There’s something about a Harley-Davidson, isn’t it? That characteristic thump, those bad-boy riders, and just the air and mystique of the open road that freewheelers love to go on that make Harleys a dream for many, all over the world.
Ever wondered why the biker gangs, lawful or outlaws, almost always ride a Harley? A law-abiding motorcycle club may let other motorcycles in, but for the outlaws, it's always a Harley, and the bigger the better. Engines of certain smaller displacements, even in Harleys, are very often not allowed in.
So what is it with outlaw MCs and their undying love for Harley-Davidson motorcycles? The reasons are manifold, and despite the threat that law enforcement sees the outlaws as, there’s a strong patriotic ideology running in these MCs, even if it has been warped and corrupted in time into something less than stellar. Read on for the 10 reasons outlaw MCs will always ride a Harley, till kingdom come.
10 Army Surplus Harley Davidsons Were Cheap
When outlaw MCs came to be, starting in the ‘50s and gaining momentum in the 1960s, most of the founding members were war veterans who needed the feeling of brotherhood in a life that was otherwise spiraling down into nothingness. Most of them could have already owned a Harley as they were cheap army surplus at the time, so the Harley-Davidson motorcycle became a mascot and a ride of all outlaw MCs. All other motorcycles in the market were either not manly enough, or imported poison, so to speak.
9 All American Rides Only For The Veterans
Most of the founding members of various outlaw MCs, who didn’t begin their life as outlaws but simply refused to follow the diktats of the American Motorcycle Association (AMA), were war-weathered veterans. They had suffered in the war and they had suffered after the war, coming back to a bad economy and an apathetic government. Yet, patriotism and honor ran in them strongly. So for these American veterans, rides had to be American too, thus the all-American Harley-Davidson. Foreign motorcycles were a big no-no.
8 Japan Was The Enemy, So Were Japanese Bikes
With the war getting over, Japan saw America as a big market for its vehicles, be they cars or motorcycles. And so Japanese bikes flooded the American market but the outlaw bikers hated them on sight. These were Japanese made, and the veterans had fought the Japanese tooth and nail, suffering through Pearl Harbor before nuking them in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Since these veterans felt very strongly for the country they fought for, they had a massive dislike for the countries they fought against. Think of Germany and Japan.
7 Yet Japanese Motorcycles Killed Off Almost All Competition
But it was only the outlaw bikers that had such great hatred for the Japanese and the Japanese motorcycle. For the ordinary Americans who never fought the Japanese, motorcycles were more about style, aesthetics, features, and affordability. And the Japanese motorcycles from Suzuki, Yamaha, and the likes were top quality. As a result, most of the US motorcycle market was killed off, other than brands like Harley-Davidson, Indian, and Confederate that managed to eke out sales. This became yet another reason for the bikers to throw shade at Japanese motorcycles.
6 Most MCs Are Cruisers Only, Thus HDs
Most outlaw MCs have rules and regulations about the kind of motorcycles they allow in. And a majority of these clubs call for big-displacement cruisers, and there’s more than just an aesthetic reason for it. Cruisers can be ridden comfortably for long hours, and they have a distinctive sound and vibe about them. They seat the rider well in a rather macho way, unlike sports bikes where riders often have to lean down, with their behind raised a little too much for respect. Cruisers equal respect.
5 Once Enough Harleys Were Bought, It Became Tradition
Most traditions in the world are started by just a few, and the same happened with the unspoken partnership that exists between Harley-Davidson motorcycles and outlaw biker clubs. When the first few clubs decided that only a Harley-Davidson of certain engine displacement and above would be allowed in, other MCs followed suit, unwilling to look less manly or macho in the eyes of the competition. Many Hollywood movies also further pushed the idea of a free rider on his Harley-Davidson, and all this just came to be.
4 That Rumbling Sound Of A Harley Was An Added Attraction
There’s something unmistakable about the sound of a Harley-Davidson cruiser, especially if it has been played around with a bit. It’s low and rumbly, and a whole outlaw MC out on a ride can sound like a gently approaching thunderstorm. Most other motorcycles in the market, like the café racers or the sports bikes, often have a high-pitched whine that gets masked by the sound of traffic and the open road. But the rumble of a Harley can send delicious shivers down the spine.
3 Harleys Are Tough & Durable, And Low Maintenance
Harley-Davidson was not chosen by outlaw MCs just for their looks, sound, or aura. These are amazingly durable motorcycles that require little to no maintenance. Cruisers especially take to turns much better because no one is flying down the road on them. These are heavy and steady machines that will take the biker anywhere he wants to go, in relative comfort. Plus they can also handle bad roads and bad weather surprisingly well, mostly because of those big tires and awesome suspension. So Harleys make for safe rides.
2 The Harley-Davidson Dealership Network Is One Of The Best
Not only do Harley-Davidson motorcycles require less maintenance and make for better rides, but they also are easy to upgrade because of good resale values. So trading up a motorcycle becomes that much easier. Plus the Harley-Davidson dealership is immense and happy to help however it can, be it an engine upgrade or even an engine retuning. Costs are minimal and it makes for a pretty economical motorcycle, perfect for both a young rider or a middle-aged one who suddenly wants to take to the road.
1 Harley-Davidson Also Changed Its Marketing Direction
While all these points automatically fell into Harley-Davidson’s lap and they were only too happy to count in all the cash that came to them, Harley also changed its marketing tactics. From being a company that wooed the youth with its “safe” cruiser motorcycles that were not the widowmakers the sports bikes were often painted to be, Harley-Davidsons began to market to the RUB. The rich urban biker, often a middle-aged man who was part of a motorcycle club and kept his youth alive through rides and outlaw MC brotherhood was only too happy to be the face of HD, and accordingly took to a Harley like a fly to honey.