Which motorcycle is better...Harley Davidson or Honda?
My husband is looking into getting a motorcycle. We initially were planning to get a Harley, but some of his friends are saying that you're really just paying for the name and that a Honda is just as good for a lower price. His dad rides a Harley, and was mad when he mentioned possibly getting a Honda, so I'm hoping someone will have some unbiased advice. This will be his first motorcycle and we don't want to spend more than $7000. He's not wanting a huge motorcycle with saddlebags and he's not wanting a crotch-rocket. Any info/experience with either a Harley vs. Honda would be much appreciated.
2008-07-13T20:33:16Z
Thank you so much for all your answers! You all gave great advice! My husband also appreciated all of your comments and we decided that we're going to try out several bikes and purchase the one that we feel is the best for the price we are willing to spend. We're not going to limit it to only a Harley to make his dad happy (his dad said he wouldn't ride with him unless it was a Harley)...and we're not going to limit it to only a Honda just to be spiteful towards his dad (my husband is really mad at his dad right now). Oh, and for the Jack-in-the-Box comment...I don't exactly know what you meant by that since I don't have any of those where I live. But if you're implying that we're poor and can't afford a more expensive bike, we're not. We just don't want any payments, and that's all we are willing to take out of our savings. We just started a family and we can't blow all our money on a motorcycle. Anyway...thanks again!!!
bikermog2008-07-11T21:02:06Z
Favorite Answer
harley and honda both build good bikes. i prefer harley myself, they are much more customizable than most foreign made bikes. don't worry about harley quality issues you may hear about, those days ended in the '70s. modern harleys are very dependable bikes. i have 28K on my '05 heritage and the only problem i have had was a faulty circuit breaker that was 10 bucks to replace.
my wife rides an '03 honda shadow ace that is really a good bike. my only complaints are the small gas tank,(3 gal) and the bike seems a little underpowered. the second is only because i am used to a much larger engine size.
which ever he chooses, don't buy too small. stick to 750cc or bigger in a street bike. it is much better for 2 up riding and gives you the power you need on the highway. personaly ,i would say 800cc or larger.
$7000 isn't much money to spend on a cruiser/street motorcycle. a new harley sportster 883 will cost you more than that and you won't get much bigger in a new honda for that money. look for used bikes. you can get a lot more bike for the money. many used bikes will have less than 10,000 miles and may cost half what a new one of the same model.
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Harley-Davidson does not make a motorcycle that fits my needs. So in my garage sits a Honda Goldwing. Yes I prefer a Japanese motorcycle over a Harley-Davidson. I wish Harley-Davidson built a proper sport touring motorcycle with emphasis on touring. But they do not. I have ridden several Harleys. I was shocked how lousy of a motorcycle they were. The fabled made in America touched by God Himself motorcycle. Every one was junk. Couldn't believe how poor they rode, how underpowered, terrible vibrations, and poor ergonomics. Sorry, I will not look at Harley-Davidsons until they come out with something better. Don't see that happening for a long time. Pity. Remember, this is MY viewpoints regarding H-D. Others have found the bikes from Milwaukee to suit their needs. I am happy for them. The bikes from H-D do not fit my needs. That does not make me an H-D basher. I only tell the truth regarding MY experiences.
RE: Which motorcycle is better...Harley Davidson or Honda? My husband is looking into getting a motorcycle. We initially were planning to get a Harley, but some of his friends are saying that you're really just paying for the name and that a Honda is just as good for a lower price. His dad rides a Harley, and was mad when he mentioned possibly...
Having owned several motorcycles I find that the Honda is a superior machine. Currently have a 2004 Honda Shadow Aero which is a joy to ride. One of my sons has an Harley Davidson and has had a lot of problems. However, he is a die-hard Harley owner and would not change. His friends all have Honda's. Honda is definitely a less expensive bike. What it really boils down too is that you ride whatever you can afford.