Why Honda is greater than Harley

Sure, everyone thinks Harley Davidson is the ultimate in motorcycles. In fact, the Harley name is almost synonymous with motorcycles. Why? It's American made. Don't get me wrong, I love 'Merica as much as the next patriotic fellow. However, when it comes to motorcycles Japanese metal is far superior. Why, well for one Honda is number one in motorcycle sales. (see wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda). Two: they are cheap. The funny thing is normally cheap things in life are the worst. However, in the case of Honda motorcycles it is the exact opposite. Most old and new Honda bikes are cheap to buy, cheap to maintain, and will last FOREVER. In fact, on the Discovery channel's list of the best bikes ever was the Honda Cub 50. Which by most wouldn't even be considered a motorcycle. But the cub was dropped 20ft and it's regular engine oil was replaced with regular store bought vegetable oil. If that isn't a proper illustration of Honda longevity than the fact that most Gold Wing engines last longer than any car. I've heard of some engines going up to 600,000 miles. Probably just a legend but crazy nonetheless. I have a CX500, and those engines are famous for being indestructible. Especially for the small size.

On the other hand, older Harley engines are notoriously leaky and high maintenance, and in my opinion, boring. So very boring. Harley is famous for their V-Twins. Really? A V-Twin? Two cylinders. Don't get me wrong, the reason the V configuration is so popular is because the 45 degree twin can generate a good bit of power, and if the pistons are off set make a pretty neat thump. But every Harley bike is essentially the same. The aesthetic of each bike and the engine size is different (one of the three engine dispacements).

Honda has countless different engine configurations and was the first in many motorcycle innovations. They were first to use injectors on a motorcycle and first to use a turbo on a motorcycle. Then there is the famous CBX 1000. Which had an inline 6 engine. SIX CYLINDERS. Faster than shit and nimble as any Sportster.

I have not even mentioned the CB750, which is considered by all motorcycle historians as the first super bike.  At the time it was Honda's largest displacement bike. I have the 10th anniversary edition of the bike, pristine condition, and I ride it regularly just like it was built yesterday. That bike was an inline four. The CX500 was a longitudinal V-Twin (turned 90 degrees like what the Harley is), except the bike is shaft drive and liquid cooled. The Gold Wing was a horizontal four, and eventually they made it into a horizontal six. They even put a turbo on the CX500 engine. They never stopped innovating. 

In short, until I collect every Honda motorcycle I want, I will never even consider buying a Harley. I will start buying Yamaha RD's and Kawasaki Machs. People have died trying to ride those bikes.