Goodbye Harley Davidson! 

If you consider a Ducati Diavel for value for money, you're either privileged or misinformed.

You don’t buy a Harley to get the latest and greatest tech you buy a Harley because the have soul and character. Very few brands are as customisable, so you get those bits but that’s it! You can change the colour and throw a tail tidy on but that’s about it! It’s another bike that gets lost in the urban jungle. Take 10 sportsters and line them up and there will be something different on every one! If you an extension of you, something you can change and adapt to suit you and you only (including the touring range) buy a Harley, if you just want a bike then buy anything else! 😂

I've ridden all sorts of bikes prior to coming to Harley, mainly Honda sports / sports touring but I also rode an Aprilia RSV Mille. I've done the sports thing, I've done the touring thing and now in my older years I just want to do the cruiser, day trip thing and for that Harley is great. However you do need a mix. I think your mistake was becoming an ambassador for Harley and tying yourself to the brand and Sykes in particular. I get it, they're great people and it gave you access you may not otherwise have had, however it tied you to one brand and dealer and added an element of doubt to us cynics out here. I always have to wonder are you being truly, totally honest an unbiased. I think you need to ditch the ambassadorship, and branch out, test ride more different bikes (but still do mainly Harleys as that's why I watch). As for what bike to buy, all I can do is repeat what John Maxwell said. "If you don't look back at your bike every time you walk away from it, you've bought the wrong bike."

Nothing wrong with having an additional different toy in the toy box! Variety is the spice...….

Bikes are like a marriage you don't appreciate what you have until it's gone.

Ive had all your different Jap bikes, ducati's Mv Augusta, Rc8 KTM, TRIUMPH's you get the picture but I love my Harley's I have a 2011 Streetbob and a 2018 Fatbob 117 st3 and love them more than the rest.

I have a Street Glide and a Sportster Iron 1200. I also have a 2012 Triumph Bonnie standard that I've modded out as a cafe that I really love to ride.

You took the words right out my mouth. After 11 Harley’s I’m moving on as well for the same reasons you described. Harley needs to get with the times specifically with their touring line or they’re going to lose more and more die hard Harley customers each year.

How's your relationship with the Harley dealer who you have been working with?

Love Harley have a 48 that I’m customizing myself. All true what you said though.

Harley is the only bike I've owned that feels great when ridden slowly and this is a massive plus for me. Also much more involving to ride as it actually takes some rider effort to turn, stop etc. Other more modern bikes can be too good hence boring unless ridden fast!

Nothing wrong with a bit of variety! I’ve owned eight Harleys over the years and would always want one in the garage. I currently have a 2019 Lowrider. However, I also have a Triumph Street Cup, which ticks totally different boxes and is a lovely bike to ride and stunning to look at! As long as you’re riding and having fun, that’s all that matters. (But I do think the Diavel has been battered by the ‘ugly’ stick, especially with that horrible number plate hanger!)

Interesting that a channel that’s preached HD up until today has a majority of comments bashing HD

As a Sporty rider myself, after many Jap bikes, that BMW R18 concept is looking pretty darn tasty....

I love the XL1200C I have just bought but like you to be honest I think the triumph bonneville range is much better all round but for some reason the other manufactures can’t match the PCP deals with super low deposits and great trade in values that Harley do so despite the rubbish seats and suspension I keep coming back Why not try out the bonnie range would be interesting

Been there, done that. Have been riding all Japanese brands most of my motorcycle life. Now there are only 2 brands I am going to choose from, Ducati and Harley Davidson. Now I own a 2019 Fat Boy. Previously owned a Ducati Streetfighter. 2 different beasts, both fantastic bikes.

It’s good to have a change mate! Had a Triumph Bonneville which I sold to fund a new Street Bob. Still got my Street triple that I’m selling and getting Royal Enfield interceptor 650. Bikes these days are getting to be silly money and not really value for money. Car prices 🙁 That’s why the RE appealed to me so much.

The title along with the thumbnail felt like massive click bait the moment you say phat g isn’t going anywhere. I think the majority of viewers would agree. Not cool 😞

It took me years to get round to passing my test. I commuted to work for years on a 50cc scooter and went from that to 1200 sportster. No local dealer for me but great community when you go out. Your ride is your ride it's what you want the bike for will determine what you get next.

When non bikers see you ride a cruiser that isnt a Harley... Their first question is "Why not a Harley?"

I have a Triumph Speedmaster 1200, what a machine. Ground clearance is excellent, way faster than you think it would be, twin Brembo discs up front, list goes on. Love it. Was a decision between that and a sportster 120p, glad I made my choice. 1000 miles in 5 weeks.

Correct me if i'm wrong but i think Brembo make all Harley breaks they just don't say Brembo on them ?

Hope you stay with the best brand , I am not a fan of polaris junk . Harley-Davidson forever .

Had a Sporty, a Low Rider, Road King, and currently a Super Glide. I love love love Harley's. Having said that, I added a Suzuki Bandit a few years ago and just traded that for a Kawi Versus 1k. Love the Versus for what it offers, loved the Bandit too. I commute all year round, and it's awesome to choose whatever I'm feeling that day. It's fun to ride the Kawi to the local Harley dealer and it's fun to ride the Harley to my job at the nursing home. The residents get a kick out of hearing me rumble into the parking lot. When I ride the Kawi they ask "where's the Harley?". Ride what moves you. But I will always have a Harley in the garage.

Ducati scrambler would be my choice for a second bike 😁

I feel the same after try an Indian. But for cruising, try the new Goldwind bagger. I ll trade my 48 for that one.

I've got an Iron 1200. Kept it fairly stock except mustache bar, Kuryakin Heavy Industry footpegs and biltwell alumicore grips. I did the v and h loud pipe thing with my dyna street bob (now gone). Love sportsters. Also got a Yamaha super tenere 1200 for 2 up touring, and waiting for a preorder Ténéré 700 (test rode one last week at ABR Festival and was hooked). Ducati just way too expensive for me, but you right at least they come with quality "out of the box". 👍

Just got my 2019 softail slim from Warrs London truly enjoying every moment 😀👍👍

Great topic and I totally agree with you being a 48 owner too and having soent the best part of 5k upgrading my bike! I often find myself looking at the Indian Scout, BMW's RnineT and so on and kicking myself thinking what I could of got for all that money! Yes decent brakes, suspension, bars, electronic aids and better performance should be standard these days. Still like you I love my 48 even if she is in the HD shop with an oil leak!

I have ridden both, Sportster and Indian Scout and I thought that the Scout was amazing but I still bought the 883 for the city use. I think about is a little too powerful. Don't get me wrong - it was fun to ride it at 100kph but if I just commute and have a bit of fun then 883 was good enough. To be honest most bikes are good enough that are 250 cc and up. Just how you approach it. No matter what you choose, pick the one you like and then you will change it for something else.

I'm Harley only right now, but there is nothing wrong with enjoying another bike too. I am drawn to the bmw r ninet racer.

I've got a Sportster 1200 (2006) and I really enjoy, but there's a bike for every purpose and flavour. If I could, I'd probably get a second bike for different purposes, so if you feel that another bike fills that purpose better, and you have the means to do it, go for it. No matter the brand. We are all sharing the same roads. 🙂

I was all but set on a Fatbob, until the Diavel 1260 S came out. By the time you do a tail tidy, stage 2 and exhaust you may as well just get the 1260 s and it's still better equipped.

The heart wants what the heart wants! I love the idea of competition for Harley and the sentiment expressed here because anything that can get the MOCO to improve is a good thing. Huzzah for free market capitalism! I am being totally honest when I say I can appreciate the Indian but I just prefer the styling and look of the Harley over Indian. I can appreciate the heritage, the beauty etc but for me the Harley aesthetic is superior. That's just my opinion so take it for what it's worth. The real question I guess is would I ever get something other than a Harley or Indian? Honestly I don't think so and it comes back to the whole vibe and appearance of the Harley. I really dig it. Anyway, good luck and when you peel it all away there is no dilemma.. get what you want it's your cash, your life.

I'm currently running two bikes: 1999 Harley FXDX 2015 Harley FLSTF No plans to switch brands.

Love those bars .. make it look so cool .. I swapped my 3rd Harley for a Z1000 .. Just the handling makes it worth it let alone all the electronics.. do I miss my softtail custom .. yes but only for short rides 🤔

Your right, I'm running a sportster as my Harley and the day to day bike is a 05 r1200gs. I will never sell the sporty but need a more versatile machine for everything else. Especially in our Irish weather

Looking forward to your Diavel 1260 S review!

Hey Marc, Go for what makes you happy! There are so my beautiful and cool motorcycles out there, old and new. But keep that videos coming 😉

I’ve owned about 30 bikes.....5 of them were Harley - 2008 Road King, 2012 Softail Standard, 2015 Fat Bob, 2017 Low Rider S, 2019 Sport Glide. Personally I don’t rate Harley as good as other manufacturers such as BMW or Ducati so it won’t be long and I will drop Harley. I am not a Harley fan boy.....and I’ve given it a good try but it’s not for me. ,

Rule number one should be practical use, but it aint..its how it makes you feel! If it feels good and doesn't hurt anyone else do it ;)

You already have your dream Harley so it shouldn't be that surprising that their other bikes aren't doing it for you. Variety is the spice of life. I love my FXDLS and i'm not tempted by anything else Harley have to offer. If i was going for a second bike it would probably be a Krazy Horse Street Hooligan, or maybe a Triumph 800 XCX. I don't really see the point in having lots of bikes that cover the same ground.

Totally understand where you're coming from! I enjoyed my Iron which I customised for 2 yrs. After 1 yr. I bought a Tiger Sport 1050 for touring and the Harley hardly got used. Sold it after a second year. Harley remind me of the old British bike industry who refused to take the Japanese bikes seriously! Like you I think the current HD range is very uninspiring still with old brakes, suspension and tyres no matter how they hype it up! I am pleased you're keeping Phat G tho as I really enjoy your vids of your rides out with your mates! It's a great looking bike that you put all the effort into same as I did with my Iron.

It boils down to what you're looking for in a bike.

I can’t say I’m surprised, I feel the same way you do. I love & will always hold on to my Sportster but there’s way better bikes out there for the same $ that Harley’s cost. That Indian blows away the Sportster in every category, I know if I rode one I’d want one. Ducati Diavel is a sick bike too, another I’d love to have. I feel how torn you are

I have been eating Harley pie for 11 years, 5 different MOTORCYCLES, Never had any other brands.. I work on them every day.. I love em but I'm at the stage where I need a change. Just sold my FXDX and brought an FTR1200S, I'll pick it up in a couple of weeks. I felt guilty for a while about brand changing but shortly realised that was silly. Get what blows your frock up mate.

When I saw the title, I thought "NO! NOT PHAT G! SAY IT AINT SO!!" Thank goodness you're keeping it!

Harley are so far behind the game its scary . I'm not anti Harley but its like they are lazy .I often visit my local Harley dealer in Gateshead but the price tags are nuts, The image is good but please drag yourselves into this century .

I have a 2000 XL1200C, and added a Ducati Desert Sled Scrambler to my stable to hit all the many miles of dirt roads that surround my area of what I call home in northeast PA. Understand how you feel.

Ask yourself what you want to do with a bike? Go fast? Ride dirt and street. Drive across country two up? Just a Sunday drive? Gas saver. High resale value. Lot's of different bikes to suit your needs. I need a comfortable reasonably fast bike that looks a little old school. I guess you know what I ride.

Guys, wait for the BMW R18 coming next year. That will be my new bike.........

Always like your vids. I just got rid of a customized 48 and got a brilliant change over for a Deluxe Honestly the Deluxe is unreal. Fantastic balance good M8 and a sweet looker. This will be my last of my long list of Harleys it is the best bike I have ever ridden.... Just saying.

Just an FYI, Brembo manufacture the brakes for Harley. The bikes aren't meant to be fast race bikes, so they don't put big track brakes on them... I have never had an issue stopping with stock brakes without abs.

Variety is great! I now ride a BMW. I’ve owned 3 Harley’s , one Yamaha and a Honda ST1300. I always come back to Harley though. The R1200GSA is about the best I’ve ridden but that pull back to Harley, as a scene and riding with others I can’t emulate the camaraderie I find with the Motor Co.

Try a Moto Guzzi 1400 I have been riding Harley Davidson for thirty odd years and needed a change Has Brenbo radial brakes abs 3 driving modes. Lovely ride. I have 6 Harley’s and 2 Guzzi. It’s nice to have a change. Rgds Stephen from Dublin. Like your videos.

i never went out to buy a Harley.... the two that I have had found me.... When you see the bike that you 'really' want then you will know.... If my 2018 Fatbob hadn't come along I am sure that I would have gone for the BMW 1000XR..... loved the Ducati D but too common now.....

Value for money (or more accurately Bang-For-Buck) is what lead me away from Harley. The community was really good, but typically only included other cruiser riders, which was fine, but I’ve always been an outgoing and rather adventurous chap. Group riding always grated a bit with me and I typically found it a bit boring. One or two of you is fun, any more was always a bit pedestrian. Out of all the Harley’s I have owned my Low Rider S was a personal favourite. I paid £16k, then chucked another few grand at it; as you do. That made it a c£20K bike. I’ve always had a Yamaha commuter and this kept me exposed to the more reliable, value for money side of bikes. Every time I went into my local Harley dealership I couldn’t help thinking that I was paying Yamaha R1M money, for a bike that had YBR125 tech and 250cc performance. Google the spec of an R1M and you’ll see what that money gets you. In the end, just for changes sake, I took the plunge and sold my Low Rider S. with the money I bought a 2016 2CR R1, with no test ride; I mean, what’s the point in test riding something you’re buying with the heart, right?! As it happens, the R1 was far too much for the road in all reality. So, I gave myself the option: sell it, or take it on a track day. I have wanted an R1 since they came out in ‘97 so I couldn’t bear to sell it. So, I booked a Novice slot on a trackday on the Brands GP Circuit (which is only 15 minutes from my house) last August and I’ve never looked back. Since then, I’ve done about a dozen UK track days; between Brands, Snetterton, Oulton, Cadwell and three EURO events; Andalucia, Cartagena and Almería. I have Al Carras, Portimao and Cartagena booked between now and November and that will be the year done. Modding the R1 for track has been rewarding and fulfilling as the work has a specific technical/ergonomic return. It also satisfies that ‘make it my own’ urge. On the opposite side, I like doing endurance rides, so have a Tracer GT for that. My last endurance ride was from Dartford to Alozaina in Spain, which I managed to do in 28 hours there, 24 hours back. I could never have done this on a cruiser. As my R1 is a track bike and not road legal anymore, I decided I needed a practical sports bike for the road. Somehow I completely forgot the brief and bought a Panigale V4. Now that’s a machine! Cheaper than a Stage 1 Breakout, which is insane. Anyway, I hope my ramblings help a little. It can be a little difficult to maintain a direction with bikes as there are so many different ones to choose from. Ultimately, just ride what makes you happy, that’s the best bike. Lastly, I would recommend doing a track day. It’s great fun, and opens you up to a whole new world. The best thing I’ve found about riding on track is all the skills you can develop; and they’re free! Body position, braking, corner entry and exit, they’re all a personal challenge with tangible rewards when you get it right. Having watched you for a while, I suspect you’d enjoy it. Cheers, Ed

My recent story..... bought a New Fat Bob in 18 ... and a new Fat Boy too... loved the Bob.. hated the Fat Boy after about 1000 miles ... sold it (boy) for a new 48 which I did a shit ton of money on (bars, wheels, seat, stage one, etc etc).... but it's so bloody uncomfortable that I can't ride it far (yes I changed the shocks to three way's!) ... went to the Peterborough Motorcycle show earlier in the year and sat on a Monster... sold the Fat Bob and bought a Monster 1200s .... the problem now is that the Monster is so far ahead of the 48 in terms of everything, with the exception of looks, that I simply don't fancy riding the 48 now... I LOVE the Harley brand, the scene and the dealer folk here in (Newmarket Harley) ... but I'm finding it hard to justify why I want to keep owning, taxing and insuring the 48 - my message to you is this... be careful what you wish for - you may be more willing to 'out' Phat G once you've had those little Motonewbrider cheeks on a 'better' brand

Thought you was a HD ambassador?

I fully agree! The sportster is the only value for money bike from HD.... Ducati or BMW will be next in my garage, perhaps a Multistrada V4 or a GS

Always loved your sportster ! What bars are you using in this video? Thanks and I’ve subscribed

Hola. Sr en inglan hay homologación para escapes?? Es legal??

You are absolutely right

Hi. Sounds like you are going the opposite way to me. Owned Honda's for years, then went to BMW, now thinking about a Harley maybe. I think you just get board with the range of bikes that any one particular brand produces. I own a RT1200LE and it has every gadget you could think of. I think of it as a comfy bus of a bike, but it has character, unlike most japanese offerings, which do the job in a bland kind of way. Its a keeper. For me, the more refined the machene, the quicker I get board of it, a bike has to have soul. The Indian brand sounds promising, check out the residual values whatever you buy before you jump ship. Ttfn.

Over the years I've ridden most genre and makes of bikes and they all had / have something to offer. I currently have an FXBB and what HD offer that none of the others do is a sense of community beyond the normal motorcyclist community. There is then the personal element, I have a feeling of calm and chill I never had on other bikes, but that really is an individual thing. If you're keeping your Sporty then something totally different makes sense and may re-ignite an HD obsessiveness or it may pull you away... so long as you're on two wheels then it's all good. Best of luck.

Totally agree with everything your saying. Excited to see what you get! That Ducati would be pretty sweet 👍

What gloves are they?

I’ve just uploaded a vid on the Ducati diavel (ahem shameless plug) .. and I have got to say if I had the money it would be in my garage right now , it’s mad .. glad you’re keeping the sporty too 👌

Don’t over think it.. test ride other bikes, and go with what feels right. I’ve currently got a sporty and a 2019 fatboy, but have also owned trumpies and a Kawasaki ZRX1100.. However the motor company is it for me now, as no other bike comes close to making me want to ride it. The history, the quality , the ride - Harley Davidson is it. But feel free to cheat for a little while ... makes you appreciate them even more .

Polaris aka Indian has many of there own issues but the media has jumped on the band wagon and dosnt print it like if someone farts at an HD plant. Had a Polaris for the wife had many issues the dealers sucked and 3 dealers by me went under. Got rid of that POS after 10 months took a beating. I also like different bike brands and styles. I would have 4 bikes if I thought I would ride them. Only bike never in my garage again Polaris.

Indian went out of business in 1953... Polaris bought a name... & most of the parts are made in Poland... enjoy your Polaris...

enjoy something that allows you to have fun and experience the world not being in a car.. as a harley rider myself, I have had a honda, been on a yamaha (sport bike) and I do love my vrod which isnt your typical harley but I do not like the prices for parts.. plus most of my bikes parts are not even available. so finding smething that is still quality, good value, and has a different spice.. I don't think that is like going to the super market but going to a different butcher for a different cut of meat that you like that person doing vs the other. nothing wrong with that. enjoy it and seriously have fun with deciding what you want. :)

Hmmf.......Brembo has made the brakes for H-D since ABS came as standard.......and what do you know.......the blackseries Öhlins are also standard on most H-D's newer bikes😉

Love my Harley! I appreciate all bikes but in the end I'm HD all the way......Ride hard or stay home😎

I have a 18 Sports Glide and a 19 Speed Twin. Both fantastic bikes.

Nothing wrong with diverse interests. I have a 2016 street glide and was wanting a fatboy and started watching reviews of the 114. that’s how I found you. After your review and others I bought the fatboy and love it! Look forward to more videos

On my fourth Harley a street glide special, own a bmw r 1200 r as well, tried a few other brands triumph etc. Harley-Davidson is a lifestyle brand in my opinion, however I too am getting fed up with all the extra charges. Brand new street glide, won’t connect to Apple CarPlay or senna Bluetooth unless I buy module at £500 ish including fitting, very disappointing. Very tempted by a Diavel.

If I had the financial space I'd buy as a second first bike a Breakout and a Ducati Panigale V4 or V2 and Streetfighter V4. But that is me dreaming. One dream came true, the Fat Boy I ride.

Ive had Harley’s for approx 7 years, I find when I go to the dealership, other harley owners are snobs and stick to their own wee clicks, you ain’t welcomed in as a new member. I love my Harley but I’d change it in the morning if I was welcomed into a Suzuki, Honda, BMW group etc. Harley’s after sales service sucks too.

There are a lot of bikes out there--but only one MOTORCYCLE! HARLEY DAVIDSON

My dream garage is : BMW R1250 GSA Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP Husqvarna 701 Enduro 2017 Speed triple S - own Harley hasn’t built anything yet that I’d be willing to let 15-20k usd go for. Not one single bike is worth it to me. The performance isnt there. The quality isn’t blowing me away. The prices are a joke.

Sucker punch sally frame with an 103, and a Honda RC51 for me....I love both....I relate to where your at nothing wrong with it. I have met plenty of reps from specific bike companies that have other brands in their garage. If you were to stay brand loyal and not happy with the purchase or felt something was missing it might remove some bit of joy out of the whole experience of riding the bike. Good luck!

You may get cool stuff but you can build and customise what you like, but you won’t love another bike like a Harley.

Put another in the stable, I’m on a 2001 heritage classic, 1964 Vespa 90 smallie , 1973 BMW R75/5, looking at picking up another Vespa 150 GS or maybe a dual sport/scrambler (might build one out of a sporty?)

I would own a Harley and a BMW R1250GS in the garage parked next to it,Keep Phat G and buy another brand you like

Hi there. I am a follower of your channel and instead of a Harley I went for a Ducati monster 821 (I love every single bit of the motorbike) and I’ve bought it in Ducati Croydon as well. I am about 10 minutes from the shop. If you want I could meet you there when you ride test the Ducati. I am a bit new to the motorbike after 25 years not riding but it would be very nice to meet you for a ride on the day if you like. Any one in the Croydon area up for a ride??

Wait for the new Triumph Rocket III :)

Got a mate who’s a big Harley fan, but over the years has had all kinds of bikes (inc the Diavel) he develops an interest in a particular model, motor/chassis/look, and enjoys it til something else comes along- he’s a life long biker. So think it’s totally cool to try different brands- it ain’t marriage dude- bikes are fun! 🤣

Couldnt agree more, i love my street bob but to have to drop a couple of grand at the start for it to 'sound' like a harley and then payin 100 an hour for labour at a harley dealership fod work when they cleaned and greased the electrical connections did make me question why harley???

When you get a Harley you buy a canvas that you can personalise to a level other bikes can't match. You can ride around on an extension of your individual personality. I have an '81 iron head that I've customised and I love the feeling of being on MY bike, compared to when I'm out on by CB1000R. However, the prices of the Harley canvas is related to the brand not the components and I wouldn't buy another knowing the additional costs to turn it into the bike I'd want to ride. Surely they cant be that much more to produce than other manufacturers out there? Cone on HD, make your bikes more accessible.

I have a Ducati Diavel Carbon amazing bit of kit, plus such a good bit of road that is down Bury Hill. 👊

If you’re going touring, take a ride on a Gold Wing. Don’t knock it until you try it.

I have a 1999 Sportster with 350,000 Mi on it great bike much more reliable than I ever expected but let me say this I bought one BMW 600 / 6 and now I have nine Beamers plus my Ural sidecar outfit that should tell you something

I think that we all like to try other bike , I agree with you that aspects of Harley’s could be improved but when things get to perfect your left with no character. Ducati , look at the servicing costs before you buy .

SO hey buddy there are a lot of great bikes out there but one thing you mentioned that NO other brand has is the sense of community. When you buy a Harley you are now part of a Family that quite frankly, the rest of the motorbike world has failed to grasp!! Happy motoring mate - from the states.....Chris out!!!

The design team of the new Harley line up look like they are the work experience guys. That or just hipsters. I am looking at the 2016 models at the moment. Just couldn’t find anything I wanted to buy from new.

I understand.

Wow. Looking forward to your Diavel review.

what about the indian ftr1200 ? or a triumph street scrambler. I'm really in the same boat as you, plus my dealership sucks bollocks. but yeah, i've had my fill of harley i think. but i might get rid of my softail street bob. either way. best of luck mate. glad you see to be feeling better tho!

Good to reflect but I'm Harley all the way. If you find yourself a good group of people to ride with, there's just nothing like it. I'm sure that's true of riding in general because all my friends do not own a Harley-Davidson but it's just something about the culture and history that draws me to it. I'm not saying that I would never own another brand bike because, like you, I'll ride anything just to get a ride in alone or with a group. Simply put, I love to ride and wish you the best of luck on the next purchase! Keep up the enthusiasm my friend!