07-07-2014, 06:06 AM
(07-07-2014, 05:30 AM)Todd_K_imp Wrote: It's been said already, but HD has done an incredible job of reinventing themselves. I went with a buddy to the local Harley palace to pick up some parts, and the selection of aftermarket parts and farkles is just astonishing. Not to mention the HD branded boots (made in China), jackets (combination of China and Pakistan mfg.), t-shirts, belts, buckles, gloves, do-rags, pre-ripped denim vests, yadda yadda yadda. Oh, and more skulls than a fleet of pirate ships. They are selling an image, and clearly it resonates with a good 75-80% of riders in NE IL.No question about it marketing is Harley's strong suit. Like the bikes don't like the bikes they are exceptional at the selling part of it. I've had a couple and I am the only guy I know who rides'm with stock exhaust. I've found the dealers to be exceptionally friendly and easy to deal with. The bikes LOOK fantastic in the show rooms and they are decidedly not bad bikes (perhaps over priced). You guys who ride CB1100 bikes are not as deeply rooted in the image stuff as the Harley guys and I am not either. I ride my Honda wearing a Triumph jacket and a born again Harley guy surely wouldn't do that. This stuff about which is the best made or "worth it" is pretty much individual opinion. Harley sells tons so the proof of "worth it" is right there. Like it or not. Who cares really. The CB1100 is a real sweet machine but it's certainly NOT selling to the masses so our position is in the minority. We have to live with that reality. I always attempt to see things from the perspective of others and I've got no beef with Harley or Harley riders. They are not inferior or misinformed. They just see it differently the some of us and I for one am glad of that. I like my sportster fine. Not my favorite of all times but neither was the CB1100.
Just for fun while waiting, i tried counting the number of "Harley Davidson", "HD", or shield logos I could find on my buddy's ride (2013 sportster 1200--yes, it does look like a nicely made bike, good attention to detail in most places). Stopped at 43 (tank, guages, analog clock, mirrors, windscreen, headlight, seat, foot pegs, engine cases, license plate bolts, shock absorber bolt covers, and little shield logos in the rubber of the tires, every 5" or so for the circumference of both front and back.