Streetwise: Most American men want a Harley

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ^ | Friday, April 23, 2004 | Lauren Rudd

[Willie Green]

What do men want more than anything else? No, not that ... well maybe that also; but that is not the topic of today's column. According to a survey of 1,000 men nationwide, besides wanting more money and keeping their wives happy, six out of 10 men dreamed of owning a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Steve Piehl, Harley-Davidson communication director, said, "When asked why they had not bought one, there were some interesting answers such as, 'My wife won't let me,' 'I don't have the time' and the one that really drives us crazy, 'Don't they cost at least $20,000?' "

The survey revealed that 75 percent of the respondents thought a Harley was too expensive. Not true, says Harley. "What we're finding out is that people know owning a Harley is cool, but they just do not have the facts. If they did, they'd have one in their garage right now," Piehl said.

[IamHD]

A (cop) acquaintance dumped one in a subdivision while a homeowner was washing his car. He couldn't even pick it up. He had to radio in for help. lol Luckily, he wasn't hurt, and when he told me about it, he even laughed. He sure was embarrassed, though.

[Bikers4Bush]

No, but you're inference was that a lot of men wouldn't want a Harley because they could lay it down.

From the looks of that picture the guy was on a crotch rocket traveling at a high rate of speed.

[MineralMan]

My dream bike is this Velocette Venom.

[LearnsFromMistakes]

My wife said 'dont even think about it...'

[E. Pluribus Unum]

No, but you're inference was that a lot of men wouldn't want a Harley because they could lay it down.

You can't lay a Harley down?

[Tijeras_Slim]

Reminds me of a guy I saw trying to pick up a Valkyrie in the middle of an intersection.

[zlala]

I used to ride a Harley via my husband (now my ex). I miss the Harley.

[CyberCowboy777]

I think I'd like a Shadow

[eastforker]

Of course they want Harlys, they want to recieve the county subsidie for helping oil the roads!:>)

[xsrdx]

Of course, some folks just don't like Harley's no matter what. It's a matter of taste I suppose.

The thing I find disturbing about Harleys - and it really isn't HD's fault - is their relative lack of sophistication. But that's what sells.

How can cast iron, steel, pushrods, and 50hp/liter sell for TWICE as much money as titanium, magnesium, DOHC and 180hp/liter?

A new Japanese sportbike is the two wheel equivalent of a Formula One car, with so much technology, advanced materials and engineering development it makes your head hurt just thinking about it.

A new Harley OTOH, from a performance perspective, is pretty much on par with one 20 years old.

It's just bizarre.

[Bikers4Bush]

Most guys on Harleys don't do over 100mph on a crowded freeway inviting death.

[T.Smith]

I would love a 'Glide. In fact, it has crossed my mind many times to give up my '59 Triumph in favor of a Harley. I just can't bring myself to do it, though. I've never ridden a Harley, but I loved my VT100 Shadow. I can't see the Harley making up for the $9000 price difference. Like I said, though, I've never ridden a Harley.

[bikerman]

They did and they went out of business again.

[Bikers4Bush]

The guy washing his car didn't give him a hand?

[Bikers4Bush]

Lol, two little words that would make that situation even funnier....Boss Hoss.

[Buell_X1-1200]

No doubt. Apparently HD thinks "loud and obnoxious" is a good enough substitute for "powerful", because a typical Hog will lose a drag race with a minivan.

Ahem, I have to take issue with you on your point of horsepower. I have a 2000 Buell Lightning. Buell is a newer sportbike made by Harley. Mine has a Sportster 1200 and boasts 102 horsepower. This baby has more low-end getup and go than any of my old Jap Bikes: KZ-1000, Ninja 750, CBR 600 and CBR 1000.

[HungarianGypsy]

My grandpa worked for the Milwaukee Police Department in the 1920s and '30s. It was standard issue for the motorcycle police to ride a Harley. I need to get that picture of grandpa on his Harley enlarged.

[bikerman]

Its not a Harley.

[Bikers4Bush]

That doesn't look very comfortable.

How much does it go for?

[Bikers4Bush]

LOL!!!!