Times Have Changed
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,503
Likes: 94
From: SE Michigan
When I was a kid they were in every barn or shed and you could get the for $50-100. We trashed so many of them screwing around. Burned up a few of those Kawasaki 500 triples too. They handled like crap but man they were fast. To go back and get some of the bikes and cars we all tore up.....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 35,239
Likes: 19,070
From: 40.2444° N, 75.6419° W
"Seriously collectible" unfortunately doesn't mean valuable! I see restored Dreams selling for $1500 to $3000 and replacement mufflers alone are $2200! That's why I haven't gone "factory original" on mine.
I'd rather have had a Superhawk but couldn't find one at a sane price.
I'd rather have had a Superhawk but couldn't find one at a sane price.
Weren't these the bikes in "Motor Psycho"? I remember watching that movie and thinking "what kind of motorcycle gang is this? no H-D . Triumph, Norton, BSA etc LOL!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
Likes: 4,676
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
I had an Army buddy with a black one. He'd put a 350 kit in it, but kept the single carb and it still couldn't outrun my Superhawk.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 822
From: Nevada
I like that dealers stock more parts than they did in the 80s. What I don't like is the number of cages on the road and distracted drivers. I've been riding over 40 years. Riding is more dangerous today than it's ever been.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 695
From: Huntington Beach, CA
Things are better now. Bikes are more reliable and the roads are better. Cops usually leave everyone alone, except for the 1 percenters.
Lots of dealerships. Easy financing, and tremendous amount of bikes to choose from.
So many different riders. It's easy to hook up with like minded groups, or just Lone Wolf it.
Lots of dealerships. Easy financing, and tremendous amount of bikes to choose from.
So many different riders. It's easy to hook up with like minded groups, or just Lone Wolf it.
Nowadays here in Southern California the cops are pretty cool if you are not obviously out for trouble. I got pulled over in my car early this year for making an illegal U turn (didn't see the no U turn sign.) The cop saw on my license that I had my CM1 (motorcycle endorsement) and he asked me what I rode. Told him a Harley. He said "Harleys are cool. Now you know that sign is there, so don't do it again, OK?" No ticket.
Bikes are fantastic nowadays compared to when I started riding. The dealerships are a pleasure to visit and service is fantastic at our local dealer. There are tons of riders in Southern California, but I have never knowingly even seen any riders who appeared to be "out for trouble" one-percenters.
I think that "these are the good old days..."
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,906
Likes: 145
From: SE Louisiana
Pretty much my experience, too. I started riding in 1962 on an Allstate Moped <g>. I've gotten exactly one ticket while riding -- state trooper stopped me on a remote country road back in late '60s for riding without a helmet. I have been pulled over a few times, never actually ticketed; most recent was riding home from Sturgis in 2013. Arkansas trooper pulled me over for speeding, but for whatever reason, he just told me to watch my speed and let me go.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 11,630
Likes: 990
From: NC
I remember going to Joe Reynolds Harley Davidson in Asheville, NC with
my FIL. It was the first Harley dealership I ever went to.
My FIL had bought a '66 FLH with Red/White paint. There was the head mechanic there that looked like someone I called a 'greaser' working on the bikes. Joe said 'he was the best mechanic he ever had'.
You can still see Harley Davidson on the sidewall of the building.
Later, in the late 70's McCrary's was the dealer there, but in another location. This dealer was a joke in itself.
In the 80's, it was Lyall HD in No. Wilkesboro, NC. That was a family owned, operated, mechaniced and whatever else they could make a dollar.
The mom did the Finance work as well as any paperwork.
The dad sold Maytag washers & dryers, lawn equipment as well as him and the son, Jr who had an accessory parts business; Carolina Cycle Supply.
Lyall's were the type of dealer, you waited your turn, and when it was your turn, it was your turn until you were done. They never hurried you and gave you all of the consideration and help you needed.
Now, as we know, today it is sometimes or I should say, you are almost always like a nuisance to them.
Most of the dealers today are like they are doing you a favor by selling you a bike, instead of appreciating your business.
my FIL. It was the first Harley dealership I ever went to.
My FIL had bought a '66 FLH with Red/White paint. There was the head mechanic there that looked like someone I called a 'greaser' working on the bikes. Joe said 'he was the best mechanic he ever had'.
You can still see Harley Davidson on the sidewall of the building.
Later, in the late 70's McCrary's was the dealer there, but in another location. This dealer was a joke in itself.
In the 80's, it was Lyall HD in No. Wilkesboro, NC. That was a family owned, operated, mechaniced and whatever else they could make a dollar.
The mom did the Finance work as well as any paperwork.
The dad sold Maytag washers & dryers, lawn equipment as well as him and the son, Jr who had an accessory parts business; Carolina Cycle Supply.
Lyall's were the type of dealer, you waited your turn, and when it was your turn, it was your turn until you were done. They never hurried you and gave you all of the consideration and help you needed.
Now, as we know, today it is sometimes or I should say, you are almost always like a nuisance to them.
Most of the dealers today are like they are doing you a favor by selling you a bike, instead of appreciating your business.
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Joe Kucinski
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
Likes: 10,452
From: Sunshine State
Yes, times have changed. Spend a lil time in the forums and you'll see there's no doubt about it. I miss the old days for what it's worth. I grew up fending for myself, doing everything for myself. I had no silver spoon.
What I miss most would be the code some of us lived by back then.
What I miss most would be the code some of us lived by back then.
Last edited by Tampa Fatboy; Oct 31, 2015 at 07:40 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,131
Likes: 51,461
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Yes, times have changed. Spend a lil time in the forums and you theres no doubt about it. I miss the old days for what it's worth. I grew up fending for myself, doing everything for myself. I had no silver spoon.
What I miss most would be the code we all lived by back then.
What I miss most would be the code we all lived by back then.