Is the motor company listening?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,729
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From: IA
Is the motor company listening?
Harley wants to move into the future. They want a bike that excites people. They worry about "tradition" but they want to attract new people. They want a new bike that won't put "Harley" people off but still will be a modern model that will move into the future. The answer is right in front of them.
Buell is closed, Eric needs a job.
Their tube bending and manufacturing processes have vastly improved with technology over 30 years ago.
Bring back the FXR.
It was the most advanced frame they Harley had, It was the best riding, best handling bike they ever made. The frame geometry and balance were perfect. You could add fairings, bags, whatever, and it didn't effect the handling at all. It looked GOOD! It was a Harley years ahead of it's time. They stopped making it mainly because the fame was so complicated and expensive to make.
Harley has the twin cam and EFI now, electronic throttle, better suspension technology, better transmissions, ABS, etc. Let Eric Buell tweek (NOT CHANGE) the FXR frame. Unless my info is wrong he designed the original. Put all the newest technology on it, not just on the Touring Bikes. Make a sport model, stripped and raw, and bring back the FXRT with a new aggressive fairing and bags with some advanced electronics and audio (like an iPod interface and GPS) A sport touring bike with pure Harley tradition.
It would be new to new buyers but any old Harley folks would remember it as a Harley with a great reputation and "history"
Buell is closed, Eric needs a job.
Their tube bending and manufacturing processes have vastly improved with technology over 30 years ago.
Bring back the FXR.
It was the most advanced frame they Harley had, It was the best riding, best handling bike they ever made. The frame geometry and balance were perfect. You could add fairings, bags, whatever, and it didn't effect the handling at all. It looked GOOD! It was a Harley years ahead of it's time. They stopped making it mainly because the fame was so complicated and expensive to make.
Harley has the twin cam and EFI now, electronic throttle, better suspension technology, better transmissions, ABS, etc. Let Eric Buell tweek (NOT CHANGE) the FXR frame. Unless my info is wrong he designed the original. Put all the newest technology on it, not just on the Touring Bikes. Make a sport model, stripped and raw, and bring back the FXRT with a new aggressive fairing and bags with some advanced electronics and audio (like an iPod interface and GPS) A sport touring bike with pure Harley tradition.
It would be new to new buyers but any old Harley folks would remember it as a Harley with a great reputation and "history"
Last edited by FLTR08; Oct 28, 2009 at 11:53 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Wisconsin
I don't know, when I first saw it I thought, "WOW! HD is trying to look Honda now"? I never liked the way they put those side covers on it, reminded me of my old Honda 750K. JMHO
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,208
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From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Like any other business, Harley wants money, as much as they can get.
They want more money coming in and less going out.
Companies are perfectly happy selling the same old thing, if customers keep buying it and the government allows it.
it keeps develoment costs and tooling costs down.
More and more companies are focusing on short term profits.
They want more money coming in and less going out.
Companies are perfectly happy selling the same old thing, if customers keep buying it and the government allows it.
it keeps develoment costs and tooling costs down.
More and more companies are focusing on short term profits.
Last edited by piasspj; Oct 28, 2009 at 01:30 PM.
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From: My house
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Back in Oz M8
I would like to see Erik Buell take an existing H-D platform, or a discontinued one, as in the FXR noted by the OP and see what he could do with it. Create a limited production model, and see if it gathers acceptance.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: British Columbia
yes it was an awesome bike...but if the moco wants to increase ridership then why the hell don't they make it AFFORDABLE for more people to buy Harley...
makes sense to me lower the price but increase profit through volume..JMHO
makes sense to me lower the price but increase profit through volume..JMHO
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
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From: Bedford Co. Pa .
prices thinking they can make it up in lost sales , just aint happening !!!
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Springfield, Ohio
I think a smaller displacement replica of something from the 30's would sell extremely well if they kept it under 8K.
I do like the idea of bringing back the FXR. It's always been one of my favorite Harleys.
I do like the idea of bringing back the FXR. It's always been one of my favorite Harleys.