How to... buy a Harley-Davidson
It’s the stuff of movie legends: jumping on your motorcycle, giving the throttle a firm twist and hearing the engine roar like a caged animal, before you ride off into the sunset leaving nothing but a trail of dust settling behind you. With 16 years on the saddle, Sam Kazeroonifrom Harley-Davidson of the UAE (04 339 1909) tells you how to become the proud owner of your very own hog to show off during Dubai Bikeweek which takes place from March 29 to April 1.
Why buy a Harley?
It’s not just transport, it’s a lifestyle. It’s not like buying a Toyota. Harleys are very unique. Harleys are the Rolls Royces of the motorcycle world – resale value is very high and you get your money back. The Harley-Davidson company is 102 years old so they must be doing something right – and Harleys are now better than ever.
I’ve seen Easy Rider and I’m ready for life on the open road – what comes first?
If you’re a total beginner and don’t have a driving licence the driving centre is your first stop. You’ll need a motorcycle licence before you can even think about getting on the open roads. You’ll also need to be a UAE resident and over 25 years old.
How do I learn how to ride a Harley? Is it as easy as, well, riding a bike?
You’ll need lessons, which you can have at Emirates Driving Institute, Dubai Driving Centre and Belhasa Driving Centre. The instructors will judge how many lessons you need before you can take your bike test and hopefully get your licence. It’s not hard to learn to ride at all.
Are there different-sized Harleys for different-sized people?
There are bikes that have low seat heights so if you’re short you might want to go for one of these, but most people will be able to drive any size bike. Harleys are gender-free; women and men can drive the same bike. You don’t have to be a big butch man with a ZZ Top beard and a bunch of tattoos to get on a Harley – there are doctors, businessmen and housewives driving them across the city. People who are seriously intending to buy a bike can come in and sit on the bikes to get a feel for them, but it’s not a carnival.
How much money will I need to save up to buy a Harley?
You won’t get much change from Dhs30,000 and we have bikes that cost up to Dhs90,000 before you get any modifications. But finance is available so you don’t have to pay for it all at once.
Do I need full leathers?
You don’t have to buy full leathers. Wearing a leather jacket is a sensible policy though – they cost around Dhs1,500-4,000, riding boots will set you back Dhs400-600 and most people own jeans. Any protection is better than nothing. Helmets are essential: it’s common sense to wear one and required by UAE law. Some helmets offer more protection than others, though, and they range from Dhs250-2,500.
Do Harleys guzzle petrol?
Not at all. While buying a Harley is an expensive investment, running them is actually quite economical. A five gallon tank will get you 250kms. They’re cheap to run.
What about the environment – wouldn’t I be doing less damage by hopping on a moped that runs on solar power or something?
Harleys all run on unleaded petrol and are much better for the environment than the huge SUVs you see so often on Dubai’s roads.
How fast can they go?
Harleys can go fast enough – you can easily break the speed limit. They’ll get up to 200kph. When they’re supercharged they can go incredibly fast.
Aren’t they dangerous – Sheikh Zayed Road looks like a death trap for bikers.
They’re as dangerous as you want to make them. You’ve seen the drivers on Dubai’s roads – there’s a lot of room for improvement. In town you have to drive defensively and expect the worst at all times. But on the open road you can really relax and enjoy the bike. Once you’re hooked, that’s it – you’ll never look back. Michelle Byrne.