How to Choose the Best Harley-Davidson for YOU!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 มิ.ย. 2024
- Top 5 Tips to help you choose the Best Harley-Davidson motorcycle that is suited to your Riding. Matt Laidlaw & Andrew Asevo give us their best suggestions that, over the years, they have seen help people make the best buying decision. Check this video out if you're trying to decide on your next Harley-Davidson.
www.laidlawsharley.com
Learn How to Ride a Motorcycle:
www.udemy.com/course/howtorid...
All the Gear I Use (Amazon Affiliate Store Front)
www.amazon.com/shop/mattlaidlaw
Song: "Never Return"
Music from Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com)
#Choosingaharley #HarleyDavidson #buyingaharley - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
![🎮เกมยิงปืนใหม่ ภาพสวย และ สมจริงที่สุดในโลก [ BODYCAM ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/My3l1owRY9I/mqdefault.jpg)
Great video but, I think you missed something! You said you would go over the street and what it’s niche is..but I did not catch what that niche is!
Dude, I was wondering if someone was going to catch that. I totally screwed up. I left out a segment that I had prepared while I was editing. I'm pissed at myself. Basically the bike is great for beginners and people with a specific riding environment like heavy urban areas or short commutes. I'm going to pin this comment so more people can see. Sorry I messed this up
@@MattLaidlaw or if you happen to be an Avenger.
I have a Street 750 and that's exactly what I use it for. 15-30 minute commute in DC area traffic back and forth to work.
the street 500s are cool bikes. they use them in the Harley Academy
@@socalgolf9978 The guy at the dealership near me was explaining that they ceased production on the Street 500's. The 750 will continue, but the remaining 500's will be used for the Harley Academy only. No more sales. That's what he said anyway, haven't fact checked him.
If this video is a true indication of how you guys conduct business, then HD needs to hire you as a dealer/sales trainer. It boggles my mind, how clueless a lot of HD salesman are with their inventory, customer needs and just making a sale. Great video!!!!
Thanks Blake. I appreciate the comment.
As as a long time corporate HR trainer that's what I feel too Matt!!!
I was at a dealer yesterday and the salesman said he’s been doing it for 15 years. Yet more than 5 times he had to correct himself as to what model a bike was. He lost me after that
I'm going to my local hd shop today to sit on a few, my fxdwg in their shop.asked what can you give me as a trade.wont give me a number until I choose a bike which I haven't made up my mind. And the one that kills me they keep pestering me about filling out the credit app. I'm not financing so really? I love how close this dealership is but their sales force is inept.
@@2667ooo They say it’s your choice in the same breath they push you towards their sales goal.
My man just educated me more than the harvard did!
Well nobody asked!!
@@prathmesh4793 nobody asked
Ah yes, the Harvard
Remember, THE Harvard
Just gotta let em MIT people know, huh?
The harvard
Let’s be honest though, nothing impacts decisions like price
Depends on what tax bracket you're in if we are being honest. Some people don't even know the price of alot of the stuff they own. And some people can tell you exactly how much the sales tax was down to the penny.
Yep! I agree whit you
@@grey5135 True, but im talking about normal people making an average income, not people who are pocketing more than six figures a year
Yea ill have to agree with you there. I bought a sportster 1200C back in 08. Wanted a Road Glide for about a decade now. Guess what. Still riding the sporty because I can't afford a 30k + bike. Especially now with the price of everything else going through the roof.
@@StretchReality let’s be honest. If you’re not making at least $100k yr in 2021 and older than 30, you did something wrong in your life.
The right one for me was the one with no payments and fully serviceable at home.
That's one of the most useful induction training sessions I've experienced in a while... As a biker of 30+ years and an L & D manager of 20 years.. Well done Matt indeed!
Harley would be much better off bringing their prices down significantly. Riders would be knocking their doors down.
I'll just tell Ferrari that if they lower their prices more people would buy, on ya mate. I'd even buy one if it was the same price as a Jeep!!!!
I thought so too, but have you checked recently? Their touring chassis bikes are pretty competitively priced, particularly when you consider that the Street Glide and Road Glide hold their value more than most touring bikes. The only big bagger/tourer that is actually cheaper is the Kawasaki Vaquero/Voyager.
Next, the Soft Tails. The M8 engine is roughly 1800cc in metric talk. Honda offers the Valkyrie and Yamaha has the Vmax at $17,999, putting it midway through Harley's Soft Tail line. Indian starts with the Chief at $18,499. We'll talk about the 1100cc Scout when I get to the Sportster. For a big cruiser, Harley actually is both cheapest and most expensive, with Soft Tails ranging from the $14,599 Street Bob to the $20,599 Fat Boy.
Now the other Cruisers. Honda Fury/Stateline/Interstate, 1300cc bikes, priced $10k to $11k. 53hp, 79ft-lb tq. Indian Scout, 1100cc, $9k-$16k. 72ft-lbs, 100hp. These compare to the Sportster 1200 at $10K and Forty Eight at $11,299. 73ft-lbs of torque, 67HP.
The 883 at $9k with 53.8 ft-lbs of torque and 51HP would compare to a Yamaha Bolt 942cc 59.3 ft-lb $8K, Kawasaki Vulcan 900 $8k to $9k depending on equipment 58.2 lb-ft. It's not until this category that Harley is the most expensive.
The Street bikes, at $6,899 to $8,699 compete with the following: Honda Shadow $7,699 to k$8k. Kawasaki Vulcan S, $7,099 to $7,699.
Harley is still hurting from being the rich man's bike in the '90's when everyone was making bikes that could easily compete. So many people won't even cross-shop them anymore because we grew up knowing they were overpriced. Everyone else's prices caught up though.
Not cheap to buy but keeps its value very good, after a few years of fun very reasonable depreciation, lost more money on former japanese bikes and bmw’s
I can see both sides of the argument here. I have an xsr 900. Definitely not going to hold its value, but it's half as much as a softail, and yet has more hp (way lighter too). I think lowering the price would go a long long way though. It was the reason I hummed and hawed, then didn't buy a HD.
Ok, but if they lowered the price they would have to build their bikes differently, cheaper paint, finish, more plastics and then it would just be another bike, like indians are, famous brandname bought by polaris but nothing more than a good japanese bike 😔
Great advice Matt, if all dealers used your strategy it would be a great benefit to the motorcycle community in general. 👍👍👍
I've never rode and was looking to get into riding, I went to a harley dealer and was looking to get my license and bike all at once, the salesman was trying to push me into a $18k glider that was way too big and I wasn't comfortable and instead pushed me out the door
@@kentdavis4446 don’t let them sell you something that won’t fit you or your needs, you can always upgrade after you are comfortable with riding, be safe.
@@kennethreynolds8 yeah, that was a couple of years ago, now that winter is here again I'm considering getting one in the spring
This is an outstanding video! I rode dirt bikes growing up, and last year I randomly decided to take the MSF course. The day I completed it I went to Harley and bought a softail. It worked for me and did a ton of highway miles for about eight months. It gave me the experience of riding a motorcycle and common scenarios almost daily. I just recently switched to a road glide limited and it’s working out very well for me. I may have switched a little too quick but these salesmen in this video knew what they were talking about. Love it!
I was looking at a Low Rider. I ended up with a Sport Glide. It's amazing, it is so much more comfortable and insensitive wind than the lighter bikes I'm used to. It is very agile too.
Great video Matt! If I lived in SoCal I would definitely buy from you!
Great video Matt, I can see you put a lot of thought into it. This should be standard viewing for anyone jumping into Harley-Davidson ownership.
This cleared up the HD Line in my mind majorly. I was so confused. Thanks for doing this!
Much respect for you, big man. I appreciate you putting the effort in to help riders and future riders. These smaller dealerships could take notes. Too bad I'm on the exact opposite side of the country from you
Words of wisdom Matt. Thanks again. I’m looking forward to your live broadcast on Tuesday as the 2020’s are being announced,
Thanks Clint.
Thanks Matt. You just showed me I need to get my FXBB. Can’t wait to see the new colors
Glad I could help. Hopefully you like the new colors
Thank you for all the videos y’all do. From the bike builds (especially the ones that cover the model I own) lol, to the touring videos. Like the ones to Yosemite, Death Valley and such. They’re always fun, chill and really informative. Thanks again and hope everyone involved has a great 2022 🦾
Great video. Reminds me of how I got my Harley. I went into the shop thinking about buying the Iron 883. I liked the budget and it seemed to fit my needs (riding through traffic). In the end, I bought the roadster even though it's more expensive. I tested it and I just loved it. The style for me.
Great video, Matt! I appreciate you taking the time to do these videos...very helpful. I'm very happy with my 2019 Heritage Soft tail...thanks again!
Thank you! Enjoy.
The salesmen at Gateway Harley in STL need to learn a few things from this video, especially the budget part. They need to respect someone's budget and not try to shove a CVO down my throat.
joojr2779 perhaps your test numbers are low, everyone knows a cvo will fix that
It's like that in Kansas city as well!! If I owned a dealership I would never allow people to be treated the way they do.
joojr2779 All the Harley sales men are trained the same. Close hard and quick. Bank on people falling for all the Harley hype. Check out the local scan via Craig’s list. Plenty of Harley’s , even newer ones for sale. Some even for sale for the loan value. They just can’t make the $750.00 payments. Just don’t buy on the first go round. Theirvsalesmen remind me of hardware slingers or used car salesmen. Check other avenues before the local dealer.
Sales people at all Harley dealers have a lot to learn
go look at a Indian,
Sharp lesson plan with a great sign in the background ( No dealer added markup) !!! I could watch your video’s all day long !!! Thanks !!! 😳
Laidlaws will always work with you! I love this dealership.
Best experience ever.
Straight forward, no bull information.
I know I made a great decision years ago when I bought my '09 FXDL. I trained 2 days on a Honda 250 during my non-HD riding course (literally my only motorcycling experience up to that point) and went straight to the Low Rider without test-riding it. I thought I wanted a Sportster back then but had a friend talk sense to me as far as the riding I would be doing. It felt super heavy compared to the 250s and I was intimidated for sure, but my passion and intrinsic motivation muscled me through the learning curve. It feels light to me now (technique!) and meets most of my riding needs. It's a blast around town and is a beast on the highway as well. Thanks for mentioning saving money! I am a huge fan of delayed gratification, especially when you can remove debt/guilt from the equation. I don't plan on ever getting rid of my Bug Smasher, although this whole "Performance Bagger" genre has me thinking.... Great vid, as always man. Keep up the good work!
Wow this story is almost EXACTLY mine! Only I ended up with an '09 FXD! But everything else is verbatim! :)
This is the most informative video on this topic I’ve ever seen. I only wish every Harley-Davidson dealership had guys like you so interested at getting the correct fit rather than just making a sale. It’s getting all too common at dealerships where their bottom line is the most important factor, and not customer satisfaction. Good on you for articulating your position, and letting us know why that’s important to your dealership. I wish I could have my buying experience at Laidlaws, I truly do! Well done!
Love the honesty Matt. The more I watch your channel the more I enjoy them. Keep up the good work and hope to see your team soon.
Thanks Matt for this fundamental approach in motorcycles. Buying, and selling Harley Davidson. I just accepted a sales position at a locale Harley dealer in my area. As soon as I applied I began looking for information such as this. I will of course, be trained at the Dealer. But its always nice to have some fundamental stuff going in. I am excited about this opportunity and looking forward to selling Harley Davidson.
my first bike was a year ago and it was a street bob. I had never been on one before the class.
And how did do you like it now, did it take you a while to grow into?
Great Info as always Matt! Can't wait to see the 2020's and the nice new colors!!!
Excellent video, Matt. Very well thought out and explained. Thanks.
I like the Shawn Smoak approach. One of everything 😁
definitely right on with advice! As the former owner of an Ironhead Sportster, 05 Road King , numerous asian and german tourers and crotch rockets and standards, and now a 2017 Ultra Glide, I totally agree with your approach. Plus, the new softails are no longer "Great handling and riding Harleys" , they now stand up to and in many cases surpass the best anyone has to offer in class. As for the budget, talk to other people who don't, and have never owned a harley, you see mostly a wistful far away look and hear "I always wanted one.." Get a bike you can be proud of, nothing is worth anything unless you sacrifice something! Great videos Matt, and good riding to everyone!
Matt, I’m a motorcyclist from Russia and now I’m choosing a Harley-Davidson for myself, I had a lot of questions about which motorcycle to choose and how to choose, just like I chose between street glide and road glide.
But after your video, all the questions disappeared, I just want to thank you for your work, thank you so much!
Great Format of Last few Harley Davidson Promo videos Matt, Nick and Andrew. Harley for Life.
Great information Matt. Definitely will assist those who are going to buy their next Harley. Absolutely agree ... don't think price but what bike fits your needs.
Well done ...
Thank you! and thanks for watching
Thanks for posting. I’m glad you covered the stature of riders. I’m 6’3” and 230 pounds with bad knees and, after a 30 year hiatus from riding, I’m itching to get back on the saddle so I’m looking for a Harley with leg room that I can stretch out on and cruise the countryside for a few hours at a time. Any advice?
BTW, whoever added the subtitles to this video uses the word “writers” and “writing” instead of “riders” and “riding”. Just thought you’d like to know.
Get you a Fat bob or fatboy
Great info thank you Matt, upgrading by the end of the year this type of vids help make a better decision buying the new HOG
Some salespeople really have no idea...I was told by one HD dealer that only those over 6 feet in height should own a RoadKing. WTAF? At 5'9" and been riding bikes since the 80's I bought my RoadKing from another dealer. A dealer that actually listened to what type of riding I was planning on doing. Thanks Matt for the excellent advice you present in this video.
Love your “No dealer markup” sign😎👍🏻
That's why I'm passing two closer dealerships to me, too buy from laidlaw!
They don't need to Mark the price up they have a nice service department will they make all their profit. Harley's break down alot.
@@patrickdecambra2219 I disagree. I had a Harley and it never broke down. Harleys are reliable.
Those days are over.
@@rogerbohman2589 I just decided I am going to do the same thing. Thanks for the post, totally encouraged me.
I just got hired at Frazier Harley-Davidson here in Buford,Ga. I’m stoked to be a part of the H-D family and can’t wait to see your live stream Tuesday. 🤙🏻
Cool man. Welcome aboard.
Just follow this approach and you’ll do yourself and your customers a great service..all sales reps should watch this before getting thrown to the wolves..
Love your videos, a different perspective. I’m 68 years old have been riding most of my life, with about a 12 year break since my last bike which was an Electra Glide. Last year I bought a 19 Road Glide special. In a year of riding I never achieved the confidence and comfort I once enjoyed. I have a long hilly gravel driveway that intimidated a lot. After a year and only putting about three hundred miles on the bike I had to make a tough decision. I’m now a proud owner of a 20 Tri Glide. I love it and having a blast.
Awesome vid Matt! Wise words from a dude who's dealt with a variety of people and a variety of bikes.
Love your vids. For me I think region is a big part of the equation. I live in Washington State and I do not enjoy riding in pouring down rain 7 months of the year. Right now I have a 2017 fxdls, but I commute to work and really need a street glide special. Backpack gets old after a while; but 28k is a hard sell for me since i know I wont be riding it all the time its raining. If I lived in CA or AZ would be a different story. I can more than afford one but paying a 400 a month bill each month to be able to ride maybe 4 months of the year.......you see where Im going. Keep up the great vids.
Damn ; I just like that softail slim -
Thanks Matt for going the extra mile -
🤠❤️👍🏻
Good video. Over the last 28 years I've ridden all sorts, I only got into Harleys 18 months ago. I test rode most of them over a period at my local HD store and when I rode the Street Bob FXBB I was blown away with the connection between the bike and me. There is something very special about a Harley and it's hard to put your finger on, but when you find the right one you just smile every time you ride it, and you always want to ride it. So a decent route and the test ride for me are the most important part of the process of choosing a bike. The only thing I think you missed is the importance of the dealership, not all HD stores are the same. I love the passion of some (not all) of the HD dealerships, it's part of the experience and makes a massive difference to us riders and becomes a home from home.
I've spoke with this guy on the phone and he's about his business. Super friendly and knowledgeable
Well, I have a lifetime of riding experience, and a great technique and awareness. I bought a Street Glide Special (my bad) and hated it because it is so top-heavy and bulky. It was not a pleasure riding it, especially at lower speeds around tow, And I was always afraid of dropping it from my foot slipping or not being fully concentrating at stops and low speeds. I did not feel it was the bike for me for sure. I did not ride it much because of those factors and just maneuvering it to get started in the direction i wanted to ride initially from my garage was a n annoying chore, always doing that waddle to be careful I did not drop or damage it. I traded it away quickly after only a couple months of ownership. Traded it on a Sport Glide. I lost $$ on the deal, but I ride a whole lot more and am happier with the bike,
I've had three Fat Boys and changed to a CVO Street Glide last summer and I haven't enjoyed the experience either, I also find them very top heavy and feel like they will topple over with only the slightest lack of concentration. Filtering through traffic is also awful on them as well, weaving from side to side to keep it straight at low speed isn't fun. Also find the tiny fairing completely insufficient for my needs and in particular listening to the radio at anything above 60mph is impossible.
How does the sport glide perform on highway? I don’t do much highway but occasionally do and need something decent on those high speeds when trucks are passing me
One year passed on my iron 883, nearing the two year mark..i know the pros and cons of my iron, i changed the looks and accessories to suit my built. I might buy a Softail or touring model after some years, but i might look into other brands too...
Hi Matt, thanks for posting the vid. I am new to HD and are about to buy my first. Very useful.
Great video Matt! Thanks for the great content.
I’m 15 and love watching Harley rides, looking to get one as soon as possible but from what I’m hearing is that the sportster is probably the best starter for me
No, not buy a country mile. The Indian scout is the best starter bike for you.
If your deadset on a Harley, 883 sportster or street 500/750
@@trueaussie3097 i dont really mind what bikes i get, but my dream bike is probably a road king, obviously i wont start on that but yeah.
anyways thanks for the advice
@@servicarrider lol Indian…
Another great video from Matt. Though I’m not on the West Coast, I still like to watch all the bike reviews, etc., that this channel offers. For the best, no-nonsense, straightforward, and informative videos on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, this is where you need to be!
I’ve not even completed the video , but I just wanna say thanks, I am from India, an Harley enthusiasts , and I watch your videos so regularly , thanks for all your videos Matt.
Matt, that was an OUTSTANDING video! A segment of that video you were talking to my wife and she was actually listening. I got her a 2008 Fat Bob because it fit her well. Turns out its way to heavy for her, so your short person chat was right on point!
Such a great video, regardless of people choosing Harley's or not. Lots of important tips. Appreciate the insights
19:12 my man is skipping every other stair
Matt, that was a very helpful video. Some really great things to consider. Thanks!
I am retired so I purchased my 2019 HD Tri-Glide Ultra, specifically for long distance trips. Everything that came with my trike, plus the added amenities I installed after make sense to me, thus making my rides both comfortable and fun.
My wife is 6'1"...so the trike made sense as well, as she is comfortable throughout the long distance rides. Enjoy whatever you choose to ride and be safe doing it!! 👊Respect 👊
Well said! I started with a 2014 iron 883, moved on to a 2014 Street Bob, then a 2017 Street Glide, and finally (for now lmao) I own a 2019 Road Glide! Love all of them.
Dang you ran the full gambit! Nice Progression.
And you're still paying finance charges for how many years? Motor Co. loves you.
Ahh if only I could buy them all . . . 😪
YES!!!
Bye bye, bank account
Matt that was one excellent detailed video on motorcycle buying. Someone will surely benefit from it. Ride safe.
Great video thanks, was looking exactly for something like this.
Yup got a sportster in January I wanna upgrade to a soft tail now
Biohazard64 if you're enjoying your Sportster, keep it; get another bike if you want but don't get rid of it. I traded mine on an Electra Glide and regretted it... and it was "only" an 883. Ended up getting another Sportster (1200 this time) and now that I have both, I can honestly say I ride the Sportster more.
George Costanza I love my iron 1200 well I guess when I group ride I’m the slowest/needs gas more is when I wanna upgrade haha
I've had my Sportster 4 years, love it. Yes I'd like to get another bike too lol
Biohazard64 no way a 1200 sportster is slower then those heavy ass baggers
Biohazard64 when you say slowest, do you mean it's because you always gotta stop for gas, or are you riding with super sports? Because your Iron 1200, even stock, shouldn't have much problem keeping up with touring bikes and some smaller displacement sport tourers. I can see windblast being an issue at higher speeds on the highway but if you can't keep up in the canyons, it's not the bike.
Would lime to see a video showing fit for women. Height, weight, changing seats and handlebars and moving floorboards/pegs forward or backward.
Yes there is close to nothing out there for women riders
I'm 5'6" so I can reach on a lot of bikes, not all and the seats are so wide and the bar placement is too far. I don't want to lean forward, I have back issues. There's a lot of short women that have to make crazy adjustments to ride. They should make smthg.
Thanks for making this video. Gives me alot to think about!
A lot of helpful information when buying a motorcycle Thanks for the video Matt Looking forward to Thursday take care
It’s Tuesday.
If I lived in the US I would come to you! Breakout for me btw. 😉
Best one for me Matt is a second hand one mate .... save millions.
Thanks 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thx Matt, great video. I’m New to riding, this video helps out a lot.
Great advice thanks for the video Matt, will be watching the livestream. Do you know if they announcing new 2020 softail Breakout?
I've been riding for 46 years and notice as you get older weight and size of the bike becomes an issue.
That’s true. I probably should have addressed getting older.
Superb video. Full of great information. Thankyou.
So refreshing to see an honest sales person. Well done Matt.
I’ve got a sportster that I’ve put about 25k on, I definitely should have bought a dyna
Robert Kraft Exactly I miss my sporty although I ride a street bob
The number one question I ask when selling someone a Harley: “how much money do you have?” And we go from there. Lol
That's not a great sales strategy. They will never tell you the truth when you ask that question.
Michael Sgambati Well tbh almost all the harleys are identical in sound and feel, just the ride quality varies on the chassis. In that regards, asking about budget would be sensible as then they would be able to get bikes off the showroom floor accordingly. For instance, if you run a HD dealership near a poor area and the people mainly have a budget of $9K, there is no way you will push them a Electra glide or brand new soft tail because that would be wasted inventory in your area. Instead you would go to certified pre owned for the majority of stock you hold so they can sell. You are in the business to sell good badass motorcycles, not to be a historian on everything HD.
Better question is " do you like overspending for inferior quality"?
I tell the salesmen, give me your best OUT THE DOOR PRICE, from the comfort of my own couch, and also mention we don't talk finance until we nail down that out the door price. Finally I remind the stealer that I will call your competitor with your best price.......we go from there.
👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎
Hi Matt, You just helped my pick the right HD for me. Very happy with this video. Love from Amsterdam. Rob.
Dude this is just the video I've been looking for thank you so much thx
My gas tank can outlast my buttcheeks between fills, no question.
0:44 😂
There are so many choices. Small cruiser, large cruiser, medium cruiser and of course, for those of us who don't like cruisers, we can always try a cruiser.
Great advice Matt, wish I would've seen this before I bought a FXDF love the bike but now I think I should've gone with sport or street glide.
Would like to hear more from lady rider viewpoints.
i see alot of women on softail slims, mainly imo, due to its low seat height.
my goal was cross country riding with secure storage so i got a trike; never been sorry. i love my bike!
"Extra $30/mo." I don't even like financing primary transportation, but NEVER FINANCE A TOY
Make it your primary?
@@maygorfungus9094 I would love for my bike to be my primary. Still, pay cash. Even H-Ds are depreciating now.
Scott Edson buy one you’ll never sell. If you’re smart, you’d take it serviced to the dealer AND KEEP RECIEPTS AND LOG THE MILEAGE AND MAINTENCE IN A BOOK to show to the seller so they know they’re buying a quality product.
Not as much of a problem when you have a very low interest rate. But anything above 3-5%, I agree with you.
Matt
Thanks for a great video. Something all HD dealers can learn from. I knew I wanted a touring frame and got the RK. Love the bike but dealer never went through the steps you described.
Great video Matt! Especially the point about budget. There is nothing worse than buying a bike just because it's less expensive, and then all you can think about is how you should have just bought the Road King, Heritage, or CVO. Prepare so you can buy the bike you will ride, and you won't regret it.
First tip: get high paying job so you can afford one or 2 or 3 avg paying jobs!!
What was said makes sense. BUT, at the same time you're kind of perpetuating that Harley "mindset?" where bigger is better and if you don't have the biggest baddest Harley, you don't have a real Harley... and that's a HUGE problem the Moco is having. Their sales are going in the wrong direction and starting at the very top brass, Harley is trying to switch things up hence all the products that traditional buyers wouldn't expect from Harley ie the Street series, Livewire, FXDR, the new adventure bike, etc. But all of that is for naught if they dealers don't believe in the product. From someone new to the brand, you pretty much just wrote off Irons and most other Sportsters, along with completely disregarding the Streets. This never happens in the import world. The sport bike crowd talk about small bikes like Ducati Monsters, Ninja 250's, Rebel 500s, and Yammie R3's like they're the best things since sliced bread. That way, they build up confidence, fall in love with the hobby, and buy more bikes. But you're giving the impression that if you want to ride a Harley, and your friends have touring bikes, then you better get one too because you don't want to hold them up, irrespective of your riding ability. Or, it doesn't matter that an Iron is already half a foot longer and 200lbs heavier than that R6 you rode in on, but you better get a bigger bike because you look hilarious on that puny thing. Who cares about what your friends have, ride your own ride! Sorry but that's just wrong and that's why Harley is losing market segment. People get pressured into getting a bigger bike than they should because "they look better" on it, or they feel obliged not to hold up the guys with Street Glides, but then it totally turns them off the whole experience, they get rid of the bike, and never ride again. Either that, or they'll just walk out the dealership saying screw Harley and everything they stand for, I'll stick with Honda's Africa Twin DCT. See where I'm coming from? If not, take a step back and try to watch your video in someone else's shoes. Remember the old saying "you meet the nicest people on a Honda?" Well, they came up with that for a reason, it's still true for a reason, and they sell the most bikes in the world for a reason; they don't treat Grom riders like second class citizens because they know that guy is going to have that 125 mini bike along with a CBR1000RR. They don't care how big (or small) your bike is, and that "as long as you're riding" attitude is exactly what Harley needs, not getting people into big twins and touring bikes irregardless of everything else.
George Costanza totally agree... and I own Harley's. Here's why I say that. There's a sportbike group I ride with and one of the guys got a Z125. Everybody goes crazy over that little thing when it comes out with us. I got a turn on it too and gotta admit, it goes at a snails pace and a 5'9" foot 180lb dude looks hilarious riding it, but it is probably the most fun you'll have on two wheels. And if you think an Iron is a lead weight among touring bikes, wait till you see a 125 trying to keep up with 1000cc super sports :) But nobody has a problem with it, everyone blasts off like they usually do then chill out for a bit until it catches up. Anyways, when I got into Harley's I was ridiculed for being on an 883 and totally felt pressured to "upgrade". So I did and got an Electra Glide. But I didn't have nearly as much fun on it and felt like an idiot for being a 45 year old man succumbing to peer pressure. So, I got myself back into a Sportster (1200 Custom). Now that I have both, I can honestly say I prefer the Sportster, and take it at least 9 out of 10 rides. It's just so manoeuvrable, so easy to just hop on and bomb around town, with stage 2 upgrades it's got plenty of power, plus its so easy to just roll up and park anywhere I want(with the Electra Glide I gotta be extra careful to park it somewhere I can back out of). It just suits the type of riding I do, and I love it. Anyways, if you do too, then just get one and ride the heck out of it, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
Great video! Very informative! Thanks for this 😎
Thank you so much for this detailed video. All my questions were answered. I feel alot more comfortable with making a decision on my first bike. Phenomenal Video 🙏🏽
Matt said he rides 65mph or faster, think he ment to say 85mph AND FASTER!!
Yea, you got me.
#1. consider a better built bike
#2. Save your money
#3. If you're abundantly wealthy, any harley will do
This is hugely informative. Thank you!
That was good sensible advice Matt and Andrew, Thankyou and greetings from the UK
If only all dealers were this helpful and informative - Great vid
Good video and guide. Missed the niche for street. I will use this for my friends.
Thanks for the information, I believe it will be useful when I decide to buy.
Great video Matt, thanks for the info
! Great video with excellent recommendations. Thx
Great presentation Matt, wish I had more advice years ago when I started on a Sportster and grew quickly out of it. Now its touring all the way with my fifth and hopefully last Bike. RGS. Listen to the guys sisters and brothers!
Great video Matt, with Great advice. Cheers
Another great video. Even for someone not currently in the market.. keep up the vids mate, love em.
Thanks!