The future of Harley-Davidson

[Houtman_imp]

Sorry, not sorry, but I wouldn't own one. If I got one for free, I would turn around and sell it. I just don't care for them.

My sentiments exactly.

My sentiments exactly. I would not even sell it but give it away to the first person coming to my house.

[Obleo]

Didn’t realize we had so many Harley haters

[Cormanus]

[url=https://www.thethings.com/20-facts-about-the-new-harley-davidson-bikes-thatll-surprise-riders/]Here are 20 surprising facts about the new Harley-Davidson lineup for 2020.

[url=https://www.thethings.com/20-facts-about-the-new-harley-davidson-bikes-thatll-surprise-riders/]

If what that text implies (i.e. that HD management is betting the farm on in-vehicle recharged battery energy transfer from terrestrial infrastructure to the moving platform technology) I am here offering a wager of a bottle of Crown Royal Black to any taker that there will be no HD Motorcycle Company five years from now.

I have written on this before, so I'll repeat here only a single sentence summary: the only way a battery-powered vehicle will be more than an in-vougue novelty is the adoption of a short repertoire of industry-wide standard of replecable batteries, with the the battery-swap station network similar to our present energy-bearing liquid pumping station network.

Quite right.

Didn’t realize we had so many Harley haters

I think we have a few, but it's not safe to conclude that, because people don't want to own a Harley, they hate them. I don't hate them, and I wish the company all the best, but, at this stage, I can't see myself owning one.

[rotor]

Didn’t realize we had so many Harley haters

I did not think I would ever be mistaken for one, but just in case...:

Warning my late uncle Fred (who thought me to ride a motorcycle - do I need to say more?) of his certain and untimely demise if he does not kick his 2.5 pack a day habit was certainly not a sign of lack of love for the old man.

I would love HD even more if they did:

a) spearhead the push for replaceable battery motorcycle on this continent. They are the only outfit around that has the pull to make any headway on that front.

b) try to push the point of balance between the motorcycle as a toy and motorcycle as a means of transportation in the US and Canada toward the transportation. Without it, motorcycling as a sociological phenomenon on this continent will slowly but surely evaporate (and HD with it). (And regardless of electro-chemical evolution - or lack thereof - of such vehicles).

[NovaCB1100_imp]

[url=https://www.thethings.com/20-facts-about-the-new-harley-davidson-bikes-thatll-surprise-riders/]Here are 20 surprising facts about the new Harley-Davidson lineup for 2020.

[url=https://www.thethings.com/20-facts-about-the-new-harley-davidson-bikes-thatll-surprise-riders/]

If what that text implies (i.e. that HD management is betting the farm on in-vehicle recharged battery energy transfer from terrestrial infrastructure to the moving platform technology) I am here offering a wager of a bottle of Crown Royal Black to any taker that there will be no HD Motorcycle Company five years from now.

I have written on this before, so I'll repeat here only a single sentence summary: the only way a battery-powered vehicle will be more than an in-vougue novelty is the adoption of a short repertoire of industry-wide standard of replecable batteries, with the the battery-swap station network similar to our present energy-bearing liquid pumping station network.

If what that text implies (i.e. that HD management is betting the farm on in-vehicle recharged battery energy transfer from terrestrial infrastructure to the moving platform technology) I am here offering a wager of a bottle of Crown Royal Black to any taker that there will be no HD Motorcycle Company five years from now.

I have written on this before, so I'll repeat here only a single sentence summary: the only way a battery-powered vehicle will be more than an in-vougue novelty is the adoption of a short repertoire of industry-wide standard of replecable batteries, with the the battery-swap station network similar to our present energy-bearing liquid pumping station network.

I agree. I hear time and time again that FEVs are "the future" and I just dont see this as a reality. First, while battery technology has advanced considerably, but we are still a very long way from this being a one for one replacement for petrol. Second, batteries aren't zero sum; they represent a different kind of pollution and negative environmental impact. Lastly, you still have to charge them and solar/wind represent a very low percentage when compared to coal fired plants. So in essence, you're just trading one form of pollution for another. I personally think biofuels are a much better "future" as sustainables like biogas made from algae can be distributed via the already established petrol infrastructure.

Regarding HD, it's worth mentioning that I'm in my 40's and have never desired to own a HD, despite being brought up around nothing BUT Harleys and having previously worked in a shop. My parents ride a dresser, as do all of their friends. But I've owned only a Triumph, a Ducati and also a Honda. The interesting thing is my stepfather said he wouldn't buy another HD, he would get a used Victory Vision or Cross Country because he thinks they're a better bike.

[Obleo]

Here we go chime in

[the Ferret]

Well I certainly don't consider myself a Harley hater having owned 6 and having freely admitted numerous times in the past that I would be open to owning another if HD would build something I liked, which of course they steadfastly refused to do, stating their only desire was to cater to their core customers ie: cruisers.

In 1994 I bought a new Sportster. While it was getting serviced they lent me a Dyna Convertible. It was a really nice ride, except for the ergos, and I told them, put this platform into a sport tourer and I'm an owner. A quarter century later and still nothing but cruisers. I dont hate Harley, I hate the decisions their board of directors has chosen for decades.

Now here's a caveat to me being open to buying another Harley. At this point it's too late. I turn 70 next May. Just bought a new FJR in June of 2018 and I only have 22,500 miles on it. Between it and my CB 1100, they may very well last longer than the rest of my riding career. Harley has squadered the opportunity to get me back as a customer. Their choice, not mine.

[Tezza_imp]

I only ever sold one motorcycle and it was my 1942 WLA Harley. It wasn't fast or comfortable but it carried me all over the east coast of Australia without missing a beat. I regret that sale to this very day. Unfortunately I then acquired a 1972 XLCH sportster from a mate. It was an absolute pig to start even from new and today it languishes in my shed still partly assembled as it was 30 years ago. i keep walking past it thinking "maybe one day I'll look at it".

[GoldOxide_imp]

Great snap Tezza. All that matters is the moment - frozen forever. It's a looker.

[Frulk_imp]

Tezza. Love that old school picture. Made my day. Makes me feel like it’s the late 60’s/early 70s. You have no idea how many bikes as a kid I saw back then looking just like yours. A springer chopper still gnaws at me now and then. Even though I know how impractical they are. I guess Peter Fonda is to blame for that.