Good thread. A Harley is certainly a luxury if you don't have enough to eat but let' s also remember...

My Harley helped keep a bunch of folks employed at the moco. Family wage jobs too for the most part.

It employed folks making the parts the moco bought.

It employed folks to ship it.

It employed folks at my dealership.

I buy parts for it and employ folks that way. Even Chinese stuff employs Americans in supply/logistics, but seek US stuff whenever I can.

All of these folks employ other folks in grocery stores, restaurants, schools, etc. They pay taxes to build roads and bridges, etc.

A lot of good jobs get lost when folks stop spending money. I like to think of my bikes as my own part of economic stimulus with a lion's share going to "normal folks" like us.

For those with less now than you've had in the past, here's a hope that the cash will start flowing again soon.

Merry Xmas.

 

Great post!!!!

We should all reflect & be thankful.

A late Merry Christmas to everyone . . .

And a Happy New Year !!!

 

My heart go's out to you Drew!
and Yes, at a half Century plus, I feel quite lucky to witnessing anything at all. I love it here in this great country to which at this point has aloud me to grow and mature at my own rate. I feel quite lucky to finally have the resources to own a Harley of my own. When things got a little tight, I considered selling off my car before my bike, but I am single and childless. Mmmm! Something wrong with that picture but I'll let the Bitch "esplain" that one.
Tough days are far from over however, so hang on to what you have right now! And help and pray for the needy when you can.
Take good care of yourselves and families, as they are all you do have, and that too can change, ask me how I know!
I wish you all well in the upcoming years, and hope to meet many of you, of whom I've found solace and honesty in their posts to others.
my $0.02


aka Bob

 

+1 for a great attitude. I'm glad I have a bike and I can still ride.

 

It's enuf to be healthy and happy.

 

Great post. I feel very fortunate to own my ride too. I've made many friends on the road and here on the forum. I think that is the best part for me.

 

I hear you loud and clear... and I'm appreciative of mine as well.

I've got soem buddies that start bitchin' every two years... then one of them buys a new bike. Next thing you know... three more go and trade in on new too. Keepin' up with the Jones's is all their doing.

Mine's an '08 too, and I busted my *** to pay it it off in two years instead of four. The way I see it... I'm keepin' it until it's falling apart. I got one friens that trades his in when the rear tires need changing. WTF?!

 

Amen to everything you said, all of you. I also have been climbing those utility poles for 30 years. Would not change a thing.

 

Things have been and could be a LOT worse. I lost my job (no fault of my own) 10 months ago. It has been a tough year but we are all still here, fat, dumb, happy and riding. Things will turn around this coming year....I never loose sight of this....

 

thanks guys for all the replies. it occurred to me that many of my friends have commented with, "one of these days, i'd really like to own a bike just like yours". i take it as quite a compliment from them. yeah, i feel like my bike isn't necessary, but it sure is great to get out for a ride when the urge strikes me. i sure don't miss the rough times in years past when i was a young man. hope everyone has a great upcoming year, and i'm looking forward to a big rebound in the economy. lots of folks out there hurting. that's what made me think of posting this thread. i just felt the need to reflect on how fortunate we are, is all.