is it just me?
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 28
From: Allyn, WA
Interesting thought and an astute observation.
I've known a lot of riders over the years, and when I think back to the ones (many years ago) that rode big twins, they always seemed to have been big twin riders, and scoffed at anything that wasn't the "big Harley". Many rode L-heads and then "upgraded" to Knuckleheads, Panheads, or Shovelheads. I remember running circles around all of the big twins with my British bikes and even with my CB-750, but to the BT guys I was riding a toy.
Fast forward to the early 90's through today. A lot of Baby Boomers jumped onto Harleys because they always wanted one and could finally afford one, and many STARTED out on Sportsters and went on to BTs. They were/are buying and riding a marque or a style, and view the bike as a status they've achieved. They are not "real" riders or enthusiasts. Today's Harley owner is a different breed than 40-50 years ago. I have noticed this in the miles on used bikes for sale. It used to be that a used Harley had many, many miles, not so much anymore. It's more like a hobby today to be enjoyed on the weekend, and one I notice that many tire of after only a few years. It used to be that if it was 40* or higher, the cage stayed home (if you had one) and the bike was primary transportation. There were a few years when a bike was my only form of transportation, or at least my main form of it. Again, not so much anymore...
I've known a lot of riders over the years, and when I think back to the ones (many years ago) that rode big twins, they always seemed to have been big twin riders, and scoffed at anything that wasn't the "big Harley". Many rode L-heads and then "upgraded" to Knuckleheads, Panheads, or Shovelheads. I remember running circles around all of the big twins with my British bikes and even with my CB-750, but to the BT guys I was riding a toy.
Fast forward to the early 90's through today. A lot of Baby Boomers jumped onto Harleys because they always wanted one and could finally afford one, and many STARTED out on Sportsters and went on to BTs. They were/are buying and riding a marque or a style, and view the bike as a status they've achieved. They are not "real" riders or enthusiasts. Today's Harley owner is a different breed than 40-50 years ago. I have noticed this in the miles on used bikes for sale. It used to be that a used Harley had many, many miles, not so much anymore. It's more like a hobby today to be enjoyed on the weekend, and one I notice that many tire of after only a few years. It used to be that if it was 40* or higher, the cage stayed home (if you had one) and the bike was primary transportation. There were a few years when a bike was my only form of transportation, or at least my main form of it. Again, not so much anymore...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
To the OP, it's not just you. All of the what looks best, etc started on here with the Nightster, then the Iron and now the 48.
This used to mostly be information on performance related matters. But, we have to change with the times. I ride a lot, and rarely see any of the Nightster class bikes on the road. I guess they are all busy looking at the most recent catalog. But, it's all good. They are motorcycle enthusiasts also.
I just ignore all the threads that start with, "what would look better?" etc. And try to help people that have a question other then their own insecurity to make a decision about their own bike. And I get help from some on here when I have a problem that I haven't faced before.
Like I said, It's all good.
This used to mostly be information on performance related matters. But, we have to change with the times. I ride a lot, and rarely see any of the Nightster class bikes on the road. I guess they are all busy looking at the most recent catalog. But, it's all good. They are motorcycle enthusiasts also.
I just ignore all the threads that start with, "what would look better?" etc. And try to help people that have a question other then their own insecurity to make a decision about their own bike. And I get help from some on here when I have a problem that I haven't faced before.
Like I said, It's all good.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
+1. This has been my observation. A lot may have to do with the media driven "chopper" craze, and a lot has to do with Harley marketing. It's as if the motorcycle enthusiast is in the minority in the Harley camp. Harleys have become the Rolex of motorcycling. Rolex's do the same thing as a Timex or a Casio (tell time), but the Rolex is a status symbol. Same goes with the Harley.
But with an HD, it's more than a bike, so everybody seems to personalize theirs.
This is a KTM 950
And this is a Yamaha XS 650
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
I suppose it's true that I "don't look hard enough" considering I have such little interest in metrics,...... but it sure seems like the ones I see are near stock, compared to the HD's that are rarely similar from one bike to the next.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 28
From: Allyn, WA
Yamaha's Star line of bikes draw a lot of customizing. Next to Harley, the Stars have the second largest aftermarket going for them.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 28
From: Allyn, WA
Nice stuff! But you have to admit it's not what one is used to seeing on the streets on a regular basis.
I suppose it's true that I "don't look hard enough" considering I have such little interest in metrics,...... but it sure seems like the ones I see are near stock, compared to the HD's that are rarely similar from one bike to the next.
I suppose it's true that I "don't look hard enough" considering I have such little interest in metrics,...... but it sure seems like the ones I see are near stock, compared to the HD's that are rarely similar from one bike to the next.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
Don't have to be a flat out rebuilt customization, to "personalize" your bike.
I've been thru the bling thing, the expensive paint and the lawn chair at the show thing years ago. Does nothing for me anymore.
Many of them bore me anymore. I'm fine with the near stock look.
I do enjoy modding my motors though. Great pleasure comes from that.