The future of Harley Davidson. Explain.

[wayner]

I used to race and after that went through about 16 sport bikes on the road. I got bored and kept selling them. Then one day my wife surprised me with a cruise in my garage (no that isn't code for...nevermind).

In any even I loved it. Corners were exciting again
I did a few cross country trips and loved the experience. Eventually I sold it and bought an old 911.

A few interesting points:

1) I believe that Harley sells a modern vintage experience.
2) who would't buy an air cooled 911 today new if they could? Why not the same for bikes?
3) Ducati abandoned the new/vintage market when Audi bought them. Too bad, that was also an interesting niche.
4) The majority of 40 year old guys are typically guys getting back into biking after kids, not so much riders taking their next step.

[wayner]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

Harley should look to its past for the future

Yup

I find it interesting that they are finally building bikes that people want to buy instead of just selling a starting point and an accessory catalogue.

[afterburn 549]

These are old farts that have aspired to own a harley from early on .
But other things got in thier way .
Life, kids etc.
Now at 45yrs young and up, they jump in and on. 45 MPH is scaring the crap out of them .
Trust me, they will never drag a foot peg unless drunk out of their minds .
You can NOT convince them to lock up a front brake , (test the limits) what counter steer is, etc etc.
They are doing their best to emulate the 1% crowd.

[wayner]

...of course lots of people still go out and add accessories anyway

[Shaun @ Tru6]

[afterburn 549]

GOOD Lookers !

[Rot 911]

There are jerk offs riding every kind of bike out there. But there are many more riders that are accepting of everyone. Or maybe we are just more accepting here in the Midwest. The bike posted by the OP looks like it was styled after the mid-70's XLCR.



Here is a picture from this year's New Year's Day run we have. As you can see, we don't discriminate. (Mine is the '76 BMW R75/6)

[Porsche-O-Phile]

It's a shame they killed Buell - I always thought those were kinda cool and represented a promising direction. Oh well.

[afterburn 549]

Did not Buell stand alone B4 Harly picked them up?
I am pretty sure of it, as I remember .
It would seem someone could still have their bike Buellerized ...That is what they used to do. ( i think)

[HardDrive]

Why can't they put a light 800cc liquid cooled motor in a sporty?

[HardDrive]

Wicked looking bike IMHO.

[afterburn 549]

It is A SAD day when the EPA has ruled, with out a vote from us, as to what we get!
The strict emissions placed on all MC will make them all H20 cooled eventually .

[BeyGon]

Originally Posted by Rot 911

There are jerk offs riding every kind of bike out there. But there are many more riders that are accepting of everyone. Or maybe we are just more accepting here in the Midwest. The bike posted by the OP looks like it was styled after the mid-70's XLCR.



Here is a picture from this year's New Year's Day run we have. As you can see, we don't discriminate. (Mine is the '76 BMW R75/6)

post # 6

[intakexhaust]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

I don't think Harley is in trouble (yet), but I just don't see who is going to be buying their new bikes 5-10 years down the road. I will probably get a Road King at some point just to check HD off my bucket list, but like hell I'm paying $19k for a new one when I can get a clean low miles used one for $10k.

To truly experience HD, you've got to find one from the AMF era. Pack some baling wire and duct tape along with an additional 20 lbs of tools in the pannier. Go across America.

If you really want to suffer, its in a C3 Corvette and travel whatever is left of Rt. 66.

Guaranteed both of these iconic American traveling devices made good biz for chiropractors.

[arcsine]

In my humble opinion, HD could do well by themselves if they made these instead of the abomination in the first post.

[arcsine]

Sorry, the image was corrupt. Attempt #2

[Yorkie]

Originally Posted by afterburn 549

These are old farts that have aspired to own a harley from early on .
But other things got in thier way .
Life, kids etc.
Now at 45yrs young and up, they jump in and on. 45 MPH is scaring the crap out of them .
Trust me, they will never drag a foot peg unless drunk out of their minds .
You can NOT convince them to lock up a front brake , (test the limits) what counter steer is, etc etc.
They are doing their best to emulate the 1% crowd.

Sounds like me! I just turned 50 and I took 13 years off bikes while I raised the kids and only recently got back on the saddle. Spent the last few months remembering all of Keith Code's advice (must have read "A Twist of the Wrist" 5 times) and relearning counter-steering. And yes, the Duc 900ss relic seemed very fast at first! I actually found getting back on a dirt bike even more intimidating but it comes back.

[wayner]

The abomination lives!

[BeyGon]

Originally Posted by arcsine

Sorry, the image was corrupt. Attempt #2

The real thing, XR 750

[flipper35]

Most people I know that ride HD are in their 30s and 40s. My cousin's is pretty quick, but he spent a ton of money on it after he bought it to put 140hp to the rear wheel. He said it is quick to 100 and that's all he cares. He also has a snowmobile that will hold the skis up for the full 1/4 mile when racing it.