Harley Davidson Stealth
Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 510
Likes: 83
From: SW Virginia
In all fairness it was a little before the adv boom we have now. Secondly it wasn't a great attempt. Any bike that puts its exhaust on the bottom of the bike is hard to take too serious as an adv bike. They do look pretty good with knobbies though, I will give you that.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 502
From: Northern WV
Maintaining what worked well with the Ulysses but tweaking the drivetrain, improving the suspension and increasing gas capacity, LED lighting, 19" front wheel, an optional "low version" for those who must flat feet, and freshen up the styling and Harley has a winner IMO. No it's not going to outsell their Street Glide but I believe it'll sell in good numbers which increase year to year and be profitable. Their competition should not (and can not) be the Wee Strom and Versys 650 but rather $17K+ BMW GS's and KTM's so they can price it in that $16-18K range which should enable Harley to build in the quality necessary.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 510
Likes: 83
From: SW Virginia
Very true. And they are likely very good at everything but the roughest roads. I have never had the pleasure of riding one.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,128
Likes: 51,461
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Idiots run into fire trucks and other well lite up huge vehicles all the time, those cheese dick reflectors ain't gonna save anyone, I'm with you on the blacked out bit that ones WAY over done.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 12,499
Likes: 7,511
From: Edmond, OK
Target fixation is a bitch. That's why I could never jump on the crazy bright lights and neon green gear craze.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,874
Likes: 36
From: Houston, TX
Totally useless with all that rake. Cosmetic and that's it. My vstrom would eat it alive in the gravel or jeep track.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 171
Likes: 9
From: Colorado
I personally don't care for the looks of the bike but I love the idea. "Adventure" bikes are big right now and rightfully so. They're simply a blast to ride. I'm currently in the market and would love to see Harley in the competition. The BMW GS 800, Triumph XCX 800, Honda Africa Twin are what a 750 Street could potentially compete with if it's configured correctly. Nice suspension, large fuel tank, low weight etc. I have TONS of dirt roads around me and the Slim is simply dangerous on those roads. I would love to see Harley expand their product line with something other than different paint , wheels, front ends etc.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 171
Likes: 9
From: Colorado
It is not the most attractive bike as it sits but what ADV bike is? Design necessitates some less than attractive features. I think the shape around the tank needs a little work but remember this is to provide a little wind protection for the rider.
The ADV market is booming and Harley should definitely consider expanding their market there. We are seeing Harley start to reach out trying to wrangle in some new riders because they have been around and they can see the future.
Here is the bottom line. Harleys are built for form over function to some extent across their entire line. That is OK, but it does limit the bikes for many things. ADV bikes have a lot of function before form and that tends to lead them away from classic styling. Notice all the new ADV bikes are starting to look very similar regardless of brand? That is because those tank shapes and suspension heights work.
And ADV riders can be ruthless when it comes to performance and honesty of their bikes. Take one off road and you cant hide any deficiencies.
Harley riders are often wedded to the brand and gush on their bikes without being realistic about what they are. Overweight, underpowered, with terrible clearances and they are beautiful, fun and classic. I love my Softail.
But when I rode to Panama no Softail could have made it. Maybe a modified Sportster. Instead I rode a KLR...talk about underpowered by modern standards. But it was perfect.
As an avid rider what would draw me to a adventure model Harley? First and foremost would be incredible dealer support and availability. Second would be the name, because, well honestly because I am an American and I like the idea of an American brand.
But what a hurdle to overcome. To compete they need 9" of suspension, switchable ABS and traction control, a well thought-out design with an adjustable windshield and bring at least 90-100hp stock. All wrapped up in a 450-500 pound max, bike. Oh' and at most a 12-14k price tag.
So right now they are probably only 20 years behind if this was something they would actually consider. But they would have the benefit of learning from others mistakes. In the end it will never happen.
If you are only used to big twins and if you haven't ever ridden a modern adv bike like a Triumph Tiger 800 or F800GS or maybe the new Africa Twin these bikes would blow your mind in their capabilities. I am not saying they are better for the pure pleasure of riding, just that they are amazing in their rideability and versatility.
I would love to see what the MoCo could do with an ADV bike if they set their minds to it.
The ADV market is booming and Harley should definitely consider expanding their market there. We are seeing Harley start to reach out trying to wrangle in some new riders because they have been around and they can see the future.
Here is the bottom line. Harleys are built for form over function to some extent across their entire line. That is OK, but it does limit the bikes for many things. ADV bikes have a lot of function before form and that tends to lead them away from classic styling. Notice all the new ADV bikes are starting to look very similar regardless of brand? That is because those tank shapes and suspension heights work.
And ADV riders can be ruthless when it comes to performance and honesty of their bikes. Take one off road and you cant hide any deficiencies.
Harley riders are often wedded to the brand and gush on their bikes without being realistic about what they are. Overweight, underpowered, with terrible clearances and they are beautiful, fun and classic. I love my Softail.
But when I rode to Panama no Softail could have made it. Maybe a modified Sportster. Instead I rode a KLR...talk about underpowered by modern standards. But it was perfect.
As an avid rider what would draw me to a adventure model Harley? First and foremost would be incredible dealer support and availability. Second would be the name, because, well honestly because I am an American and I like the idea of an American brand.
But what a hurdle to overcome. To compete they need 9" of suspension, switchable ABS and traction control, a well thought-out design with an adjustable windshield and bring at least 90-100hp stock. All wrapped up in a 450-500 pound max, bike. Oh' and at most a 12-14k price tag.
So right now they are probably only 20 years behind if this was something they would actually consider. But they would have the benefit of learning from others mistakes. In the end it will never happen.
If you are only used to big twins and if you haven't ever ridden a modern adv bike like a Triumph Tiger 800 or F800GS or maybe the new Africa Twin these bikes would blow your mind in their capabilities. I am not saying they are better for the pure pleasure of riding, just that they are amazing in their rideability and versatility.
I would love to see what the MoCo could do with an ADV bike if they set their minds to it.