Does anyone besides me think...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,061
Likes: 52
From: So-Cal
that Willie G is over-rated?
I mean, the press and the general feeling one gets is that he is pure genius and holds cult status but I've gotta say I don't think he understands changing design concepts and marketing. Sure, he is successful and yes I have spent many thousands of dollars for his designs but he just seems to be one of those that lives off his past, as if anything he dreams up is genius. For the lack of a better description it seems like he comes up with a idea and then stops short of delivering it. Anyone can design cam covers and tank emblems but Harley needs to evolve with the competition. We've had the same basic fenders and tanks for eon's and while nostaglia is nice there is also such a thing as progression. I like choices not always the same old, same old. You buy a Harley and then you go out and spent more for parts to change it.
Just a rant.
I mean, the press and the general feeling one gets is that he is pure genius and holds cult status but I've gotta say I don't think he understands changing design concepts and marketing. Sure, he is successful and yes I have spent many thousands of dollars for his designs but he just seems to be one of those that lives off his past, as if anything he dreams up is genius. For the lack of a better description it seems like he comes up with a idea and then stops short of delivering it. Anyone can design cam covers and tank emblems but Harley needs to evolve with the competition. We've had the same basic fenders and tanks for eon's and while nostaglia is nice there is also such a thing as progression. I like choices not always the same old, same old. You buy a Harley and then you go out and spent more for parts to change it.
Just a rant.
If a Harley didn't look like a Harley, I don't think I'd like it as much. As for Willie G, he is directly responsible for my bike, the Bad Boy Springer, so he's ok by me.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,642
Likes: 6
From: Forest Lake, Mn
Take an FLH off the assembly line.
Stick a Sportster front end on it.
Add a fiberglass fender, with a 1965 Chevy (Yes, Chevy) taillight, and call it Factory Experimental and it turns into the scoot that not only saves the company, but allows you to buy the company (which just happens to have your name attached to it) back from the depths.
Factory Experimental is FX for youz not old enough to remember it, but old enough to ride 'em.
I, too, have had the opportunity to talk to WG. I came away with a completely different attitude than when I walked up.
They did come up with a new and exciting scoot. It is called the V Rod, but evidentally MOST HD riders are not real keen on new and exciting. The proof is in the cash register. I have ridden them at least a half dozen times, and they are FAST and unbelieveably stable. Momma LOVES them.
The Nightster is a warmed over bobber. Bobbers have been 'round at least 8 or 9 yrs, right?
But evidentally, ppl want a warmed over idea. The proof is in the cash register.
The fenders and the tanks, are sort of like the ol' VW Beetle, and it is the most recognized auto in the world.
I happen to ride scoots that are older than a lot of members here. I just keep rebuilding and swapping. Use what I have, that's what Willie G did in 1971.
Is Willie G over rated, prob'ly. But then, so is Bill Gates. It is just the ppl underneath them who are UNDER rated. So what's new?
Stick a Sportster front end on it.
Add a fiberglass fender, with a 1965 Chevy (Yes, Chevy) taillight, and call it Factory Experimental and it turns into the scoot that not only saves the company, but allows you to buy the company (which just happens to have your name attached to it) back from the depths.
Factory Experimental is FX for youz not old enough to remember it, but old enough to ride 'em.
I, too, have had the opportunity to talk to WG. I came away with a completely different attitude than when I walked up.
They did come up with a new and exciting scoot. It is called the V Rod, but evidentally MOST HD riders are not real keen on new and exciting. The proof is in the cash register. I have ridden them at least a half dozen times, and they are FAST and unbelieveably stable. Momma LOVES them.
The Nightster is a warmed over bobber. Bobbers have been 'round at least 8 or 9 yrs, right?
But evidentally, ppl want a warmed over idea. The proof is in the cash register.The fenders and the tanks, are sort of like the ol' VW Beetle, and it is the most recognized auto in the world.
I happen to ride scoots that are older than a lot of members here. I just keep rebuilding and swapping. Use what I have, that's what Willie G did in 1971.
Is Willie G over rated, prob'ly. But then, so is Bill Gates. It is just the ppl underneath them who are UNDER rated. So what's new?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 9,486
Likes: 4
From: Hico, TX (once home to Billy the Kid)
I, too, have expressed reservations about Willie G's design abilities. As case in point-any of the 100th anniversary bikes. To say the color palet was a disappointment would be an understatement. The 105's are better, but dealers all over the country had to either change out the tins or repaint them to sell the darn things. How many people really like the boat tail fender on the Duece? I don't think it looked that good in the seventies when it first came out. I have to agree, uninspired color palets and designs that are years behind the aftermarket do not a great designer make. HD should be leading, not following the trends.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,831
Likes: 15
From: Nomad
They love the V-Rods in Europe. It is a pretty cool design, just not what the "core customer" goes for.
One of the British motomags ("Two" maybe) just has a piece on the most powerful in the motorcycle industry and Willie G ranked pretty high.
One of the British motomags ("Two" maybe) just has a piece on the most powerful in the motorcycle industry and Willie G ranked pretty high.
Just so we are on an even playing field here. I used to sell Honda's (don't ask). The Goldwing is water cooled and is quiet. Other than that it could have been designed by Mr. Potato Head. The HK Radio kicks Honda's *** and the Ultra comes with a CB and CD Player. Honda charges an arm an a leg for theirs and it is not standard equipment. Honda had a recall because their frames were breaking. I don't remember Harley having that problem. You can buy a new 06, 07, or 08 Goldwing new in the box tomorrow if you wanted to. They still have them in the warehouse. We may be outdated and backwards but we love our bikes. I'd vote for Willie G for President over Osama Obama....................dang, if I say anything else I'll gave to move the thread to the political section
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Banned
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,258
Likes: 2
From: AZ
I don't think he's over rated. Think he is one very smart man. And is soft spoken and really very introverted. I've met he and his wife. His wife is one smart woman too. She is not shy at all, and he calls her the brains of the outfit.
I myself have complained a lot about having to change everything on my Harley cuz they don't put what I want on it from the get go! But that's what everyone WANTS!! And money talks, and he has lots of it, so he(and by the way, he's got a huge staff so he's not the only brain there!)must be doing something right!
But I'm always going to complain about the seats. They should give you a choice of what seat you want or none at all when buying. I am sick and tired of spending hundreds of dollars to find the right seat!! Other than that, no complaints!!
I myself have complained a lot about having to change everything on my Harley cuz they don't put what I want on it from the get go! But that's what everyone WANTS!! And money talks, and he has lots of it, so he(and by the way, he's got a huge staff so he's not the only brain there!)must be doing something right!
But I'm always going to complain about the seats. They should give you a choice of what seat you want or none at all when buying. I am sick and tired of spending hundreds of dollars to find the right seat!! Other than that, no complaints!!
Most Wanted
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,345
Likes: 808
From: ( . )( . )
"I'd vote for Willie G for President over Osama Obama"
Well stated Terry!
Well stated Terry!
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Banned
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 290
Likes: 1
From: West Coast
Who are you bozos saying that Harleys are outdated and and the MoCo is following trends? All those metric Roadstars, Vulcans and Blvds and whatever they call em are copycats of the Harley look and V-twin engine.
Banned
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 290
Likes: 1
From: West Coast
I don't think he's over rated. Think he is one very smart man. And is soft spoken and really very introverted. I've met he and his wife. His wife is one smart woman too. She is not shy at all, and he calls her the brains of the outfit.
I myself have complained a lot about having to change everything on my Harley cuz they don't put what I want on it from the get go! But that's what everyone WANTS!! And money talks, and he has lots of it, so he(and by the way, he's got a huge staff so he's not the only brain there!)must be doing something right!
But I'm always going to complain about the seats. They should give you a choice of what seat you want or none at all when buying. I am sick and tired of spending hundreds of dollars to find the right seat!! Other than that, no complaints!!
I myself have complained a lot about having to change everything on my Harley cuz they don't put what I want on it from the get go! But that's what everyone WANTS!! And money talks, and he has lots of it, so he(and by the way, he's got a huge staff so he's not the only brain there!)must be doing something right!
But I'm always going to complain about the seats. They should give you a choice of what seat you want or none at all when buying. I am sick and tired of spending hundreds of dollars to find the right seat!! Other than that, no complaints!!