What Makes a Harley a Harley
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Tourer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 442
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From: Florida
What Makes a Harley a Harley
I am new to Harley's. I have owned a 1992 FLSTC for about a year. To me, it hit all my Harley buttons. But everybody had different Harley buttons. I am curious to hear what others think makes a Harley a Harley.
I believe that part of Harley's success is that they have been true to a particular set of distinctly Harley characteristics. Respecting those essential characteristics while advancing with technology must be difficult.
I have read comments suggesting that Harley needs to embrace new electronics and others suggesting that Harley should remain connected to its heritage.
I also have a Kawasaki 650 Versys. It is a superior bike to my FLSTC in any performance measure imaginable. But I enjoy riding my FLSTC more and I suspect that the Versys will be on a junk heap someplace while my FLSTC is still making somebody smile.
Is one better than the other? I don't think so. They are just different bikes that serve different purposes and are suitable for different purposes.
I believe that brands like Harley Davidson have to be very careful in the way they manage their brand or they risk depreciating the value of the brand. For example, look at what GM did to SAAB. SAAB had a small group of loyal followers. GM tried to turn it into a mass market brand and ended up driving it out of business.
While Harley is the most dominate brand in the US, it is a small brand on a global basis. Should they try to capture a more significant portion of the global market by expanding beyond their historical style? Or in doing so would they tarnish the brand that has served them so well?
So, what are the essential characteristics of the brand that they must hold onto and what can they discard in search of broader appeal?
I believe that part of Harley's success is that they have been true to a particular set of distinctly Harley characteristics. Respecting those essential characteristics while advancing with technology must be difficult.
I have read comments suggesting that Harley needs to embrace new electronics and others suggesting that Harley should remain connected to its heritage.
I also have a Kawasaki 650 Versys. It is a superior bike to my FLSTC in any performance measure imaginable. But I enjoy riding my FLSTC more and I suspect that the Versys will be on a junk heap someplace while my FLSTC is still making somebody smile.
Is one better than the other? I don't think so. They are just different bikes that serve different purposes and are suitable for different purposes.
I believe that brands like Harley Davidson have to be very careful in the way they manage their brand or they risk depreciating the value of the brand. For example, look at what GM did to SAAB. SAAB had a small group of loyal followers. GM tried to turn it into a mass market brand and ended up driving it out of business.
While Harley is the most dominate brand in the US, it is a small brand on a global basis. Should they try to capture a more significant portion of the global market by expanding beyond their historical style? Or in doing so would they tarnish the brand that has served them so well?
So, what are the essential characteristics of the brand that they must hold onto and what can they discard in search of broader appeal?
Last edited by Sorg67; Jun 20, 2017 at 08:54 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 3,085
From: Westchester, NY
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 20,970
Likes: 19,062
From: The Wasteland
There are numerous things that set HDs apart from other bikes but to me there are 2 that are the most important.
1- That unexplainable feeling. Harleys have "character" or "personality". I do not know how to say it but I'm sure every person on this board knows exactly what I mean.
2- Fit and finish. The chrome, the paint, the polish, the quality are second to none. Park an HD next to any other bike out there side by side and just take a few minutes to look closely at the two. There is no comparison.
1- That unexplainable feeling. Harleys have "character" or "personality". I do not know how to say it but I'm sure every person on this board knows exactly what I mean.
2- Fit and finish. The chrome, the paint, the polish, the quality are second to none. Park an HD next to any other bike out there side by side and just take a few minutes to look closely at the two. There is no comparison.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,787
Likes: 5,610
From: along the shore of Mishigami
If you like plastic injection molded parts then cling the metric cruisers or crotchies. If cold stamped steel fenders or gas tanks, welded steel frames, a big V-twin doing it's thing below the gas tank and developing a personality between rider and machine, then the Harley is for you. I own three of them and the all have their personalities and I enjoy them all.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 35,727
Likes: 38,320
From: Post Falls, ID
HD has never been about best motorcycle.
HD has always been best about brand image.
Sales of the Street could be an example of failing the brand image.
HD has always been best about brand image.
Sales of the Street could be an example of failing the brand image.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,395
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From: St George, UT
"If I have to explain it to you, you wouldn't understand."
Most Harley riders I know are highway riders. There is nothing like a Harley for riding the highways and secondary roads, taking in the sights and sounds and smells of the land. It isn't necessarily about speed and performance, although who doesn't want it there when needed? It isn't about handling, but who doesn't want it to handle effortlessly? It IS about pride of ownership, and fit and finish satisfies.
I have owned a Honda Gold Wing, a BMW R-65 with fairing and saddlebags, a Honda CB350 also equipped with fairing and bags. All did their job well. But, when I bought a new 2002 Harley after 20 years on other bikes, I felt like I had returned to my ancestral home. There is some emotional thing that connects you to the bikes.
Most Harley riders I know are highway riders. There is nothing like a Harley for riding the highways and secondary roads, taking in the sights and sounds and smells of the land. It isn't necessarily about speed and performance, although who doesn't want it there when needed? It isn't about handling, but who doesn't want it to handle effortlessly? It IS about pride of ownership, and fit and finish satisfies.
I have owned a Honda Gold Wing, a BMW R-65 with fairing and saddlebags, a Honda CB350 also equipped with fairing and bags. All did their job well. But, when I bought a new 2002 Harley after 20 years on other bikes, I felt like I had returned to my ancestral home. There is some emotional thing that connects you to the bikes.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,372
Likes: 1,362
From: Aurora, CO
That's not true. There was a time in their history when they were about being the best motorcycle and actually achieved it.
