Quote from: jserio on February 24, 2011, 08:51:22 PM
I just don't get why some riders seem to feel the need to bash some else's choice for what they chose to ride....

Quote from: tt_four on February 23, 2011, 07:24:17 PM
I don't think I really hear about too many people hating the actual bikes....

I think the general distaste comes from 2 things...... They're no longer a motorcycle company, they're just  an advertising and marketing company that sells shirts, leather jackets, motorcycles, and key chains.

2nd is some of the riders....

The bikes are definitely the butt of some jokes, and that happens with anything. Hopefully peoples poor self esteem doesn't make them push it took far with giving other people a hard time. Again though, I don't really think it's the bikes that people are that opposed to, it's just the mandatory selling of your soul that comes with owning one.

I wouldn't sell my soul for one, but if I got a good deal, I'd buy one.

Well, never thought I'd own a Harley (I'm too rough on stuff as the BF says has to be Mary proof) like I dropped Flick the first day I owned him. It was in the subdivision and didn't hurt him but I'm sure he hasn't forgotten jealous little batard. But, now we are working on a 58 panhead HD. It's pissing oil all over the garage so I guess that makes it genuine We want to restore it to stock so it most def will be a labor of love. But, I don't think you will see me with an HD logo tat anytime soon. BTW anyone got any of them Harley bolts we seem to be missing a few 

Mary

Bad styling. Sure I'll get a harley first. Then I'll get a hot-rod buggy like the Munsters used to drive. Maybe I'll start wearing a cape.

which ones mary?

Quote from: Toogoofy317 on February 24, 2011, 09:31:33 PMBTW anyone got any of them Harley bolts we seem to be missing a few 

haha, my XB has a few of those in there. I remember looking at one the first time I pulled the front caliper off and was thinking "WTF, who stamps their logo into a bolt?!". I had to replace one of them, but I figured Home Depot was good enough, both companies start with H-D, and that's what's important, right??

I'm with Mad... I don't see the Value For Money in a HD - Suzuki make much more affordable cruisers. Additionally, I'm not really that big on the overall look of them. My general dislike though comes not from the bike, but the hubris from most of those who ride them. Sheesh man, a friggin nod of the head or small arm wave won't kill 'em. But "no"... you're not riding the right type of brand to be acknowledged. Screw that.

For seating... cruisers do not suit my biomechanics. Sore back after less than 10 minutes - though I didn't get this on a brief 25 minute stint on a Triumph America.

As for merchandising... KTM doesn't do too bad either. KTM flipflops, KTM "balance bike" WTF? All I want is a diecast Naked GS500 - is that so much to ask for?

Michael

Quote from: mister on February 25, 2011, 01:36:51 PM

As for merchandising... KTM doesn't do too bad either. KTM flipflops, KTM "balance bike" WTF? All I want is a diecast Naked GS500 - is that so much to ask for?

Michael

Haha, well I can understand the balance bike. KTM makes a lot of little kids dirtbikes, so starting them on a KTM balance bike is a good transition to a KTM dirtbike, as far as marketing is concerned. Flipflops are a little much, but I guess MX boots are pretty hefty. I can see an MXer putting on some flipflops for the drive out to their trails. When I start seeing KTM dish towels and KTM monopoly, we'll know they're getting a little out of hand.

I just wanted to add my uuuuhhh 2 cents to the HD merchandising discussion....



That said, I wouldn't mind a FI sporty 1200, but even used they're ridiculously priced...

Quote from: PachmanP on February 25, 2011, 07:57:46 PM
I just wanted to add my uuuuhhh 2 cents to the HD merchandising discussion....



That said, I wouldn't mind a FI sporty 1200, but even used they're ridiculously priced...

Hey Pachman are those yours

Mary

Quote from: PachmanP on February 25, 2011, 07:57:46 PM
I just wanted to add my uuuuhhh 2 cents to the HD merchandising discussion....



That said, I wouldn't mind a FI sporty 1200, but even used they're ridiculously priced...

theres one here, priced WELL below kbb. look on youtube, under my name here, find a video a tribute video called gunnys ride, in that theres a white sporty 1200 i rode, it was an FI, and is for sale here locally. ( www.autocadeinc.com )

what's your definition of "reasonably priced"? varies from person to person.

theres a 1200fi here locally south of 6k. has 1100 miles on it ive rode that bike too. nice exhaust as well

they just sold this one. theres another one there ill get info on.

After '08 they are all FI if i'm not mistaken.

Quote from: jserio on February 26, 2011, 12:00:51 AM
After '08 they are all FI if i'm not mistaken.

only thign i dislike about FI is this. cannot even f%$k with teh idle . theres 2 plugs under a cover on left hand side. 1 wiht a yellow ribbing on it. another with different colouring. that being said only way to change it is to plug one of those into harleys computer. or get a power commander or bypass it lol. aka hacking your own bike in other words. btw know you can easily hotwaire a bike using only a paperclip? keep that in mind and lock the fucker at night

unofficial motto:

since 1903, the worlds greatest vibrator. ( maybe why the women like em?, sorry i had too. no offense intended)

Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on February 26, 2011, 12:10:18 AM

only thign i dislike about FI is this. cannot even f%$k with teh idle .

That's not a FI problem, that's just another HD problem. Most FI still have an idle adjuster, even my XB that everyone considers to be a Harley has one. I'm surprised HD didn't ban Erik from putting an idle adjuster on his bikes too.

Harleys are no longer unreliable.  They are made much better these days.  They got a lot better after 1984.  Having said that, to answer your question, if I'm in a bad mood I'd say guys like Harleys because they're big, fat, and slow, just like them.  When I'm in a good mood I'd say they want something American that lasts.  They hate the constant outsourcing of jobs away from the United States.  Both are true.

As for me and my tastes, I would love a V-rod that's more standard, not a boulevard cruiser.  I'm so sick of the boulevard cruiser thing I can't even put it into words.  I won't even get into their very successful marketing strategy that has rewarded them handsomely, catering to biker wannabees who work as accountants, dentists, physical therapists, et al.  I need a bike that has pegs below the seat, where they belong, so I can ride comfortably for more than 50 miles.  If Harley ever hears me I'd get one in a New York second, but they have shown me for too long that they don't care that I exist, so I say screw 'em at this point.  They ALMOST have it at the present time.  Gimme an XR 1200 with a V-rod engine.  Now THAT'S A BIKE!!  I was born in 1962 and no one should be using pushrods at this point in internal combustion history.  Harley's marriage to the pushrod baffles me to this day.

I'll try one more time... HEY HARLEY!!  PUSHRODS SUCK!!!  GET RID OF 'EM!!!

Not having much bike engine knowledge I'm going to make a statement that should be taken with a grain of salt. Feel free to correct if I'm wrong. I would say that the reason they still used pushrods is to keep the Harley sound unique. Changing from the pushrod would change this no? 

Since, 1972 all Harley Front ends are made by Showa of Japan (a Honda owned company) at their S. Korean plant. Wiring and electronics are made in Mexico, the engines and Aluminum products, transmission cases, wheels etc. are made in a Harley Davidson owned 750,000 sq ft facility in San Paulo Brazil (due to labor costs, huge tax breaks and incentives). Final Machining is done partially in Mexico, partially here. For many years now all of their chrome plating is done in Canada (thanks EPA). They are about to start assembling the rollers of several models in India...the plant opens this year. 

I'm sure they are assembled in the good ol USA though. The V-Rod is a great bike. Definitely one of my favorite Harleys. But it's frowned upon by some Harley owners (much like Buel) because Porche designed it.