2011 Models
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 28,128
Likes: 21
From: US poverty capital, california
There ya go, that fix was simple for Rick.......and no HD R&D involved...
That's one of the things that made HD an icon.....not everyone (even if you could afford it) could get one....I long for those days also......
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 2
From: Northern Colorado
Figured I might as well get the ball rolling on this topic. Something big has got to be coming for 2011 after the "nothing new" 2010 releases. I mean seriously things must be real bad at the MOCO...when your "new" models are "old" models with parts bolted onto them from "other" models.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 843
Likes: 43
From: Louisiana
Whether it's 2011 or a little later Harley has got to make a move engine wise. The dresser segment is very profitable for Harley and the competition is going to come back with new models soon. With the 2009 improvements to the Harley touring line they finally have a great chassis. There are a lot of folks that tried a new Harley because of all the improvements over the last several years. But part of their success was based on the fact that the Gold wing and the BMW K1200LT had stagnated. Honda is typically tight lipped so who knows what the next Wing will be like. One thing you can count on it won't be anything like the current one except maybe a flat opposed engine. BMW on the other hand just released a concept bike that had a 1600cc six cylinder engine and announced it will be 150 hp+ and power their next luxury touring bike. Harley faces some real challenges going forward. Keeping die hard Harley owners happy has never been a problem. It's the more general motorcyclist that they really haven't figured out yet. These are the guys that love all bikes and will buy based on performance,technology and features regardless of the brand. I'm sure glad I'm not the guy that has to solve that problem. I will say this; build an Ultra Classic with a reliable 120HP liquid cooled V-Twin engine and I'll be first in line.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,132
Likes: 25
From: NorCal
What Harley Davidson really needs to do is to take their touring models and rent some time in a wind tunnel.
Seriously. How much longer are they going to sell $25,000 bikes that beat your head up and blur your vision at speeds over 65?
Has anyone here ridden a modern BMW K1200GT, a modern Goldwing, or one of the new Kawasaki Harley copies? They all have still rider environments. A much more pleasant place to spend a 10 hour day on the road.
I love my Harley, and it's on the way to being equipped like an Ultra, but damn the wind management (or lack thereof) really pisses me off.
I'm convinced Harley engineers can update their wind management and still have a classic looking bike. They did a pretty fantastic job with the new chassis, just finish the job.
Anyone who tells me that wind and buffeting is part of the riding experience has their head in the sand. Ride some competitive products and see for yourself.
Seriously. How much longer are they going to sell $25,000 bikes that beat your head up and blur your vision at speeds over 65?
Has anyone here ridden a modern BMW K1200GT, a modern Goldwing, or one of the new Kawasaki Harley copies? They all have still rider environments. A much more pleasant place to spend a 10 hour day on the road.
I love my Harley, and it's on the way to being equipped like an Ultra, but damn the wind management (or lack thereof) really pisses me off.
I'm convinced Harley engineers can update their wind management and still have a classic looking bike. They did a pretty fantastic job with the new chassis, just finish the job.
Anyone who tells me that wind and buffeting is part of the riding experience has their head in the sand. Ride some competitive products and see for yourself.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 2
From: Northern Colorado
If you don't like what Harley has to offer, DON'T BUY ONE!!! There are better performing bikes out there, I just don't think they have the style that Harley does. That's the trade you will have to make, if you can't accept that then get a Goldwing.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 20
From: Salem, Or
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,132
Likes: 25
From: NorCal
So typical. And so narrow minded. It does not have to be a trade-off. Harley just has to spend some time engineering their current models to be better (like they did with the chassis) and not reinvent the wheel.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 932
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
For me is has to be a Harley. I started with Harley. I tried a couple of metrics. They did everything well but so does my washing machine and refrigerator. Thats how I felt about them. I went back to Harley and even if it isn't the latest techno marvel I have that like a kid again feeling everytime I go for a ride.