Interesting point of view from a Harley rider

[mcgalinmd]

I am a woman rider, and I wouldn't say that HD is all that welcoming.  Yeah they do have gear (that's a loose term) for women - boots with the CFM heels on 'em (can't shift with those), leather with tassles that whip the you know what out of you in the wind, and let's not forget - a HD bra.  I need that to ride.  

The only reason HD welcomes you is because they NEED your $$ to keep selling overpriced baby bibs, t-shirts that all look the same, and a tiny piece of chrome for $150.00.  Ever wonder how they pay for that big huge dealership??  On your dime, buying technologically DE-clined motorcyles, gear (for the most part; their rain gear is the bomb!) that is designed for riding, not driving, and way overpriced stickers, helmets, etc.  And most all of it is not american made - as the folks that buy it would think.  Look in almost ALL the helmets, they are AGV, Fulmer, or other italian or japanese brands.  Lots of the bikes/parts are "american assembled" from foreign pieces.

Hey, to each their own...i'm just "brand neutral" - i'll ride the Ducati, wear what works.  You wouldn't and couldn't catch me looking like a poser any day.  Guess I get my anger about this from all the wanna be's in motorcycle classes I teach.  

And BTW, my Duc dealer loves me...   Donnie, Julia, Jason, and Nathan at Duc Pond - you've got my business ALWAYS!! You guys ROCK!  

[jerryz]

When people ask me dumb questions about Ducati .....I just say its the Ferrari of motorcycles ...then they get it!

[DucPete]

When people ask me dumb questions about Ducati .....I just say its the Ferrari of motorcycles ...then they get it!

As much as I hate to do it, I end up using the same metaphor.  Seeing all the Harley gear reminds me of Ford or Chevy nuts at a NASCAR race.  Of course the Ferrari fans at Formula 1 races I've heard can be a bit like that too.

[bluemoco]

George Carlin's take on the Harley culture: 

[Man, I love Carlin.  It's a damn shame that he's gone now  ]

NSFW

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHNRgg3mQqA

[taun]

Speaking of branded merchandise, I wanted to get my girlfriend a Ducati bikini, but when I saw that it was $65 for the set, I figured we'd just go skinny dipping a little while longer.

[Hank]

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned al the Suzuki branded merchandise.

[mstevens]

Speaking of branded merchandise, I wanted to get my girlfriend a Ducati bikini, but when I saw that it was $65 for the set

I hear there are dealers where they'll offer a very significant discount for pictures of the parts installed, or especially during the installation process.

[cmorgan47]

Speaking of branded merchandise, I wanted to get my girlfriend a Ducati bikini, but when I saw that it was $65 for the set, I figured we'd just go skinny dipping a little while longer.

i instinctively read this as "bikini fairing" and thought damn... where are you getting a ducati fairing for 65, and why are you complaining.

oh, that kind of bikini

--

i bought a ducati "80s" riding jacket with the bike.  needed a new jacket, looks nice, got "good guy" pricing on it.  no shame in a bit of branded merch, but that's as far as it goes....maybe a tshirt too... or a hat

[Pancake81]

I just get whatever fits me best. Usually thinking of how will save my hide should it need to as appose to looking in hte mirror to make sure my ducati pants are on right  . That being said, I am guilty of wearing a ducati hat or T-shirt the odd day; not together obviously. But hey, why not.

[Big Troubled Bear]

3 Ducati shirts
1 Ducati cap

To much, I don`t think so

[junior varsity]

i wear shirts, why not?

I could care less about what others think. I have a few from dealerships I've gotten stuff from and I had a good experience with (NPR in Athens)

My lady has always been treated very well at all these dealerships - must have just been that one.

One thing H D does have going for it - Free Hamburgers on Saturdays for all. That's the way it is in TN at least - they don't care what you ride (or didn't ride) there, you get a free hamburger or cheeseburger.  One even does breakfasts with pancakes if you like to get out and ride before traffic picks up.

[taun]

I hear there are dealers where they'll offer a very significant discount for pictures of the parts installed, or especially during the installation process.

Yeah, I heard that too.  I wish i had the part to actually complete the install.  For the time being, it's off to modding with cheap chinese parts (i.e. Victoria's Secret bikinis) 

[Kit]

Dress for the crash, not the ride. I buy the best quality and fit that I can afford.

I'm constantly amused on Saturdays by the hardly riders with their bandanas (DOT / SNELL approved I'm sure). I always wonder where are they on the cold morning commute as my duc moves through trucks with HD stickers on the back glass...

[White Lion]

Judas Priest also look like they're big bears that belong on Oxford Street, Sydney.  Not that there's anything wrong with that... 

...the Australian guys know what i'm talking about...

[Loyalizer]

Interesting thread, one of the few that I actually read all the post. Best example I can give is Sony. One thing they absolutely do well is make a television. Any other electronic device they are average. Although, their TX- series is the best sub-compact notebook on the market.

Yes, Ducati makes an exceptional bike that is why we are all here. As for apparel, actually Dainese makes the bulk of their leathers, and they are not to shabby. However, what they are is over priced. The reason I suspect HD banded stuff is so prevalent has more to do with affordability, an HD t-shirt $20-40, a Ducati t-shirt $40-80. I went to an HD location and they had sunglasses starting price $24.99 and up, At a Ducati dealer their sunglasses (made by Oakley) $200.

Duacti wishes they had the brand recognition HD gets. I too have used that Ferrari of motorcycles line. But then I realized that it sounded kind of snobbish. Now I tend to say its the HD of Europe. Lets be honest, who mods a Ferrari? I have never seen someone change the mirrors or switch out the seat or put carbon fiber on a Ferrari if it wasn't already done by the manufacturer. We Ducatista’s are more like Harley people than we care to admit with only two differences, cost of apparel, and HD is uniquely American as Ducati is Italia...

“To thine own self be true.”  Harley people are self righteous cause they are practically riding the American flag...