Why Do People Hate Harley-Davidson and Its Riders? 

The type of Harley owner that irritates me is the if it ain't a Harley it isn't a real motorcycle. About 10 years ago I was on my way to work while on my Kawasaki Nomad in stop and go traffic and ran across one of those idiots. He pulls up next to me in traffic in his f150 hd edition truck with all of the Harley stickers all over it and tells me I need to get a real bike. Mind you it was in the lowers 40's while raining and I'm on my bike. He's sitting in his truck warm and dry but I don't have the REAL bike. SMH. Morons everywhere.

Harley - a clothing company that still makes a few bikes; for now

Harley hate is more of an internet phenomenon. Most of the things people say are just outdated stereotypes. “They leak oil” “Hondas are half the price and more dependable “ “they’re just a toy for dentist and lawyers to cosplay on the weekend” I’ve been riding for almost twenty years on old sportsters, twin cams and EVOs. No oil stains in my garage. I’ve never paid more than $5k for a Harley and most of the repairs are about $50. Just do ride what you want. The fools in the comment sections probably don’t even own a bike.

Yeah..... there is a big bunch of idiots out there who think they are special owning a Harley.

I'm a Harley and cruiser rider plus a GSXR 600 rider. I have experience with both types of riders. I must say in my experience sport bike riders are more reckless and Harley riders are more snobbish. They think Harleys are above all other bikes- in price, that's true but reliability, nope. About every sport bike rider I see is wearing a helmet, almost all Harley riders do not (Ohio is NOT mandatory helmet state.) I love both types of bikes, Harleys are an icon and the looks and sounds are timeless. That said, a sport bike is like a supercar- everything is more precise and a different kind of experience.

"I read a comment and it really made sense...I've changed my mind about..." said no one ever. OG biker here, over fifty years on twos. One thing that never changes is that people tend to generalize and paint with a broad brush. I dealt long ago with my urges to project some sort of image and have been happier since. Yeah, I like Harleys...I own two now but have owned others. I like other bikes and other riders, too. They can count on a wave from me. I've met some of the nicest people on motorcycles...and some real a$$holes, too. Bottom line, ride what you like, be yourself and be kind to others. Very simple. Thanks for the vine...

Harley hate is due to the 1%, just like people that hate the Sportbike riders that do wheelies on the freeways. Its always the few bad apples.

You want to know why there is a dislike for some Harley riders, because some of them think they are better then everyone on the rode who doesn’t ride a Harley I have seen it first hand and it has happened to me many times.

1. Many only wave to other Harley riders 2. Rev their Harleys non stop. 3. " You're just jealous." 4. " You can't afford one." 5. Drinking and riding 6. " If it ain't a Harley, it's shit." These are a few reasons. For me it's the fact they're not even close to Japanese reliability. They're not nearly as fast as my Japanese bikes, they are so overpriced new it's a joke. The German CEO is a complete woke clown who is going to cost Harley millions when they really can't afford to lose any money. Their merch is what's keeping Harley afloat. Harley lost touch with their fans years ago. They wete the quintessential blue collar, working mans dream bike. Unfortunately Harley kept inflating their prices and it made the younger generations go elsewhere.

Compare accidents from crotch rocket guys to Harley riders. Sport bikers ride like idiots.

All Truth young Lady! Don't change your great attitude. You speak wise truth!

I've never experienced anything that the sheep complain about when it comes to people on Harleys. Never had one not wave at me on my honda, never talked to one that gave bad vibes or talked bad about my bike. Im sure all tgese things can be applied to some sport bike riders, but a god chunk of people lack the intellectual integrity to question their position on something, or to not lump whole groups together based on popular stereotypes.

It seems like Harley riders have to compensate for spending tons of money on an inferior machine. Harleys look and sound pretty cool for the most part, but mathematically (performance and economy) they are inferior to Japanese bikes in every way. I owned a Harley Softail for several years and never felt any great satisfaction in riding it: shitty brakes, lackluster performance, and really not that comfortable. It wasn’t a bad experience, necessarily, but I will never own a Harley again.

I've been riding since 1972 and I must say, I agree with every thing you said.

Well, since you posed the question... In early summer 1979, I was riding my KZ650 south on Minnesota 26, the beautiful Mississippi river road. I was cruising about 65 or so when two Harleys, of the kind often called "choppers", came up behind me, passed (in a no-passing zone) me, the slowed. Both very ostentatiously put a finger to a nostril and simulated (I hope) blowing the contents of their noses back at me. I could not count the number of times I've been told that I needed to get a "real" motorcycle, while minding my own business at a light, fuel stop, lunch stop, and who knows where else. In contrast, I've never pulled up to a Harley rider and informed them that they needed to acquire a motorcycle capable of exceeding 120mph, running past 100,000 without any serious repairs (as have several of mine), and could safely operate on twisting roads at reasonable velocities without dragging all sorts of chassis parts on the pavement. I probably could bring to mind a number of other insults and demeaning comments I've been presented with by Harley-borne people but you get the idea. So I don't hate Harley riders, but... That's a cool-looking bike you have, there, incidentally.

Its just Human nature to be competitive and tribal.

The South Park biker episode turned entire younger generations against Harley-Davidson.

I ride a 1986 BMW R80. (vids on my yt page) I imagine most motorcyclist that I ride by think WTF was that bike as pass each other and wave. It's not a cruiser, it's not a sport bike. I reside in the middle ground.

I do find it funny how we wear "bad ass biker gear" I was mindful not to wear my riding vest when I went to watch the movie 'Bike Riders' because I didn't want to look like I was cosplaying for a movie 😂

they hate Harley because they are woke

People hate Harley riders and GSXR riders mainly because it’s popular to hate them. They sell a lot so you see them more than other brands. And people have some extreme anecdotal example or experience to justify why they dislike all people who ride a certain bike. After going to many Harley events and seeing people showing up on sport bikes, Japanese cruisers, cars and we all vibing together. I came to the conclusion that people just talk a lot of crap online.

I started touring on a 150cc work bike and got more waves and hello's than when I switched to a Suzuki sport bike. Maybe us as the new generation of bikers can end this eternal beef and join the four great nations: cruisers, baggers, adventure bikers and sports bikes, once and for all

It's cause Harley dudes often act like they think they're better than everyone. Without actually being better. I know lots of riders can have ego - but Harley riders have *unfounded* ego. Whereas many sportbike riders really are super fast (not all) - many adv riders really are super adventerous (not all) - etc. Harley dudes just want you to think they're badass - and very rarely have anything to back it up with in terms of skill. Again, not all...

You said "they chose their Harley Davidson"🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 coz they wanted to be a part of that community" And there will be sportsbike riders who follow racing and want to ride the same bikes as their heroes but you get all sorts turning up at race meetings on all types of bikes. I chose a sportsbike because I needed that level of performance before I'd even been to a short circuit race meeting. But other Sportsbike riders introduced me to race meetings and following different championships. I think all of the big brand manufacturers have every kind of person in their customer base and we do what we do, it's crazy individuals who think they control us, about 70% of the World doesn't even speak English so how does anything we do affect them?

Its an ego thing /personality disorder. "Narcissistic/sociopaths or psycopaths " they put down stuff they don't have as a subconscious way to boost their egos. Harley riders generally have more respect for them selfs and for everyone else on the rode.

Your bike is looking nice n clean there.👍😀Im gonna test ride a Fat Bob soon. My pal had one for a month then changed it for a Triumph Rocket. I think Europeans are less brand loyal, just coz I ride a Honda doesn't mean i have to slag off Suzuki ,most of us are grateful we have anything to ride the way prices are going. It would have to be poorly built before I'd slate it. Or dangerous like the Niken, try fly over a crest and you'll find out! Buckaroo time!😂😂

Cop, writing a report, "You witnessed 5 men beating that rider on the electric motorcycle. Why didn't you help?" Harley rider, "Well, I figured five was enough to get the job done."

Harley is the woke dei lgbtq++++ overpriced motorcycle symbol. They are the opposite of bad ass symboll nowedays.

Hate is a strong word. You can't deny the success of HD in creating a brand and lifestyle. BUT as with all things, you have a few extremists that carry it a bit too far. You are already on a very robust piece of hardware that gets attention. Do you have to put straight pipes on every bike? It's proven there is no HP advantage and contrary to folklore, loud pipes DO NOT SAVE LIVES. Ape hangers are ridiculous, and actually reduce control. Choppers are cool to look at, but handling again, is reduced. Why do HD riders want to punish their co-pilots with a tiny b!tch pad and a t-shirt that says "if you can read this, the b!tch fell off"? Just seems to all add up to being counter productive to support the brand, and it's continued success. And to HD.... just because your logo is on it, it shouldn't cost 3x of anyone other product. You have some cool stuff that is useful for touring for everyone. But I can buy Wiley-X sunglasses for half of the identical product with HD stuck on the earpieces.

The whole loud pipes thing is bullshit and I've proven it to many many people who have loud pipes and those thinking of getting them. No it doesn't "save lives" by letting people know your around. It's just annoying to everyone around you. With the way new cars are built and sound proofed no one can hear you til your right on them. Too late to react. But hey you do you and I'll keep riding my quiet Honda.

I'm 63 and ride a new MT07 and hogs Don't like my riding style fast and hard😢😮

It's not the culture, most of the people seem fine and normal The problem with Harley riders is literally just the bikes. I have a friend who (rode) an old sportster until she smashed into a guard rail and put herself in a wheelchair. She is a little annoying, especially about gear (when I'm riding a Super Cub that can barely get up to 40) and maybe she's right, but the problem isn't that she's worried about my safety, it's that it's disingenuous for a harley rider to pretend she gives a shit about anyone else.

As a life long Harley fan not currently riding one (Triumph Bobber is my bike of choice these days), all I can say is that I am disappointed in a lot of Harley riders. They are the only ones that ignore my waves, unless I am on a Harley too. Everyone else enjoys the two-wheeled brotherhood without the holier than thou attitude. I must point out that most Harley riders do wave, but there is a minority with an attitude that ruins it for everyone. And of course those are the people you remember, and talk about, and thus the Harley riders get a bad rep in general. I just greet anyone on two wheels, no matter what they are on, get some confused looks from scooter / moped riders sometimes, they are not used to people waving at them haha (This comment is of course based entirely on my experience in my local area, might not be true for everyone, and everywhere. I know for example that in some countries / areas, the adventure bike riders are the ones not getting greeted by others, especially if you are on a BMW GS, and everyone else greeting across bike styles.)

Some people just need something to complain about, even if they have no idea what they're talking about

I love the noise a HD makes. I drive a semi and there’s no way one of those is going to sneak into my blind spot without me knowing it’s there. I wish all bikes sounded that way!

Why does this girl or anybody else’s opinion matter? you do you but don’t try to dictate how anybody should be the Internet is really screwing up people nowadays like there opinion matters .This generation has serious problems.

I've always rode metric bikes. Never waved at HD clowns. Bought a new Low Rider S 117 and still don't wave at them. I never initiate the gesture. But, no matter what they're riding if they wave, I'll surely return it. HD riders in general are an arrogant bunch. And by the way, the LRS is a blast. Too much dinero tho.

I enjoy just about every form of motorcycle. I just love bikes, always have. I do like Harley styling and appreciate their relatively crude function, gives them character. I just don't see why I need to dress up like a pirate to own one. You know, conform completely to that non-conformist image. I've seen guys adopt a whole new identity just because they bought a Harley. Pathetic. It actually puts me off the brand.

As a young adult in the 70s owning a Harley was the ultimate, it would be parked in the living room at night.

Fake, if you think people hate Harley’s and their riders.

The only ones who are hated are those who refuse to admit a motorcycle (any motorcycle) is just a consumer product. Owning one says nothing about you. You don’t get to participate in some drama of American individualist “heritage” by owning a Harley any more than if you owned a Kitchenaid mixer and a pair of Keds.

i get what your saying sis ...but your also putting out the i have to many cats vibe ..

Don’t B A Hater Life To Short✌️

I'm not going to just say it's Harley dudes but people who ride cruisers in general. I have noticed that cruiser riders seem to care more about what sports bike riders are riding than it being the other way around. I could care less what anyone rides and down to ride for the sake of riding.

REAL motorcycles have center stands. 😁

I've got no problems with Harley riders. To each his own. I do however have feelings about the company and not for the recent drama. I cannot forgive what they did to Eric Buell and the abandonment of all riders who aren't interested in a cliche cruiser. Yes, i ride a Buell and would struggle to think about buying a Harley. I do like the XR1200 but there again, had a good thing going and abandoned it in favor of a sliver of the motorcycle community.

Harleys are a bag of sh**te,basically 2 wheeled tractors 😂

Everybody knows sportbikes and Harleys both suck.🤔 Are Harley's even fast enough to need safety gear beyond gloves? 😅 The only cool bike to ride is a Ducati Scrambler. 😁 j/k - Anything with two wheels, sometimes 3, deserves a wave. 👋

I used to ride a Harley first a Fat Boy then a Road King Classic then a Electra Glide Classic that I created a Street Glide out of long before Harley created a Street Glide but I stopped riding a Harley in 2007 I wasn’t a Harley hater but as time went on the Harley riders that I meet know so little about their motorcycle that they don’t know a Street Glide is actually a Electra Glide and the fact that they own a 4 year old Road Glide with 2,000 miles on it and trailer it to Sturgis while they fly into Sturgis so they can pose at the bar with a beer in their hands for their Fakebook photo is so uncool to me no matter how cool posing for a photo it to them 😐 I have to force myself to not comment on my Fakebook friends posts that ride Harley’s 🤐 not really hate more comical 🤫

If you have a cut you don't wear it in a car!

They are hated because people don’t fucking mind their own business. You got two kind people ,that love them and people that just sensitive Yeah, Harley riders are bad ass you can’t imitate handling 1000 pound machine. It’s like a small car with two wheels anybody that can make a U-turn and handle this machine yeah he’s a bad ass or she’s a bad ass. That’s all it takes.

Thinking your a badass will get you hate

I just get tired of seeing the same Harley’s everywhere I go so I’d rather be different

Pretty sure the new hate for Harley is them going woke.

Hey hey im insulted. I have 24 CVO st 😅

This is the dumbest thing ever.

It's comical. I'm on my sport bike and some Harley riders won't wave. I'm on the Harley and some sport bike riders won't wave. Neighbor across the street leaves at about 5:30am on his Harley, straight pipes and leaves like he is on fire every morning, not a care in the world about his neighbors. That is what gives Harley riders a bad name. Those that show zero respect. Lady bikers are not exempt from that either....

I pick up my first ever Harley tomorrow, a '21 Fatbob. I will NEVER wear the uniform!

As a sport bike and dual sport rider, I would rather ride with a group of Harleys than sport bikes. I want to enjoy the ride, not render first aid on the side of the road due to a speed measuring contest. The Harley crowd usually has the loudness measuring contest, which is less stressful than picking up someone who exceeded their limits.

I’ve rode bikes since my early teen, ran the gamut of bikes. I really loved my Kawi’s over the years. My 1st Harley was in 02 an anniversary Vrod. You talk about haters, on top of that I wore a FF and a Joe Rocket jacket with armor. Now I also wore leather and shortie helmets. I always wear boots and jeans or chaps. I was told that it wasn’t a real Harley, I would ask if 7:04 its because it’s to fast😁 I always responded with the attitude that I’m met with. I appreciate all styles of bikes and would have multiple if I had the cash. I don’t so I choose to ride a Heritage ( and Harley)for the comfort, and the fit & finish of their bikes. Nice video, new sub😎

I like the Harley look so I’m getting a Honda 😂

😍 In my next life...I wanna' come back as your Solo Seat 🥰!!!!

There is something that Harley has been for decades and recently one word sums it up: Maga. At what? 90%? In the 70's they would have Demolition parties of Japanese bikes. Over the decades; Rebel flags, nazi symbols, trump signs, white supremecy. Go to any rally and that crap is plastered everywhere. I love Harleys, always have. Been cross country 3 times, countless other distance trips and while yes, individually there are a great "Harley Riders", as a group, who wants to be associated with that if you are not? Even now, they are tearing themselves apart because Harley management went "woke". That's literally crazy. Maga is a cult. No thanks

_"HarleyDavidson is poor quality, still drafting on its past 1950s reputation, overpriced machines for business executives with too much money and too little motorcycle sense. Everyone knows this. People have more fun trading parts and hunting for vintage barn finds than actually riding them. If you want to look "cool and loud" riding to the bar once a week buy a HD. the only thing keeping this company going is the Cult of Dumb still willing to pay premium for mediocrity. thems the facts."_ (btw this is a quote told to me by a HD Eng turned HD dealer owner. unfortunately after i bought a HD from him. never again).

One reason so many immature claim to hate Harley-Davidson is simply Jealousy for what they don't have. When you're riding a Harley-Davidson, some people around you need to justify what they perceive as a lesser bike for what they can ride. People's maturity levels vary greatly. Those that are mature don't hate Harley-Davidson, or, its riders, and enjoy riding their sport bike without malice towards others. The same can be said of Harley Riders that don't look down on sport bike riders or non-Harley bikes. The immature, including those lacking self-esteem will hate Harley-Davidson and claim their non-Harley motorcycle is the best on the planet but only after first ripping Harley-Davidson. A prime example of immaturity are the South Park adult age children that never grew up and thrive on cartoons with stereotypes about Harley Riders. I'm surprised they have not come out with a cartoon aimed at non-Harley bike riders and the stereotypes among this crowd. There would be a plethora of content and entertaining episodes. Never apologize for owning and riding a Harley-Davidson as you're at the top of the food chain in the Motorcycle world. Harley-Davidsons are not for the faint of heart. Moreover, ANY motorcycle you can ride that brings you pleasure and makes you feel good is a sublime experience.

Harley’s are terrible motorbikes ridden by people who are convinced they are the only true motorcycles. They also tend to be losers.

Sportbike rider's hate HD riders because their butts start hurting after 60 miles on the highway.

Being a Harley rider I've come across both, the posers and the serious Harley riders. If posers would just learn to be themselves and not something they aren't and most likely never will be,they wouldn't come of as fools. No doubt Harleys are expensive, but when one takes a close look, all bikes are expensive.

I ride a Boulevard. Most of my partners got Harleys but they always looking at my bike.

They hate harley because they are posers 🤣🤣🤣