I know someone on the forums who has been riding for 40 years. He has a TU250X and a XT200. He said that the TU250X is the most fun bike he's ever had since he changed the sprockets. He currently has a deposit on a SR400, isn't for sure if he will get it or not. He says he will do a test ride first.
There is a point. His bike prior to the TU was a Harley 1200 Sportster. He said that it was one of the worst bikes he's ever had, a slow heavy pig that vibrated and didn't do anything well. He sold it at a loss and was glad to see it go after garaging it for 9 months in favour of the TU.
For me there are 2 things that come into play besides the "experience".
One is the ergonomics, which would apply to any bike. There are 3 types of common seating positions and the legs forward and weight on lumbar spine that cruisers have may not be comfortable for everyone.
Another is the "image". That if you have a Harley you are a violent filthy drug addicted criminal who last did laundry 2 years ago and last had a shower in 2013.
Then there are the straight pipes save lives wishful thinkers. My neighbour across the street is one. He is a nice guy but he is one of those love Harley and love SOA types. His bike is loud. He is usually really great about not roaring it in the residential neighbourhood especially with his 85 or 90 year old neighbours next door but this past week he forgot or something and the windows in my house vibrated and the dog barked who never barks because his life needed saving.
I read notorious Sonny Barger's book "Let's Ride" and he had lots of unkind things to say about HD. He rides Victory at the time of writing and had been for awhile. He loved his Victory. Kept saying how much better it was and how happy he was that finally he had an American alternative that was not Harley. See, the HAs were not the official club of HD, they were ride American of a specific displacement and up as far as I know and for decades that was only HD until now with Polaris.
Polaris is that major manufacturer of snowmobiles and stuff and while HD commands brand recognition like "Rolex" and "Marlboro" Polaris has a big thing going with their Victory and Indian lines. HD expanding into the Indian market and stuff isn't just good business it's also their awareness that the American market is no longer an exclusive.
There is a point. His bike prior to the TU was a Harley 1200 Sportster. He said that it was one of the worst bikes he's ever had, a slow heavy pig that vibrated and didn't do anything well. He sold it at a loss and was glad to see it go after garaging it for 9 months in favour of the TU.
For me there are 2 things that come into play besides the "experience".
One is the ergonomics, which would apply to any bike. There are 3 types of common seating positions and the legs forward and weight on lumbar spine that cruisers have may not be comfortable for everyone.
Another is the "image". That if you have a Harley you are a violent filthy drug addicted criminal who last did laundry 2 years ago and last had a shower in 2013.
Then there are the straight pipes save lives wishful thinkers. My neighbour across the street is one. He is a nice guy but he is one of those love Harley and love SOA types. His bike is loud. He is usually really great about not roaring it in the residential neighbourhood especially with his 85 or 90 year old neighbours next door but this past week he forgot or something and the windows in my house vibrated and the dog barked who never barks because his life needed saving.
I read notorious Sonny Barger's book "Let's Ride" and he had lots of unkind things to say about HD. He rides Victory at the time of writing and had been for awhile. He loved his Victory. Kept saying how much better it was and how happy he was that finally he had an American alternative that was not Harley. See, the HAs were not the official club of HD, they were ride American of a specific displacement and up as far as I know and for decades that was only HD until now with Polaris.
Polaris is that major manufacturer of snowmobiles and stuff and while HD commands brand recognition like "Rolex" and "Marlboro" Polaris has a big thing going with their Victory and Indian lines. HD expanding into the Indian market and stuff isn't just good business it's also their awareness that the American market is no longer an exclusive.
Last edited:
