Why are japaneese cruisers so cheap (so much cheaper then harleys?)

[czgheib954]

They look to be of decent quality, what separates them from their American counter parts? Why are they so cheap?

 

[corndog67]

You're paying for an image the Japanese bikes don't have.

 

[jigabeer]

and here it goes again. Let the Harley bashing begin.
Rule #1: to post nonsense you should never have owned or ridden a Harley.

 

[Abyss]

Basic laws of supply and demand. Lots of demand for Harleys, they supply them at an exorbitant price. It works, just look at their market share. Let's not forget the psychology of paying more for something makes people think it's inherently better (because you paid $20,000 for a bike you will think it is WORTH that much).

 

[corndog67]

and here it goes again. Let the Harley bashing begin.
Rule #1: to post nonsense you should never have owned or ridden a Harley.

I've owned a Harley and I'm not bashing them. The image thing is an absolute fact.

 

[simi510]

seems like a brand name for cruisers, i myself get a bad taste in my mouth after that southpark episode that calls obnoxiously loud harleys "fags", so i too wonder why so great about them, i drive a suzuki cruiser and its awesome :teeth.

 

[jigabeer]

I've owned a Harley and I'm not bashing them. The image thing is an absolute fact.

I wasn't a rely on your post, my apology if this is it what you thought. I was trowing it out there, because that is how the Thread ends up most likely.

And the image thing as an absolute fact for pretty much every Motorcycle Brand. Just in different variations and price tags.

Im not a die hard Harley fanatic by any means and have to destroy anyone dream of Asian bike are not as good, they are, but in a different way.
I liked my Gixxer for what it was and i like my Harley in the same way for other reasons.
But to tell you the truth (just my Opinion) no one should get fooled by the fact only because Asian build super Sport Bikes mean they build good Cruiser. Also i think Harley is a little overpriced, but that would never lead me to buy a Victory (same pice tag) or Honda (same price tag) or even worse a Yamaha (pretty close price tag)

 

[Junkie]

one advantage of Harleys is that pretty much any part can be replaced with an aftermarket one. the aftermarket for them is HUGE.

I've been told that fit and finish is generally better on the Harleys than metric cruisers. And, if you look at new prices... they're pretty reasonable.

 

[V4]

Not much profit in japanese motorcycles in general, especially with hondas...what is msrp can be only a few hundred to 2000 margin from invoice depending on models...

As for finish, depends on which cruiser vs cruiser...the yammie roadstars are beautiful on the outside but the wiring is a mess...

Honda look is good to questionable but the finish is great... I have a custom vtx 13 that i can criticize but enjoy riding..

As for harleys, they have a well thought out game plan on their bikes where as in a few years you can customize it to be a totally new bike...

But regardless of brand as long as they enjoy riding em...

Im the asshole that shows up to harley meets in a honda tshirt...say hi cuz nobody else will...

 

[czgheib954]

This is some great stuff, I'm a little closer to fully understanding. Harleys are customizable and they have created a great brand image that people like and will pay extra for. They have a better fit and finish then most other cruiser bikes of different brand. Also Yamaha cruisers have shit wiring.

 

[bluesjr]

I'd actually like to buy a Harley if I could find an equivalent to my vstar 650. every Harley I've seen has better (apparent) build quality. My bike is styled like one but has a small motor and is lighter.

I'd be willing to pay somewhat of a premium, but I'm certain you can't get into one for anything close to $2900 like I did, on a moto that was like-new with 2300 miles.

 

[ToraTora]

.

 

[ManInBlack]

I had a Honda Shadow and there were a lot of plastic parts, some painted to look like chrome. Probably not he case on Harley's.

 

[Junkie]

I'd actually like to buy a Harley if I could find an equivalent to my vstar 650. every Harley I've seen has better (apparent) build quality. My bike is styled like one but has a small motor and is lighter.

I'd be willing to pay somewhat of a premium, but I'm certain you can't get into one for anything close to $2900 like I did, on a moto that was like-new with 2300 miles.

I'm seeing 570lb wet and around 40hp for the vstar 650. As a comparison, the Sportster 883 reviewed here: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/113/883/Motorcycle-Article/2007-Harley-Davidson-XL-883-Sportster.aspx weighs 585 with a full tank and puts down about 43hp.

I'd say those are pretty equivalent. You can easily get a lot more power out of the Sportster, too - a 1200cc kit is common and not all that difficult to install.

Not gonna deny that it costs more, though.

 

[VicTim]

The Harleys don't have plastic parts the Japanese bikes do.

Harleys have top notch fit and finish the Japanese cruisers don't.

Harleys are built in America, the Japanese arn't.

Harleys have an image and great marketing the Japanese don't have.

If I had a cruiser (I don't) I wouldn't be satisfied with a Kawasaki Vulcan. I would have to have a Harley or a Victory. Yes I think Victory's could be better than Harleys.

 

[LongGoneJohn]

^^^^

Exactly.

People who have never owned or ridden a Harley for an extended period of time don't realize the quality of the motorcycle as a whole.

That costs money.

 

[dtrides]

Umm, there are a few Japanese brands who build bikes here in USA and don't fool your self , many parts on a new Harley are imported from off shore.
As for other bikes being close in price, remember that Harley was instrumental in getting imported motorcycles taxed with a tariff so they could be more competitive in the market. Thank Harley for your motorcycle being more expensive than it needs to be.
Harley also tried to patent their sound to keep their uniqueness because other brands were purposely designing their bike to sound similar. They fight hard to keep their market share.
Quality built? Well, you probably want to forget the AFM years for starters.
Harley is selling Americana and a dream of freedom of the open road.
Superior? No. Different? Yes. Great marketing? Absolutely!
My disclaimer: I have ridden (several)but never owned a Harley.
DT

 

[a1scoot]

If I have to explain.......
You wouldn't understand.
a1scoot

 

[Banjoboy]

Most Americans don't buy bikes ta ride, they buy bikes fer an image, 'n Harley dun give's 'em the bad ass image they crave. irate
That said, the Harleys I dun rode seem pretty sweet, (Fer cruisers) 'n when I'm ride'in out in bum fuck nowhere in the cold, wet, dead of winter, it's usually a Harley I'll see on the road. :wtf (Or maybe theyz Japanese Harleys? :dunno )

 

[corndog67]

Build quality? My buddies have a couple of new or nearly brand new big twins. Both have had serious engine warranty issues. But then again, another friend has a new Bonneville America or something like that. 2 new engines and probably 4-5 months total in the shop waiting for engines, in less than 1 year.

In my opinion, build quality means a whole lot more than chromed steel parts. It revolves around durability, performance, and most of all, reliability.