Does anyone besides me think...
Nightsters are the most popular of the sporster line we sell. To me, it is a miserable riding machine. The V-Rod really is an inspired design that gets better every year. I enjoy every chance to take one out for a spin. I'm not sure what HD needs to do to boost the popularity of this overlooked machine
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,823
Likes: 2
From: THE MARITIMES Canada
Nothing wrong with the different opinions, but if it wasn't for him and 12 others, there'd be no Harley Davidson.....I have no doubt about that. AMF was draining every cent out of HD and by 1979 the company was almost bankrupt. Plus, the "innovative" stuff that they were working on in the 70's was killing the company also. The new owners concentrated on what worked, fat tanks, big headlights, etc. It worked extremely well, the company made a killing. There's nothing wrong with wanting some variation, but if you ask 100 Harley riders what they want, 90 will tell you; Road Kings, big fat Electra Glides, Sportsters, Fat Boys, air cooled motors, etc.
Last edited by Sam; Aug 18, 2008 at 03:54 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
Likes: 4
From: Midland, TX
I can't really say one way or the other. I don't personally know the guy nor have I ever met him. And, I'm not sure how much design he actually does since he's a muckey muck. Can't argue with the success HD has had post AMF.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,523
Likes: 1
From: South Florida
willie g who????
I agree some people are way too overrated,,,, plenty of other people with much more creativity...if it aint broken dont fix it....We are the people that continue to buy this outdated motorcycles...
I agree some people are way too overrated,,,, plenty of other people with much more creativity...if it aint broken dont fix it....We are the people that continue to buy this outdated motorcycles...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
Just my opinion. The v-rod is an ugly motorcycle. It has no appeal to me personally. It has several design changes that I don't like personally. I am not a fan of how it sounds. That tortoise shell air breather where the tank should be is ugly. I see it as a transitional bike to fill a niche for people who like sport bikes but want a HD and don't care for the sporties like Buell or the sporties. I like the way Willie G acts and I think that he is a positive influence in HD design and innovations. I think a lot of people work to design and make changes to the HD's for the customer. I think HD has a glorified history and if you look at some of the bikes and colors schemes from the past , they are rolling pieces of mechanical art. Look at that lineage from past to present. Flaties, knucks, pans, shovels, evos, blockheads, and the revolution. I didn't bother to mention the obscure engines and some of the no goes. I have seen paint schemes from the past that were almost genius in their selection.
Nightsters are the most popular of the sporster line we sell. To me, it is a miserable riding machine. The V-Rod really is an inspired design that gets better every year. I enjoy every chance to take one out for a spin. I'm not sure what HD needs to do to boost the popularity of this overlooked machine
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,208
Likes: 374
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Not sure about how much he actually designs, I haven't met him and didn't know he was a huge "cult hero". He was born into the company but I wouldn't fault him for that.
I think he and the H-D design team, have a difficult jobs. They have a very vocal group of customers saying they love the old stuff, don't change anything. Also there is the government and other customers saying change everything. They also need to please the stock holders.
He is the "face" of the MOCO and get praise (or blame) for anything that happens.
(Is the current fuel filter issue really his fault?)
IMO most celebrities are over-rated and I wouldn't cross the street to meet them (I wouldn't recognize many of them anyway). I'd probably walk a block or two to meet Mr. Davidson.
I think he and the H-D design team, have a difficult jobs. They have a very vocal group of customers saying they love the old stuff, don't change anything. Also there is the government and other customers saying change everything. They also need to please the stock holders.
He is the "face" of the MOCO and get praise (or blame) for anything that happens.
(Is the current fuel filter issue really his fault?)
IMO most celebrities are over-rated and I wouldn't cross the street to meet them (I wouldn't recognize many of them anyway). I'd probably walk a block or two to meet Mr. Davidson.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 83
From: Southern California
Willie G has done more for HD and the motorcycling industry than any one single individual I can think of who is still living. You seem to think that WG has fallen down on the job by not evolving and keeping up with the changes, yet what you don't seem to realize is that the overwhelming majority of Harley owners don't want lots of changes. We like our bikes the way they are. The sales numbers don't lie. The only model that doesn't sell well here in the US is the V-rod, which is the most technologically advanced bike in the entire HD lineup.
I currently ride a 2008 Ultra Classic and previously owned a 2003 Ultra Classic. The difference between the two bikes in terms of improvements is substantial. In just 5 years the new 2008 model has: 96 cu in, 6 speed tranny, 6 gallon tank, HK radio with bluetooth, satellite navigation, XM satellite radio and ABS brakes. I never envisoned the day where I would have all that technology on a motorcycle. Yet, there it is and it's sitting right in my garage. The pure genius of HD is that they've made all these changes and without altering the appearance of the bike in any significant way. It's what HD customers want and expect from HD.
I currently ride a 2008 Ultra Classic and previously owned a 2003 Ultra Classic. The difference between the two bikes in terms of improvements is substantial. In just 5 years the new 2008 model has: 96 cu in, 6 speed tranny, 6 gallon tank, HK radio with bluetooth, satellite navigation, XM satellite radio and ABS brakes. I never envisoned the day where I would have all that technology on a motorcycle. Yet, there it is and it's sitting right in my garage. The pure genius of HD is that they've made all these changes and without altering the appearance of the bike in any significant way. It's what HD customers want and expect from HD.
Last edited by tda69; Aug 18, 2008 at 04:03 PM.