Another Harley Thread

[noroomtomove]

@ 4:45.

[the Ferret]

This one? https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/harl...oronavirus

That's it Cormanus

[Gone in 60]

Man, Ryan sure did stir the pot with that Harley video. I've seen it referenced on a number of motorcycle forums, sparking a lot of conversation. I have no interest in buying a Harley, or, for the most part, interacting with Harley people, so his video was an interesting look at a brand I haven't paid much attention to.

But, when HD showed signs of branching out with an adventure bike and a non-cruiser standard, I had a glimmer of interest. In many of the conversations about the recent video and news, references like Ferret's, that the new CEO has nixed the new upcoming models to concentrate on what they've always built makes me lose interest again.

I don't mind Harleys, and appreciate anyone who enjoys motorcycles as much as I do. But, I get little reminders about the Harley attitude. There's a large motorcycle parking area in my city's center plaza. I parked my Bonneville in the middle of the empty lot recently to grab a cup of coffee. When I came back, there was one other bike in the lot - a big Harley bagger, who felt the need to park so close to my Triumph that I needed to roll it out of the way to get on it. I got the message... "This is Harley country, son." I checked my bike for heel marks.

[redbirds_imp]

Never owned a Harley nor have any intention to ever own one but there is no denying that they are well made. I do wish them well and that they find a formula that will ensure their survival.

Man, Ryan sure did stir the pot with that Harley video. I've seen it referenced on a number of motorcycle forums, sparking a lot of conversation. I have no interest in buying a Harley, or, for the most part, interacting with Harley people, so his video was an interesting look at a brand I haven't paid much attention to.

But, when HD showed signs of branching out with an adventure bike and a non-cruiser standard, I had a glimmer of interest. In many of the conversations about the recent video and news, references like Ferret's, that the new CEO has nixed the new upcoming models to concentrate on what they've always built makes me lose interest again.

I don't mind Harleys, and appreciate anyone who enjoys motorcycles as much as I do. But, I get little reminders about the Harley attitude. There's a large motorcycle parking area in my city's center plaza. I parked my Bonneville in the middle of the empty lot recently to grab a cup of coffee. When I came back, there was one other bike in the lot - a big Harley bagger, who felt the need to park so close to my Triumph that I needed to roll it out of the way to get on it. I got the message... "This is Harley country, son." I checked my bike for heel marks.

That attitude by an unprincipled Harley rider is one reason they are in trouble. Many, me included, are put off by an air of superiority among some HD riders.

[pdedse]

I bought a 2004 Sportster 1200 new...it was the mc that got me back on a bike after a looooong absence. Just a great machine, one wiring issue that affected the speedometer for a spell, but rock solid overall. The salespeople at the dealership never failed to to ask when I was going to "upgrade" when I would go in for oil/filters.

The first time they asked me I replied with "why, is there something wrong with the HD oil and filters?". Guy's reaction was one of those "ah-ha" moments for me.

The Sportser was the only HD model I was ever interested in. Loved that bike!

[Frulk_imp]

Lots of folks forget that just because you buy a particular brand doesn’t mean you have to hang with that ownership group. I own 2 Harley’s. For years now on weekends a large local HD group meets at a service station close to my house. They go on rides throughout the area that are posted on a schedule and anyone is welcome to go with. I have never gone. Not my thing to ride in groups. I wouldn’t show up if 25 CB’s were there. I like all motorcycles in general. I can’t say that about their riders.

[Wisedrum]

Lots of folks forget that just because you buy a particular brand doesn’t mean you have to hang with that ownership group. I own 2 Harley’s. For years now on weekends a large local HD group meets at a service station close to my house. They go on rides throughout the area that are posted on a schedule and anyone is welcome to go with. I have never gone. Not my thing to ride in groups. I wouldn’t show up if 25 CB’s were there. I like all motorcycles in general. I can’t say that about their riders.

Same with me. I prefer to ride alone. Don't like the way a group dynamic among riders can develope. Don't like to a lead group or have to follow other riders. Boring.

Seldom meet other riders in groups at a parking place or a rest that are not somehow strange and so much involved in their "game" not opening nicely up to strangers. Just recently met some guys that had to wait for a ferry too. I try to start a conversation after greeting them and immediately recognized that it was a fault. Their interest was zero showing no warm and heartful interest. Doing the same thing like riding a motorbike doesn't automatically mean to be on the same wave length or share a common sense for being open minded. Often the opposite is true as I found out. Sometimes, if you meet a single rider, you can make a total different, which means more friendly experience. HD-riders alone or in groups are mostly not among these riders here.

Wisedrum

[Gone in 60]

It's interesting to watch how different brands have had to react to competitors encroaching on their turf. In the '70s and '80s, American cars were, let's face it, crap. Honda and Toyota were eating their lunch, and GM, Ford and Chrysler had to improve to survive.

More recently, I'd argue that Honda and Toyota had become complacent. The cars were reliable, but had become very lackluster. The 2011/2012 Civic was not recommended by Consumer Reports for the first time in its history, and Honda executives actually apologized for having built a sub-par car. Having rented Corollas of the same vintage, I was surprised at how noisy and rough they felt. Meanwhile, KIA and Hyundai were upping their game from Korea, and started eating into Honda and Toyota's market. Now they were in the same position the American brands had previously been. The Japanese brands had to get better.

HD is in the position to expand their offerings, and they've shown prototypes of what those might be. But, if they get axed, as others have said, where does HD have to go but into a niche brand position, for the dwindling number of riders who can afford a luxury cruiser with a large price tag, or the guys who are happy shelling out for one of their smaller models.

[Gone in 60]

Yeah, our 2010 CRV will probably go another 200,000 miles.
But it looks like it was designed by someone who was taking a nap at the time.

[RLS_imp]

I am looking to pickup a cruiser/touring bike to ride from Memphis to Denver than over to Scottsdale and back. I would love to do it on the CB, but I think it would wear me out. That said, I went and test rode some Harley's; a 2015 Dyna Low Rider, 2017 Heritage Soft tail and a 2018 Road King. All had about 4k to 6k miles and priced from $12k to $15k. I had a blast riding each of these bikes. Love the big 103 and 107 engines. However, when I get back on the CB to ride home, I am so glad I own this bike. It is superior in every way. I won't be getting a Harley, but I am interested in what bike would be a good stablemate for the CB, one that is better suited for touring. Any opinions would be appreciated.