[Jeff Higgins]

Yes, very crafty indeed. They understand the enthusiast - we simply cannot leave anything alone, even if it is outstanding right out of the box. We're always fooling around and modifying our bikes, cars, boats, or whatever.

I have to say the most farkled out bikes I have ever seen belong to three guys I ride with who all own FJR's. These guys are serious long distance riders, and have outfitted their bikes with endless little doo-dads to make them "better" for this duty. All of it is aftermarket, since there is nothing available from Yamaha. So how much money is Yamaha leaving on the table by not supporting this market?

Then there are the BMW guys. The Triumph guys. When was the last time anyone saw a bone stock GS? When was the last time anyone saw a Thruxton with the stock exhaust? BMW supplies some accessories, but most turn to the aftermarket. Triumph does a little better than some, but could still learn a lesson from H-D.

I've long maintained that H-D should just give motorcycles to anyone who wants one. Free. They would easily make it up in "Motorclothes" and "Screaming Eagle" parts.