Why Are Harley-Davidsons So Expensive? It All Comes Down To The Brand

For many bikers across the globe, owning a Harley-Davidson is usually the endgame. Sure, you could get a Honda or a BMW or any of those other brands, and you would, in fact, be getting a really good machine. However, if you want something that screams timeless Americana, a Harley is the way to go. For a company that is over a century old, Harley-Davidson has held its own in the motorcycle market pretty well. Today, it offers a collection of motorcycles ranging from imposing yet surprisingly nimble Harley-Davidson cruisers and tourers to powerful adventure bikes and environmentally friendly electric motorcycles. This company has options for every type of rider.

However, that doesn't mean every motorcycle owner rides a Harley. Part of the reason for this is the price. Your average Harley-Davidson Sportster Nightster goes for about $9,999 (excluding destination charge), which, let's face it, not everyone is willing to shell out for just a single bike. What's even more interesting is that the Nightster is the least expensive Harley, with the company's higher-end bikes like the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide landing on the $45,999 price mark. 

More often than not, though, the hefty price tags are justified simply because these are Harleys. See, you're not just buying a two-wheeled machine to ferry you from point A to B. You are acquiring a premium-quality, highly customizable motorcycle with a rich history that is sure to turn heads as you cruise by. Let's discuss. 

When Harley-Davidson began making motorcycles in 1903, no one could have foreseen the impact it would have on the motorcycle industry more than a century later. The company has influenced several major motorcycle trends over the decades, especially in tourers and cruisers, and in the broader American-inspired motorcycle culture. From supplying the U.S. military with a workhorse of a motorcycle during World War II to introducing the Harley-Davidson Softail, a bike that would essentially reinvent cruisers worldwide, the company has done it all. 

Over the years, its bikes, with their unique aesthetics, have come to represent American freedom and rebellion, both in the media and on the street, helping build an almost unbreakable brand loyalty. This kind of loyalty has transformed Harley-Davidson into a status symbol, which in turn has increased the overall appeal of owning one of the company's bikes. It has also helped raise the company's profile as a premium brand rather than just an average motorcycle maker.

The quality of the materials used to build Harley-Davidsons also reflects the company's status as a premium brand. From the chrome that has become synonymous with classic Harley-Davidsons to the leather on many of the company's saddlebags, everything is high-quality. Even more crucial are the methods the company uses to turn these materials into components and assemble them into bikes. This often includes advanced manufacturing techniques that are unique in the vehicle industry, ensuring high-quality products that can withstand wear and tear.

If all this wasn't enough, Harley-Davidson has some easily customizable bikes, making it an excellent brand for anyone looking to start a passion project. Whether you want to modify your Harley into a chopper or turn it into a club-style motorcycle, the customization options allow riders to create bike builds that perfectly match their style. The company itself offers unique customization options for its bikes, like the option to choose blacked-out cast Annihilator wheels or the company's new tubeless laced wheels when selecting a Street Bob. 

Finally, the premium quality of a Harley means you can't just take them to your regular mechanic for repairs. While basic maintenance can keep them running smoothly for the most part, replacing some of the bike's high-end parts may incur additional costs, raising the total cost of owning the bike. While all this may be discouraging if you were planning on getting one of these magnificent machines, remember that, given how high-end they are, their resale value is generally strong as well.