Question for fellow Harley riders

[Soul Reputation]

Do you love the bikes and most everything that goes along with them but feel less emotionally attached to "the Motor Company"?

I've worked for them in the past and watched them kick long time and loyal customers to the side over and over again. Pan Heads got thrown aside for Shovels. Shovels got thrown aside for EVO's. EVO's are getting thrown aside for Twinkies.

It's not just the bikes, but service, parts, information, support or just simple inclusion are not there for those of us who have stood beside them since before the last motor change. Are we so blind that we can't see Willie G. could care less about us? At their annual dealer meetings they would pound into our heads that we as dealers should care less about leaving money in our customers pockets. Why? Because they will go back to work tomorrow and make more and there is another one with full pockets walking through the door right now. I'm not kidding, that was actually said in front of a room of 5,000+ in New Orleans at the 2000 dealer meeting.

I've only bought one new HD (8 years ago) and may never buy another new one ever again. Nor will I celebrate their "anniversary" every 5 years.


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[JulesMaximus]

I was looking at buying a Harley a couple years ago but I'm glad I didn't. I figured out since then that a Harley is not the kind of motorcycling I enjoy. I found that I like a bike that's lighter and handles better. I prefer a good blend of technology, asthetics and reliability.

I have a good friend who's been riding since the mid 1970s and he owned a couple Harleys over the years but you know what he's riding today? A Honda VTX1800. He absolutely loves it. Says it is the best bike he's ever owned. I have to admit, it is a nice looking bike.

BTW-The dealer I was going to buy from closed down one of their locations recently...the one I was going to buy from actually.

Edit-Nice bike, I'm not a big fan of ape hangers though.

 

[lokiju]

I was looking to get a Sportster when I was shopping but didn't like the "vibe" of the sales people, the inflated prices, etc..

I ended up getting a Honda Shadow Sabre 1100 and love it.

Harley these days is for the CEO in his 50's trying to act cool and hold onto his youth it seems.

Didn't notice the pic at first.

Nice looking bike though I don't think the bars are my style.

 

[MiataNC]

I am not sure what your beef is with changing technology. Engines evolve. How are customers being thrown aside when a manufacturer updates?

In the case of Harley they are about as far behind as you can get tech wise. That being said the after market is HUGE. You can build any flavor of Harley you want (Pan, Shovel, Evo, etc) with a credit card and a catalog.

When you buy a Harley you are not buying a bike, you are buying a lifestyle.

 

[Amused]

Here is a shocker: HD is a "business." Not a club, not a charity, a business.

They exist for one reason, and one reason only: To make money.

 

[Lumathix]

I'm pretty sure that's most businesses attitude towards customers, brother. To make the most profit possible. Do I think Willie G really cares about you or me? No.
By the way I love my Harley, and the chicks dig it

 

[buck]

Reminds me of wild hogs......:laugh:

 

[Murpheeee]

Harleys are expensive and hold their value well.
Thats great if you can afford to drop a ton of cash on a toy.

Japanese cruisers are much cheaper and generally you get more for your money.
They do not hold their value, which is bad if you buy new, good if you buy used.

All my bikes ave been been used Japanese cruisers.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Soul Reputation
Do you love the bikes and most everything that goes along with them but feel less emotionally attached to "the Motor Company"?

I've worked for them in the past and watched them kick long time and loyal customers to the side over and over again. Pan Heads got thrown aside for Shovels. Shovels got thrown aside for EVO's. EVO's are getting thrown aside for Twinkies.

It's not just the bikes, but service, parts, information, support or just simple inclusion are not there for those of us who have stood beside them since before the last motor change. Are we so blind that we can't see Willie G. could care less about us? At their annual dealer meetings they would pound into our heads that we as dealers should care less about leaving money in our customers pockets. Why? Because they will go back to work tomorrow and make more and there is another one with full pockets walking through the door right now. I'm not kidding, that was actually said in front of a room of 5,000+ in New Orleans at the 2000 dealer meeting.

I've only bought one new HD (8 years ago) and may never buy another new one ever again. Nor will I celebrate their "anniversary" every 5 years.


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black avatar check

first post check


anyway the type of HD rider that only buys a bike every 8 years and only one is definitely not the customer HD the company is looking to cater too.

Most of the HD crowd today are yuppies in boat shoes buying bikes the rebels that created the legends would never be able to afford in several lifetimes.

Then they go out and act like some e-thug and wonder why somone pounds their ass into the ground along with their Stella.

 

[imported_Section8]

I have an 02 FLSTC and love it. I never really thought about the company. I know one thing though, a guy rides down the street on his Goldwing and nobody notices. I ride down the street and everybody smiles and waves. I get so many people complimenting my ride who have walked past Yamaha, Honda, etc owners. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with Japanise bikes. I worked for a Honda dealership and I know that they are of high quality.

My sig says it all.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: Soul Reputation


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Nice Bar Hopper. How's yer kidneys feel?

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Section8
I have an 02 FLSTC and love it. I never really thought about the company. I know one thing though, a guy rides down the street on his Goldwing and nobody notices. I ride down the street and everybody smiles and waves. I get so many people complimenting my ride who have walked past Yamaha, Honda, etc owners. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with Japanise bikes. I worked for a Honda dealership and I know that they are of high quality.

My sig says it all.

smiles and waves or laugh and points?

try riding with pants.

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: Section8
I have an 02 FLSTC and love it. I never really thought about the company. I know one thing though, a guy rides down the street on his Goldwing and nobody notices. I ride down the street and everybody smiles and waves. I get so many people complimenting my ride who have walked past Yamaha, Honda, etc owners. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with Japanise bikes. I worked for a Honda dealership and I know that they are of high quality.

My sig says it all.

smiles and waves or laugh and points?

try riding with pants.

ass-less chaps don;t count?

 

[imported_Section8]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: Section8
I have an 02 FLSTC and love it. I never really thought about the company. I know one thing though, a guy rides down the street on his Goldwing and nobody notices. I ride down the street and everybody smiles and waves. I get so many people complimenting my ride who have walked past Yamaha, Honda, etc owners. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with Japanise bikes. I worked for a Honda dealership and I know that they are of high quality.

My sig says it all.

smiles and waves or laugh and points?

try riding with pants.

Smiles and waves. Nothing funny about a motorcycle, unless you are riding it.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: MiataNC
I am not sure what your beef is with changing technology. Engines evolve. How are customers being thrown aside when a manufacturer updates?

In the case of Harley they are about as far behind as you can get tech wise.

Not true, that honor is reserved for the Ural.

 

[Captante]

The only reason they are still in business is a the huge tariffs imposed by Reagan on any imported bike over 751cc's ... they would have gone bankrupt without it.

Having said that, all business exists to make profit & you can't blame the company for taking advantage of high demand.

 

[hanoverphist]

i love harleys. someday when im an over 50 ceo ill be able to afford one. unless my dad kicks it and i inherit his 45 knucklehead. ive ridden many harleys however, i love how they feel. i own a honda cb750 with a bore kit, racing cam and all kinds of tweaks in it. its also not a cafe style anymore, its been lowered and modified to be a cruiser with 8" bars on it. i havent found a harley yet that can keep up with me under 100mph. i have no loyalty to the company per se, but i do like the community that comes with them. you can stop at damn near any bar with bikes in front and find people to talk to, or help if you need it. the aftermarket rocks for harleys more than any other maker, theres so much crap you can buy for any bike its funny watching my step dad retro fit his 2004 ultra with different pipes just to see how it works. he spends more cash on his rides than anyone i know. and he has 3 of them. the only harley brand stuff i wear is the shirts my mom and step dad get me from their rides, otherwise id have to pay for them and that aint gonna happen.

 

[MiataNC]

What I find ironic is that 25-30 years ago Harley riders were considered "dirt bags" and "trouble" by the cage bound public.

Today they are respectable while people riding sport bikes are looked down upon, because of the idiot stunters that do tricks in traffic.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Section8

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: Section8
I have an 02 FLSTC and love it. I never really thought about the company. I know one thing though, a guy rides down the street on his Goldwing and nobody notices. I ride down the street and everybody smiles and waves. I get so many people complimenting my ride who have walked past Yamaha, Honda, etc owners. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with Japanise bikes. I worked for a Honda dealership and I know that they are of high quality.

My sig says it all.

smiles and waves or laugh and points?

try riding with pants.

Smiles and waves. Nothing funny about a motorcycle, unless you are riding it.

so if you don't ride it what do you do?

 

[olds]

Why is this thread giving me major deja vu?

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
Why is this thread giving me major deja vu?

assless chaps and RichUK day?

 

[Flash1969]

Originally posted by: MiataNC
What I find ironic is that 25-30 years ago Harley riders were considered "dirt bags" and "trouble" by the cage bound public.

Today they are respectable while people riding sport bikes are looked down upon, because of the idiot stunters that do tricks in traffic.

They still are

 

[1sikbITCH]

Originally posted by: Flash1969

Originally posted by: MiataNC
What I find ironic is that 25-30 years ago Harley riders were considered "dirt bags" and "trouble" by the cage bound public.

Today they are respectable while people riding sport bikes are looked down upon, because of the idiot stunters that do tricks in traffic.

They still are

What do you have against corporate types? Jealousy? If I was motivated enough to claw my way to riches, I'd have my toys as well. As it is I have to settle for the next superfast graphics card and bigger plasma tv every so often, but I don't begrudge those who have done more to gain more wealth. That includes the H/D company.

 

[rivan]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: Soul Reputation


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Nice Bar Hopper. How's yer kidneys feel?

I was thinking the same thing.

 

[Soul Reputation]

Originally posted by: Section8I know one thing though, a guy rides down the street on his Goldwing and nobody notices. I ride down the street and everybody smiles and waves.

If you were blasting down the street on a moped, I'd wave to you. A wave is a nice little missle to fire off to someone. Call it a form of friendly fire that draws no blood. Just this morning a woman was going down the street on a scooter. I don't know her, never met her. I waved to her. Not because she rides a scooter. But because of a type of spirit she seemed to be exuding while riding her scooter.

I'm real lucky. I live in a neighborhood where 2 wheeled transportation is huge. Bicycle, scooters, Harleys, you name it. Just people being people and living life.

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