I've been looking at other bikes over the last week or two (sorry, but I want something a bit quicker than my Speedy
).
One of my options was the V-Rod, so I wander down to my local HD dealer. Plenty of V-Rods in the showroom, including an unregistered '04 model that was being offered at significantly less than a '06 or '07. I take a sit on the bike, and seriously consider a test ride.
I start talking to the salesman, who does a pretty good job on me, until he utters the immortal words..."Of course, you're not just buying a bike, you're buying a lifestyle",
WTF? NO I'M NOT. I ALREADY HAVE A FREAKIN LIFESTYLE, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I JUST WANT A BIKE TO ENJOY AS A PART OF THAT LIFESTYLE.
Exit one potential HD owner, muttering under his breath
Later that day I was in a Honda dealer, and the guy told me of a mate of his who went touring on his Kawasaki cruiser with a load of guys on HDs. He said that the mickey taking because he wasn't on a HD got to the point where it went beyond a joke, and he returned vowing never to ride with the HD owners again.
If that's even half true I won't ever be buying a HD, because I honestly don't care what people ride as long as their attitude is cool.
I don't know any HD owners, but I'm sure that the vast majority are just normal guys. However, I can't help wondering if there are a few who believe the hype
BTW, I'm test riding a Rocket this afternoon
