 HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 144
Adjunct
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 144 |
Ok , here ‘s my question (I’ll try not to get onto too much of a soapbox, or too philosophical). The other week I went for a 300+ mile ride and noticed that HDs comprised at least 90% (if not 95%) of the motorcycles on the road. The other 10% were sport bikes, Japanese cruisers, and older (1990-2000) Japanese standards. I saw one Triumph (Speed Triple) and no BMWs, or their likes. Now I really don’t understand why HD is so expensive or why it is still regarded as a “commodity,†by anyone, to justify the price. Maybe the new HD slogan should be: “Remember, you and your Harley are unique, just like every other Harley rider and their bike.† Has anyone else noticed this large percentage of HDs?
"It doesn't matter what you ride, as long as you're out there."
- Hells Angels President (Philadelphia Chapter)
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,694 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
|
|
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,694 Likes: 22 |
We are pack animals. Do you still go to work in a Leisure suit from the 70s. No, people will judge you and laugh at your decision. They were cool then. We want to blend in, belong, not be judged as different. Everybody has one. You can't go wrong with a Harley. They are psychologically comfortable. They are the cool for the masses. It is very difficult to be alone. I will share something with you that you many have not considered. For every person who thinks your TBA is cool there are 50 laughing at it and you for trying to be cool on a little 800cc used to be. But they enough class not to comment. Just like us I would hope. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Where the cool comes in is when you really don't give a rat's back end what they think. That makes them pretty cool too then doesn't it. The Harley crowd could really care less what you think. Its a lifestyle they are very, very happy with. They get to play dress-up on weekends and enjoy one another, the breeze and a ride. We went our own way and decided to buy the other bike! Then we all rushed to rat net and here to be secure and pat ourselves on the back with our commonality. Same thing, smaller group. The Harley crowd is without question in my mind the most friendly, giving group of folks on the planet. Look at the Patriot Guard riders Harley ratio. Toys for tots, Bikers against Child Abuse, goes on and on. People with big check books and big hearts that like to ride bikes. Anyhow, that is why in my humble unscientific opinion HD via AMF did a marketing campaign that may never again be replicated. Simply genius and too big to stop as far as I can see.  The fun part about spending your money is it is your money to spend. Obviously they get the bang for buck for it or they wouldn't do it. Also, our bikes cost about what a Sportster cost, the T-brd cost about what a Dyna Cost or more and the Rocket cost the same as a Road King. All the companies have their hands deep in our pockets.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
It may just be that HD has dealerships everywhere along with many indy shops that specialize in HD service and repair. Accessibility combined that with the very fine HOG members group are two very pervasive influences. I know that here in my little town of 15,000 there are four shops that can service and repair an HD; until last month the nearest Triumph shop was a two hour journey. Most riders who don't wrench are unlikely to want a machine that requires extensive travel just to change the oil, etc.
As far as the AMF campaign goes, I'll give that a big maybe. The turning point for HD in my opinion is 1995 and the introduction of the now ubiquitous Road King. Prior to '95 their total production was under 90 thousand units a year...since then they've put over 3 million scoots on the road.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 274
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 274 |
It really depends where you are, to.
In my part of Baltimore, Triumphs are by far the dominant brand, followed by old UJMs and Ducati.
In much of the rest of the city, it's Japanese sport bikes. Lots of Gixxers.
In the burbs, more cruisers. Harleys and their clones.
I was just in Portland Oregon. Old BMWs were the norm. Only saw a few Harleys, lots and lots of BMWs, GS100s seemed all the rage.
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
|
|
Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
Dammmm,
What am I gonna do with all these leisure suits?
Oh well, at least I still got my Nehru jackets.
More flags
More fun!
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540 |
2 things people who ride new harelys are older and have more disposable money. Also what you say about dealers and aftermarket is true. I can't believe how easy it is to get parts for an HD. Not only are there 4 independent shops within 15 minutes of my house, but my neighbor had a spare carb base gasket in his garage last night. Since they don't change parts that often and most every thing is interchangeable thats a big plus.
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 144
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 144 |
I guess my experiences with HD, and their riders have been different. First, I have yet to have a good experience with the younger HD riders (30-40yo) who feel that any bike other than a Harley is inferior. We have a lot of those yahoos in this area, who really don’t understand the mantra I present in my signature here: “…as long as you’re out there.†To me, they always seem to want to prove something to everyone else: my bike is louder, my bike is faster, mine has a better paint job, etc.
Now, everyone’s experience is different and the older HD riders have a great appreciation for Triumph. I’ll be the first to admit that I enjoy pulling into a group of bikes and having the “old time†HD riders come over to talk shop, while the younger generation HD riders sit and scoff.
I do agree that riders in general are generous, all riders, not just HD and every group ride I’ve been on has been open to all bikes. Granted there are some groups I stay away from when they do a charity run, such as the ABATE crowd. As I do not get a thrill raising money for a charity by riding bar to bar, maybe that’s just me.
My main point to writing this string; however, was not to get into a philosophical debate about patting ourselves on the back for buying a Triumph, but rather to get other opinions as to why HDs are still so expensive when, from all accounts, there are more on the road today than ever before. Usually, in most markets, when a commodity becomes so prevalent and expensive it drops value, I’m not seeing this with HD, so the marketing folks are doing something right, exploiting the commodity of HD. Which leads me to another realization: when, if ever, are we going to see a US company compete against HD by providing the “every man’s motorcycle?†When I say “every man†I don’t mean another high priced American cruiser company like Victory, and the thousands of custom shops that have opened up, but rather a company that makes a “standard†bike, a “cruiser†bike a “touring†bike? I may have answered my own question by writing this novella, but the commodity of HD may be their lack of competition, from inside the US.
So, anyone want to help me found the “All American Motorcycle Company?†I’m taking applications!
"It doesn't matter what you ride, as long as you're out there."
- Hells Angels President (Philadelphia Chapter)
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 638
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 638 |
I think the dealer availability is a huge issue. The closest dealer I have is Moto 400 some 40 miles away. I have an HD dealer 2-3 miles away. A Kawi dealer some 10-15 miles away and a Yammy-Honda dealer some 25 miles away. If I was on the Market now, what would I be considering... 
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,694 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
|
|
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,694 Likes: 22 |
I have read threads here where folks say they have friends that all ride HD so they bought one too. Its a self sustaining community now. The more they sell, the more dealers they will have etc. etc.. Demand dictates price. The folks are more than happy to spend the money on them so they are priced fairly. The proof being is that they sell.
I don't seem to see those attitudes from the Harley folks. Now, I see a lot of punk attitudes from the wheelie crews.
I am really happy HD is around, it keeps the cruisers running a little longer. In case nobody noticed, the crotch rocket and sport tourer have invaded.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,225 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,225 Likes: 62 |
One problem there Ron, is there are guys like me out there that never needed anyone else to be secure in my choice. I have been riding Triumphs for many many years in a crowd of HDs.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210 |
Dont forget the "american dream" syndrome. Buying a new harley is like 1000 points worth of patriotism.
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
why HDs are still so expensive when, from all accounts, there are more on the road today than ever before. Usually, in most markets, when a commodity becomes so prevalent and expensive it drops value, I’m not seeing this with HD, so the marketing folks are doing something right
The fit and finish and the quality of the parts is first rate.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
What I've seen, excluding the old timers, is that when biking became all the rage over the last decade, EVERYONE had to have a bike. I work in construction, and the guys bought HD because they just didn't know shizit about motorcycles, so to protect their manhood, they just bought a HD. Knowing they wouldn't have to worry about justifying their decision, its made in America, its big and bad, etc, etc, etc.
I love the looks of a Harley. I don't think ANYTHING looks as good as an old Knuckle! A beautiful work of art! And I rent Harleys about three-four times a year.
But I beleive the larger percentage of HD's bought over the last 10 years, as stated above, was do to macho ignorance. These same people are the ones who put 400 miles a year on their bikes. Here in Florida, they go to Bikeweek, Leesburg Bikefest, and Biketoberfest. All the others, who really know and ride their bikes, are the lesser 50% of whom I was refering to.
I bought my old BA because I just fell in love with its looks. (but if I ever get another, It will be pre-70's, more trouble, less reliable, BUT LIKE AN OLD KNUCKLE, their a beautiful "work of art")
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
guys bought HD because they just didn't know shizit about motorcycles, so to protect their manhood, they just bought a HD. Knowing they wouldn't have to worry about justifying their decision, its made in America, its big and bad, etc, etc, etc.
I have to agree with you, so many bought it because they thought they wouldn't have to defend themselves over buying a Japanese bike. Funny thing is, HDs are chock full of parts sourced globally, so "Assembled in the USA" is more nearly correct. Seems like all those folks who "hate Jap crap" really haven't looked at their Keihin carbs or Showa forks and shocks... 
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099 |
I think it's called a$$ jewelry.
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
I just tell my Harley friends Harleys are great, I just wanted a bike that had more history and heritage, better engineered, and more reliable. Mostly though, I have to say it's because I owned a Triumph when I was young and If I'm recapturing my youth - that's what I need. Also, I never really wanted to own a Harley. If I ever get another bike it will be a sports tourer for highway riding. If Triumph comes out with a Trophy or something like the BMW, I'd probably go for that. Harley doesn't make anything that fits in that catagory.
I ride with 8 close friends that have Harleys and one that has a Gold Wing. That Gold Wing is ****** right spooky when it pulls up next to you on the highway. You never hear it coming.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
I suppose the biggest reason I ride Triumphs is that I like being different. Second is styling. Third, it is from England, and I'm a bona fide Anglophile.
Fidelis et Fortis
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 94
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 94 |
I have one of two (yes 2) Speedmasters in my immediate area that I know of. I dig that. kinda like my helmet sticker says "bikers are a rare breed, Harley riders are a dime a dozen." Which isn't to say I won't ride with em, just that I will defend to the death any insinuation that my bike is inferior, up to and including an "illegal speed contest". As for the All American Motor Company idea, there are dynamics at play in our nation that don't occur elsewhere. We have a government run by lobbyists that get paid by big business; hence, when yer company can still pull down $650 million in a recession, the people in charge listen when you talk. As a result, the ones that stay afloat are the ones the big companies don't feel threatened by. For all the talk about Victory bein the "other American motorcycle", theyve never been a threat. Theyve moved from very basic and quirky oddity to factory custom ala Big Dog, two markets that never interested Harley. Meanwhile Indian's gearin up for round 509, as the only other American "heritage" brand, with a $25k price tag on the base model just to try and recoup development and production costs. Wanna see a heartbreakin story? Check out MotoCzysz... theres a guy whos tryin to build an American sportbike, of his own clean-sheet design, with limited funds. Amazing bike, and hes gearin up to take on Japans big 4, not to mention Harleys new toy, MV Agusta. That guys got cajones. But this is a tough country to make a bike worth havin in.
Last edited by DaemonWulf; 07/17/2009 12:03 AM.
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
Quote:
I ride with 8 close friends that have Harleys and one that has a Gold Wing. That Gold Wing is ****** right spooky when it pulls up next to you on the highway. You never hear it coming.
An hour ago, I was face-to-the-glass at Schraders Honda in Hendersonville, NC. About 50 GLs on display inside. I don't have any Western yoke plaid shirts, so I guess I can't ride one. Did have 2 BMW's and 3 Wings in the motel parking lot last night (Housekeeping pulled two empty 12 packs out of the beemers's room this a.m.). 
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 874
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 874 |
I guess the big thing around this area are HD baggers and electra glides,on any given weekend in Eureka Springs,Ar its full of those types of bikes.And now with this new Indian coming out which is way overpriced,I just hope Triumph can make a foot hold in this town and get someone who can keep the business going....
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 144
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 144 |
Thanks for all the great responses to my little observation!
There’s no doubt HD has the best aftermarket selection out there and I’m not ashamed to admit that I have several parts manufactured for HD on my bike: rear solo rack; handlebar risers; and headlight visor. It’s nice for a British bike owner to walk into the local HD shop and pick something off the shelf that’ll fit our bike.
Erle, that’s a good observation and one that I feel lends itself to other localities. Here in PA it seems to be the “I want a bike so I can go to ‘bike night’ with my buddies†crowd in the market for a new HD. The peer pressure when talking to a new HD rider is pretty intense also. Everybody that owns an HD giving them all the advice they can handle: “do this, do that, don’t do what he said, buy this, sell that…†I’ve seen the “what the ****** did I get into†look on a lot of new HD rider faces , when they realize they just spent big bucks for a bike to “fit in†with, only to realize they need to drop an extra 2-3k on the bike to truly fit in. No thank you, I’ll go my own way.
There’s another good point you bring up, the old Knuckle. I bet you 90% of the HD riders that bought in the last 10 years couldn’t tell the difference between a knuckle and a 1940s Indian, especially if you removed the logo!
"It doesn't matter what you ride, as long as you're out there."
- Hells Angels President (Philadelphia Chapter)
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540 |
Quote:
What I've seen, excluding the old timers, is that when biking became all the rage over the last decade, EVERYONE had to have a bike. I work in construction, and the guys bought HD because they just didn't know shizit about motorcycles, so to protect their manhood, they just bought a HD. Knowing they wouldn't have to worry about justifying their decision, its made in America, its big and bad, etc, etc, etc.
)
I will totally agree with this. And not just the younger guys but the people who are just getting into bikes in general. Also I've noticed that a harley itself isn't always enough for these guys it has to be a brand new one. And these guys are the ones who will be totally outfitted head to toe in HD lifestyle apparel. That being said I ride with guys who have been on HDs for 20 or 30 years, and they all go by the it doesn't matter what you on as long as you enjoy it.
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,225 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,225 Likes: 62 |
Quote:
. There’s another good point you bring up, the old Knuckle. I bet you 90% of the HD riders that bought in the last 10 years couldn’t tell the difference between a knuckle and a 1940s Indian, especially if you removed the logo!
That is , in my experience, a 100% true statement. You can add that most of them have no idea what to do if any small problem occurs along the road. I am from PA and do most of my riding alone. The guys I meet think riding is from home to the local bar then hang there for hrs and then ride home. Either that or bike night. When I go I want a couple hundred miles at least by the time I get home on a Saturday.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,047
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,047 |
Quote:
Dammmm,
What am I gonna do with all these leisure suits?
I would wear them if you wana get rid of them. 
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 96
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 96 |
Speaking as someone who just bought a Road King a month ago, I have to say that it's a totally different animal than my Speedmaster, and I own it because, like Triumph, HD has a hundred years of practice making them do what they're supposed to do,not because of the nameplate. My wife and I really wanted a R3, but it was in my opinion, like riding an appliance. No passion, no FUN factor for us. No offence meant to anyone, just my emotional feedback. Pricewise, the two were real close. In a perfect world, I'd have a copy of every kind of bike. In this world, I have two that I love and consider myself fortunate. Oh, by the way, I'm not a barhopper, and not a pack rider, we just put miles on.
ride when I can, work when I have to
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
In a perfect world, I'd have a copy of every kind of bike. In this world, I have two that I love and consider myself fortunate.
Amen, brother.
If I had my way my garage would look like the Barber Museum 
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 592
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 592 |
Quote:
Quote:
In a perfect world, I'd have a copy of every kind of bike. In this world, I have two that I love and consider myself fortunate.
Amen, brother.
If I had my way my garage would look like the Barber Museum
+1 except it would be Barber Museum on steroids !
|
|
|
 Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
The commodity is having more problems.
Late Braking News... Harley is laying off another 1000 workers.
The Union contract for the plant in York, PA has one year left on it.
The sticking point is the overtimes rules, apparently, and
Harley may end up closing the York plant. That might change the
opinion of the Faithful Worshippers in the Keystone state.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
It's always easier to blame the union when you're not meeting your sales quotas.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 533
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 533 |
Maybe Harley will go their own way and move production to Taiwan. 
2018 FLHCS
2014 Surly Straggler - 16,000 miles and counting!
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 119
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 119 |
yes harley has become a commodity,and their success over the last 10 years has unfortunately been a fad.harley has replaced the corvette as the mid-life crisis purchase of choice.i remember up until about eight years ago you had to be on a waiting list to buy a new harley,now every stealership is full of them.their true value is reflected in thier resale value,you used to be able to sell one for the entire amoumt you had in it and then some,now the market is so flooded with used bikes it's ridiculous.and no it's not the economy,it's over production.there are just to many suburban weekend bikers out there.i ride my speedie everywhere,work,school,the gym,****** i bought a backpack so i could ride to the grocery store.and ditto on the bad expieriences with the 30-40 year old riders,i get annoyed at their snubs because i chose to ride a bike that doesn't make me blend in with the harley crowd,besides why would i wanna spend all that money on those expensive a$$ black and orange clothes!
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 410
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 410 |
Anybody noticed (nothing scientific here) that only about 33.625% of HD riders respond to your wave/peace-sign when you pass on your non-HD? Don't know whether to put it down to their 'tude or they're just too busy with the clutch to wave...maybe they're winking behind their goggles instead.
Well...sometimes their girlfriend will wave back!
John
============================
"The difference between an ordeal and an adventure is planning" - Charles Hutchins
2008 TBA / Black / NCHD Windscreen / Saddlebags / De-Baffled Pipes / Flat Black Console
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 533
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 533 |
I only wave at people I know regardless of the motorcycle they are on... Now brandishing something is altogether another matter 
2018 FLHCS
2014 Surly Straggler - 16,000 miles and counting!
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Oh great. Another wave discussion. 
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
|
|
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
harley has replaced the corvette as the mid-life crisis purchase of choice.
It has? Wish I'd known that BEFORE I bought the Vette.
Live to love, love to live.
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 119
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 119 |
Quote:
Quote:
harley has replaced the corvette as the mid-life crisis purchase of choice.
It has? Wish I'd known that BEFORE I bought the Vette.
you just should have asked the guys that don't wave back!i wouldn't take my hand off the grip either if my first bike was a $18,000,750lb+ machine that i was scared to death of!
|
|
|
Re: HD...a commodity?
|
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 73
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 73 |
Quote:
yes harley has become a commodity,and their success over the last 10 years has unfortunately been a fad.harley has replaced the corvette as the mid-life crisis purchase of choice.i remember up until about eight years ago you had to be on a waiting list to buy a new harley,now every stealership is full of them.their true value is reflected in thier resale value,you used to be able to sell one for the entire amoumt you had in it and then some,now the market is so flooded with used bikes it's ridiculous.and no it's not the economy,it's over production.there are just to many suburban weekend bikers out there.i ride my speedie everywhere,work,school,the gym,****** i bought a backpack so i could ride to the grocery store.and ditto on the bad expieriences with the 30-40 year old riders,i get annoyed at their snubs because i chose to ride a bike that doesn't make me blend in with the harley crowd,besides why would i wanna spend all that money on those expensive a$$ black and orange clothes!
I have rode and owned Harleys since I was 16, I am now 48. And I agree with most of what has been said here. It was 10 years ago that you had to get on a waiting list. That is when I bought what will be my last new Harley. In 2000 they went to the twin cam 88, a massed produce engine that they build in half the time of a old evo. Most of the weekend barhopping warriors that is riding in the last 10 years don't wave,but worse than that I have stop to help several biker broke down, just to hear the same story. "Their must have been a dozen bikes went by and your the first to stop". You never leave one of us sitting on the side of the road, no matter what they ride.So waving is just a minor thing from these people trying to make a fashion statement. And beside as a Harley and a Triumph rider, I find it is the gold-wing that don't wave back 
|
|
|
|
|
