Motorcycle enthusiasts keep on trading in their current Harley Davidson motorcycles for newer HD models. It's time to examine this recurring phenomenon.
Let's start off with a scenario of how many riders most likely become Harley Davidson aficionados. For the lucky youngster who's fortunate enough to have access to a dirt bike, riding becomes a big part of growing up. Probably safe to say that at some point the thought of "graduating" to a Harley would have to enter one's mind. Many would have a deep-rooted, almost subconscious understanding of the symbolism and pride of ownership that come with possessing a HD.
Let's be honest, when one conjures up the image of riding a Harley, the feeling of literally flying down the road kicks in. The imaginary vibrations occur while the euphoric sense of freedom is released. All bundled together, it's a heck of a ride. And it's the reason why every motorcycle aficionado and most outlaw motorcycle members prefer to ride only Harley Davidsons.
On the other hand, there are those who did not have the opportunity to grow up riding. Still, you would have to be practically unconscious to not hear the engines, feel the vibrations in the air while being passed on the freeway by a handful of bikers.
What's the first thing that you look at when a biker passes by? It's to see if it's a Harley. Most likely, folks who have been around for some time will know it's a Hog without even having to see it.
A Positive Experience
It's human nature to stick with something that works. Others think it's brand loyalty that causes people to continue with a particular product. Regardless, the continual ownership of a Harley Davidson is no exception to this common occurrence. That first ride on a Harley is for many - a magical time. Why wouldn't you want to own a HD and experience the magic at their leisure?
Overall, it's probably cheaper to purchase a Harley than spending money on travel, park entrance tickets, and hotels in order to go to Disneyland on a frequent basis.
For many, riding a Hog is the epitome of happiness. Speaking of keys, frequently it's a friend or relative that provides the keys to a Harley for their first solo ride. As long as the ride is injury-free, chances are the experience will be a positive one. The great thing is, after the ride the keys are just handed back over to the owner. The thought of changing the oil, fixing leaks, and buying new parts does not take place. Now after the initial purchase it's a different story, but by then ones already sold.
The Cool-Factor
Who doesn't like to be cool? Whether it's Elvis, Fonzie from Happy Days, or Evil Knievel, motorcycles have been at the center of it all. Owning and riding a Harley Davidson further exemplifies, perhaps romanticizes what it means to live life on your own terms. Motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than driving a car, yet that does not sway the hundreds of thousands that take to the roads across the globe on a daily basis. On the contrary, by the time the weekend rolls around, folks are giddy with anticipation, knowing they will soon be taking a road trip, enjoying the scenery while experiencing the view only a motorcycle can provide.
There's also the manner in which how you're perceived when pulling up to a traffic light on a Harley. Imagine you're sitting in your car and a couple of guys pull up on crotch rockets. You look over, check out the bikes, and turn your attention back to the traffic light. No big deal. Now if two guys pull up on Harley Fat Boys, well, that's a different situation. You look at the bikes, check out the guys, and try to not look too envious.
Money Is No Object
Let's keep it real: owning a Harley Davidson is not a cheap hobby. According to cannibalcycle.com, the HD brand does not land on the list of the top 6 cheapest bikes to fix and maintain. At least for current Harley owners, this does not appear to be a problem. Folks know what they want and they'll do what they need to do in order to maintain a certain lifestyle.
Now, for those that are new to the motorcycle industry cost could be a much more important factor to consider. While on the subject of money, a number of Harley Davidson dealerships do provide loyalty program rewards. These rewards allow you to build up points, similar to a credit card. The points can be turned in to certificates or gift cards that can be redeemed at the dealership in question. In most cases, a point is awarded for every dollar spent.