I certainly would consider a Harley that was something else than a V-twin. I aggree with those that believe the Moco is sort of stuck with its heritage marketing. I understand very much the appeal an air cooled V-twin has; its sound and feel, but for the next generation of buyers, this may not be what makes them want to buy an H-D or any other brand. I think for the company's long term success they need to have the confidence that if they spend big bucks on developing a powerful non V-twin motor, this platform will be greeted with excitment and not rejected out of hand because it is different.

 

For me, the "V" configuration has little to do with the appeal. It looks great, sure, but that's just grown on me because it's the status quo. I could become a parallel-twin fan or inline-triple fan just as easily if Triumph took over Harley's position in selling what I want.

And what I want is rugged simplicity and supportability. Sturdy build quality... none of those malleable aluminum frames or engine-as-stressed-member designs for me, thanks. Fewest moving parts possible: less to break and easy repair for those parts that do fail mean more years in the saddle, for less money! To this end I've even replaced my chain-driven cams with gear-driven cams. Are there any other bikes out there that even give you that option?! I think they're all too complicated!

People like to pick on Harley for updating their designs so infrequently, but this is actually a major selling point for me. The longer they keep an engine series or chassis series in production, the larger the accessory catalogs for those models grow, the more aftermarket support grows, the larger the user base grows... all adding up to a lot of parts and experienced services available for the owner. BMW retools a lot more often, which requires aftermarket accessory and parts makers to retool, and requires their mechanics to learn new systems more often. Priced BMW parts and service lately? Youch!

I would buy a Harley that wasn't a V-twin, but only if they kept up their philosophy of mechanical simplicity, rugged design, easy maintainability, usability, and quality. Otherwise, I'd switch to anyone who would fill those shoes.

 

I bought a Harley because I can not afford a Zero Engineering motorcycle.

 

It's because it's an old April Fools article/joke

 

I like my harleys so much I have two Harley bikes.

 

Sorry about that

 

 

Then really it wouldn't be a Harley.....would it...

So it'd be hard to buy something that ain't and call it the same as though it was, then ask if U want one.

 

Harley's what a machine ,been riding for 20 years , it's the only machine I have ridden, on my third one, Road King Classic 2011, Why,well made and it sounds like a Motor should sound

 

I would sure as heck would definitely buy a Harley and I don't care what engine it would have...my first Harley was a Shovel....and I still have it.....I also have the Twin Cam with 5 speed...a new RK is on order....with the six speed etc.....hope I live long enough to someday....get whatever else they come out with....