Real motorcycle
Posted on 04/13/2005 11:55:31 AM PDT by Cagey
I think of Harley riders today the same way I think of Honda Gold-Wing riders. At least the Honda riders aren't trying to be something they are not!
The Harley riding men I see these days are nothing but a bunch metrosexuals trying to elevate their manhood similar to buying a pit bulldog to drag around!
OK! Ok! ..there may be an exception or two! hehe
I don't know any Harley riders that haven't owned a japanese bike at some point in their lives. Heck, they all learned to ride on one it seems like. The reason I admire any scooter rider is because they "get it". I know they all share my unexplainable passion for the freedom and wind. I toured the United States back in '84. 40 States, including every State east of the Mississippi. I smelled every whiff of air, not like watching everything through a windshield...like a T.V.
Nope, S&S and other after market motors and parts.
Actually, HD requested the tariff to be lifted prior to it ending.
I just bought 100 shares on the market overreaction.
They're actually very reliable - have been since getting the company back from AMF. Harley, aside from building quality bikes - in America, are part of the spirit of America. From an idea to an icon. During WWII, Harley devoted its entire production to the war effort. So to me, straddling a Hog is embracing everything great about this nation. Ride what you will, but riding a Harley is riding American Pride. And yes, I will have a piece of Apple Pie too.
You are close...very close.
A lot of people see these TV shows and think it's easy to build a composite bike.
The quick answer is "Yes" it's easy to build one.... but to build a quality composite...one that you can actually put 15,000 miles a year on and not a "bar-bike".. takes some know-how.
Without mentioning names... there is a conmpany out there now selling a really cheap crappy "rolling chassis" and the hot ticket (or some would believe) is to buy a Buell that's a few years old (their resale value sucks)...and transplant this engine into the chassis.
You now have a real chopper.
Not.
Too many back yard mechanics are building these things left and right... this is STARTING to put a serious wallop into
HD sales. This trend will continue for some time.
It's funny how insurance companies in my state won't touch these composited for under $6000.00 a year to insure them.
The rage WAS to go out, buy a brand new HD...have it "stolen"... strip it...and buy a hi-end chassis from a reputable manufacturer... and use your "stolen" parts to assemblew your new custom bike.
Thankfully DMV in my state REALLY got smart and requires reciepts for EVERY single nut and bolt and add on you use to build a composite. Sooooooooooo "Scumbags beware".
Another new twist is that there are literally hundreds of "bike shops" springing up everywhere... everyone all of a sudden thinks they're a bike manufacturer. The real test is to take one of these bikes (adult mini-bikes) out and put some miles on it. I've worked on $70,000 - $125,000.00 composites from some of the top names in the country...
most of them...about 80% are total junk. Buyer beware. There are probably less than 10 (IMHO) composite manufactures out there that can actually produce something you can put 10,000 miles a year on without grenading it.
Most of what you see in those TV shows is fantasy. As someone with a LOT of "inside scoop" on this matter... I just gotta laugh at how gullible the average person is..... to fork over their hard earned cash to "Billy-Bob-Joe-Ray bike builder"...who will take your money faster than crap squirting out of the wrong end of a goose...and offer little or no warrenty.
Oh well, who was it that wrote "There's a sucker born every minute"?
You're absolutely right. There never would have been a 700cc bike if it weren't for the Harley tariff. I think it was rescinded several years ago though.
I'm still waiting for Harley to pay me back the extra several hundred dollars I paid for my '84 Ninja 900 due to the over-749cc protectionist tariff.
Actually, not only was it recinded, but Harley went to Reagan 1 year earlier than it had, to say he could lift the tariff. They only took the necessary time needed to achieve the quality it sought. Then, production couldn't meet the demand, as a result. Been going strong ever since...
If I remember correctly the thing that saved HD was a tariff on "rice burners" over 700cc or any imported bike. I don't believe that was ever rescinded.
It was recinded. Funny.... all the Japs did was stamp the engine cases 699 cc. I know Yamaha did this on a few of their bikes to skirt the issue.
I do own that bike, but the 2004.
please remind my husband of that. he thinks he needs a hd
Actually I think the completely SILLY PC campaign has also not helped. It is like they are targeting the pathetic looser yuppie market. Who wants to be part of that.
There is also the competition from the OBVIOUS copycats from japan. V-Twin has been replaced by "cruiser". ( Does anyone know if harley succeeded with their copyright of the sound? )
I think it also matters that the motorcyle is a luxury item and peole are not goint to spend $25,000.00 on a motorcycle if they keep hearing about illegal aliens taking jobs and outsourcing jobs to india.
Got $50k laying around?
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