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.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

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

Most motorcycle deaths occur to innocent motorcyclists minding their own business only to have someone on a side street make a left turn out in front of them.

[Buell_X1-1200]

I've seen a few of their videos (Star Boys). They are outta of their minds ... I hear the fur is to cover up all the broken plastic fairings from all the wrecks.

PS: Doing a wheelie down the highway, while passing cars, is not a wise decision ... It's turkeys like this that make our insurance rates so high ...

[thefactor]

that ducait is the most awesome thing ever. i sat on one in a shop upstate. brand new, racing stripe. i was drooling. but it was too much. so i bought another naked ride. suzuki SV650. love it. great for the streets of manhattan.

[IamHD]

No. lol The cop was so embarrassed, he said that he wouldn't even look at the guy. He was telling me about the intensive motorcycle training they go through in Ohio....before they go out on the road. I worked at the dealership that the city bought the bikes at, and this particle cop's bike was being "repaired."

[bikerman]

I bought a 1998 Harley electra glide classic for $16500 in 2000 have just turned over 88 k miles on it bought it with 13 k on it wife and I going to NY next month she has a road king varrrooooom and yes loud pipes save lives along with an air horn.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Its not a Harley.

You don't get killed as dead when you ride a Harley?

[Tijeras_Slim]

Hey, you ought to contact FReeper blackie, he rides a SV650 too.

[Bikers4Bush]

If that's what you honestly think then read up and get educated because that is a myth.

http://www.msgroup.org/TIP056.html

http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/cdps/Stats/Mtc/Mtc.htm

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-Safety/crash.htm

[IamHD]

That's one, fast bike.

[Shaun_MD]

There was a lot of criticism that the "new" Indian was nothing more than a clone -- a $20,000 bike put together with sub standard parts. Hence it did not sell.

[Bikers4Bush]

"I hear the fur is to cover up all the broken plastic fairings from all the wrecks."

That makes a lot of sense. Much cheaper than repairing the faring.

And I agree with you, it's guys like that that screw it for the rest of us.

[ArrogantBustard]

doing at least 120, in shorts and a t-shirt.

Sooner or later he's going to meet my sister-in-law, the shock/trauma nurse.

Or someone just like her.

[MineralMan]

"That doesn't look very comfortable.

How much does it go for?
"

It's not. The Venoms were built back in the 60s. A well-restored one goes for $6-10K these days. For me, it's the classic British 500-cc single. I'd take this over a BSA Goldstar in a second.

Nothing like riding an old British thumper.

[Bikers4Bush]

And that criticism was well deserved from the Indians that I have seen.

[JFC]

Been there done that.

My hubby's best days were the day he bought his over priced Harley, and then 2 years later, the day he finally sold his over priced harly, that you are never suppose to loose money, on... but lost money on....

[Tijeras_Slim]

Nice links. The single vehicle crash (bike only) numbers are higher than I would have thought. Seems though, if you can ride competently, don't have a penchant for getting in over your head (particularly in corners) and don't ride under the influence, you'll miss most of these. Most of the close calls I've had have been of the dumb cager type.

[Bikers4Bush]

LOL!! That's classic, radio in for help instead of asking the guy for a hand!

[Bikers4Bush]

Nice, I hope you get one some day.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Nothing like riding an old British thumper.

[Shaun_MD]

roflmao!