American vs British Classic Motorcycles - Which is Best for You? Harley vs Triumph

[@ilikelampshades6]

The Triumph Bonneville was the shape I thought of whenever anyone ever mentioned "motorbike" long before I'd ever heard of Triumph. Its the most iconic bike ever

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I felt the same way growing up in Europe.

[@MarkLAdkins01]

I have had Harleys and Triumphs - Triumphs for sure. Better made. Faster. Lighter. And much more of a versatile brand... Just my opinion. 👍

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks for sharing!

[@beardannyboy]

British standard motorcycle all the way, single or parallel twin

[@shortattentionspangarage1312]

Euro all day for me. I'm tired of the Harley aesthetic.

[@alainremi267]

In St-Barth, a retired french surgeon had an old '50 Harley lying flat in a living room floor hole under a glass low table... To me, that's the best place for that modern mechanic sculpture 😁😁😁

[@tedsalmon2533]

I rode a Harley dyna lowrider for 3 years and it was cool looking and the sound was perfect. However the riding that keeps me smiling is on the many roller coaster twisties we have in Tennessee. The dyna was a handful in sharp turns and had abysmal lean angle. I sold it and bought a Triumph t120 and instantly fell in love with the way it rides and the relatively quick turn in ability. It's a definite keeper

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I test rode a Softail Lowrider and scraped the pegs going through a roundabout. On the Tail of the Dragon the T120 will do a lot better. Cheers!

[@freeman10000]

Aussie here. Where I live (South Eastern suburbs of Perth) there are Harleys everywhere. In my eyes they have become the Toyota Corolla of the motorcycle world.

[@guins99]

That’s a silly comment. HDs are premium expensive bikes, some of the most expensive you can buy, corollas are cheap options for transportation, your comparison is ridiculous

[@freeman10000]

​@@guins99Expensive? More like overpriced.

[@JoshuaRoberts-kq9cs]

​@@guins99Sounds like you got the shits on with that accurate opinion.

[@dustinfocke8868]

I own a t120 black, an ultra classic, and 1960 bonnie. The Harley only sees the road on really cold days (because of the fairings) or long trips. The classic and modern triumphs are my go to any other time.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, Triumph used to make a Rocket 3 Bagger but I guess people weren't buying it. That would have been a good cold weather bike.

[@mariog4707]

I sold my Harley Dyna because here in the UK it just didn’t perform as a capable motorcycle. I avoided the Harley riding groups as they were just so insular and looked down on other makes. However when I rode with multi brand groups the Dyna was so compromised it was a pain. It couldn’t handle the twisties, it clattered, banged and got all out of shape on rougher roads, the tyres were not grippy and it certainly didn’t stop with any confidence. I was always mile behind the others and I eventually swopped it out for a Triumph and it was a revelation. Harleys may be good on straight long roads with 55mph speed limits but they struggle on any other type of road - and boy are they expensive.

[@WOLFIE-96B-UK]

I can't choose, so I've got both! A Softail Custom and a Bonneville!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Nice!

[@subsolesubumbravirens7150]

Softail cruise in style cuz

[@captainaverage721]

Bonneville all the way

[@andyedmond248]

G'day mate, love the channel. I run a '24 Z900RS-SE, and a Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor. Both retro's from days gone by, and loving them. I'm 65, so they suit me perfectly.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Nice! I've tested both bikes and really enjoyed them. That motor on the Kawasaki is something else.

[@osu1964]

I just bought a 2023 Bonneville Speedmaster last year. This is the most comfortable bike I have ever owned. I had two Harley's before, and wanted to try something else. I also wanted to get away from Harley. The way you described some of their owners, was exactly why I wanted to get away. Not all are like that, but there are still too many with that attitude.

[@soggywuffles882]

Have a Speed Twin 1200 and a Low Rider ST. Each has its own unique character to it. However, if I could only keep one it would be the Speed Twin.

[@lessmore444]

The RE continental GT 650 still steals the looks show for me & the sound of that 270 crank reins supreme.

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Agreed, they are affordable enough that one can just get one as a 2nd or 3rd bike.

[@lessmore444]

@@blackbuttecruizr and yes, excellent prices to boot

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, I got to ride one and it's a nice bike. I'd wish for a bit more power though. I'm sure someone out there is hot rodding them.

[@samuelfitzsimmons8907]

@@DifferentSpokesTVif you want more power from a RE650 there is a company in Sydney Australia (I think) might not be Sydney but it’s definitely in Australia, anyway they bored one out to a 965 (I believe) either way it’s nearly a 1000cc and he has also put bigger cams, air filter, full exhaust, etc the hole 9 years. But they took it to a drag track and did just over a 10s pass at a quarter mile, if you don’t believe look them up. The video is here on youtube, Revelry Racing is the KZbin channel and company name, the 900ccish bore kit is available to buy but they do make a 865cc kit.

[@louislopez55]

My 2023 KLR650 hasn’t changed that much from the 1980’s version. In function and style it’s a classic to me!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Definitely a bike for all occasions.

[@LooxJJ]

I move from Triumph Bonny to Harley Roadster. And I couldn’t be happier.

[@chopdog]

Since I have two Harleys, my next bike will be a W800. I like 'em all.

[@BlackdogADV]

I just bought a new Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. I still have my BMW 1200GS and Husqvarna 701 but at 75 I needed a lower, smaller bike. It’s still cold here so I’ve been bolting on accessories in my warm garage. I have managed to put 200 miles on it and I think I’ll bond with it just fine.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, lighter bikes are good for going faster, but they're also good for ease of handling. A lot of older riders are downsizing in order to continue to enjoy the sport.

[@pmdinaz]

Loved my '18 Heritage. Replaced it for my '20 Tiger 1200. Loved my '09 Speed Triple. Loved my '09 Bonneville. Just a few of my loves over the past 35 years of riding. I *_Really_* love my '20 Speed Twin.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, the Speed Twin looks like a fun bike. 60's looks, modern performance.

[@marsoelflaco5722]

"You meet the nicest people on a Honda!" 😉✌🏾

[@85waspnest]

So true, I have one 🤣.

[@ADingoTookMyDasco]

My Dad had an old BSA in the UK. And when we moved to Australia the only people I saw riding Harley's were the type of people that you don't want to get upset. So naturally when it came time for me to get my first "classic" I bought a 20 year old 1982 Ducati 600SL Pantah. I couldn't afford an older Ducati, and I certainly can't afford one now, but the Pantah was the closest I could get to the styling of a 900ss within my budget. It's the only bike that I regret selling, so much so that when I rode a friends Aprilia Shiver, with very similar riding characteristics to my old Pantah, I went & bought on for myself.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

That's a great story. The Shivers were supe sweet bikes. I had a friend who had one.

[@howiethehowitzer7398]

I daily a softail. I love all motorcycles.

[@LesterSuarezGonzalez-dz9ns]

Though I can't afford to buy a big American Cruiser, I stand with the Amazing Harley Davidson motorcycles which have always been my favorite bikes!!!, Good explanation and video as well, Thanks for sharing!!!

[@kimellis8340]

I have a wife and three university age grown children. I had been riding dirt for years before I started on the street in 1982. My first bike was a cx500. Of the many bikes to follow it my favorite was a V65 Magna. I guess my kids heard too many stories and as my twin boys reached 18 years old, and my beautiful daughter followed 1 year later, they all insisted on becoming “bikers”. Well, the little wife wasn’t about to be left behind…….in a matter of months I bought 5 motorcycles for $16,000. Wife on a Shadow 750, babygirl on a Shadow 1100, and both boys on vtx 1800,s. I treated myself to a mint condition 2003 Honda Valkyrie. As a family we tent camped from Tybee Island Georgia to Klaloch Beach Washington State and back again. Zero mechanical issues on a trip that covered 10,000 miles due to side trips to national parks. 5 bikes that averaged 3,200 each, no issues. 5 bikes for the price of a used Harley. It was the most special time of my life and it was on “metric cruisers”. I’m Japanese cruisers all the way. As a side note, buffalo jams in Yellowstone side lined 7 Harleys that had been following us……we kept going…..guess those “non classic” radiators are worth it……..I wish each of you could own a Valkyrie someday, but they are about gone.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Nice! What a great story! My wife is a Honda diehard and really enjoyed hearing it. Thanks!

[@vwnemesis]

I ride a Harley Davidson Sportster and love the sound and vibration

[@jasonswitzer1748]

I’m 41. A few years ago when I had to choose, I went with a Triumph Bonneville, strictly because I preferred the standard seating position. Love the H-D growl and would have loved to support a WI company, but I just don’t like the cruiser setup of Harleys.

[@TheInterloafer]

I can't decide either! So I got both. A 2020 W800 and a 2015 V Star. I love everything about both bikes and have zero complaints about either one. It's very nice to have options and use different bikes for different types of trips. The standard upright seating position and the cruiser style forward controls make a huge difference in terms of rider experience. I'm also casually eyeing the Indian Chief Dark Horse despite not being able to afford it, even with a trade-in . . . .

[@STho205]

The British had long low cruisers too, such as the "Superior" but after WW2 steel was rationed and the smaller upright standards used less metal. Bikes also got more popular with coffee shop adolescents in 1950s UK. Harleys got popular in the US after WW2, because army surplus bikes got bought and updated. Paved long distance highway miles doubled every year after 1935 in the US. In the UK there really are no looooong dustance highways because it is an island smaller than many US individual states. A road all the way to Scotland...is a day loop ride in the US. I ride a 1980s UJM standard myself, but it is really best suited to village riding.

[@bjj4tone]

Great video!! I have a Triumph T120 and I think the only other bike I'd even consider getting would be a Speed Twin. I am very, very happy with my choice. 😁

[@dennis2000man]

I've got a 2007 Triumph Bonneville T100 and it's awesome!!!

[@leward]

I’d go for a slightly used Harley FXDR 114. More performance orientated than others in the brand, and they didn’t make them long so they’re pretty unique.

[@havok531]

Kind of partial to the W800 myself. Although if Honda were to build a GB750 I would be very interested in that, too.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, I'd like Honda to bring in the 350 version to Canada.

[@millinutz]

There's still no one as good as this guy for good quality Moto comparison and Bike reviews. Thanks for all so far, and be careful on your choice of Bike you take your kid on later. Oh, and if you're old..., what am I, now knocking 70? If I hadn't known you better, I would have unsubbed ya!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I appreciate that! I'll be 50 this year so I'm no spring chicken either. Fortunately with age comes wisdom.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

I have had my Sportster for 25 years. I have had my Triumph Tr-6 with a hard tail and magneto for 40 years.

[@aspinaki]

the following Motorcycles are still with me. 1. Royal Enfield G2 Bullet (1969) 2. Royal Enfield AVL Thunderbird (2005) 3. Royal Enfield GT535(2015) 4. Triumph Bonneville SE A3(2015) 5. HarleyDavidson iron883(2017).

[@RockstarVeganRecipes]

I would say that I would likely choose a standard bike, probably the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Great video! :)

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Good choice!

[@Nifilheimur]

I like most bikes and especially older bikes but living in Norway the price on American bikes is just out of this world... I have two Harleys. A 2000 Road King and a 98 Fatboy. What is also great about Harleys is you can get every part for them and often from multiple manufacturers even for decades old models and i dont think any other brand has that!

[@felipedourado5721]

Good point! Fortunatelly Harleys can be mantained (and rebuilt if it is needed) forever. Here in Brazil brand new Harleys are also priced as we must must sell our souls to Devil to aford one. Therefore, new Harleys are well beyond my reach (or should I say, my "rich"? 😉). It happens not only because of Harley's price policies of nowadays but also because Brazilian tax policies for imports are crazy - around 60% over the original prices stabilished by the manufacturer! I guess I'll keep my Softail 2002 Deuce forever. Regards from the tropics. ✌🏖🏍

[@Nifilheimur]

@@felipedourado5721 Yeah its something similar here. Im content with my old bikes and have no interest in a new Harley. Would love to ride in South America one day. Beutiful continent and awesome people! Ride safe!

[@felipedourado5721]

@@Nifilheimur Thanks for the kind words about South America and its people. If you come to ride here one day you gonna enjoy it, I'm pretty sure. We got a lot of space (distances are huge), which equals to endless miles or kilometers on the road, for weeks if you want and, best of all, we got no riding season. Every day is a riding day all year round. 🏍 🛣 ✌

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, you can basically rebuild both bikes with S&S parts. I don't even know if Harley still services the 1340 EVO.

[@rodjbosch]

My 14 Triumph Thunderbird Storm is no classic but for a fraction of the price of a Harly i have a powerful reliable,good looking cruiser that gets looks all the time. Most people dont know what is.....its pretty rare. That in itself is the only negative.....accessories are limited.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, that's a pretty unique cruiser. Too bad Triumph didn't keep it around.

[@halinabiegalski9509]

WOW! Beautiful bikes, great video.👍

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thank you! 👍

[@Jack908r]

I bought a Triumph Speed Twin 1200. Looked at the Z900rs, but the lumpy sounding Triumph engine sold me. Its been a great all rounder. Owned it for 4 years now and still love it. Been very reliable too. And if I was going to buy a Harley, its only the XR1200 that appeals. Otherwise it'd be Indian. They have a good line up style wise. But generally, the prices of American bikes always scare me away. Though I do drool over the the Indian FTR.

[@radicalkonrad765]

Low rider s/st or the fat bob are my personal favorite choices. Best in class

[@paulstanley3265]

I’ll take the w800

[@philipcaseyacalloway204]

Love my T120. Coming from a Buell to that I am not missing any performance. With loud pipes and sticky rubber I love my British hot rod.

[@Fourwedge]

I'm loving my new Bonneville T120. RE is looking good too

[@Bugoutnow589]

I wanted to buy a W800, but, the msrp and the used prices are nuts. So many other bikes in that price range that offer more capability. Still haven’t been able to find something better than my old trusty DR !

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes the W800 is a bit pricey compared to an Interceptor. It looks a bit more finished and that engine sounds cool but it's half again as expensive.

[@Bugoutnow589]

@@DifferentSpokesTVThe W8 is my choice as well, I’m just cheap. Can’t wait to see this new Classic 650, whenever R.E decides to release it on the world. That bike will shake things up in the retro market.

[@85waspnest]

My last bike was a 2004 Triumph Bonneville T100. Now running a 2020 Honda CB1100RS which I absolutely love.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Very nice! Those Hondas fly under the radar but they are really good bikes.

[@85waspnest]

@@DifferentSpokesTV The CB1100 RS, the semi cafe racer version of the EX wasn't available in the US & Canada for some reason, only the EX with wire wheels and other minor differences. I think potential buyers of all variants were put off by negative press reviewers who couldn't see past their 555lb weight, 'only' 89 bhp from a 1140cc engine, and £11,200 price tag, compared with BMW's R9T at £10,775, Triumph Bonneville's @ £9000 and Royal Enfield's Interceptor @ £6500, (UK prices at the time). EURO 5 emission regs killed off Honda's glorious, iconic 4 cylinder air cooled engines in 2021.

[@terencekimpton3059]

My 1970 bonneville 650 and my 1965 triumph tiger 100 did not have oil leak oil and all my brother British bikes in the 50 and 60s did not

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Our old genuine British motorcycles will last forever ♾️.I have had my Triumph Tr-6 with a hard tail and magneto for 40 years. Just love that bike!

[@TehFrenchy29]

Currently ride an RE Meteor 350 and as a fairly new rider the small displacement is less limiting than my own confidence and abilities in the saddle, and it's also so comfortable and nice to look at I'm happy with it and always eager to ride it some more. I do plan to get something bigger eventually and have a number of bikes in consideration, but my dream bike is a Bonneville T120 and they're not even that expensive as far as "expensive bikes" go. The Meteor has some light cruiser influence and I'd like to try a more proper cruiser at some point, but I don't know if they'd be for me, and most of the cruisers I'd be interested in are Japanese bikes that cost almost as much as a Bonneville or American ones that cost 50% more.

[@hermannhesse7587]

Currently, I have a 'Flying Brick', well suited for blacktop use. Have on order a crf 300 ls, for more backroad and dirt road use. If I had to choose a classic, it would be the R nine T, or the new version, R12 nine T.

[@robertlindstrom540]

I´m happy with my old Vulcan but out of these options the W800 would be my pick. If I chose an american cruiser I´d go with an indian Sport Chief. But that would require a good lottery win, the prices are ridiculous.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Metric cruisers give you the exact same experience for a fraction of the price. I still fondly remember my Intruder 1400.

[@IggyWildcat]

Well done. I like your balanced approach to the subject. There are no wrong answers. It’s all about what works for you. That said, I do wish that Harley would create a new naked/standard segment. They have a great heritage to draw from. For me, I’m thinking a Bonneville or W800 is where it’s at. However, a new Street Bob would not be too shabby. 👍

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I appreciate that! Yes, the Street Bob is a sweet bike. I wish Harley made a sporty XR750 for younger riders. They need something like that.

[@johnDukemaster]

I've gone from long forks Harley's to standard Harleys to naked sports bikes. Nice trip indeed! Now KTM 790 Duke. Nice film.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! Enjoy the Scalpel.

[@karlbishop7481]

I have a V7 Special in my garage. A excellent bullet proof under appreciated machine. I also had a Bonneville T120 that I traded for a Moto Guzzi Mandello sport cruiser My wife wondered why I did that, "I thought you liked traditional bikes." I do but the new Guzzi is living up to the hype. I still have a traditional to ride though when I am in the mood.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Nice pair of bikes for all occasions.

[@saddle8bag]

Have a cafe, a cruiser, and a bagger. I like all three, but my body is getting a little too dysfunctional for long rides on the cafe. And the bagger is getting too heavy to cart around the wife when coming to stops. The cruiser is now easier with her, but I don't want to get rid of the other two either.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks for sharing! Cruisers are nice for those low seats. Even if they're heavy their low centre of gravity makes them easier to control.

[@LesterSuarezGonzalez-dz9ns]

No doubt at all I stand with the Amazing American Classic Harley Davidson motorcycles forever!!!

[@topherelgrande]

As much as I have been entertaining the idea of other classic brands, I think a good second hand Harley at the right price is the best option. Mostly for its resale value and two up comfort. Otherwise the triumph bobber is a stunning bike.

[@meattooth1303]

Been wanting an HD but last year I got a Triumph T120. Very happy with it. The HDs are very expensive toys. Until my kids start and finish college, there will be no HD for me. And by then I will be in my 60s so who knows what will be my preference by then.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, Triumph gives you a legit classic bike for a lower price. Still expensive but not HD level expensive.

[@chrisbolton5461]

Great video. Harley Nightster for me ; the original.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, I like the original Nightster better too.

[@felipedourado5721]

I guess if someone just love those classic looks and feel that only a legit cruiser or a legit standard motorcycle can provide that hypotetical person gonna respect and lust after both. I can relate to that alluded character and that's why, as soon as I can, I'll ad a RE Classic 350 (meant to be a regular commuter) as a stablemate to my faithful and beloved Harley Softail Deuce.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, those are really attractive bikes. I'd love to test ride one.

[@felipedourado5721]

​@@DifferentSpokesTV When you get the chance of testing riding one of those lovely little Classic 350 (or one of those new Bullets) I know you'll make a nice, informative and entertaining video. Looking forward to watch it. Regards from Brazil.✌

[@_audacerider3838]

10+ points for using a "Junak M10" photo in this video !! As a Moto Guzzi owner I would probably go with the V7 750 or 850 depending on my budget. It is a perfect do it all bike that looks well and has a good tank range ( 21liters tank not that is super economical) or a Boni T120. For a cruiser i like the oddball bikes so Triumph Thunderbird 1600/1700 are epic bikes for the money and will go for years. Heck most big cc Japanese cruises will do the same thing. Sadly most of them are discontinued so that might be a problem some. Harley rule North America and the fact you can rebuild an old Harley with new parts is a plus. Now You know me I have a Moto Guzzi Audace 1400 that rides more like an old Japanese muscle bike (xjr1300 or a gsx1400) then a cruiser. So if you want big torque and have more lean angle a cruiser a big Japanese oil/air cooled straight four is the way to go. Honda CB1100 or CB12/1300 xjr1300 gsx1400 or a gsx1250 Kawasaki zrx1200 they are the best of both worlds. Built proof engines with more lean than a cruiser and more torque than a Boni 1200.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! The Audace is a good combination of cruiser aesthetic with more sprightly performance than most cruisers. And I do remember the unaks and Jawas from my days in Poland. As a kid I lusted after some of those 50cc two stroke mopeds.

[@_audacerider3838]

@@DifferentSpokesTV I started my motorcycle life on a Romet (brand name) Ogar 200 (model) it had a 50cc two stroke engine and a 3 speed gearbox! After some tuning I was good for 55mph :) with back wind lol 🤣

[@carlsitler9071]

When I was young, I wanted acceleration and top speed so I had a V65 Magna and Bandit 1200S.

[@paulduffitt7338]

Why do you repeatedly show the same clips of people astride bikes at the same show over & over again?

[@raulsalanaranjo6565]

So most likely a RE, an Interceptor in Sunset Strip (that’s the way they call black with red in Spain) I also like the Kawa W 800 but it’s pricey and the Moto Guzzi V7 but I am afraid of reliability issues. Buying one as soon as I get my A2 license

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Awesome! Congrats and enjoy your RE.

[@alexwilsonpottery3733]

Still running my S3 Buell - best of both worlds?

[@itssyedfazal]

I’ve Triumph Thruxton 900 last 360 engine of triumph Will also get Thruxton R in future and keep both the bikes for life time

[@mikepersia5362]

Owning any particular model/ style bike is all down to preference. I’ve been riding 40 years and I prefer Harley Davidson. As long as you’re on two wheels, you are ok in my book. I run into more Japanese, English bike riders who talk smack on Harley as opposed to the other way around. In my experience.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Well said! I do notice a lot of Harley haters around. I myself like the bikes. The front office and dealers, not so much.

[@joaofreitas5018]

Triumph Speed Twin 1200, a wolf in sheep’s clothing! Love at first sight or, at first ride. My opinion. Ride safe 🤙

[@dbonillab]

Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster and Kawasaki z900rs cafe get me everything I need.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Nice bikes. I reviewed the Z900RS last spring and really liked the looks and the motor.

[@baybarsozturk8829]

Triumph of course.

[@sathishrao7926]

I’ve a Japanese cruiser - Vulcan S - and an Indo-British Classic - Speed 400 - in my garage !

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Nice pair of bikes. Both are good performance machines.

[@GLHS592]

If I had the space and money, I'd own several British and American motorcycles. Heck, I'd own a few Japanese, German, and Italian motorcycles too. My dream motorcycle is a Norton Commando 850. I also want a H-D Knucklehead powered motorcycle. I don't think there is a brand of motorcycle I don't like. When it comes to motorcycles, I'm not brand loyal or type loyal. I have a 2007 Sportster and a 2018 Kawasaki Versys-x 300. The Harley crowd and the ADV crowd both tell me to upgrade. I wouldn't mind having a Softtail, but the Sportster fits my style just fine. My Versys-x 300 goes everywhere I point it with no problems. Neither motorcycle is super comfy, but that Honda Transalp was. If I upgrade, I'm trading the Versys-x for a Transalp. The Sportster is just so fun to ride, so I'm keeping it.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yep, the Sportster definitely has character.

[@BirdArvid]

Growing up through the 70's in Europe, I fell in love with European (and Japanese) engineering, and I never really got into American. At all. Cars or bikes. Camaro's and Mustangs have nothing on an early 70's Alfa Bertone coupé, and neither does a Harley on a Classic Guzzi Le Mans or V7 Sport, or Ducati 900SS, or a Honda CB750 Four, or a Kawasaki Z1, or a Laverda Jota 1000, or a Norton Commando, or a BMW R90S (orange of course!). These vehicles appeal to my enjoyment in riding/driving actively; enjoying the gearbox, the sound, the speed, the feel.. Cruising along was never my thing, really. I love seeing and hearing the American classic bikes and cars, but I have no interest in owning one myself. I love the sound of screaming race-engines too much for that..

[@tjf2258]

Harley Softail…stripped down the Street Bob with the 117 is an incredible bike…crappy seat but that’s all that’s is needed for the initial purchase

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

I ride a Heritage, Iron 1200, XT250, and just bought a 2023 ZX4RR. I'm good at 70 years old.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

That's pretty much a bike for every occasion. Congrats!

[@truth-12345.]

7:15 That Kawasaki, Daaamn!

[@Beanerds]

My Wife rides and loves a Yamaha VStar 650 Classic , impressive bike in all ways , and yes the Harley boys call it a ' YammaHarley ' , but it's 5x more realiable and keeps up with the 883 and 1200 Harley's with ease . I call Harley riders " Instant Bikers , Just add Harley hot water and Stir ' Me like you have been riding since the late 70's , seen , owned and ridden many bikes .

[@gwheat2364]

Funny thing is I'm meeting more hd riders (they're mostly 50 and up) and 99% say they will not buy another hd new, then theyll ask how i like my s1000rr, cbr1000, zx14, zx10 etc, whatever i have at the time that day who say their bikes are inferior and overpriced compared to some other brands. They say "my dad/uncle etc had a harley, plain ole' American pride, tradition etc. The older riders (60s and up) simply say, there wasnt many options back then... Youre buying the brand, history etc. Unfortunately, hds business moto is painfully outdated and it shows. I think peer pressure has alot to do w it for some riders. The other side is some potential hd buyers have $, they'll drop 40k on a bike cuz they can, not necessarily cuz they're gona ride often, it's like a boat, it's a statement piece, like a 4th Breitling or a super high maintenance trophy wife/much younger gf. Dam American hosers!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Some insightful points there. Thanks!

[@michaelfinck6945]

@Different Spokes TV: Congratiolations 👶 So going for a cruiser / classic motorcycle, what would I buy now? Couldn't afford a new HD that's for sure but I would take a very close look at the SWM Stormbreaker. Or maybe a Bonnie or a Speed 400 ? Or, the dark horse, the BMW R12 in black with the solo seat ? Fortunately in 2014 I put my money on an Iron 883. The 2014 iteration is the prettiest in my perception and riding this thing feels so good, just pure love. 10500 € back in 2014 feels like a bargain from today's perspective. Good used 883s cost from 12000 to 14000 €. What would a new developed classic Sportster cost? It would be pretty expensive, but it would be gorgeous when you look at what HD did to the Glides in the 2024 model year. Interesting side note: Looking at the German 2023 top50 sales the classic / retro bike boom is no more. The only heritage model left in the top50 is the Kawasaki 900 RS. The 650 Enfields, the Triumphs and even the sales monster R nineT, they all have left the top50.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks for all the info! You're lucky to have that 883. Here they're plentiful but I guess they fetch a premium price in Europe. That's why even the Stormbreaker is so expensive.

[@michaelfinck6945]

Yes, Sportsters are plentiful here too. They were by far the most popular models from HD. Especially the 48 which always held a top 15 spot in sales charts. The Stormbreaker will actually be a bargain here, just 9990 € !

[@bernardlesperance742]

I've owned a Norton Commando 750 and a Harley Davidson Sportster 1200. If I were to get a bike now it almost certainly would be a used pre-2018 H-D Fat Boy (Twin Cam) . . . just absolutely love the looks of it, all versions - standard, Lo, and S. (Though I have to say that the new BMW R 12 (the new little brother of the R 18) looks really good for what it is, and I definitely plan on heading to my nearest BMW Motorrad to check it out). P.S. I think you should get your Softail/Dyna. So what if you only ride it occasionally? You'll really relish it when you do . . . and could proudly hand it down to your son (or daughter) years from now. How cool would that be ?!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! I think that the R12 should have been the bike BMW should have introduced instead of the huge R18. It goes better with the BMW ethos. And yeah, it's going to be a daughter. I might get the bike as a retirement present to myself, but probably not till 2029-30.

[@bernardlesperance742]

@@DifferentSpokesTV Probably retiring in '29 or '30 ?! WOW ! This KZbin gig of yours must be really profitable ! ;)

[@dbwgoblue74]

What if you can't decide, so you have both?? I have a 2022 Triumph Street Twin EC1 Special Edition, as well as a 2016 Harley Davidson Switchback. They're both great bikes for very different reasons.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Nice! I miss the Switchback. Harley needs to bring it back in a Softail.

[@ajwallace381]

Triumph or bust!

[@guins99]

I rode a triumph America and then a triumph thunderbird. Bought both new, rode for 15 years. I want to Harley about 3 years ago, currently own a 21 street glide special and a 22 fatboy. No comparison , Harley all day.

[@hossguzzi103]

1000 km in 10 hours? Not a big problem as long as you live in Germany and ride a Moto Guzzi California EV Touring. Of course, this is only possible on the Autobahn, but you can also enjoy a day of relaxed riding on normal roads. Also, Guzzisti are not prejudiced against other brands (okay, maybe BMW, which is a Guzzi with sagged t*ts) 🤣

[@frapp31]

Love the indian v twin sound.

[@lovelessissimo]

Haha i ride that same spaceship. To infinity and beyond.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I reviewed that bike last year. What a motor!

[@lovelessissimo]

@@DifferentSpokesTV it really is fantastic.

[@imwatchingyou6113]

Royal Enfield please and thank you 😊

[@dennis2000man]

I'm from the US. I went with Triumph Bonneville and won't go American!! The quality is far superior!!

[@VinhNguyen-th9si]

Triumph for young people who enjoy long trip , Harley Davidson for elders

[@carolpulma2734]

Glad there's an alternative to that traitor of a brand called Harley Davidson.

[@jamesonpace726]

Gee, wonder if that HD attitude has anything to do with crashing sales, hmm....

[@michaelconran5252]

I ride a 2020 Softail Street Bob for two reasons. 1, I am very short, 2 more money then brains. Wife and I have 3 Harleys, 2 Hondas and a KTM. If you are riding, it's the best bike. For me the best bike is the one I'm on at the time. Only insecure losers going to rag on people's bikes. Well, unless you are all friends just giving each other shit.

[@Steve-wx9gl]

Vrod for me is the comprise

[@woodywood3388]

Disappointing that you didn‘t mention the Triumph Scrambler as one of the more exciting classic styled motorbikes. It has the style of a Bonnie but the size and road clearance to allow you to go pretty much anywhere. There is nothing comparable in the Harley range.

[@soxgopro5552]

There's a new Italian company called "MBP". They just released a muscle cruiser at a price America and Europe can't compete with.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Just looked it up. Reminds me of the XDiavel.

[@TheMKEWERBY]

@ 11:16, Somebody has to!

[@NigelMaximus8652]

maxi scooters are the best

[@bulthaosen1169]

Well for evryday riding cruisers are also impractical. Most people will choose a bike that can do a little bit of everything as they will have only one bike making standards a popular choice.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, good point. Big cruisers are a pain in city traffic.

[@jamessouthworth1699]

I like the older Harleys but I wouldn't buy anything made after 2017. If I was looking for a brand new bike today it would probably be something Japanese. This is coming from a guy who's been riding Harleys for about 20 years.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I don't like the boutique feel of the dealerships now.

[@derekcostello1016]

Is Royal Enfield - the new Harley Davidson? Everything Harley's & Triumph's used to be. Simple - rugged - affordable - beautiful - classic motorcycles.

[@marko1314]

If you're into posing buy a Harley - If you're into bikes buy a Triumph.

[@wmclands]

The triumph Bonneville speedmaster is sneaking up on harley