Is it a don't fix what isn't broke thing or is it since the v-rod didn't do what they expected it to do we are not going to try and r and d any significant change to something people are buying. It's like hey we did ok with the 103 lets just make it bigger. Not lets see if we can give them more hp/ torque, and reduce the overall weight of the bike and still keep the same style. I feel like they think if I make it bigger they will come. Not make it better. I am more than happy with my 88tc. It may only make 78 or so ponies, but I didn't buy a hog to scream from stop light to stop light. I bought it cause I am a big ads dude who likes to cruise in style. Give me a heritage softail that weights 640 lbs has decent power, great brakes, better suspension, and better ground clearance. I would be all over it.

 

The Fatboy was the best Harley I've ever ridden. If it had ground clearance, it would be a game changer. Actually, the boards pivot really far. I'm thinking some lube on the joints might get the party started. I'm totally with you on the Army paint. It's only slightly better than another black Harley.

That was nice. But I think that 2016 white and teal on the Heritage and Deluxe is ****. It suits those bikes so well. I always thought the Heritage was pretty ugly with all the studs, steel wheels, and black tires. Fast forward to this year and it looks sexy as hell. Cruise control and a front brake that works is icing on the cake. A $1k price drop makes it almost too good to pass up if you can find one so equipped.

 

Yup, that's their bread and butter.
Harley built a much more technologically advanced bike a few years back. They called it the V-rod. Rarely see one on the road, compared to their more retro line of bikes. It's not like Harley hasn't experimented from time to time.

 

Yep, they are not stupid. Keep what works, Harley has gone the tech route...remember Buell? Bikes come and go but the HD remains trenched in its roots. Could they do something else...sure but why, when you have a brand this strong. I think they are keeping perfect pace with technology while maintaining the character of the brand.


If you want the highest tech go buy a metric, if that floats your boat. Harley is more about how it makes you feel other than braking distance, 1/4 mile times, lean angles, etc......

 

I ride a Harley Davidson because two Americans worked their *** off in a little shed over 100 years ago, think about that, 100 years ago; and created something with their own two hands and plain old American ingenuity that still survives to this very day. People ask me, "do you ride a Harley Davidson?" and I reply "is there another kind?". I don't give a **** if they put two wheels on a turd. I'm riding it, with some pipes of course.

 

Interesting

 

I dunno. The Wright Bros worked pretty hard in a little shed a hundred or so years ago too, but I'm still taking a Boeing or an Airbus these days.

 

If the MoCo came out with a Springer Bad Boy with a 110 and cvo trim I might consider that. Nothing that comes out today warms my cockles.

 

Ok, and WTF would you be taking today if those Wright Bros hadn't paved the way for Boeing or Airbus? Safe travels.

And you will have to forgive me, I don't know what the hell those emogis mean and wouldn't use one for the life of me. My daughter loves them though.

 

For the OP; let me post what it would take.

Springer Deluxe, Midnight Edition, cruise, TBW, Hydro Clutch, all internals, Freight Train up front, and ditch the plastic bull$hit trim. Move the rear turns to the strut covers. License plate off of the tombstone. And a 110 carborated, no EFI! Would rob the kid's college fund for it.