Customizing a Harley-Davidson Sportster vs. an Import Look-a-like
Harley Davidson vs. Imported Look-alike
Harley-Davidson Sportster is one of the most classic models of motorbikes that are currently available. The Sportster was released in the market shortly after the Second World War and still one of the toughest bikes in terms of quality and durability. There are many imported motor bike brands that were able to reach the similar popularity of Harley-Davidson Sportster and even developed their own technology, which is similar to the Harley-Davidson’s creation. These imported brands may have been able to create a Sportster “look-alike”, but in terms of total performance, the Harley-Davidson’s idea and technology is incomparable to imported look-alike brands.
Despite its decades of existence in the market, the Sportster is a modern motorcycle (Siegal, 2011). Due to high demands of motorcycle in the country, many brands are trying to imitate the Sportster design and looks. One of the imported look-alikes of Harley-Davidson Sportster is the Yamaha Star Bolt (Elvidge, 2013). This model may have the similar built and looks with the Sportster, but it could never match the latter’s durability. The Sportster is built with aggressive shape, including its drag bars. The price for both models is also quite similar (Elvidge, 2013).
On the other hand, the overall finish and fit is way better on the Sportster. Primarily, the Yamaha model is just a copy of the Sportster, which can be the most significant point as to why the latter is better. Indeed, the original is still the best just like what many people say. Additionally, the comfort of riding on a Harley-Davidson Sportster is better than Yamaha Star Bolt as there is an unsightly gap between its tank and seat (Elvidge, 2013).
Moreover, there are various characteristics of Sportster that cannot be compared with other imported look-alikes. The motorcyclist’s riding position, the motor’s styling, and suspension design are all original, way back from its release. In that case, the Sportster will make its rider an instant cool through old-fashioned way (Stewart, n.d.). However, these are just minor aspects, which make the Sportster better than its copied versions.
Another thing is that the Harley Davidson brand holds its heritage by being in the industry for more than eleven decades. In that sense, it has more options for customizations. Thus, its brand is known worldwide. Other imported brands may have come a long way when they started to manufacture their motorcycle models, but they may have a long way to go in terms of getting on the motorcycle customization.
In his article, Tom Roderick (2010) says that Harley-Davidson’s Sportster style may be imitated by looks, but nobody can do it better. Another imported look-alike is the Honda Shadow RS. However, in comparing this model with Sportster, the first uses more plastic parts than the Harley-Davidson creation, which add more value to the Sportster.
As far as customization is concern, the Harley-Davidson’s Sportster, including the other models has more accessories, which makes this brand and model to be more interesting to own than the other imported look-alikes. Also, the original design of the Sportster makes it much faster than the other imported bikes. The Sportster’s torque curves and horse power is quite flat, which enables this bike to provide more power no matter what the speed is. Generally, the Harley-Davidson’s Sportster is not just a premium and original technology that can be seen from the outside, but it’s a technology that makes this motorcycle a one package of incomparable performance.
References
Elvidge, J. (2013, August 26). Yamaha Start Bolt vs. Harey-Davidson. Retrieved from www.cycleworld.com/2013/08/26/2013-yamaha-star-bolt-vs-harley-davidson-sportster-iron-883-urban-cruiser-comparison-test/
Roderick, T. (2010, June 11). Shootout: 2010 Honda Shadow RS vs. 2010 Harley-Davidson 883 Low - Motorcycle.com. Retrieved from http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/shootout-2010-honda-shadow-rs-vs-2010-harley-davidson-883-low-89646.html
Siegal, M. (2011, June). 1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL. Retrieved from http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-american-motorcycles/1957-harley-davidson-sportster.aspx?PageId=3#ArticleContent
Stewart, B. (n.d.). Best Cruiser Motorcycle - Comparison of Cruiser Motorcycles - Popular Mechanics. Retrieved from http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/motorcycles/reviews/4268696
