I have a friend who paid $32,000 for the Harley "Screaming eagle" bike. Thats the one that comes from the factory already pepped up bigger bore and all the hot parts.
$32,000 and then 1500 for new pipes, and a chip that was supposed to make it faster. When he got done with chrome and all he had almost $40,000 dollars in it.
Now I can buy a Caddilac for that kind of money,a damned god one.
The biggest secret in the world isnt the formula for Bush's beans or the coca -cola formula or even the way to make a nuclear bomb.
The biggest secret in the world is what it actually costs to build a harley davidson ,Motorcycle. I figure this $40,000 bike actually cost about $12,000 tops.
I have owned 4 Harleys, loved them all.
Now I ride a Yamaha and am amazed at the difference in the maintenance costs. I just change the oil and the tires the bike has a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty.
I am told that the 500 mile check up on the Harley is $800 dollars. Correct me if I am wrong.
I think it's more like $350, which is enough of a rip-off. The checkup is a glorified oil change. You should be able to your 500 mile checkup for under $100. That's oil, oil filter, and a service manual. The service manual is a one time expense of $40, so after that it's just a filter and some oil. Don't pay stealership prices.
Yea, but you don't have the legendary Harley sound, you only a Japanese made cycle. If I am not mistaken Harley's are handmade little, if any, production line.
Its funny. HD is now touting their new production 96ci fuel injecteed engine. It doesn't make anymore horsepower or torque than the 88tc but its a lot smoother...HAHAHAHAHA.
Let me guess -- you, like me, are a happy Royal Star owner. Venture or Tour Deluxe?
I was reading American Rider magazine and read some very interesting items about Harleys by Harley people:
* Neary all Harley riders are dissatisfied with stock performance.
* A writer telling about how riding a Sporster at or above 80 mph was a strain for the bike and about the time she blew and engine trying to keep up with some Road Kings at 85 mph
* A guy bragging about a 14,000 mile summer in which he replaced 'only' both sets of breaks, a drive belt, a couple tires and a few other parts.
* Vibration is GOOD!
It just seems to me that they find all kinds of ways to justify a poor performing product.
I just think it is the "Sweet Lemons" theory at work.