
Thanks, much appreciated
RIP Harley Davidson
Lol
You sir are a full grown wise man. Lots of great advice here. Good on you.
Thank you, appreciated
The REASON there are so many "Low Mileage Harley's" for sale, is the FACT that most Harley owners spend a LOT MORE TIME WORKING on their bikes than they do RIDING their bikes. And the REASON the "Market is Flooded with Low Mileage Harley's" is the FACT that most Harley owners are desperately wanting to UNLOAD their "Money Pit" motorcycles! They're tired of having to WORK on them, they're tired of having to SPEND MORE MONEY on them, and they're tired of NOT getting enough Enjoyment out of them! It doesn't take a genius to figure that out!
lol see my video "you know nothing about motorcycles if you..."
Show us on the doll where the HD owner touched you. Multibrand mechanic since the 1970s here including vintage British and HD. Most later model HDs don't get ridden long enough to break. Unlike the British classics I collect which went into barns because they failed to survive in the US market due to gross unreliability, Evo and later HDs get parked due to owner old age. Post-Shovelhead buyers don't work on their own machines in much volume so they're not tired of anything but buying too heavy a machine as a status symbol now they have bad backs.
Even (most of) the idiotic chain tensioner shoes of the early 2000s don't see enough road miles to matter so I'm still finding them unfixed over two decades later. Of course the aftermarket has the usual upgrades making those easy to fix at home where I show my friends who do ride often how to do theirs.
I......got nothing. All I can say is your thoughts are bang on. I'm subscribing.
Thank you!... and welcome to the channel
Not riding your bike too much so it retains it's value is like not rooting your girlfriend too much so she's in reasonable order for the next bloke who roots her.
Lol spot on
Loved the video. You did an excellent job of reflecting on riding in general and Harleys in particular. I especially resonated to the discussion on "comfort zone, " and getting out of it. I've been riding over 50-years, but recently my riding mileage has fallen off due to becoming more risk averse, which contributes to riding less, which is inversely proportional to the risk factor. It's a downward spiral. Riding, having been such a key activity most of my life, is hard to give up, although at the age of 82 it is a suggestion I hear more and more often from my family. Rather than quit, I down-sized from a big twin to a lighter V-4, then to my current go-to bike, a BMW 650 that weighs in at about 400-lbs. I think that the key to extending your riding window is TO RIDE! And, by that I include practicing in an empty parking lot to stay sharp on the basics of low speed maneuvers, and braking drills. Yes, sometimes it is boring, but it keeps me sharp and inspires confidence. I'll probably throw in the towel when I find myself somewhere strange, dressed in leathers, carrying a helmet, and can't for the life of me grasp why in the hell I'm dressed that way. Until then, . . . ride on. Thanks for a great video!
People don't want to ride them especially in areas like Detroit. With a road-rage like it is and black crime. People in this Detroit area or driving cars and pick em up trucks given the opportunity to run you over they will they just don't care. And when you have to battle that every time is not enjoyable.
Doesn't sound like a nice place to live
So instead of a scary tough guy biker, they see a rich defenseless retiree to rob now lol
Poor guy
Excellent points made and it provoked some self reflection for me and then inspiration. I have a Honda VFR and a Kawasaki R-1400 but over many years logged tons of flight time on Harleys. Fine machines, just that a japper fits me better. Key is to have whatever motorbike makes it happen for you is fine. Thanks again, excellent presentation.
Well said!
Well said, from start to finish. Agree 100% Just subscribed!
Thank you and welcome
The problem as to WHY is that speed limits are not honored in the USA .l drove 18 wheels for a living in the USA and in some states the police are very few to enforce the laws and when they do they are sometimes run over by speeding IDOTS WHILE ISSUING A SPEEDING TICKET TO A MORON OR ANOTHER DRUNK DRIVER in the city.
Knuckles pushups are the only way I can do them. My wrist wouldn't bend anymore
Great video mate. Maybe my favorite video you put out. I started doing push ups because you inspired me. As I mentioned in a previous video of yours I turn 62 next month and want to get a Harley for my birthday. I have NOT ridden a bike since I sold my Street Glide 17 years ago. Even though the Low Rider ST is 100 lbs lighter than a Street Glide, I am still trying to figure out if can handle a 727 lb motorcycle. Once I can bang out 100 pushups clip, my confidence will go up. Only can do 25 pushups at the moment which means I am weak as shit. Back in the day I could do one 10 one handed pushups with my left or right arm. But I am a senior citizen now and would hate to have to buy a Sportster because of the weight of the Low Rider ST. I briefly considered a Trike and even though I never test rode one, I think two wheels has to be more fun. Love your channel and the great content you always put out. Safe travels mate🙏
Thank you. Perhaps work on squats also
Overweight, underpowered with poor handling and braking and a painful riding position, yes I can see why Harley owners don't want to ride them. Some years back I rode a loaner Heritage Softail to the Daytona speed week. It became apparent that most of the thousands of cruisers there hadn't been ridden to Daytona, they had been trailered. Most owners just want to be part of the club. They don't really want to ride.
Lots of Baby Boomers getting too old to ride their big heavy HD sleds.... so they go to market. Also, during the pandemic, at least here Stateside, every dealership was snapping up used HD's and trying to corner the market on pricing of them. Now the market is soft with the recession we are in, high interest rates, and a surplus of used bikes. Great time to buy a used bike.... I'm looking for a used BMW R 18 B to add to the garage alongside the Sport Glide.
Riding in extreme heat (104F) and on cold days below 50F ( a little rare here in Southern California) pushes my boundaries on staying properly hydrated and comfortable, too.
Great content, Sir!
Thank you
Its tempting..to buy one..but I got a Grom...Im using it for city errands..nothing threads and lane splits like one ..very easy to handle and park..chuck it on a towbar rack..great
I have found with the big tourers that the bikes are too physically big for them moving them around the garage because the people who buy them are old like me and weaker , most Harley's are dropped moving them about the garage etc, I have a Honda 125 as well as a road king just to remind me what the fundamentals of biking are , love it❤❤❤ ❤❤❤❤❤
Thanks
What’s the make of that camouflage jacket you’re wearing? It’s sharp.
Just picked up a ‘22 FXLRST with 600 miles on it for my 66th birthday. Back on a bike after 35 years. Feels good. Loving the mountain roads In Tennessee. Cheers!
Right on! Happy birthday.
Ugh... I'm so jealous. It's so flat and boring where I live in ohio. 😢
You can fix a Harley. And, at least here in the USA, lots of places and people to work on them. Also, bend the frame? It can be fixed. Most other types of bikes, they get written off for the smallest crash. Insurance is higher on other bikes.
And, you got a ten year old Harley, its still worth something. Its still cool, well, not sportsters, or other fray bikes...
But, the dealerships will steal your money. Most do okay work at least. I had a Suzuki dealership change my tires and not properly secure the back wheel. It came loose on the interstate. I thought I'd die, surprisingly if you keep your head it is very survivable. Well, that and an 18 wheeler blocked the highway so I didn't get run over. Thanks again Charlie👍👍.
Thank for watching
I bought my EVO Heritage Softail new in 1998, had about 8k's within first 6weeks.Still have it with nearly 300k's. And has been in storage a total of 6years. Longest single trip was 16k k's in 6 weeks.
You are spot on with everything you say, in this video!
I bought a 2017 street glide in July from the HD dealer it had 1500 miles on it!!! In my first season of riding on my 08 nightster, I put 18k miles on it. It's now September since I got the street glide and I'm up to nearly 5k miles on it and I haven't even gone on any trips that's just to work,gym, stores, and friends houses.
Just subbed!
Welcome to the channel