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9/10 of Harleys ever made are still on the road.

The other 10% made it home.

HD is a lifestyle accessory now, dining out on a reputation built years ago for something it no longer is. That is not to say that there aren't a few (2-3%) that do really turn my head, but I imagine that the owners of those bikes could've modified/accessorized just about any cruiser-style bike into a head-turner.

There's just other bikes and toys that I'd rather spend my money on, instead of paying what amounts to an obscene premium for the name HD on an otherwise unremarkable piece of machinery. I have very similar feelings about Jeep, FWIW.

JP

Why does my Harley remind me of my golden retriever? They both like riding in the back of pick-up trucks.

Anyway, H-D has changed dramatically in my lifetime. For the better. "Dining out on a reputation built years ago for something it no longer is" may be true, but in a good way. The improvements made in quality over the last two decades are nothing short of incredible. They have gone from the least reliable machine on the road to one of the most. The quality of materials used, precision of machinining, exactness of fit, and finish quality are second to none.

Take a look at any of the engineering or manufacturing trade publications. They are chock full of articles about the innovations made in manufacturing at H-D. They have turned the corner from some backwards family run company with no moneyfor, or interest in, developing new products or technology in to an industry leader, and not just the motorcycle industry.

They could essentially build anything they want. Why don't they? They are playing to their audience. There is a lot to be said for that. Harleys are V-twins. Harleys are air-cooled. Harleys have pushrods. They certainly don't have to be; many would argue they would be "better" if they were not. And Porsches would be "better" if they were not air-cooled. Better if they were front engined, or at least mid engined... They have been the most succesfull motorcycle company in history. They must have something figured out.

Quote:

Originally posted by Jeff Higgins

Anyway, H-D has changed dramatically in my lifetime. For the better. "Dining out on a reputation built years ago for something it no longer is" may be true, but in a good way. The improvements made in quality over the last two decades are nothing short of incredible. They have gone from the least reliable machine on the road to one of the most. The quality of materials used, precision of machinining, exactness of fit, and finish quality are second to none.

Take a look at any of the engineering or manufacturing trade publications. They are chock full of articles about the innovations made in manufacturing at H-D . They have turned the corner from some backwards family run company with no moneyfor, or interest in, developing new products or technology in to an industry leader, and not just the motorcycle industry.

They could essentially build anything they want. Why don't they? They are playing to their audience. There is a lot to be said for that. Harleys are V-twins. Harleys are air-cooled. .

Change Harley to "Briggs and Stratton" and it reads pretty much the same! :D