Firing up your engine and cruising down the highway on your motorcycle is an incredible feeling. From riding through busy downtown streets to soaring down a road, there are many places to enjoy your bike.
While several riders choose a Harley Davidson as their motorcycle of choice, others go for different brands, such as Honda. If you’re in the market for a new bike, you may have no idea where to start. As purchasing a motorcycle is a serious investment, you want to ensure you make the right choice.
In this article, we’ll talk more about Harley Davidson and Honda motorcycles, including their differences, benefits, and which option may be best for your needs.
Harley Davidson Motorcycles
Harley Davidson motorcycles are arguably the most popular bikes on the planet and the top producer of motorcycles in North America. For decades, motorcycle riders have paid top dollar for this American company's exceptional bikes. Buyers love their unique style, dependability, and power.
While any motorcycle enthusiast can enjoy a Harley, they’re extremely popular with long-distance Harley riders. This is because they are heavier than other bikes on the market.
Look at even more benefits of Harley Davidson motorcycles:
- Powerful engines
- Strong body and frame
- Very safe
- They hold their value
- Great reputation
- Easy maintenance
- Sleek design
Due to these many benefits, Harley Davidson bikes are very popular. Another benefit of Harley is their large network of motorcycle dealerships. If you're interested in one of these exceptional motorcycles, be sure to weigh the pros and cons before deciding.
IT'S ALL ABOUT STYLE
Style and design are some of the leading reasons why riders choose to buy a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Since the company's inception in 1903, Harley has made it a priority to manufacture bikes with a unique style and build. In fact, you can't find many other brands that resemble Harley Davidson.
The company stays true to its ways while still innovating the next generation of sleek, powerful motorcycles.
Honda Motorcycles
Honda is another brand known for its unique look and style. However, the Japanese company's motorcycles aren't in the same realm as Harley Davidson. While Harleys are large, heavy bikes used on long tour rides, Honda motorcycles are more of a street bike, designed with extra style and flair.
Honda built their first motorcycle in 1949. After the brand opened a new manufacturing plant in Tokyo in 1950, production ramped up from there. Since then, Honda has been considered one of the world's top motorcycle brands and a leading Japanese manufacturers.
Here are some of the leading benefits of Honda motorcycles:
- Wide variety of options
- Affordable prices
- Options for beginners
- Sleek style
- Reliable
- They've been around for more than 70 years
- Fast and powerful
Whether you're a seasoned vet or motorcycle beginner, Honda carries several different bikes to suit your needs.
MOTORCYCLES FOR ALL RIDERS
While Harley Davidson carries advanced bikes that cost a pretty penny, Honda has options for all skill levels. If you're new to the motorcycle game, Honda could be the brand for you. They have options perfect for beginners, and they're also cost-effective. In fact, you can find a Honda motorcycle for as little as $1,500!
Honda vs. Harley
Now that you've learned more about these two brands, let's jump into the topic—Honda vs Harley motorcycles. Keep reading for an in-depth comparison.
RELIABILITY
When it comes to reliability, both brands are considered reliable. But if you ask motorcycle experts, many of them will tell you that Harley is the more reliable choice. In fact, the brand is having a hard time selling its product because so many bikes have been running great for decades. Even 25-year-old Harleys are still running like they're brand new!
When looking at Honda's reliability rating, they're still considered near the top of the list. This is because Honda Powersports manufactures a wide variety of products, including motorcycles, cars, boat motors, and more. Additionally, it is a Japanese brand that has long been considered one of the best vehicle makers in the world. Furthermore, according to Consumer Reports, Honda comes in third place in terms of reliability. They sit just below Yamaha and Suzuki.
PERFORMANCE
When comparing these two bike brands, you must consider performance. After all, you want a powerful motorcycle that gets the job done. Simply put, both Honda and Harley Davidson bikes have the performance you can trust. However, Harley gets the slight edge, mainly because they're designed with larger engines. In fact, some models have displacements of up to 1,700cc. This leads to more torque, power, and serious revving capabilities. But if you look at speed, Honda takes the cake.
While Honda started making motorcycles around 70 years ago, they've been designing products for more than a century. You can count on them to perform. Furthermore, they carry more bike options than Harley, which includes scooters, street bikes, and superbikes.
TECHNOLOGY
In the Honda vs. Harley motorcycles debate, Honda bikes top the list in terms of advanced technology. With every single new model, advanced tech seems to be a priority. Honda motorcycles today have innovative technology that riders love.
While Harley models have some modern tech features, they seem to be a step behind Honda. In fact, several Harleys today are still built with old-fashioned technology, and some people prefer this over more modern advancements. If you don't enjoy the millions of buttons, touchscreens, and advanced functionalities, a Harley motorcycle may be right for you.
PRICE
Price is a huge factor for many people looking to buy a motorcycle. If you fall into that category, you'll probably want to choose a Honda. They have a wide product line with various options, including several cost-effective motorcycles.
While Harley bikes are designed for comfort and reliability, they carry a high price tag. Also, as they have long been a reputable brand, many people pay for that respect.
VARIETY OF BIKES
In terms of variety, Honda has several different options to choose from, and a wide variety on display at your local motorcycle dealership. If you're picky or want something for a specific need, selecting a Honda could be a perfect choice. While Harley does have a decent product line with different options, Honda has a much larger selection. Especially if you're a new rider, Honda will be your best bet. Honda carries many different types of motorcycles including sport bikes, cruiser motorcycles, scooters, and more.
Top 5 Best Harley Motorcycles of All Time
Now that you understand more about Harleys, let's jump into the best Harley motorcycle models to ever hit the streets:
1. 1915 11F
This was when the Harley bike was taken to new heights. The 1915 11F motorcycle was the first Harley Davidson with a three-speed transmission, automatic oiler, and huge intake valves. These features allowed the bike to skyrocket up to 11 hp, which was incredible at the time.
2. XR750
This bike was the king of flat-track racing. The XR model won nearly every AMA Grand National Championships from 1972 to 2008. This flashy bike was also used in the entertainment space by stunt-devil Evel Knievel. He used the XR model for all his record-setting stunts between 1970 and 1976.
3. 1936 EL KNUCKLEHEAD
This beast is the very last motorcycle crafted together by the Davidson brothers and William S. Harley. The 1936 EL Knucklehead was an extremely powerful bike at the time, topping out at 40 hp. While the motorcycle was considered high performance, the design is anything but advanced. The 1936 EL Knucklehead has a foot clutch, hand shift, and brake lever found on the left handlebar. A few years later, Harley Davidson would provide motorcycles for the military in World War II.
4. SPORTSTER FORTY-EIGHT
The Sportster Forty-Eight Harley is one of the sleekest, most stylish bikes ever built. Its large tires, innovative design, and low handlebars make this motorcycle look aggressive and powerful. And with a beastly 1200cc Evo engine, it has the performance you can depend on.
5. 2008 FXDWG DYNA WIDE GLIDE
This bike is another aggressive-looking, hard-charging powerhouse. It's a longer bike than other Harleys out there, giving it some unique capabilities to go along with the 4-stroke V-Twin engine. The FXDWG also features Tommy Gun 2-1-2 exhausts and a chopped rear fender.
Top 5 Best Honda Motorcycles of All Times
As Honda bikes have been around for decades, some exceptional models are out there. Here are the top 5 Honda bikes ever made:
1. HONDA CRF1000L AFRICA TWIN
This bike is considered one of the best powersport vehicles in existence. The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin features a 998-cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke parallel-twin engine, which packs a serious punch.
2. HONDA CBR600F HURRICANE
Made from 1987 to 1990, the Honda CBR600F Hurricane is a bike that does it all. It has excellent mileage, top-notch reliability, and is easy to turn.
3. HONDA GOLD WING
This is a unique Honda touring bike that riders love. This large motorcycle features large comfortable seats, a stylish design, and top-of-the-line power. The Honda Gold Wing is built with a strong 1800cc six-cylinder engine!
4. HONDA RC213V-S
This Honda is well known for being a top racing bike. However, while it isn't the model with the highest performance, it does very well at higher speeds and carries one of the highest price tags. That said, it's a very rare bike.
5. HONDA SUPER CUB
The Honda Super Cub is a scooter bike that's unique, sleek, and made to get you where you need to go. It was a cheap and straightforward motorcycle back in the day, making it a very popular option. In fact, this was one of the most successful Japanese motorcycles ever made.
Upgrading Your Motorcycle Sound System
No matter what motorcycle you choose, adding a high-quality sound system can give you the bike of your dreams. If you're looking to beef up your ride with new speakers, a radio, or a powerful subwoofer, Garage Bagger Stereo has the products you need. We have several years of experience in the industry. Contact us today for more information.