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| *Vultures Knob>>>Kids Bike |
BMW 1200 or Harley Davidson 1200 - what to do, what to do? |
The last question I posed was whether I should buy a BMW or a Harley. Of the 15 answers I received, 6 were for the BMW, 6 for the Harley, 2 said I should go Japanese, and one really didn't say anything. The BMW answers generally took note of the technical superiority of the BMW. Of the Harley answers, 3 were undoubtedly from kids who have never owned, much yet ridden a bike, one was from a "disturbed" individual who seems to love the leather lifestyle associated with Harleys, one was from a woman whose grammar was so poor I couldn't understand what she was trying to say although she was on her "3rd brand new Harley" (why do you need 3? do they keep breaking?), and one answer was from a guy who believed my ancestors died in wars so I could go buy a underpowered bike with 15 year old technology. I'd like a valid argument on why I should buy the Harley as it relates to its technical superiority or I'm afraid I'll be buying the BMW. Somebody sell me! Having owned both, and realizing (after purchasing a mirror)how incredibly stupid I looked in fringy leather and buttless chaps (as does everyone else), and spending more time wrenching than riding, I don't know if there is an argument, technically speaking, that can be made. You can make all sorts of arguments regarding being an American product(bogus argument since most of their accessories and many of the bike parts are mfg'd overseas), and how a Harley is cooler and will get you more chicks (and STD's), or how you'll be safe because Harley's are tuned for sound, not performance (oh, how the neighbors will love you). You can wrap yourself in a flag if you want, but after owning both, I can say that you'll enjoy riding far more on the BMW, you'll enjoy greater performance and reliability, an easier and way more comfortable ride, nobody will expect you to wear goofy chinese made clothing with HD logos all over it, and you won't be stopping every 10 minutes so someone can get gas/fix their bike/get something out of the support vehicle/let their back or butt rest, etc. I think you know where I stand. Technically, BMW is the winner, but Harley-Davidson has come a long way in the past 10-12 years. Both companies now offer bikes with liquid cooled motors, which improves on the durability of the engines, but adds to the complexity of the motor. What do you want? A sport tourer? BMW. A cruiser? Harley-Davidson. Comfort? BMW. A head turner? Harley. The right answer depends so much on you needs and tastes. Most Harley owners do buy into the whole leather-bad boy thing, at least a little, and BMW owners do tend to go for very long rides on their bikes. Both bikes do have a very high resale value, some selling 10 years later for almost as much as their purchase price. Either way, it isn`t just a vehicle, it`s way of life. Good luck with your purchase. It really depends how big your manhood is. If you are lacking something, I suggest you get the Harley. Buy some leather and put loud pipes on it. Don't forget the fat chick on the passenger seat. All of a sudden, all your buddies at the bar will think you grew a pair.... Might not be your riding style but look up what Rider magazine said about "dresser tourers" in the past couple of years, if I remember correctly the Harley Davidson (Road King?) was the winner in a shootout. Fit and finish beat out other noteworthy brands like BMW and Yamaha even though those might have done better in other areas, say handling or range on a tank of gas. I have to agree with a notion that regularly pops up in that magazine: for any particular type of riding enjoyed by the masses, no make or model so outshines the competition that you're making a big mistake if you choose something else. There is no doubt that the BMW is far superior. When people buy a Harley, they are buying into a lifestyle, almost a quasi -religion. If that is what you are looking for, then you wouldn't even be asking the question. I would be remiss if I failed to point out that there are other European bikes that may offer you a better value, and a little more style that a Bimmer. I am, of course, speaking of the Moto Guzzi. They have been hand making these bikes in Italy for 80 years, and they got a few things right on them. You probably dismissed this brand as a non-contender, but if you put forth the effort to find one and take it for a ride, I'm sure you will be impressed. I was. I owned a BMW for 12 years, but ride a Guzzi now. Check them out - you won't be disappointed. http://www.motoguzzi-us.com http://www.mgcycle.com/ MG CYCLE : Parts and Accessories for Moto Guzzi Motorcycles http://www.mphcycles.com/ MPH Cycles, Inc. Moto Guzzi Houston Sales and Service - Independent BMW Repair/Service motorcycles, by MPH Cycles, Inc. All years, all models in Houston, Katy, Cinco Ranch areas, Texas Moto Guzzi Houston Sales and Service - Independent BMW Repair/Service motorcycles, by MPH Cycles, Inc. All years, all models in Houston, Katy, Cinco Ranch areas, Texas http://www.mgnoc.com/index.htm The Official Moto Guzzi National Owners Club Home Page http://www.wildguzzi.com/index.htm... Wildgoose Chase Moto Guzzi http://www.armory.com/~marina/ Moto Guzzi California Stone Information Page http://www.guzzitech.com/ GuzziTech.com - Guzzi Power Guzzi Power Guzzi Power Guzzi Power Guzzi Power http://www.harpermotoguzzi.com/index.htm... Harper's Moto Guzzi: We have several hundred motorcycles for sale both old (restored) and new. Call us 800-752-9735 There is no technical reason to buy a Harley. People who buy them do so for these reasons, not because they're better bikes: They're new to biking, and they think Harley is another word for motorcycle, and they don't even consider anything else. Everyone they talk to tells them to buy a Harley (for reasons described below) and they just do what they're told. Jingoism. The cool factor. The brotherhood of the road. Conformity. I can't fault those who buy one for the brotherhood factor; I'm just not a joiner myself and I think of riding as a solitary sport (even if I ride with my husband). If I wanted to fit in, meet new friends, etc., I'd join a quilting bee. I ride for FUN! |
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