A benign question...any Harley owners here?Political question to follow...

[w8liftinglady]

I used to live with a hard-core Harley rider...who was also a nurse,like me..and who also agreed with my opinions.Down in Northeast Texas,we noticed an extraordinary amount of fervently right-wing bikers.I had many a political conversation with these guys,which started out(in 2003) as friendly disagreements,but over the years became extremely hostile.I ended up leaving my man,as he bacame more and more like them.I asked them how they could be so anti-union yet drive a motorcycle made by union workers?No answer.Have any of you experienced this?

[tularetom]

1. Based on the 2 Harley owners in my family

My nephew and my son in law, I'd have to agree that right wing views are prevalent among them. Of course that's a very small sample.

I think it's more of a "made in America" thing than a union thing.

FWIW I used to own one myself, I sold it because it was constantly in need of repairs.

[Taverner]

2. I knew two bikers in my life

One was an ex 60's era Hells Angels, knew all the folks who Hunter S Thompson talked to, did some pretty wicked things back in the day. Today, he's a college professor at a community college, where he's been teaching for the past 30+ years. Complete Liberal. He'd fit on DU (if he's not here already.) Loved Harleys for the Union attachment, and thought every American who cared about their job should be in a union.

The other was a biker who was around in the 70's. Total born again Christian/Republican. Says that Harleys are well built because they were built with "Manifest Destiny" in mind. Sees this as a good thing. Thinks we Americans are the "New Chosen." Believes in all that Left Behind shit.

Go figure.

[Fumesucker]

3. I suspect Harley is not gonna be union all that much longer..

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2010/07/23/harley-davidson-considering-assembly-plant-in-india/

Way back when, riding a Harley was a sign that you were an outsider, a one percenter if you will.

Now having a Harley is more a sign of a fat bank account, the damn things have gotten outrageously expensive. I used to desire a Harley, now they've really become something of a fashion statement, a fashion I'm really not interested in pursuing.

[w8liftinglady]

4. now that you mention it-most of these guys remind me of "Wild Hogs"

...sigh.

[REP]

5. I know a Hardly Ableson owner; he's very liberal

He just has crappy taste. Nice guy, though.