I for one do not need to bash Polaris. Even though people like to make sales comparisons between Polaris (Indian or Victory) and Harley, I firmly believe that Polaris has had little to do with slowing Harley sales.

I also think, that people who think Polaris is committed to making Indians for the foreseeable future could be hopeful at best or naive at worst.

Polaris may decide to continue the Indian name, but their world is in turmoil and as small as Indian sales really are, any Indian named long term growth will take a lot more investment on their part. The question they have to be asking, "is the return going to be there 5 years from now?"

But I understand it. I ride a Harley and I support Harley. It's natural. Someone who bought a Polaris Indian, is going to support it. They really don't have a choice. Some show their support by badmouthing Harley. Others talk up their ride. It's a go@-damned forum, do what you want.

 

Actually the VRODs are the most reliable Harley's out there.

 

So if reliability is the takeaway, since 1988, my touring went 116,000, my sporty 60,000, and they are both still riding when I sold them. My '10 touring has been the best motorcycle I have owned for 50,000+ miles. What do I care if brand x or model y is "more" reliable. I expect this bike to go 90,000-100,000. I like it so much, I'm keeping it (down south) for winter and buying another similar model this spring.

I wrench on friends bikes, almost every issue is due to their negligence.

 

I just want to address your last point, because it’s about facts, not so much opinion. I bought a Heritage 114 and one of the concerns I had was the single disc up front.

I am an old sport bike rider who did tons of track days. I could wag the tail, using the front brake at 100 mph, so I pretty well never used the rear, unless I wanted to settle the chassis or step out the rear.

It’s a habit I took to the street. I rarely used the rear brake, unless on slippery surfaces.

Harley’s are different. Maybe it’s the wheelbase, but the rear brake plays a role in braking. The rear tire won’t lift off the ground, as there isn’t enough weight transference.

I can kick in the abs on the front wheel with the single disc. Applying both brakes slows me down faster.

I would still like to see dual discs up front. But to my suprise, I don’t think it’s really
necessary.

 

Huh? The Harley Davidson branding thing on Ford trucks ended years ago.

 

Very true. Must have been 5 or so years ago.

 

Lol! Referring to the poster named Ford. Not the brand. BACK A few posts, last page

 

Harley has relied on brand recognition for way to long. It used to be an honor for lack of a better word to own a Harley. They have been pushing out the same old bikes with little updates now for a long long time. The prices keep going up and re sale is for crap. I just sold my 2106 SGS and was planning on getting a M8. Now I am not sure I will buy another Harley, and I am a guy who has had a Harley in the garage for the last 25 years. I can afford what ever bike I want but can no longer justify spending that kinda money on a Harley. I am looking at a 2107 Bmw R 1200 GS this weekend. My Harley days appear to be all but over... it was fun while it lasted.

 

 

This is a little OT but since you mentioned Ford...
I was replacing a plastic connector on the fuel injector wiring harness on my Sporty last year. When I got it off and got up real close, I saw something familiar...the FORD motorcompany logo with the circle around it. LOL. Didn't expect to see that! But I guess it makes sense instead of reinventing the wheel.