Originally Posted By: G-MAN
Originally Posted By: boraticus
One thing I must say about Harley Davidson. They have managed to survive despite the fact that the market is full of better motorcycles. It's hard to believe that any modern motorcycle manufacturing company would work so hard for over one hundred years in their relentless pursuit to turn a "Sows ear into a silk purse". I can't think of any other manufacturer with such a severe case of tunnel vision.
People like you will never understand Harley-Davidson.
Think about this: How many Japanese makers have spent billions of dollars designing their own versions of v-twin bikes that try to capture what it is that makes a Harley a Harley? Sure the essence of a Harley is an antiquated engine design that is noisy and shakes and vibrates. But the essence of Harley now was the essence of ALL American motorcycles in the early to mid 20th century. Indian, Crocker, Henderson-Excelsior, Harley--they were all variations on a single theme. Of course, there were break away concepts even back then (like the four cylinder Indian), but the sine qua non of an American motorcycle was then and remains today a single pin crank 45 degree v-twin engine. The only American company that has been smart enough or lucky enough to survive and continue to produce these bikes is Harley. (And, of course, we now have the newly resurrected Indian pumping out v-twin bikes just up the road from me in Kings Mountain, NC.)
People criticize Harley for producing bikes that are not on par with the best from the Japanese companies. From a quality standpoint, that position is untenable. Harley's production standards, fit and finish, and reliability are as good as or better than any other maker out there. Period.
But again, I point to all those companies trying to produce bikes that are like Harleys. Why is that? Is it because a company will build what the consumer demands? That's partly it. But you have to look for the reason for that demand. Why do so many people who want a bike want an antiquated, shaking, vibrating v-twin? Because they are stupid sheep who have been led astray by Harley's marketing department? There are those who no doubt believe that is the case. But for the rest of us who ride Harleys and do so with our eyes wide open, we share a common motive for choosing our bikes and it almost defies explanation. Most, like me, have ridden Japanese bikes (I've had six: four Hondas, a Yamaha, and a Suzuki) but nothing feels like a Harley and none of those other bikes was ever as much fun to jump on and hit the road as a Harley. And if you can't understand that, that's fine. But don't try to convince me that my Harley is inferior because I'm an ignorant boob who has been duped into believing Harleys are the be-all and end-all of motorcycling. Objectively, from a quality standpoint, you can't sustain your position. From a design standpoint, your position is only valid inasmuch as you believe that every company has an obligation to eschew tried and true designs for newer concepts. Again, that position is untenable.
But in the end it all boils down to people's preferences, and no matter what a person rides, a preference is a totally subjective thing. I ride a Harley for the same reason I would hope anyone rides whatever particular make he or she chooses: Because it makes me smile every time I get on it and hit the road.
Very well said. It's like the classic Chevy SB V-8. It is often blasted for being an old design and not DOHC, etc. Well - that engine has evolved and nothing can beat it. Simple, reliable, emmissions clean, powerful and good MPG. You get torque right now as compared to an DOHC engine's torque higher up the rev band.
Harley's rock.
