Hey Fellas,
I am sure a lot of us have put up with this in the past,but aren't we all getting tired of hearing "when are you going to get a real bike", and other comments like that. You know that have it stuck in their heads that you have to have a Harley to be American, and not some "Metric" rice burner, I tell them time and time that the only difference that they have over us is the resell value, but that dosen't matter, because ours only cost about half to start with. Ours is better lookin, rides better, will last forever with no oil leaks, and faster, and better quality!
Sorry so long, just needed to vent and make sure that I am not alone! Thanks

I tell them, truthfully, that I had a Harley, long before it was fashionable (1977 FXE) and that as soon as HD makes as good a bike as the Roadstar for the same price then HD will win back my business...seem to shut "them" up pretty quick. That said, around here (E PA) there are a ton of metric cruisers and we all, for the most part, get along fine...the feeling around these parts is that so long as it has 2 wheels and an engine (and it ain't a moped) we are all brothers Of course, Squids are still the bastard stepchildren

Regards, Ted<br><br>Post edited by: TMK, at: 2007/04/16 12:48

The groups and rides I participate with, are usually almost 50% metric. I have noticed the metrics have made massive gains in respect from all other bike owners and the ribbing is always cheerful and friendly. Usually we roadies give as good as we get.
My best friend has ridden Harleys for 30 years, his closet is full of Harley clothes, and would eat Harley food if they had such a thing doesn't mind showing his respect for my Roadstar. His only bragging rights are to vibration and noise that my Roadstar doesn't have.

JetMech,

That un-American stuff bothered me for a while until I realized that a big part of being an American is about respecting others freedom of choice.

Could it be a possibility the people giving you a hard time didn't do so hot in civics class back in high school?

I can relate to that as I sucked at English but was good at math which is what led me to the Star line in the first place. A closer look and a ride sealed the deal.

Seriously though and good natured ribbing aside, most of the people out there who actually ride, and maybe even twist a wrench once in a while, are usually pretty cool and can appreciate something for what it is.

Heck, I'm just happy to be in the wind.

It's a price thing for me. I would love to have a HD someday, but I have a young Daughter at home. She gets married off, maybe then. But for now, I love my RS, I eat bugs just like everyone else. Okay a little less now that I have my windshield...

Went on a poker run yesterday with 3 friends on Harleys. We were all amazed at the amount of metrics there. One friend just didn't realize how much you can trick out the metrics now, she is seriously thinking about selling her hog and getting a metric. I told her with the money she could get for the hog she could buy a new bike and have a ton of money left to fix it up how she'd like.

I thought I wanted a HD. I started on a vstar 650 and recently traded up to a Road*. On the few rides I have been on since I got it last month the Road* has received more compliments than all of the HD's around my bike. For me it is economics. Better bike, half the $$, better quality, better ride =

My dad has rode Harley's since I was born some 40+ years ago and still does. I personally love Harley's but when it came down to what I could get for the money, I chose the R*. Another reason I chose the R* is because it is so much like a Harley. More so than any other bike on the market in my opinion. After installing the Bub jughugger exhaust, it sounds as good as any HD I have ever heard. Also, I ride with all Harley's (I'm the only metric) and none of the guys seem to care what I ride, it's that I ride. These are bikers from the 50's and 60's and 70's. In my opinion anyone who has the fortitude to get on a bike and ride on today's roads and highways has nuts the size of grapefruits. I have to agree that when HD builds a bike comparable to the R* and has R* pricing, I will buy one. Oh yea, they do build one, it's called a Roadking!

Well everyone, I learned that Value = Function/Cost. The way I figure it, my bike has more power than a Harley at 1/2 the cost, so my value is way higher; to me. After all, did you buy the bike because of the name, or the name because of the bike? - Rod.

rodkoch wrote:
Well everyone, I learned that Value = Function/Cost. The way I figure it, my bike has more power than a Harley at 1/2 the cost, so my value is way higher; to me. After all, did you buy the bike because of the name, or the name because of the bike? - Rod.

My wife and I were looking for a big VTwin for years...after renting several Heritage Softails and a Roadking and putting, literally, thousands of miles on new Harleys...I chose the Roadstar...I did not settle for a Roadstar! As a former HD owner I can tell you that the Star is a better bike IMHO, of course!

Regards, Ted