If you put it in gear, get the clutch to the biting point, then just as it beginning to pull forward, snick it up into neutral, you'll find it much easier to find. After about 2k miles, they select neutral much easier, but they're a pig until then. Hope that helps!
As a biker Freddie I appreciate all bikes from dirt bikes to cruisers. I live in Sydney and bumped into a guy from Scotland and just struck up a conversation because we were out for a ride on totally different bikes. Positive riders are my kind of people 👍
I agree 100%, many people hate Harley but I don’t think they get it. HD captures the American spirit, tough/rugged built they’re made for long comfortable rides, highways and long roads, definitely not good in traffic but they look cool. Triumph especially the Bonneville captures the British spirit, made for back country roads curves and bends. Japanese bikes are practical , reliable bikes but they’re almost too practical and perfect and they often lack character and appear bland with the exception to a few models like Honda cub, DAX, monkey, z900 Suzuki katana, Yamaha XR 500 to name a few Italian bikes are stylish and unique they always push the boundaries when it comes to design. Every brand has a special place and I love it when manufacturers pays homage to the origin of the motorcycle when they build and design them. The reason why I subscribed to your channel is because you get it, you’re passionate, you understand and embrace every element that makes a motorcycle different and unique. I love how exited you get when you see a motorcycle. I can see that you’re a true motorcycle enthusiast and I love watching you guys, both You and Monica!
“All day and 130 miles to decide”. Really? Mate, you fell head over heals in love at first sight! Love watching you both poke around wherever you are, you’re a great team.
Great video as always Freddie and Monika. I'm often in Suffolk and Southwold area on my Honda 750 as I’m from Norfolk, I use bikes as my only transport and have done for 6.5 years now! Regarding the Harley thing, I used to be really bothered about what others thought and having been through around 10 bikes now, I just choose the bike that speaks the most to me and the one I love the most because after all, biking is a personal thing and so your choice of bike should reflect that and not what other people say you should have. Life's too short to be living in other peoples boots😌Just a little tip for getting it into neutral too, you normally find it'll go in a little easier if you give the throttle a blip when it's being difficult. Try it next time, I bet it'll work😄Keep up the great work and intoxicating enthusiasm👍🏼🏍
I bought a 2018 Road King Special. It is my most beloved possession that I have ever had. When I am on it ,I am in a state of pure bliss. Great video, Freddie and Monica! Thank you for covering this beautiful machine. :-)
@@699669king actually no lol just last week I put a deposit down on the new Low Rider ST in Gunship Grey. I should get the first 300 of the production line and it should be here sometime in April.
Fred, the sound is bursting, maybe just turn down a little bit would help, but it is much better, love your videos, hope onde day been to Englan and drink some pints with you, you are a very good vibes person, keep up the good work
Once again, you have proven to be a great tour guide and story teller. I love how your videos have information about your location with just enough bike talk. Keep it up!
Freddie, you’re an absolute natural in front of the camera. This is the first vlog of yours that I have seen and I am now a subscriber. Bike review, travelogue, history channel. Very well done. I can see you on Top Gear as a guest bike reviewer.
I have a Road King...smoothest highway bike I've ridden...my CVO Electra Glide was smooth, but not like the Road King...it's in every way a Harley Davidson...I'm about to replace the crank position sensor, so I can ride it while I'm saving for the few other parts I need, but it's also 24 years old...in spite of that, it's actually been the most trouble free Harley I've ever owned...it's only now really needing any attention at 25,000 miles, & that just the crank position sensor & the timing/cam chain tensioners need upgrading...aside from that & a carb rebuild, that's all I've had to do to it for the last 5 years I've had it...I have 2 Hondas as kind of backup bikes, but they don't ride nearly as smoothly as the Road King does...I haven't ridden the Indians, but of all the bikes I've ridden, the Road King is the smoothest...you feel like a king riding it too...I bet for someone used to those smaller European bikes, that's a real different experience...Harley Davidson is a legendary & iconic brand, & you can easily tell why when you ride one...🖖🏿😎👍🏿
I recently moved from the US to the UK, own an rnineT and a Harley low rider. Riding here I noticed people give less nods to the Harley than the hipster bmw bike. So much used to the peace sign among riders in California and here all riders seem so serious. I also think the hatred comes from Harley riders looking down on other brands for several years OR the adventure bike riders thinking they own a do it all bike that's superior than others. EDIT: When riding the Harley these days I dont care about those majority of grumpy ADV riders, they aren't making my payments anyway.
Don’t worry about what others think of your bike. I’ve got a Harley and a maxi scooter which means that people either hate because I’m on a Harley or hate because I’m on a scooter. 😂 Generally from my experience everyone other than BMW GS riders and the odd sport bike purist says hi or nods whatever. If they don’t I don’t really care either because I didn’t buy either bike to please some random passing riders. The Harley makes me smile and that’s all that I care about. People would be a lot happier if they cared less about what others think. I personally like anything with two wheels and a licence.
Great vid, enjoyed! First let me say, just ride. In my teens until 30’s I had, Kawasaki, Suzuki’s, and Honda’s. Bought my first Harley in my 30’s, and now will only ride a H-D. All bikes are great, but, look the same.. Every H-D is different, each rider adds their personal touches. I have an 883, Softail Slim( which my 26 year old son has claimed as his first bike) and recently added a 2021RKS in vivid black. Hands down, I was expecting greatness, and it has exceeded my expectations. I’m 6’4”, 260, bike fits perfect! Simply put, you want a car with 2 wheels, get a gold wing or bmw, m, want a motorcycle, get a Harley! Ride safe my friends!
Riding a Harley Davidson here in the states is a complete culture. You buy the bike you immediately become part of the culture. The riders group the dealer parties the massive amount of support and aftermarket. In a sense you feel like you have joined the Harley family. I enjoyed it when I owned a HD. It’s a cool feeling but not for everybody. I think the bikes are great but you pay for the culture and the name. And that’s fine IMO. Buying any other bike here in USA you don’t get that degree of culture. Indian maybe a little.
the thing about harleys is there is always a better equivalent, hey Freddie, if we bump handlebars you can give my K1600GT a spin that wil show you what real touring is all about
Good luck with the move! A couple of years back I applied for a job in Tenerife and it broke my damn heart when I didn't get it. The location looks incredible with fantastic mountain and coastal roads, the weather is fantastic all year round, there's loads of room to get away from the touristy hot spots, and apartments and villas are offensively cheap compared to the UK market. You'll have a great time there, will you be shipping the Bonnie over?
Thanks so much! Ahhhh I feel your pain!! It really is riding heaven down in Tenerife! I'm currently in mid France, Fiat 500 packed up, trailer attached, Bonneville on the back and heading down to Tenerife with Monika!:)
I just moved to the UK from US. I will be getting my Road King Special November 2022. I cannot wait. Bro, I loved watch your video. I wasn't even looking at the bike! lol, I was watching you give a tour of those little towns. So AWESOME!!
Top tip for finding neutral - quite often its considered a clutch adjustment is necessary, other times a primary chain adjustment, but simply quite often stick it down to first, slightly release clutch to engage gear then lift lift to neutral - Good luck.
Harley is by far the most common bike in my parts. I think they’re cool, but just not for me. I ride a Guzzi V7iii. Harley riders don’t usually wave at non Harley rider but I get the occasional wave but usually give them a head nod.
I know this comment is a year late but I've owned 7 or 8 harleys in the past. The easiest way to get them into neutral is to gently nudge it in just as you're coasting to a stop but before you get there. It just glides right in. Otherwise, it can be a pain. That is a great color. It's kind of a gray/green but let's call it gray. I've been in every sort of biker life and for old school bikers (at least in the US), green is an unlucky color to paint a harley. Just like with the essence of harleys, this color pushes the rules and looks great doing it. I do like a louder thumpety sound though. I've had several quiet bikes and other drivers have an occasion to not know I'm right next to them. Not so with my thumpy ones. That said, the loud ones are quite taxing on the highway. Quiet or loud though, a set of earplugs makes a remarkable difference in how tired you are after riding for several hours. And yes, that is a bagger. Old school name could also be called a couch because it's a comfy cruiser with all them new fangled shocks n such. As far as sunglasses go, I've gotten probably a dozen from several deployments in the army and bought a bunch for riding but I've found the cheap $5 (prolly $10 now) ray bans keep the wind out of my eyes much better than the wrap-around style or any with stand-off nose thingies. Plus, they suit the classic overall harley look.
Big fan of yours in NJ USA. I have owned many bikes over four decades, including various Harley models. The best bike for the moment depends on the intended purpose and mood and experience sought. My Honda Nighthawk 250 can satisfy 98% of my cravings with the least expense. I aspire to minimalism. Small is beautiful.
Loved Harleys since I was a kid,I remember studying ever detail of an Electra glide in a magazine I had for months.Biking on and off for 24 years now, haven't owned a Harley yet but totally open to the possibility..will promise not to become smug if I do😄
Great video, I enjoyed that! Shame about the BMW rider. He clearly has no class... 😉 Southwold and Walberswick are favourite places of ours in east Anglia. I hope you and Monika have a safe journey to Tenerife. All the best 👍
Great review of the Road King Special Freddie, nice to see your enthusiasm for the Harley shining through, I wouldn't worry about the clown on the BM giving you the thumbs down, he's just jealous, while I'm a massive Ducati fan I love my Harley , it always puts a smile on my face and the feel good factor is off the scale , as for those that don't like them , it's their loss.
The audio is great. The Harley is a bit too big and cumbersome for spirited riding or filtering, but it makes perfect sense for cruising. If I was spending that kind of money I might also try out a Honda Goldwing and a Triumph Rocket 3. Good luck on your Tenerife adventure!
Looks great but won't go into neutral.. Yep it's a Harley! Imo The Speedmaster has so much more style but id still give you the nod when I passed you on the hard shoulder waiting for recovery 😂
Input from a random guy from Canada. I quite like Harleys. They have their place. If I had the money, I'd own a garage full of motorcycles. I would definitely own other bikes before a Harley though. It's a lot of the PEOPLE that ride Harleys that I find off putting, not the bikes themselves. I'm a British bike fan for life. 👌
I wanted a road king special. I went in to the two local Harley shops near me. Both owned by the same company. I was there approximately 30-45 minutes. Not once did a salesman offer to speak with me. I’m not sure why, but after that, I went and bought a Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster. Higher powers knew the bike for me. Maybe a Harley one day, maybe not. But I will always have my Bonneville.
The neutral thing is annoying. What bikes, besides the Roadking, have this problem? I think bikers (like myself) that ride Harley cruiser ripoffs (a Honda Shadow in my case), probably like Harley's just fine.
Great video. In 2010 I bought a Road King classic and loved it. Took it to Italy 🇮🇹 so relaxing. Now i own a 2012 Hayabusa which i ride in my Harley jacket and Bmw riders snub me. I also have a 2011 BMW GSA and sports bike snub me 😂. Not all but you can see the pattern. Enjoy 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
A Harley was my dreambike for many years (since I was a child…!?). Until 2022 they were too expensive for my budget. Then I got some money and bought my first Harley. Now I‘m driving a Sport Glide and it’s like biking in another world. A Harley is not just a bike, it’s an all different way of life. Mybe Harleys polarise, but I think, in the deepest depth of our hearts we all, at least once , want to drive a Harley, isn‘t it!? - But if you‘ve once driven a Harley, you may be caught…👊🏼😎
Lol. The BMW rider is not a motorcyclist. Motorcyclists love all bikes. Dick Whistles also appeared to have challenges getting Harleys into neutral when he and Fanny were test riding them if memory serves me well. Seems a common thing? Perhaps it’s a new engine/gearbox thing and things improve after the first service? When I was young and zoomed around on Japanese in-line 4’s, I would laugh at Harley. I didn’t get the lack of horsepower, the poor brakes and ill-handling excuse for a glorified water pump. Truth is, I ride one now, and I love it. I don’t care about the top echelon of power and handling. I just want to sit on my middle aged fat arse and enjoy the twin thump with wind in my face. As for choosing, what I found after testing riding both bikes, the Harley had 1 extra point on all levels. Fit and finish, true heritage, more dealers to choose from, and one personal thing I’ve experienced with the Indian was the throttle by wire had a little delay between cracking open the throttle and the bike figuring out you want to go. That bugged me the most. Better colour choices, hard panniers, etc. I think the RK wins.
Fred, you know that just because Harley make bikes that are of an old style it will obviously attract older riders due to memory nostalgia. But have no doubts they are probably the coolest brand out there with Triumph closing in fast. Like many I would have a different bike every month but can’t deny I am drawn to modern classics, great video as usual Fred/Monica 👍🏼
I’ve had all sorts of bikes over the last 40 years and found the only bikes that give me that special feeling are V twins Harleys and Ducatis for the experience of riding BMWs for commuting and maybe touring if I didn’t mind the lack of character it’d be soul destroying As for Japanese bikes you might as well ride an electric bike 🙈 I can’t even browse around a bike shop that hasn’t got V twins in without getting bored of the mundanity of them Most of my mates hate my Harley with a passion and just don’t get it at all 🙈🤷♂️
@22:30 "Tyre doesn't have that much..." BOONTAH mate. 😁 Hardcore rider slang calls for the immortal, universal replacement word for when you can't recall eggzachary wtfudge you were going to say. And that word is boontah. Man she's got some boontah! Gonna build me a donk with bucketloads of boontah! They were chasing hard but didn't have the boontah to round me up! 😉
Hey Freddie awesome review and really love your chilled laid back vibe. I live in South Africa, and have owned every type of bike from cruisers to super bikes to moto cross bikes and Triumph Thruxton R;s, and now on my third Harley, my recent purchase being a HD Road King. I have always dreamed of owning one and now I have one with all the extras, so really loving it man, But I love all bikes and don't think I am a snob or special to own a Harley. It's a lifestyle for sure, and just something about a Harley man.... I do love mine bud. glad you got to ride the KING!!!! Keep safe and love your videos man I will definitely be following you. like your humble "non-poncy" personality brother.
Harley's are nice but over priced. Did you know the coolest biker guy ever to ride a bike was the Fonz, and he rode a Triumph on the show, kinda says it all. You need the 1200 Speedmaster or even better the 1600 Thunderbird, the best of British. Love your channel mate.
Nice video and background! Let me say: 1. BMW riders like ONLY BMW bikes so...👎 2. Love to look at Harleys but cannot relate to the whole "tough guys ride Harleys" philosophy...So outdated. 3. Having a hard time setting the neutral on a 22000£ bike? 😳 4. If you want a backrest you have to pay for it! Nothing comes free or cheap with Harleys. $$$ 5. So many alternatives out there! (Sorry!) 6. I think I'd go with the Indian...FTR! Sorry once again! 😁 Cheers!
I have to say cruiser bikes don’t do anything for me, but it is all down to personal opinion and choice. I am quite happy to nod to a rider or group of riders on them, after all we are all motorcyclists and the risks/thrills are the same.
Great video! Bike is.... nearly 4 R.E. Interceptor 650's. Mustang or E-Type? Hope that kick stand is up to the task! ,-) Your enthusiasm is wonderful, the music is great, and the filming is too.
Harleys are not the best bikes, fastest or even most reliable but they are solid, fast enough, fairly reliable, stunningly beautiful and most importantly embody a full all around riding experience! Every brand does something wel and some do alot well but Harleys just have so much character and feedback that makes a ride feel like so much more than just a ride. It's the rumble, pleasant vibration, clink and clank of shifting and just generally feedback on everything you do and the motorcycle does in response. It's hard to explain until you just get on one yourself and a proper Harley. A nice Iron 883 or 1200 with a stage 1 or a Road King Special or a Softail Heritage. Dont hop on a Nightster 975 or Street 750 or Vrod and judge Harley based off those because they are the least Harley bikes available from Harley. Don't get me wrong they are great bikes too and offer unique experiences but if you wanna understand why people love Harleys, ride a proper Harley for at least a 1k miles in a variety of roads but preferably a scenic curvy mountainside and you should get it by then.
From America enjoying your videos. My first bike was a 1971 Triumph 650 Trophy model. Most kids my age had English motorcycles. The Japanese bikes were coming though:). If you want to see expert Harley riders tune to any Police Rodeos on RU-vid. BTW dyed in the wool Harley riders call Japanese bikes “Riceburners”. I ride an Indian Springfield now I did have a Yamaha Stratoliner and that turned heads. I should have bought a Harley as there is a dealer about every 20 miles:)
I am as a cyclist like Freddie. I like any type of bicycle. No matter how quirky or common. I do like motorcycles too. Harleys are cool but I can't help but think that over 1000cc is just a waste. Sport bikes are also not very good choice for riding on the street. Anything under 650cc is sufficient.
Love the road king special and it could very well be my next bike. Now with that said my current bike is a Yamaha Raider set up a bit different than most Japanese bike to the point I have Harley and non Harley riders chase me down on the highway to see and ask questions. I have people always wanting pictures by my bike and I ride mainly with a group of Harley bikes. So in the end is what makes u happy and what you can afford. The brand is just a name in my opinion.. 🙂
Whatever the bike whatever the character and how it suits you. Once there was a time we hankered to ride, we were humble and not brand snobs. We’d have ridden anything just to ride. The fact we have choices and comparisons is wonderful. In my lifetime I’ve ridden trials, trails, green lanes,motorways and b roads mostly solo but occasionally with similar minded friends. Form your own opinion and be free as that is what real biking is.
I was never inclined towards cruisers not just harleys in particular, TILL i had a go on a little street 750 a couple years back, that moment changed my opinions forever. A few years after that incident i sat as a pillion on an uncle's low rider. I still think about those days and get a grin from ear to ear. Right now i ride a ktm duke 250 2021 model, so in summary irrespective of what you ride, at the end of the day it comes down to what makes you feel good.
Freddie, you really liked the sport glide. I have a 2021 sport glide and use it for both commuting and touring. Road king vs sport glide ….what’s your view as to the better tourer on back roads, please? I only ride solo.
I like Harley's, though wouldn't suit my riding style (at the moment), even if I could afford one. They do have a image problem with some people (think Wild Hogs). Watch Million Dollar Bogan from Australia and the things/places he's done and been on his Road King.
Nothing wrong with the bike, it's SOME of the people that ride them. I was up at Idle Torque in Lutterworth earlier and a load of 50-60 yr old Harley Davidson riders turned up revving their engines, themselves adorned with silly patches all over their jackets like they were members of bloody Sons of Anarchy MC, it's just A BIT sad!! They're probably IT specialists and dentists in the week and badboy outlaw rebel MC members on the weekend! That being said the Road King is a beautiful bike. I quite like the Fat Boy.
Hello Freddie, have only just found your channel, I'm bingeing on all your videos - they're great. The BMW rider was probably warning you of a speed trap? I have always given a thumbs down to bikers after I pass one to warn them! I have owned my Shovelhead 33 years so I must like it? before that it was Suzuki's and Honda's, I'm not really bothered if anyone hates my bike but I know I like all motorbikes. Keep up the good work.
A H-D to me, is the King of Motorcycles. A must have for a True Biker, but alas, not the only bike we would ever ride. Owning an Indian would be the next coolest bike to ride and own. These are just my opinions, for I truly love all styles and makes of bikes. This is a great video! I enjoy all of your interesting and wonderful videos! RideWithPeace. fromTexasUSA.
I never imagined I'd buy a Harley. Well i did, i bought a dyna super glide and i absolutely love it. Riding my harley is my favorite thing to do, theres just something about it.
What laugh. I’m a motorcycle enthusiast who just happens to have owned the same Harley for the past 34 years. No I’m not bias to HD it just happened that way. And I’ve seen many MANY wannabe Harley riders come and go. For me I love all bike, I never wanted to sell and I never had the cash or time to buy and ride another motorcycle, but man oh man would I love to own a Brit bike. And a 2021 with hard to find neural, really? you’d think HD would have fixed that by now. It’s the same on my bike but there’s a trick, stop, pump the throttle and gently click it into neutral at the same time. Great show, I like the mix of bikes and scooters, cheers from southern Georgian Bay Ontario Canada. Cheers.
As Oscar Wilde wrote, England and America are two nations separated by a common language. Witty, yes, he always was. Watch the movie, "A Good Woman'. It's an adaptation of Wilde's play "Lady Windermere's fan and a true delight. Wilde at his wisecracking (English style) best. As one of his characters, a pompous English aristocratic playboy said, "I've made a serious study of marriage. It's why I'm still a bachelor." It's wonderful to again immerse myelf in the English language as spoken and nuanced by an Englishman. It reminds me why England should be on every American's bucket list.
Just ran up on your RU-vid channel great stuff. I'm from West Texas I ride a Road glide Harley-Davidson love it and about to get a Road King for just kicking around town. We run between 450 to 700 miles a day when we go on trips. If you're not Gliding then you ain't Riding.😎
I'm curious what model of BMW that was, I ride a NineT myself, and noticed mainly the GS riders are the grumpy old dudes. Basically a bunch of old dudes in their midlife crisis, who then buy an adventure tourer to do a maximum of 100KM trips.
I've always rode and preferred Japanese bikes. I never liked Harley Davidson motorcycles a part from Evel Knievel's ( 70's kid) then I bought one. Now I get it. I still love all bikes.
Different pipe and you get the most beautiful sound out of that engine. You will remember the sound in your sleep. Every ride will have that soundtrack and signature. The neutral is easy to find, after you get used to it. I have always ridden European bikes both Italian and British. Next to my European bikes, my Street Glide is my favorite. It does something to my soul. My other bikes are faster, sleeker, corner better but none of this really matter. The harley writes a story on my heart everytime I ride it. Never had a bike, where young and old and in between stop to admire it. My daughter is an adult and walks past my other bikes as if they are invisible and simply goes after my Harley. I have no desire to convince ignorant on either side of the argument, your life must be miserable for you to hate motorcycles of any brand.
Great review as always! Your blend of bike review with travel and exploration is perfect. Also, the gear for the day segment is really helpful too. Thanks for putting together such great content!
Find neutral, when parkin(!), by shuttin' the engine off. It'll click right in. Other wise, shift in neutral, just before stoppin' the bike. This works, most of the times, be it a 4 or 5 speed, Big Twin.. Guess how I found out;-)
What do I think about Harley Davidson cycles? Well, I live in San Diego and ride a R NineT, but have ridden Harleys. I recall having a great time on a 1200 Sportster. The Road King is pretty, but I’m sorry to say it just doesn’t look like a natural fit for you. Why? Well most Harley riders in the U.S. are aging out of riding, well over fifty and often in their sixties and even seventies. Harley riders in the ‘60s and ‘70s were slim, wiry, grease splattered guys in their thirties. They looked the part on smaller displacement bikes. They were basic, looked unpretentiously salty, and mothers and fathers would often tell their kids on road trips to keep their eyes on the road ahead and not stare. Since the ‘80s and ‘90s, the bikes grew to bloated proportions and expense along with their riders-often new to it in middle age-who had families, coached softball, wore the branded gear, and looked more the conformist than the hard, gritty authentic rebels I recall from childhood. The truth of that was found in the way your mom and dad would hush when commenting on how they saw a new guy down the street riding a Harley. I wouldn’t deny the novelty owning one in the UK must present, but to my eyes, you look too young and too slim for that Road King. I see you on the retro bikes you ride, in Euro-fit retro gear. You look natural on a Triumph, R NineT, Monster, Desert Sled, or Moto Guzzi, but Harleys shout “dad jeans” and that’s not you. And it’s not that I’m terribly biased because I’ve enjoyed a few myself, but the motor company spent too many years designing for an aging buyer. I thought HD was making some strides when it released the VRSCA twenty years ago, but the old guys branded it a “water-boy” and marginalized those riders, eventually killing it off. HD began designing modern slimmed down bikes like the Bronx Street Fighter and Sport Rod, along with the LiveWire, but have already backed away from the street fighter, which was disappointing. In terms of sheer size, a bike the size of the Road King looks out of proportion with English villages and the narrow roadways there. When you parked it, it just looked too big against the surroundings. Harley’s are American cruisers of the “super slab”. Six to eight lane interstate highways where you’re in it for the long haul, looking to ride a couch, and don’t care about lean angle. I enjoy your channel. Nice focus on out of the way, English villages-lots to see without crossing borders.
"What are your thoughts on Harley and Harley riders?": they make good bikes, that can't be denied with a 100+ yrs of R&D. Their style however to me, as a 30 something yr old American, is for old men who want to feel tough and cool and feel like owning a Harley by definition makes them tough and cool. That's what the Harley culture says: "Harley's are tough, cool, real motorcycles and *anything else is not*". Just like the guy from your story. Decades ago it had a real counter-culture thing going on that HD has since turned into a parody of itself. The culture tends towards that typical weird boomer elitism wrapped in black leather, bad tattoos, and tacky skull & crossbones. Its a real turn off for people who like avoiding douche bags. Harley as a brand is washed up and their bike sales year after year are proving that out. It appears to be dying, along with their customer base. This isn't by any means all HD riders of course, but it's the stereotype they've made for themselves as a group. Controversial statement: HD and BMW are often basically the same bike -- oversized bikes for old men who want an RV on 2 wheels. One wears black leather, the other is more likely to be wearing a white collar shirt. Same bike for two demographics who see themselves as being fundamentally different from one another but really aren't, so they're just stylized differently. That said, if a big bagger is what you like in a motorcycle then RIDE IT. That's not what gets me going to ride myself, but people can get enjoyment from motorcycles in different ways. It doesn't make one person better and the other worse. At the end of the day we're all riding for the same reason, we think its fun. It would be great if the various brand enthusiasts would stfu, enjoy what they love, and let others enjoy what they love in the way they want to love it. PS. I would LOVE a 60s HD Sportster. Absolute beauty in my eyes! therapy session over
I've owned many bikes in my life. I'd always wanted a Harley, but most bikers I know, absolutely hate them. Foolishly, this had influenced my decision not to buy one. I now own and love a Harley Davidson Street Glide Special. This bike makes me feel good. I can't stop looking at it, sitting on it and riding it. I've had a couple of GS's, so I'm used to being disliked, mostly by sports bike riders. This may sound ridiculous, but I now feel hated by other bikers, most of whom completely shun me. Even biker friends have expressed their disgust at my choice of motorcycle. I quite frankly couldn't care less, I love my Harley 😎
For me, HD is more like a showing-off/attention-grabbing sort of bike. I mean if you have a group of 10 Triumph and 10 HD riding on the road, people will tend to stare at the HDs more bcos of their unique sound and look. Triumph, for example, is more laid back and got a charming, classic look. In my opinion, Triumph can be a solo riding and looks nice when you're on your own or in a group. When you're on a Triumph, you'll get someone's attention, or you won't if they're not interested in bikes. HD, on the other hand, looks nice when you're on your own but much much nicer and grabs more attention when you're in a bike gang. A HD should be in a bike gang showing its beauty and that's how it works in my observation. HD bikers tend to do more stuff on the bikes more than Triumph so that they'll catch more attention amongst the gang or from people on the road. So, if I'm going to buy my first bike, it'll deffo be a Bonnie. But if I've got one (or some) Triumph in my garage, I'll deffo think about getting a HD. However, it will depend on my riding style, clothes, what I'm gonna do with the bike, etc. So yeah, Triumph first, and then maybe HD if. PS: But tbh, I still prefer the speedmaster for cruising :D
Not unlike the divide between iron block muscle car owners, and pretty much all other sports car owners. Me? Pontiac GTO in my youth. Honda S2000 for retirement. Its a screamer.
Neutral is a hell!! (it has to do with the clutch adjustment) That's THE ONLY reason the most have a rear pedal to shift up with your heel! Hahahah,...that face...when you start the Beast..
How can you judge a bike in that amount of time..really?I have a road King special 2020,and yes it's a great bike,but to judge a bike with that amount ok miles and time is ridiculous. If it looks like a duck and sounds like a duck it's a WANKER
I own a 2019 Street Bob (Club Style) & a 2020 Kawasaki ZH2. I love all bikes and don't really care about all that stereotype b.s. Just ride and have fun, good vibes only.
I hate Harley's personally, they're the opposite of what a cool motorcycle is to me. I CAN'T IMAGINE giving someone a thumbs down because I didn't like their bike though! And he was on a BMW no less those are just as lame to me LOL! What a twat 🤣
It's an H-D, but it is absolutely NOT a Harley. Where is the sound? Where is the feel? Where is all the chrome? Other than the dark dreary color and total lack of chrome, it does resemble a Harley, but that's as far as it goes. It has no substance. It has been completely neutered. No sound and no feel. They even went to the trouble of putting a counterbalancer in it to PREVENT it from feeling like a Harley. The H-D motor company is DEAD.
Harley Davidson mainly manufacture cruisers and choppers up till reasently. In the 60s they bought the Italian Aermacchi and manufactured true racing bikes and small commuters. Cruisers and choppers are defacto equipped with less good handling, less leaning angle, are underpowered in comparison to the rest of the market, and are extremely heavy. This makes HDs best at riding straight roads and defenetly not great on curvy roads. Furthermore, HDs are closely connected to criminal gangs/rockers, which today are very organized like mafiosos. This partly the reason for HD riders reluctant to greet other motorcyclists when passing each other and that led to the opposite; that other riders are reluctant to greet HD riders. Some people don't give a hoot about the image while other people simply would not own a HD due to not wanting to be related to the criminal culture. How they look is individual...........the beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.......or however you express it. The build quality is better today than it used to be. Development is very slow. But now they are doing something about it, releasing adventures and E-bikes, flat trackers. Now we waith for HD to start manufacturing real sport bikes, commuters, café racers, naked bikes etc.
Love the vlogs. They’re a great blend of local exploration and bike review 👍 I agree that HD polarise opinion within the biking scene. None bikers simply see them as the pinnacle of biking desirability, which is odd because lots of bikes are as good or better. I think it’s the image they have. I’ve owned lots of bikes including sport, enduro, cruiser. My current ride is a HD Dyna Fat Bob. It’s the most basic, visceral bike I’ve ever owned and I love it. I recently spent a month riding 4500 miles through France and Spain and felt every mile, in the best possible way. Some modern bikes are more like two wheeled cars, they are so refined. HDs retain much of the original sensation of motorcycling which always puts a smile on my face. All bikes are great and unite people in our common passion and your vlogs showcase your passion for biking. I love your enthusiasm of 60s cars which puts a grin on my face because I’m 62 years old and grew up with many of them 😊
Lol. I don't think that they are polarizing this side of the Atlantic mate. Goose it a little in 1st gear, and bob's your uncle! I have a road king and a street glide. Ive had several Yamahas. Love the HDs. Why would anyone yip about which ones i ride? My opinion, ride whatever you like!
