Changed so fast
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,970
Likes: 5,207
From: Michigan
Uh.....I think this discussion has gone off-topic 
YES, we have had a very "mild" winter...BUT, I never get too excited about riding until mid-April OR cutting grass until early-May.
Keep in mind that it is MICHIGAN and some say that we only have THREE seasons: Winter, Summer and Construction
As for H-D changing.....sometimes in business (and sales) the targeted customer base changes and it can be a matter of changing to meet customer demands or dying.
In U.S. motorcycle history there has been estimates that 300 (or so) companies were manufacturing and selling bikes and trikes.
Many factors contributed to nearly all of these companies to go "belly up" just like the many automobile manufacturing companies.
Harley-Davidson has survived because they "did what they had to do" in order to stay in business (even though the AMF days) and have remained competitive in the market with that success relying a lot on their products. their heritage and buyer brand loyalty.
I've been buying and riding H-D's starting with the '75 models and my latest (and probably last) being an '18 model.
IF....H-D was "still" only making today the same bikes that they made in '75 (or 1903) there would be NO Harley-Davison!
Many things will (and have) changed in 120+ years, some good and some maybe not-so good, but change (like ****) happens!
Personally, I think it's great that H-D is trying to produce a variety of bikes that will appeal to both older and younger buyers and IF they ever cease doing this they may well go the same way that nearly most every other U.S motorcycle company.
YES, we have had a very "mild" winter...BUT, I never get too excited about riding until mid-April OR cutting grass until early-May.
Keep in mind that it is MICHIGAN and some say that we only have THREE seasons: Winter, Summer and Construction
As for H-D changing.....sometimes in business (and sales) the targeted customer base changes and it can be a matter of changing to meet customer demands or dying.
In U.S. motorcycle history there has been estimates that 300 (or so) companies were manufacturing and selling bikes and trikes.
Many factors contributed to nearly all of these companies to go "belly up" just like the many automobile manufacturing companies.
Harley-Davidson has survived because they "did what they had to do" in order to stay in business (even though the AMF days) and have remained competitive in the market with that success relying a lot on their products. their heritage and buyer brand loyalty.
I've been buying and riding H-D's starting with the '75 models and my latest (and probably last) being an '18 model.
IF....H-D was "still" only making today the same bikes that they made in '75 (or 1903) there would be NO Harley-Davison!
Many things will (and have) changed in 120+ years, some good and some maybe not-so good, but change (like ****) happens!
Personally, I think it's great that H-D is trying to produce a variety of bikes that will appeal to both older and younger buyers and IF they ever cease doing this they may well go the same way that nearly most every other U.S motorcycle company.
Last edited by 2AMGuy; Mar 24, 2024 at 12:06 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,974
Likes: 63
From: Los Angeles
Uh.....I think this discussion has gone off-topic
YES, we have had a very "mild" winter...BUT, I never get too excited about riding until mid-April OR cutting grass until early-May.
Keep in mind that it is MICHIGAN and some say that we only have THREE seasons: Winter, Summer and Construction
As for H-D changing.....sometimes in business (and sales) the targeted customer base changes and it can be a matter of changing to meet customer demands or dying.
In U.S. motorcycle history there has been estimates that 300 (or so) companies were manufacturing and selling bikes and trikes.
Many factors contributed to nearly all of these companies to go "belly up" just like the many automobile manufacturing companies.
Harley-Davidson has survived because they "did what they had to do" in order to stay in business (even though the AMF days) and have remained competitive in the market with that success relying a lot on their products. their heritage and buyer brand loyalty.
I've been buying and riding H-D's starting with the '75 models and my latest (and probably last) being an '18 model.
IF....H-D was "still" only making today the same bikes that they made in '75 (or 1903) there would be NO Harley-Davison!
Many things will (and have) changed in 120+ years, some good and some maybe not-so good, but change (like ****) happens!
Personally, I think it's great that H-D is trying to produce a variety of bikes that will appeal to both older and younger buyers and IF they ever cease doing this they may well go the same way that nearly most every other U.S motorcycle company.
YES, we have had a very "mild" winter...BUT, I never get too excited about riding until mid-April OR cutting grass until early-May.
Keep in mind that it is MICHIGAN and some say that we only have THREE seasons: Winter, Summer and Construction
As for H-D changing.....sometimes in business (and sales) the targeted customer base changes and it can be a matter of changing to meet customer demands or dying.
In U.S. motorcycle history there has been estimates that 300 (or so) companies were manufacturing and selling bikes and trikes.
Many factors contributed to nearly all of these companies to go "belly up" just like the many automobile manufacturing companies.
Harley-Davidson has survived because they "did what they had to do" in order to stay in business (even though the AMF days) and have remained competitive in the market with that success relying a lot on their products. their heritage and buyer brand loyalty.
I've been buying and riding H-D's starting with the '75 models and my latest (and probably last) being an '18 model.
IF....H-D was "still" only making today the same bikes that they made in '75 (or 1903) there would be NO Harley-Davison!
Many things will (and have) changed in 120+ years, some good and some maybe not-so good, but change (like ****) happens!
Personally, I think it's great that H-D is trying to produce a variety of bikes that will appeal to both older and younger buyers and IF they ever cease doing this they may well go the same way that nearly most every other U.S motorcycle company.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,740
Likes: 8,577
From: Edmonton, Alberta
If this is your definition of fast I think you'd give a speeding ticket to a snail
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,481
Likes: 630
From: NorCal Rocklin
Some of the tech that HD has brought out is good. I think they paved the way for self canceling turn signals unless BMW did it. ABS, Cruise control. Self lowering suspension.
All the other tech like RDRS and VVT already exist. They just happen to refine it. I'm waiting for them to eventually release automatic adjustable windshields, or Automatic radar Cruise control.
All the other tech like RDRS and VVT already exist. They just happen to refine it. I'm waiting for them to eventually release automatic adjustable windshields, or Automatic radar Cruise control.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 7,674
Likes: 8,395
From: Utah
@chicanagirl I hear you 
Harley is taking us on an amazing journey.
Many of us remember when Fuel injection replaced carbs. Model Rushmore and touchscreen Infotainment! Can Buss and modules like the BCM took over control. Twin cam to M8 and variable valve timing, makes you wonder what’s next.
I have no complaints, I’m here for the ride!
Harley is taking us on an amazing journey.
Many of us remember when Fuel injection replaced carbs. Model Rushmore and touchscreen Infotainment! Can Buss and modules like the BCM took over control. Twin cam to M8 and variable valve timing, makes you wonder what’s next.
I have no complaints, I’m here for the ride!
