They're good bikes. Period. If you don't want to pay for one then don't. Maybe some of the people who do buy them want the real thing instead of the blatant copy. HD has more brand loyal riders than any other and it's not all because they are "wannabes" or like the "image". HDs are good bikes and people feel they are part of a huge family. They don't drip oil all over the place anymore. At least the people who I know who own them don't have the problem. So I don't know if people are just repeating the same old crap just to bash or HDs leak more in other states. Other brands, including Roadies, do sometimes have a leak too but do people bash over that? They don't break down all the time. At least where I ride I can't remember the last time I saw an HD broke down on the side of the road. So again, Maybe they break down more in other states. I don't know how some people can navigate the roads with all the busted Harleys layin all over where they live. All brands have mechanical issue at times. Where's the bashes for other brands? I rode behind lots of HDs and haven't once been hit by a part that fell off of one. Do they lose parts? Of course they do. So does every other bike out there. I don't see anyone commenting on Kawis or Triumphs. Hell, I had part of the windshield chrome fly of my oh so superior Road Star. I've ran into a few Harley snobs. But I sure feel lucky that every freaking HD rider I run into isn't one like they seem to be other places. I've also ran into BMW snobs too. But I guess other places only have HD snobs because you never hear about this for other brands. Or is it just because people want to take shots at HD riders? Of course HDs look like HDs. What do you think they are supposed to look like? But guess what? The Roadies look just like HDs too. The bikes the Roadie shamelessly copy. Why is it bad that HDs look like HDs but it's just fine that the Roadie looks like one? And no HD model is any kind of version of the Road star. In fact it's quite the opposite. It sure sounds like more than a few people should have just bought an HD to begin with instead of getting a Roadie. A lot of what is said sounds like rationalizing, jealousy, or sour grapes. I bought my Roadie because I walked into the show room and fell in love with the bike. Plain and simple. HD never entered my mind. And it still doesn't. I posted this because it doesn't seem like one single thread can include HD or the people who ride them without the same old tired mantra being typed out. Over and over again. Even the people who say they like them can't just say it, respect the brand, and leave it at that. It's just plain tired and worn out.

OK. That's my opinion. I'm done. Do with it what you will....

Ummmm, you don't work for the post office do you?

Just kidding, I liked your comments, and you're right! It's not what you ride, it's that you ride. I drive a chevy truck and I hear it all the time from my brother and friends who are Ford fanatic's.

Seams like in this world some have to put down others who don't agree with their way of thinking, simply "How could they?" "I'm not one of them and I wouldn't want to be" It's the same for cars, trucks, boats (boat's are really bad by the way) and bikes even bicycles have that! Ever go fishing with someone who has to have a particular type of rod???
Hope your not one of "Them"

Don't fret Musky, we enjoy what we ride, push or pull! Thanks!

Oh, post note here, If Roadstars were so trouble or maintenance free, why are we all on this site? I love my bike, but it is a mechanical thing and subject to failure.

ut oh i smell a war brewing...to be honest i love HD bikes, I dont care much for the dealers in my area they all kinda treat me like crap but frankly so do the metric dealers hahah...i just bought a sportster to bob out, yea harleys have their problems like musky said but its a machine and all machines have their problems...you dont get much closer to feeling like an outlaw though than when you ride a harley...Every one has an opinion on the subject but musky is right they are good bikes, my gripe is on the price and the way i get treated at the dealerships....
from what i understand, about the leaks is that harleys are made to be rebuilt and our metric bikes really kinda arent, so yea they make leak and you may have to rip out some old gaskets and replace them but just means you need to be a bit more of a wrench

In my neck of the woods, we are equal opportunity offenders...whether you ride an oil leaking harley, straddle the tupperware of a goldwing, or have to brush out the rice dust from your metric, everyone gets the abuse...I've been with groups where the harley has to limp home, and I myself have had to call a trailer to get me off the side of the interstate...

Truth be told, I would have had a harley over the R* as my first bike if I could have afforded it; I rented quite a few HD's before I bought, and the HD dealers here are so much better than the metric dealers, and the HD people do so much more after the sale than the metric dealers here...However, I've since experienced the cushy goodness that is a Goldwing, and I'll likely be jumping into a note on one by year's end---not as a replacement, but a second bike, it will take an extreme circumstance to part with the R*.

Musky wrote:
[quote]They're good bikes. Period. If you don't want to pay for one then don't....The Roadies look just like HDs too. The bikes the Roadie shamelessly copy....It sure sounds like more than a few people should have just bought an HD to begin with instead of getting a Roadie. A lot of what is said sounds like rationalizing, jealousy, or sour grapes. I bought my Roadie because I walked into the show room and fell in love with the bike. Plain and simple. HD never entered my mind. And it still doesn't. I posted this because it doesn't seem like one single thread can include HD or the people who ride them without the same old tired mantra being typed out...quote]

Word. I could've bought anything I wanted and I shopped most everything; HD, Triumph, Big Dog, Kawi, Honda and BMW. I just loved the ride of the Roadstar and the value, to me at least, was amazing. She reminded me of the old HD police bikes somehow and that was it, my money was on the table.

In todays competitive market, a product has to be good or it's gone quick. Name or not!

Ratl.

I have notice that theres lots of riders (Road Stars and other, including Harleys) who have to justify what they ride by bashing the other brands of bikes.

When I was shopping for a bike. I was realy looking for Harley but Could not find one at what I thought was a resonable price. When I Took one look at my freinds Road Star, that was it, I was sold. The price was right and it came with lots of extras. I get lots of good fun ribby from my freinds for owning a Road Star, but I also give it back. Both are good bikes and I hope to some day own a Harley. But I do love my Rodie.

"Just Ride" Joe

This is a good thing, people, just go RIDE!! ....peace out....

My favorite brand which ever one I'm riding. I just love all motorcycles. Some have advantages over others, but just get me some wind on my face and I'll love it.

I've riddin many bikes, including Harleys. For me a bike has to meet just a few basic needs.

1. It has to get me where I'm going when I need it to.
2. It should do so while putting a speed induced grin on my face.
3. It should be priced within my budget...whatever that may be at the time.

...oh, and of course chrome is always nice.

I have to admit though, I've often wondered if the new Harleys riders have to pay extra for the ego...or is that an aftermarket thing?

When My biological and I hooked up (for the first time) he noticed I rode and went right out and bought an 08 soft-tail at 70+. It's a beautiful bike and we rib each other at times. He really got me the other day. I was powder coating some of my parts, I smiled and said I would do his but I ran out of hot pink and laughed. He just smiled and asked if I really wanted my future bike "hot PINK" I smiled as I pulled my foot out and gave him a hug. got-a-luv em.
Les Dearman