There are many different reasons to buy a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Despite their high price tag, the brand is still highly regarded by many people. Whether you’re interested in the durability of the machine, its style and reliability, or your budget, you’ll find that Harley-Davidson motorcycles are a good investment. Read on to discover why buyers should choose this brand over the alternatives. The answer may surprise you.
Less expensive than alternatives
What are the differences between “less expensive” and “alternative”? In the first instance, cheaper means that the item is cheaper than the alternative. The cheaper term refers to similar items or services that are both low in price. In the second example, the cheaper item may be the same as the expensive one. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to be skeptical about claims that the alternative is cheaper than its counterpart. When you’re buying something that is too cheap, it’s best to avoid these claims.
Reliability
Throughout the early years of motorcycling, Harleys were owner-maintained. Because of their simple mechanisms, bike owners needed to know how to maintain them. Many of them were mechanics themselves, and owned a variety of tools to perform routine maintenance and repair tasks. The customization bug hit the motorcycle industry in the late 1940s and 1950s, and owners began to modify their Harleys themselves. Today, a high percentage of Harleys are still owner-modified.
Style
Harley-Davidson motorcycles are generally classified according to their engine type, frame style, and suspension. They use large-twin forks to control their suspension. The first two models are FLHR and FLTR. Other models differ from one another by design and features. The FLHR is the most popular, with a price range between $6,400 and $8,000.
Price
A typical Harley Davidson comes with a hefty price tag. The company offers twelve different models, each belonging to one of five distinct families. Harley-Davidson customers generally come from the upper-middle class and range from physicians to human resource heads. It’s also not unusual to see owners in IT firms and real estate consultancies. In fact, it’s the Harley-Davidson brand name that is most synonymous with expensive motorcycles.
Performance-based modifications
Although some performance-based modifications increase the motorcycle’s value, many buyers won’t pay extra for a heavily customized bike. Many motorcycles depreciate over time, but performance-based modifications improve performance and look. In addition to increasing the bike’s performance, some upgrades may even be illegal. Fortunately, there are a number of performance-based upgrades available that are safe and legal for Harleys.
Millennials
Millennials and Harleys go hand in hand. Although many people still think of them as a pair of hipsters, millennials and Harleys actually have similar characteristics. They are both between the ages of 18 and 35 and are increasingly downsizing and living more focused lives. The recession has had a significant impact on the millennial generation’s spending habits. Millennials are more likely to buy things that are functional, so they don’t necessarily need a full-size SUV or minivan. Additionally, they can ride their bikes to work and park them easily.
Gen Xers
The Harley motor cycle continues to hold its value among Gen Xers, especially well-paid men. Despite the name, Harley’s association with working-class folk has not waned. In fact, the average age of a Harley rider has increased six months annually since 1999, the year the first model was introduced. Even millennials are willing to pay more for these bikes than their pre-boomer counterparts.
Gen Zers
For many post-millennials, the concept of owning a Harley Davidson is out of reach. Some do not even have a driver’s license and are content to ride their bikes or take Ubers. Others do not even want a motorcycle and would prefer to use Uber or their parents’ cars. So what can the brand do? Well, they need to think outside of the box and re-imagine their bike to appeal to younger riders.
Indian owners
In the years since the takeover by Polaris, Indian Motorcycles and Harleys have experienced many recalls. The reason for this is not clear, but it is believed that the bikes will maintain their value in the long term. While Indian Motorcycles are generally more reliable than Harleys, the two brands do face some similarities. For example, Indian bikes use a v-twin engine similar to Harley’s big twin engine, but pack a third over-head cam. This adds to the reliability of an Indian bike. However, these bikes have encountered some speed bumps since their re-release. In one recall, Indian concluded that a defect in the gear position switch had been discovered. In a similar case, the gear indicator would display an incorrect gear, a result of oxidation.
Cost
When it comes to the cost of Harleys, there is no single answer that fits all budgets. Prices vary greatly between models, with the lowest priced model costing around $3,500. A more expensive model will cost anywhere from $10,000 to $18,000. A Harley-Davidson cruiser, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $35,000 depending on the model. Its ride quality and features make it a great choice for the first-time rider or the seasoned explorer.