I joined Indian Motorcycle group on FB a few weeks ago because I'm curious what ppl say about them. Hoping to have an Indian in the future. Not replacing, just adding. But the Harley bashing on that group is just insane! Way worse than any metric group. I've had Harleys, they had their issues so I just chose to go a different direction. I see some mild HD bashing here too, but it's pretty mild. But bashing them the way they do is just crazy, so I chose to leave that group.

My guess is that most Indian owners are former HD owners. They see a difference in the quality of the machine and are just expressing their feelings.

We're really nice guys.

Well, exceot for us old grey nazi's down here on the southern coast. We're everything bad. The rest of the guys on here are just wonderful.

bruisercruiser wrote:
I joined Indian Motorcycle group on FB a few weeks ago because I'm curious what ppl say about them. Hoping to have an Indian in the future. Not replacing, just adding. But the Harley bashing on that group is just insane! Way worse than any metric group. I've had Harleys, they had their issues so I just chose to go a different direction. I see some mild HD bashing here too, but it's pretty mild. But bashing them the way they do is just crazy, so I chose to leave that group.

I imagine the Indians bashing HD more than metrics is probably because Indians can actually compete. While metrics are always going to be jap bikes and not lure or impress anyone in that market no matter how much they try.

Obviously guys that can afford an Indian could afford a HD if they wanted one. They probably chose Indian to own something even more unique and more historical in their opinions than a HD, and there's sure to be bragging and bashing to justify that choice.

I'm with you. That gets old after a while. Just be happy and confident in your choice and leave it at that.

I do not encounter much Jap slapping about my bike around the HD crowd. Even less so around the Indian bikers. The only Jap slap was from 2 losers dressed up like hard core bikers riding HD's who in real life are weekend warrior wanna bees. They said they were through with rice burners and I quickly sized them up as the type who never picked up a wrench in their lives.

The HD guys I ride with respect my bike and sometimes we trade rides for the fun of it. maybe it's because my bike doesn't look stock and a lot of times I get asked who makes the bike.

I guess the HD is the new metric in the Indian world. I like being different with my Road Star, but do like HD's and Indians.

Noting what you said there, how you "quickly sized them up", isn't that a little bashing back on your part? See how easily it happens? You didn't even know it, did you? Same thing with these guys. It's that whole, Engage brain, then open mouth thing, that's so easy to turn on and off. See, I just did it there myself to illustrate to you. I actually think you're a hell of a guy, and enjoy corresponding with you on here as well as a few PM's we have exchanged. It's so easy to get caught up in these things, even when you think you are not the type to get caught up in them.

I am an expert at putting my foot in my mouth. Found a deal on shoehorns at Aliexpress I use quite often to aid in footware removal. Made of metal and last longer than the plastic one I broke from Canadian Tire. I agree about the bashing bit, as it always ends up spy vs spy. I would call it stealth bashing. Get below the radar and no one notices. Sort of like a silent fart on an elevator. By the time the elevator doors open everyone's eyes are watering including the mystery farter. The farter acts like the victim throwing the non farters off track and no one is the wiser. As time continues, the farts get louder and finally the farter gets busted. I got caught in a grocery store, too much back pressure and not only was it loud, but it was a wet one. I learn the hard way, but the positive result is my wife does not want me to go grocery shopping with her anymore. I tend to fart then rush out of the isle and escape unscathed with woe and desolation behind me. I guess the wet one was pay back for my life of crime.

Life is complex, and not all farts smell the same. The same with bike's. Complaints were made in a group ride my bike stunk. I was placed at the end of the bus, while the Harley was in front. I think it was a conspiracy, and once again the metric got a bad rap.

I don't think I went off topic, but it is 5 am and was awaken by internal gas. Hmmm... from foot in the mouth to farts, one end to another. Ok, may be a bit of disconnect but it took a have hour to type this so I guess it is what it is.

drumsonly2002 wrote:
I am an expert at putting my foot in my mouth. Found a deal on shoehorns at Aliexpress I use quite often to aid in footware removal. Made of metal and last longer than the plastic one I broke from Canadian Tire. I agree about the bashing bit, as it always ends up spy vs spy. I would call it stealth bashing. Get below the radar and no one notices. Sort of like a silent fart on an elevator. By the time the elevator doors open everyone's eyes are watering including the mystery farter. The farter acts like the victim throwing the non farters off track and no one is the wiser. As time continues, the farts get louder and finally the farter gets busted. I got caught in a grocery store, too much back pressure and not only was it loud, but it was a wet one. I learn the hard way, but the positive result is my wife does not want me to go grocery shopping with her anymore. I tend to fart then rush out of the isle and escape unscathed with woe and desolation behind me. I guess the wet one was pay back for my life of crime.

Life is complex, and not all farts smell the same. The same with bike's. Complaints were made in a group ride my bike stunk. I was placed at the end of the bus, while the Harley was in front. I think it was a conspiracy, and once again the metric got a bad rap.

I don't think I went off topic, but it is 5 am and was awaken by internal gas. Hmmm... from foot in the mouth to farts, one end to another. Ok, may be a bit of disconnect but it took a have hour to type this so I guess it is what it is.

An obvious case of a misspent youth and way too many drugs...

The Indian forum I'm on Isn't bad at all. There is definitely a rivalry going on and some people consider any negative talk about HD to be bashing, even if it's fact. Happens on this forum too. There was however for a while many HD guys on the Indian forums that were obviously HD lovers and were there just to bash Indian, and I mean blatently. The moderators have stepped in on that. Remember, a LOT of new Indian riders came from HD(go to an Indian dealer and look at the trade ins). Because they Like Indian now and point out their opinion of the 2 is not bashing.

Yeah I have seen brand bashing, even on here sometimes. Its all part of the online deal isn't it? Just look at oil threads!
My buddy who owned HD's, Honda's, Suzuki's, etc....says "buying a Harley Davidson is a down payment on the accessories". I think its a good laugh because as we all know, buying any motorcycle is just that if you want to make it your own. All the brands have pros and cons. There are a few Indian forms out there and not all of them get wrapped up in brand bashing. It to shall pass.