Around The Bend: The Conversion of a Harleyholic

Warning: This article is based on MY opinion. It can contain sarcasm, mockery or contradictions. Protective clothing may be necessary when reading.

Harley. Harley Davidson. Yes, I have been a biased rider for many years. Sure, I said all bikes were equal. But deep down, deep, deep, deep, I really didn’t mean it.

“My name is Carmen. And I’m a “Harleyholic.” “YO Carmen!”

But the time has come and I have realized the error of my ways. When I was young, Harley was the only choice because it was the only acceptable symbol of the rebel. Like I said, I was young.

Then it was to “belong”. Much later it was the better bike. Then it was a status thing.

I have crossed over. I now realize that the “other bikes” are cool too. And now I ride on one.

Secretly, looking at those other bikes and making admiring comments, always in my mind was that smug thought that owning a Harley somehow made me superior and I could be kind to those who could not ride a Harley. I didn’t really think for a minute they wanted that other brand – well, except for the crotch rocket riders – but now I realize that I was so wrong.

I know, if you are like I was, no amount of statistics will sway you. But I have seen others like me who have come around to the “other side” also. Ok, comfort was one factor. Price was clearly another. But in the end, the ride is so much more enjoyable and that is the ultimate purpose of having the bike isn’t it? It isn’t just for show and to go bar to bar, it is to ride, right?

The Harley does really hold its value, I will give you that, but it also made buying another brand that much easier. But behind Harley, other bikes with good resale value include BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Indian, and Triumph. So, I cannot say that is a great reason to be a Harley snob.

Quite frankly, this was a very hard transition for me and I have been fighting it for years. And I admit, while peer pressure doesn’t really work on me most of the time, years of the old “if it ain’t a Harley it ain’t ^#*” was hard for me to shake.