Abandoned by hd
Lots of good points here, I would have to agree with the screw it, just ride idea. There is a "HOG" chapter that went on their own when the dealership switched ownership and the previous owner opened a non-franchised repair shop. All the members still belong to the national HOG club and still were their patches with their own rocker that says "rouge chapter" or something like that....
I guess my point is (like a few others on this thread) you really don't need the motor company's blessing to have your own chapter, you can still attend HOG rallies and have meetings and rides and not have to ask for any help from a dealership. Sure some corporate clown may frown if they were to see a "rouge chapter" rocker. Screw 'em, Let's ride!
I guess my point is (like a few others on this thread) you really don't need the motor company's blessing to have your own chapter, you can still attend HOG rallies and have meetings and rides and not have to ask for any help from a dealership. Sure some corporate clown may frown if they were to see a "rouge chapter" rocker. Screw 'em, Let's ride!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 4
From: Kalifornia
To the OP: Sorry your HOG chapter closed.
To some of you guys that like to rag on HOG members or HOG vest wearers or any such other group of riders who are, in your immodest opinions, somehow beneath you and worthy of ridicule: Why the fvck do you care what anybody else does or wears as long as it doesn't infringe on your right to do/wear whatever the fvck you want?
DISCLAIMER: I am not a HOG member and I don't like vests.
To some of you guys that like to rag on HOG members or HOG vest wearers or any such other group of riders who are, in your immodest opinions, somehow beneath you and worthy of ridicule: Why the fvck do you care what anybody else does or wears as long as it doesn't infringe on your right to do/wear whatever the fvck you want?
DISCLAIMER: I am not a HOG member and I don't like vests.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,120
Likes: 192
From: Lakeland, FL
didn't think I'd ever see anybody so upset to leave hog.. ?? Why not just ride with your buddies? Do you have to have a dealership backing to enjoy your bike? Maybe they took your patches..
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 7
From: MN
Business as usual
I remember when dealerships wouldn't work on chopped or modified bikes. Newer dealerships wouldn't service shovelheads, or even stock parts for them. This stuff is nothing new. Any corporate entity that uses the word "family" is suspect.
I worked for the Clear Channel "family" for 8 years. The first line of the mission statement was "Our employees are our most important asset...." Over 900 (just the first wave) were laid off in ONE DAY. I understand your frustration, but it is in no way a "family" at H-D. Hell, they even fired the last remaining Davidsons in the '70s. I'm not taking their side, just saying that's the way it's always been at "The Firm". Check out the books from Sucher, etc. The bottom line reigns. This kind of stuff has been going on since the founders were young.
Don't buy into the warm and fuzzy "family" thing. Especially when corporate America is concerned. The bean counters are in control, no matter what beanie-wearing Willie G. says in press releases.
I worked for the Clear Channel "family" for 8 years. The first line of the mission statement was "Our employees are our most important asset...." Over 900 (just the first wave) were laid off in ONE DAY. I understand your frustration, but it is in no way a "family" at H-D. Hell, they even fired the last remaining Davidsons in the '70s. I'm not taking their side, just saying that's the way it's always been at "The Firm". Check out the books from Sucher, etc. The bottom line reigns. This kind of stuff has been going on since the founders were young.
Don't buy into the warm and fuzzy "family" thing. Especially when corporate America is concerned. The bean counters are in control, no matter what beanie-wearing Willie G. says in press releases.
Last edited by warrconn; Feb 26, 2010 at 09:26 PM.
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Joe Kucinski
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: O'fallon, Missouri
Harley has to do what they have to do. If that involves closing dealerships because nobody is buying new bikes then that is what happens. We are still in a horrible recession and they are just like any other business. You can't bash them for it. There are alot of people bashing them on this thread. I personally don't care about HOG. I never saw a reason for me to join it. I would rather see some HOG chapters go away than Harley go away. I love my Harley and will always only ride HD. JMO