Yeah, some of what he says is true. HD is not perfect. Any major corporation that wants to survive growth eventually becomes a money machine, and Harley did it. 20 years ago the company was in the sh*tter and it's built back up to be one of the most recognizable brands in the world, next to Coca-Cola. And I believe that the right hand of the HD MoCo trulyis interested in providing its customers improved riding experiences, innovation within its sense of tradition, and to keep being a part of the motorcycle community that it has built. On the left hand, the bean counters are making gazillions (well, maybe not)of dollars on branding, marketing, and research. And the product makes people happy! Millions of people have found a sense ofcommunity and something to do with their time by riding HD motorcycles! Look at the retirees who spend the summer - together - cruising around on baggers. Look at the middle-aged guys who work hard their whole lives and buy Corvettes, boats, and Harleys as fruits of their labor. Look at the veteran bikers who have truly lived free lifestyles since the 50s and 60s on their Harleys: by choice and passion they have been in the saddle of HD bikes through thick and thin, back when you had to carry spare parts with you and stop every 50 miles to fix your sh*t, they were still riding Harleys. I personally come from 3 generations of riders, my grandpa was a serious "Wild Ones" type of biker who looked like Lee Marvin and rode Indians and Harleys. My dad has owned Nortons, Triumphs, Hondas, and Harleys. He rides a Harley now. I am on my third bike, my second brand-new Harley, and I'm in my twenties. I'm not rich, I would justrather have a kickass motorcycle and a halfass car. When I bought my Super Glide I rode Victory, Kawasaki, Suzuki; I rode cruisers, crotch rockets and sport-touring. I like the Dyna the best. I don't like Coke or Pepsi. I like Dr. Pepper. Doesn't mean I hate Pepsi; doesn't mean Coke sucks. Just my choice. (But really, everyone knows Dr. Pepper is better.) Thanks for listening!

 

Oh? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIs45EByKNE

 

iwantone!!!

 

Me too! I'd fly in that anytime. Did you hear the sound of that thing?

 

H*ll, the fu*ker doesn't even have a real job in the Army either. Editing for TRADOC, come-on gimme a break! If you join the Army you do it to blow s*it up and dodge bullets, if you ride bikes thenyou ride Harleys. Seems this little feller has his priorities all backwards.

 

Interesting read! I like a lot of other folks hear have owned crotch rockets. It's clear by his statements that he is a sport bike rider. Nothing wrong with that, I for one love to ride sport bikes. I've owned a Honda CBR600-f3, and a Yamaha R1. The R1 was by far one of the most impressive sport bikes I have ever owned or road. Fast, light, well balanced, takes corners like you wouldn't believe. The technology that goes into those bikes are second to none.

With that said I have owned two Harley's now. A 04 Lowrider, and my current Harley an 06 Streetglide. True to the rumor, not to much technology in these bikes, but they are fun to ride. I have taken long trips on both for several thousand miles and not a hickup from either one. Why would anyone compare these bikes to any other manufacture. Each manufacture has there pros and cons. The writer said anyone that owns a Harley is an idiot. Further from the truth, anyone that would spend that much time bashing another manufacture is the true idiot, different strokes for different folks. I have rode jap cruisers before, nothing wrong with them, nice rides. Unlike the rider mentioned I chose my harleys for there ride, the style was what I was looking for, and the price was not the issue at hand.

Now for the fun stuff, sport bikes are awsome fun to ride however, maybe 1% of the people that ride sport bikes can really ride them to there potential. The other 99% bought them because they they will look cool, and of course they think they will be able to pick up more women. I was one of those poeple when I was younger. I was somewhat different because I really wanted to ride these bikes. So I took some aggressive riding courses, and race courses. The only place to ride these bikes to there full abilities in the States in on a track. Riding a sport bike to it's full ability on a public roadway is not only impossible but a death wish. I would venture to say that the writer is part of the 99% of all sport bike riders, inexperience fools with a bike they do not have the ability to really ride.

He makes no point in his article that is either rationalized or educated for that matter. Newer technology is not always the best for everything. Jap cruisers are just fine if that's what one likes. I prefer to ride a Harley, not because it's an image or lifestyle, but because I liked the ride in it's self and the style of a motorcycle. It's funny that he mentioned the style has not changed in years, he is right about that, but the style of jap cruises have been changing for years to look more like Harley's. Most jap cruiser riders always compare their bikes to how much they look like or sound like some Harley models. I always tell them if they like their bike they don't need to justify owning a jap cruiser by comparing them to the sound and looks of a Harley, if they are happy with their bike that is all the justification they need. I think the writer needs a new hobby. Instead he is still trying to justify his purchase.

 

"You either got to be a poser goldwinger or BMW man."

And then you had to mention "ME".
Yup, I ride a Goldwing. A red 1996 one. I couldn't finish read what was in
the link because after the first sentance or two.......I was tired.
I am a Goldwinger. I have ridden two stroke Kawasakis, twin cyl.
Yamaha Maxims,Suzuki dirt bikes.....and rode (borrowed) a 150CC scooter because I was bikeless.
I can laugh at myself and find it easy to do.
I ride a Goldwing...nothing funny yet...

Chuck

 

yeah and from I what I have seen over the last 10 years HD motors are very reliable. I wonder tho about the need for full power on long climbouts, how well would a HD motor be wide open for 10 -15 minutes at a time. Wonder if they have modded the engine to account for that factor?

 

Kinda funny, and some truth, but not orgional. I've been hearing this stuff since the 60's.

 

I cant comprehend why someone would take the time to set up that site. What is the point.

Who cares what he thinks. Gotta say one thing though...

If anyone hates something that much he must secretly like it.