Quote:

RobBA05,

The way I see this guy's rant, albeit excessive, it is about America's lack of capacity to build a motorcycle beyond the low performance "old school" models produced by HD.
If we remain within these specific parameters, I would say he was absolutely right.




I agree...but...he takes one step further and goes to the point of being excessivly insulting to ALL Harley riders...and assumes that what "we" want is a fast, high, performance, race bike...or that Harley SHOULD be making the same...obviously "WE" don't want that (or else this would be Daytona.com) and given that virtually EVERY Jap manufacturer has copied the look of the Harley...I would say that even his "choice of mfgs" has bowed to the "image" that Harley sells....and much like Triumph...if Harley sells everything they make, like Triumph with the BA or Speedy...why should they change what works...they in Bussiness to make $$$ and...well...they are!

I agree that it's a shame that we have no real representation in the superbike market...much like I find it disturbing that the "official car" of the US Ski team is a Subaru...but I guess Harley figures they have the market they need and why rock the boat...the costs involved with retooling a factory and producing a true sport bike in a market Dominated by other mfgs, is astronomical...and may not yeild the results ($$$) that they want...why would you do that when you have a VERY sucsessful line that you now work...so sucsessful in fact that virtually every other manufacture has in some way tried to take a piece of...even Triumph with the America/Speedmaster/Rocket has gone for the "cruiser" market.

In short (yeah right)
Do I think Harley is over priced...yep
Do I think they have sold us an image...you bet
Do I think that there are alot of posers and wannabees riding Harleys...yup
Do I wish "we" (USA) had a bike to rep us in the superbike arena...yup
I Disagree that we(they) have the capacity to make a superbike...
we (they) just lack the desire...or the need

But...If $$$ was no object would I buy a Harley...your damm right I would...

Do I think it's Harleys "responsibility" to supply us with a low cost bike of superior quality...nope they're in BUSINESS to make $$$

And quite frankly the days of Harleys bleeding oil like a stuck pig are gone...those I know with them have found them to be very reliable...

Just like the days of Triumph breaking down and running like crap are gone...and the anti-Christ, Lucas, is gone with them...

It's NOT Harley Davidsons responsibility to be the Moral compass of the American consumer, it's their job to make $$$for their share holders...and that they do...and if you think $20K is to much to pay for a Dyna Wide Glide...fine go buy a Kawi Vulcan that looks like one for $12K less...but your still buying the look/image that Harley sells...

Would I pay more (if I owned a Harley) for a leather Jacket because it had a "Bar and Shield"...why not I payed Brent more for a Union Jack on my parts from him....

Mr Shields makes some good points...but he clouds the points with streiotypes and hate...all steriotypes are based in fact but that doesn't make them the absolute truth!

THE VOICE OF REASON per: Stewart AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster 130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42