The Problem Facing Harley-Davidson

Claviger said:

I would buy a Harley... if it had a CNC billet full S&S motor, 160CI, supercharged, 200+ HP, and drank 87-92 octane and could cope with stop and go traffic heat.

So basically, a full on custom bike, that offered everything a stock Harley can’t.

I have to admit, big bore vtwins with pipes sound sooooooooo good to me.

These days though, I’d buy a Diavel or Super Duke before an HD, all the vtwin sound, none of the land pirate culture. The “outlaw” culture doesn’t appeal to me in the slightest, and going “cruising” with big groups going under the speed limit is not my idea of a good time.

Just my .02 ( yes I am fully aware I’m anti-social).

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cootertwo said:

Funny, I came up on a herd of Harley's last week on a country road on my way back home from the Diner. They were riding 2 abreast, and barely doing the speed limit of 45/50. I can not understand the reason for these "parades". I finally got bored, and blew by the parade, being watchful for anyone pulling over into the passing lane. Got by, waved a hand in the air, and disappeared into the sunset. Maybe they are afraid to go out alone, fearful of a break down, a flat or something. I dunno, just seems strange to me. On the weekends, sometimes a small pack will show up at the Diner, all with their vests, badges, patches, pirate costumes. They pull a few tables together, talk loud so everybody can here/see them. Place their orders, eat and bullchit, bullchit some more, then go out to the parking lot, and bullchit some more, while cleaning their probably only rode on weekend machines. Then I'm sure they all head home, bike to the garage, not to be used till the following weekend parade. For that purpose, a Harley is perfect, loud, shiny, "look at me"

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Willyone said:

Yeah, there are those types. And there's the HOG members, wannabe's, RUBS, and so on. And let's not for get the real deal clubbers And there's guys like my long time friend of +45 years that has just over 121K miles on his '79 Low Rider. In addition to the old Low Rider he has 4 other Harley's in his stable, none of which would be considered low mile bikes. He's one of the few people I will ride side x side with on secondary roads, and on the slab. When I ride with most other friends I prefer staggered, for my own well being.... just say'n.

Took interest in the Rocket a few months ago and after learning more about them I'm in the process of looking for the right one. Not a RUB so I gotta go $used$ Anyways, I've talked to a few of my ol' Harley trash buds about my wanting to get a Rocket, and none of them have pissed on me for it. Now, most old time Harley riders are brand loyal for sure. And most that I know or associate with think it's a real hoot when a ****** rocket, regardless of brand, does a high speed fly by.

Enjoy yer next stop at the diner

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Wrecka said:

If i had the coin to own a second bike it'd definitely be a Harley , always liked the look of the FatBoy models

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BillyIndiana said:

I then went to the Harley store and to be honest I was so turned off by all the do not sit on and do not touch signs and the corporate attitude I walked out. (The Indian store asked to see my motorcycle endorsement then offered me the keys to whatever I wanted to ride.

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BigNorm said:

One thing I like here is that I could ride something else and I can still be friends with those I've come to love here. I did not get that message when I traded my Road Glide for my R3T on my last board.

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JoseyR3Wales said:

If the HD is something you must have, by all means, buy one. I'll be out in the mountains and badlands on my modern, even though it was discontinued, machine. By the way, discontinued in favor of a bike that looks and sounds like a ........

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sonny said:

One of my most memorial days in my life was walking into the Harley Dealership and buying a brand new Harley Davidson Fatboy. Grew up in a generation were owning a Harley meant that you had made it. At least in my little world anyhow. Looking back and considering what it meant to me at the time still brings a smile. That was back in 2010. Today we are looking at the bike with over 90,000 miles and sold it once and it came back. See previous post. Wife and I talked about it and she agreed to let me build. Not talking about taking the bike in and having some clown work on it. S&S 124 brand new crate motor and now we are tearing into it. Selling the bull and buying parts to turn the 124 cubic inch into a screamer. Not your average Harley owner and Know my way around the bike. Primary is built to the max. Transmission is the same. Not going to be your average Harley. Figure by the time the fat lady sings should have one #ell of a ride. Take your Screaming Chicken and let the coyotes eat lunch. Really do not like the direction Harley Davidson is going. Personally think they are screwing up big time. Yes better suspension and a more comfortable ride OH how NICE and SWEET. Man get real. Its supposed to be A Harley. Loud and vibrate your tooth fillings out at idle. Hit it and frame flexes as you try to hold on. Some can say that is retarded others would call it old school. I would refer to it as CLASS. The Rocket X is my mainstream bike by far. The Harley when I am done with it will be My SUNDAY BIKE. If you are thinking that your screaming eagle 117 Milwaukee Eight is a Bad boy think again.

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