I have heard that this is what the R&D department at Harley-Davidson looks like:
The cabinets are where they store the oil-sorb.
When I was in college getting my architecture degree, for my senior project I wanted to do an office building for a contractor. That got rejected by my hoty-toity professors. So then I proposed doing a facility for harley davidson, it was a museum, a assembly facility (for Buells) and a test track/research and development department. It was to represent the past, present and future of Harley. It was a fun project and it involved a trip up to the Buell plant for research. I had a lot of fun, but unfortunately this video speaks the truth. I work construction and I have heard the aspirations of some of my laborers which usually include getting a hog and parking out front of their favorite bar. Wow, that's reaching for the top, isnt it!? I live in a white trash area and every moron around here has one and they love to rev up their engines as they go down the street, they just can't get enough attention. When I had my KLR 650, I wasn't concerned about having everyone look at me, I just wanted to ride.
And one more thing, its funny how every nice, suburban neighborhood always, and I do mean always, has one idiot who has a hog, its the guy who thinks he's the neighborhood bada$$.
Haha, that was good. My dad has two Harleys and I myself do quite enjoy them.
My dad also likes the springer font ends, but as far as obsolete, MotoCzysz uses a variant of the springer front end...so there's gotta be some redeeming qualities.
I'm no Harley owner or rider, but I love the fact that I can go out and buy (theoretically) a Caterham Seven (or a replica, like Westfield) that is basically a 60-something year old car. Same for a Cobra replica. And Morgan. I don't see "old" technology a bad thing if it's enjoyable.
In reply to Appleseed:
Yeah. I really felt for the guy.
Doesn't he have some deal where he can sell racing-only versions of his bike through HD? Coupled with some non-competitive deal for a little while. Here's hoping he gets another company going, free from another company's clutches
JeepinMatt wrote: I'm no Harley owner or rider, but I love the fact that I can go out and buy (theoretically) a Caterham Seven (or a replica, like Westfield) that is basically a 60-something year old car. Same for a Cobra replica. And Morgan. I don't see "old" technology a bad thing if it's enjoyable.
The Caterhams and Morgans have gone through more improvements in their life time then Harley's. And a Cobra replica is generally an improved version of the original. I have no problem with old technology but I do have a problem with poorly manufactured things.
I see that side of things about Harley, sure. But on the flip side, my wife and I on our Star rode with a Friend and his wife on a full-dress Ultra Classic 400 miles this weekend. That motor shakes a lot, but that bike is well made, comfortable and rides really well even in the twisties. I think you get what you pay for with a Harley.
While you may get what you pay for, the same money could bring a different product. My friend bought his wife a Yamaha V Star a few years ago for $4800, brandy new. It keeps right up with his Road King, doesn't leak and will probably run forever with no maintenence.
I'm not anti-Harley, it's just not me.
Dan
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