A friend of mine works for Coke, it was a marketing strategy, it was brilliant one that got them in the news. Everyone was up in arms and it brought Coke to headlines everywhere and any publicity is good publicity. They got their milage out of that again by switching back.

I don't think your analogy works because Harley's change wasn't a publicity stunt.

As for the new frame being cheaper, sure it is but I would use the words "less expensive" by merging two models which can actually mean they spent more on one design but less than the cost of 2.

 

I hear ya. I rode a 14 Fat Bob a few months back and loved everything about it except for the fact that I couldn't see anything in the mirrors at 70 mph on the interstate. The vibration itself didn't bother me a bit (it is a Harley after all) but I expect my hands would've been numb after 100 miles or so.

 

There is a certain Luddism that goes along with the Harley culture. The response to the '18 models is to a large part just the latest chapter.

Riders of "Twinkies" finally have something to diss. Evo owners were happy when the TC came along and people started to forget they had the original "yamaharley." Nose cone Shovel owners don't get a pass ("boy, you got a tittie on your engine"). For the really hardcore, do you remember when "electric legs" were for meter maids?

My '49 EL has its original spring fork. They made a number of those bikes supposedly to fill police contracts that were signed before the new spec's were available, no doubt there were also some that "didn't want to be beta testers for a new-fangled, foreign idea."

 

This is hilarious. Harley sticks with the old bikes and people moan that they are going under because they don’t keep up with the times. Harley tries keeping up with the times and people moan because they are abandoning their nostalgic roots. I think if New Harley’s came with a hot chick that doled our happy endings while riding down the road there would be someone on this forum whining about it.

 

where are you getting 66% against, 33% for?

I can't believe how awesome hd is. I mean, they have a 'gushmore fiasco' and sales across all brands of motorcycle suffer. dayum!....

 

Guess again.... I hope Harley sells tons of new bikes, but it won't be to me, and my dealer knows I can afford any bike sitting on the floor]

 

Harley's pretty much proven so long as it has a V-Twin and their name on it, people will buy it. I showed them to some coworkers, and they liked them. Of course, they don't ride so they don't see the difference. The average consumer won't

 

Just remember guys being able to afford (pay cash) and financing (not able to pay cash) are in fact different.

And no affording a payment is not affording the item.

Anyway, either way I'm not a fan of the new bikes just like new cars. They figure out ways to build them cheaper with more plastic and I do not like it.

 

Interesting post, I want a bigger engine...got it, and sounds as good if not better than my 103, I want better suspension....got it..I want better brakes...got it...I want better looks and color choices....got it..I want better transmission..got it...I want a cheaper Harley...well not so much. I love that we are upgrading and adding better technology. For those that are complaining would you be happy with a kick starter and carb? I bet not!

 

I have a carb.... wouldn't trade it for a FI unit