I get tired of hearing all the verbal bashing someone Just because they spent their hard-earned money on what they wanted. I am thankful for the bunch I ride with. We have Harleys 2 and 3 wheels, Goldwing 2 and 3 wheels, Can-Am Spyder, One guy rides a Yamaha Road Star which is a great bike and a slingshot. Which is my least favorite of the bunch but it's not my business what he spent his money on. If he's happy with it I'm happy with it. We just ride, eat and have a great time. Be careful, ride safe.
This is what I’m talking about!!! Bunch of folks riding what they like and not worrying about what anyone else spent their money on!!! The Yamaha Road Star is absolutely a great bike! Thank you very much for sharing and for watching! Much appreciated!
Happy new year, Smitty! I see you have a new intro tune. Hope 2024 brings you and yours health, wealth and great happiness. I guess I am guilty of being brand loyal to a fault. You know I love my Hondas. My first bike was a Honda Z50A and I rode the wheels off that thing and it never gave me a speck of trouble. I then graduated to a Kawasaki 125 2-stroke in my teens, and it was generally reliable but like any 2-stroke would foul plugs. Then I moved on to a Kawasaki 650 in my 20's, and it was generally pretty reliable but uninspiring. Then I moved up to a Honda V45 Magna which was a rocket-fast, gorgeous and reliable machine I dearly loved. Then later I moved to a VTX 1300, then a VTX 1800, then a CTX 1300, and now the Valk. And I have absolutely loved all of the Hondas. They're trouble-free, beautiful, reasonably priced, and the dealership network is good. There is not a bike on the market at present that would make me want to trade in my Valk, with the only exception being the base model Gold Wing. I just don't see anything that looks great, is super powerful like the Valk, is at the top of the reliability ratings, and is reasonably priced. I love some Harley bikes, but cost and reliability are issues. Same with Indian, plus the limited dealer network. I like my big beefy motorcycles, and the other Japanese bikes just don't have anything inspiring to me. I've heard too many horror stories about Harleys - from Harley owners - about the ridiculous repair costs and frequency to ever consider one. Honda has always been good to me, from mini bikes to motorcycles to generators to mowers. I've had, and still have, all of them. Quiet running, reliable, reasonable cost, well engineered, good looking products. Why would I look anywhere else when what I want is right there? I did a 5-day ride to NC last summer with a group that consisted mostly of HD riders. The only bike that broke down on the way was, you guessed it, a Harley. It was hauled to a dealership that initially refused to work on it. And the leader of the group, a Harley guy, asked me what I was riding and I told him it was a Valkyrie, and he just shook his head and said "I'm truly sorry for you, man". What a way to introduce yourself as a total dick. I wanted to reply in kind, but I bit my tongue and smiled. I've learned a lot about reliability in my life, and Honda delivers in spades. Go Honda! And happy new year!
Thanks Craig. I greatly appreciate your continued support. Man I completely understand your loyalty to Honda. They make great motorcycles that are extremely reliable. I’m willing to try any brand but currently Honda has my loyalty. Simply because of power and reliability. Thanks for watching and for the comment my friend.
@@BigSmittyRiding They say, “when you see something, say something”. This committee hereby grants You, Big Smitty, The Genuine Article. No Substitution award. The real deal, be right there in our own Houston, Texas! Woohoo! 🙏🏻
I really do not have a brand, but I do like the style, or "type" of a cruiser. Instead of other types like touring, sport, dirt, naked or other types. I was looking at HD Road King, Heritage, Indian Scout, Kawasaki Vulcan 900, Yamaha V Star, and so on, and ended up with a used Honda Shadow Aero. It barely ran, and after a year of ownership I brought it back to road worthy running order. Working on it also helped with my PTSD, which also gave me the name "MotoZen" for my motorcycle. Whether I am wrenching on it or riding it, it is my Moto Zen. Take care Chris, ride safe.
One thing motorcycles are good for is helping with issues and providing much needed therapy. I love a cruiser style myself. That’s awesome you found a bike you enjoy and that meets your needs on several fronts. Thanks for the support and ride safe Paul.
I agree with you on the brand loyalty thing. I was a Yamaha guy for years and when I hung up my helmet, I got back on two wheels riding a Goldwing. I have said for ever that I would never buy a HD for a multitude of reasons but mainly because I just don’t like the look and the attitude that most, or at least a lot of people develop when they ride a Harley. I don’t care what you ride as long as your knees are in the breeze. All I ask is that you do the same or not, don’t really give AF!
I’m with you, get your knees in the breeze and don’t worry about what others are riding! I owned 3 different Harley’s over the years and went away from them back in 2014. Still like them but prefer Honda currently. Thanks for the comment and for watching!
I bounce between brands. Who ever is making what I like is where I go. The customer service is what keeps me coming back. This is my 1st Harley. I love the bike, but the dealer network or parts surpluse has not benifited me or my Pan America at all. On the other hand I have a great dealer and I really enjoy the HOG group. Best intro ever! Ride safe!
Jerry you’ll be on a Road Glide in no time! The Pan America is new but if they keep them around I bet the parts and service gets much better. Thanks for watching and for the comment my friend.
Great video Smitty. You nailed it "nothings perfect we just have to get comfortable with what you can live with" Until you can't live with it anymore and then move on. I love motorcycles and have owned Suzuki, BMW, Aprilia, Triumph and Honda motorcycles, all of which have had strong and weak points. Lifes short so moving on is what i'm comfortable with when i cannot tolerate a deficiency , especially when another manufacturer is offering what i desire. Happy New Year Smitty!
Happy New Year G! Man I’m with you, whoever makes the bike that meets my needs the best is the one I’m going with. Thanks for the comment and for watching!
Great take,,, I started on a Honda back in 1991 moved to Hd in 1993 stopped riding in 1998, got back in the saddle in 2014 with an 03 Lowrider with 13.5K added a 2014 Streetglide in 2020 with 7821 miles, then added a 22 Yamaha MT07 in 22, they currently have 100,302 , 35,947 and 4,239. they each serve a different purpose, People need to be open minded, I am an assistant parts manager at a Toyota dealer, I've been selling Toyota parts for 37 years and have driven Toyota, Subaru, Chevy, Ford, Plymouth, Dodge and Mazda, Diversity is what makes life interesting.
Man you have a great collection of bikes. I’ve always loved the Street Glide platform and the MT07 is badass. I totally agree with you, variety and diversity makes everything better! Thanks for watching and for the comment!
I went from Kawasaki to Indian. Kawasaki hasn't improved anything on their cruisers for way too long. I like my Indian Scout 60, and will probably never get rid of it. They need to update it to keep up with the stuff Harley is doing with their Sportster line.
The Scout lineup is solid. Those bikes are fast and reliable. I agree, Kawasaki needs to update and upgrade on all their bikes. Thanks for watching and for the comment.
I had to think for a minute if I'm brand loyal, everything I've road for the most part is 30 years old. But I do love old Harleys there’s an addictive part to them that keeps me dreaming "What if I did this?" Either way competition is good and keeps everyone still guessing, no need for anyone to bash each other's favorite brand. Great topic my friend!
Thanks Jay! Yeah I’m with you, competition is a good thing and pushes for better motorcycles. But older motorcycles have a soul and a feel that newer bikes just can’t replicate. Thanks for the support and for watching!
No love for the Oldwing lol. Dawwwww feelin the love. You'll dig tomorrow's vid then, still on those topics. Bring back Victory and I'll be first in line! Great topic man
I am not brand loyal when it comes to motorcycles. I’ll buy or ride any brand. I’m right there with you about not getting sponsored by anyone. I haven’t heard from Kemimoto either!!! Heard from Viking but I declined. Happy New Year Smitty!!!
Happy New Year Goofy! I feel you man, I’m loyal to my checking account! But I’ll ride anything as long as it makes me happy. Yup, those sponsors shy away from me like I have the plague! Thanks for the feedback and for watching!
I wouldn't put myself in the category of being brand loyal either. I like Harleys, but I've also had Suzuki, kawasaki, and Honda. Which ever one I feel like dealing with at the time I guess.
Man Nore, I believe being loyal to a brand is not a bad thing at all. As long as you’re willing to see the positives in other brands and don’t just run them down because it ain’t your brand. Those folks are the ones driving people away from riding all together. I appreciate the feedback and thanks for watching my friend!
2:20 - THIS RIGHT HERE is EXACTLY why I will not buy or own an Indian. I was in the same boat. I owned a 2012 Victory Cross Country Tour AND a 2006 Victory Vegas. I loved both bikes. I WISH I still owned the Victory Vegas just to have it and do stuff to it. Do I hate Polaris motorcycles?....NO. The bike and the manufacturer are part of the culture. ONE MORE (EDITED) NOTE: When I had my 2012 Victory Cross Country Tour, I contacted Vance & Hines and asked them when they would have an exhaust for Victory bikes. Their response - "When there's a large enough market for Victory bikes we'll make exhaust for 'em." Back then, Custom Dynamics, Ciro3D, and Eagle Lights weren't around. Everything was Kuryakyn or Arlen Ness.
I agree Toby. I put a set of Freedom Performance true duals on my XC primarily because there weren’t any other pipes available! Aftermarket parts were pretty non existent then except for Lloydz. I’ve thought about Indian a few times but it’s just hard to put money in the pocket of the company that did so many of us dirty. Thanks for watching Toby!
I have owned mostly Hondas. But I've owned at least one bike from all four major Japanese companies. In 2022 I bought my first Harley. It was used. It is a 2007 heritage softail. It only had 6000 miles on it. it only cost me $4000. In 2023 I bought my second Harley. It is a 1999 sportster custom. It cost me $3600. It had 24,000 miles on it. I really enjoy riding the sportster. I have always rode used bikes. The most I have paid for a motorcycle is $4500. That was for a 2003 VTX 1800 R. I used to be really brand loyal. As I grew older I ask myself why should I be loyal to these huge corporations. They do not know I exist. The sale of one more motorcycle or less does not matter to them. I decided I would buy whatever motorcycle I wanted. I believe everyone should do the same. Just ride what you want.
I’m with you, ride what you like! I’m loyal to my bank account and that’s it. You’ve owned some awesome bikes, I’m jealous! Thanks for watching and for sharing your experience with used bikes.
It's metal and rubber. They are all going to break and be replaced. Go with what makes the most sense for your needs. If you are not an outdoor guy then don't buy a 4x4 city boy😅. Great topic.
Most of my buds are "Ride a real bike" Harley guys. I love motorcycles in general. Especially vintage. I honestly don't get the brand loyalty thing....Harley isn't paying you to advertise for them. LOL
I’m with you. I get told to buy a Harley at least twice a week! And I agree, I’m not getting paid to advertise for anyone so I don’t have to care what they think. Thanks for the comment and for watching!
Thank you very much for the comment. I’ve owned Yamahas, Victory, Harley’s and now I’m back to Honda. I loved them all in one way or another. But Honda has me for now, but with me you never know! Thanks for watching!
Great video and you are so right on. When I decided to buy an adventure bike, everybody thought it was going to be from Harley and I ended up getting a Kawasaki, which I never thought I would do. Happy new year to you and I’ll be glad to forward one of the 500 emails Viking bags that sent me. 😂
Thanks my friend! I just like it when people are open minded to other brands and possibilities. I’m glad you’re digging the Kawasaki. Yeah, Viking bags is hitting everyone up… Happy New Year and I greatly appreciate your input and you watching!
I agree with what you've said, Smitty. I've had my Valkyrie for a little over five years now. It does exactly what I want. Some of the other brands have good reliability too, but I can attest to the Honda reliability. I would be open to another bike, but it would need to have history behind it for reliability, maintenance and price. Hard to see IMO where many can compete in those arenas.
I fell ya! The Valkyrie line and the Goldwings with those flat six cylinder motors are just crazy reliable and powerful. It’s hard to walk away from that no matter how tempting other motorcycles may be! Thanks for the comment and for watching!
I'm 48, been riding since I was 19 and trying not to be brand loyal, but evertime I go bike shopping I end up with a Honda. 🤣 It's hard not to stick with a reliable smooth riding brand. 🤷🏼♂️
So my first bike was a 1975 Honda CB750. I owned all kinds after that but wound up back at Honda for my last two bikes. The call of stock power and reliability is hard to ignore! Thanks for watching!
Great video. I most likely will not ride a Harley. With everything that is out now, there is just too many good choices when you're not riding all the time or in a group atmosphere. Honestly for my first bike I would probably get the Yamaha Bolt.. still a nice V-Rod sounds great. Right on par with beginner Harleys. Extremely reliable engine from what I understand. And then once I get my big boy pants on, I'll probably go to an Indian Scout rogue and I would be happy with that... If I had the cash I would do the Scout rogue 60 and just build it up from there... Although that sixth gear on the scout rogue is pretty nice too...
V-Rods and Bolts are great bikes. Any of the Indian Scout models are also amazing motorcycles. Indian makes great power and has excellent handling. You can’t go wrong with any of those bikes. Good luck and I appreciate the support!
I 100% agree with you on victory, Polaris and Indian, absolutely 100% agree!! I would also like to point out and I have said this multiply times including on beards, bikers and brews that Harley-Davidson doesn't sell motorcycles anymore, they sell a platform with the Harley-Davidson Logo for you to modify, upgrade and make the bike you want.That is why when you spend $20,000 on a Road King or a Road Glide with a 60 to 80 horsepower motor you have to spend another 6 to $10,000 to get to a stage 3 or 4 is it to get to 145hp because it is about making money and using brand loyalty so the average rider does not go to Honda and buy a Goldwing that is a better bike and 135hp off the showroom floor
I agree. Most people who buy a Harley are wanting to do a ton of upgrades to begin with. Everything from changing out the seat, bars, shocks and different options on the motor. It’s crazy but that’s what people want and Harley has made a ton of money that way. Thanks for watching and for the comment!
LOL, brand loyalty. I still own 3 out of the 4 bikes I've bought. They all have their issues, but it's all in what do you LIKE the best? I don't badmouth anybody else's choice in 2 wheels. Just be on 2s. Happy New Year!
I fully agree with you, ride what makes you happy. But there’s plenty of folks out there that love to run down other brands. Ignorance is bliss for them I guess. Thanks for the comment and for watching!
@@BigSmittyRiding Yes, ignorance is bliss for them - I know a few like that... but I don't tend to associate with folks like that. Too much negativity for my liking.
People think Harley has issues now? Buckle up for 2024! I own what I own because of a child hood dream but sometimes those dreams can turn into nightmares. Great video!
Thank you for the comment! I feel you, my dream as a kid was to own a Shovelhead chopper with a springer front end. One of these days I’ll have it! Thanks for the support as always!
Great video Smitty! Your exactly right. Im loyal to Harley but yes they definitely have issues. I also dont hate any other brand either. As long as people ride thats all that matters.
Absolutely! As long as you ride I don’t care what you’re riding! And I’m loyal to my bank account and that’s about it! Thanks for the comment and for watching!
I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m loyal to honda but I do like the bike. My next bike might be something different. Every issue with my bike can be fixed with some green stuff. Seat sucks, just buy an upgraded one. I really liked those big Harley bikes. And they sound really good too. Thanks for being honest.
Harley does make some great baggers and touring bikes. The Road Glide comes to mind. But the Goldwing is a great bike with minor issues that can be corrected. Seat sucks but there several great seating options. I also wish a loud exhaust was readily available. Thanks for watching and for the comment my friend.
TBR screwed me on the slip ons so I won’t go with them. Remus is crazy expensive… If the EGG exhaust comes through I may go with them. But we’ll have to wait and see.
Very true. I don’t care what you ride as long as you ride and enjoy yourself! Harley’s are expensive, but so is everything else these days! Thanks for watching and for the comment.
I prefer Yamaha over a Kawasaki only cause they tend to sit lower. I went with Kawaskai this time cause they have they have a bagger that i like. Honda and Harley are too expensive. Would love to have a Goldwing or an Electraglide. Ride what makes you happy
I agree, ride what you like. One of my favorite bikes was my Yamaha V-Star 1100. I bought the Wing because compared to the Harley baggers it was much cheaper. Thanks for watching and for the feedback!
