There is a lot of competition out there when it comes to choosing a motorcycle. You have a variety of different manufacturers, and each one of them makes an entire lineup of models to suit everyone's riding needs. However, most people I know, already have an idea of what they want before they have even looked at a single option. I hear it time and time again, "I'm getting a (insert name here) because they have a great reputation!"

Here is the problem. Reputations are basically useless in 2021. Companies change, and along with them their standards. Bikes that were once at the top of the chain are now struggling, and bikes that used to get laughed at are now producing some premier rides. Buying a bike off of reputation the company had twenty years ago does more harm to you than anything. It can hurt your wallet and your experience. 

For example, Harley Davidson has an amazing reputation with older consumers. To them, Harley is a loud, American built classic that signals freedom as a bald eagle screeches and flies behind. To the younger crowd, it's boring, un-innovative, and lazy. Harley can't even turn a profit, and is struggling overseas. So which is correct? Well, it's actually  a mix of the two. Yes Harley is American built and loud,  an iconic V-twin look that others struggle to replicate.

It doesn't end there though, for years, Royal Enfield's have had a terrible reputation of producing out of date and out of style café racers. However, a few years ago, millions of dollars were pumped into the factories and their inspection standards have been overhauled. Which has resulted in RE producing zippy, stylish, and super dependable motorcycles. Yet I still hear people laugh at me and talk about how much of a joke they were in the 90's.

Indian has a reputation for being expensive, but now they offer quite a few models under ten grand. Don't even get me started on the styling either, Indian's design department all deserve big raises. 

Take a moment to consider these brands, KTM, Husqvarna, MV Agusta, Triumph, Buell, just a few for example. What comes to your mind immediately? Then ask yourself this question, do you actually know anything about them? What models do they offer for 2021? What are the price points? What are people saying about them? Most people will probably find themselves realizing they don't know as much as they thought, and are simply relying on terrible reputations from thirty years ago. 

As for Hyosung, they have a reputation for being cheaply made and dangerous. Which is completely true and still holds as I'm writing this. So sometimes reputations are still relevant. BMW's are still engineered very well, and Honda's are still reliable. However, one shouldn't assume these things. Times change a lot quicker than they used to. So you should always do quite a bit of research before purchasing, and don't make any rash decisions. Competition is a very good thing, and it gives you a ton of options when choosing what to tear the road (or dirt) on. So don't boggle yourself to just one type.

Curious about how to go about purchasing a motorcycle? That will be covered on next weeks article!

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