MY POINT EXACTLY. and the very reason i was so bent about two weeks ago about metrics VS Harley. When you pay out that kind of cash and a metric cruiser half the cost pulls up and walks off on you...that sucks. And don't listen to one ounce of BS here about these Harley riders don't care if anyone blows their doors off. We all know that's what harley depends on. MOD's MOD's MOD's . Sure i love my harley. Am i happy with the performance end. NO. But to be ho0nest. I really don't know a Harley owner that is happy with performance end of the Harley.

Thus the very reason for this thread. I actually thought i could get an objective opiion from like minded owners, but the coolaid im a harley man or die bunch just couldn't do it.

Weather or not they deal with it has no bearing on the fact that the metric market has walked on Harley PERIOD. People don't come up to a harley like they used to. All i hear now is im not paying that kind of money for something as antiquated as a harley. they see us as suckers and stuck in the old school of buying into the bad image hype.

 

Weather or not they deal with it has no bearing on the fact that the metric market has walked on Harley PERIOD. People don't come up to a harley like they used to. All i hear now is im not paying that kind of money for something as antiquated as a harley. they see us as suckers and stuck in the old school of buying into the bad image hype.[/QUOTE]

Who are 'they', and why should we (or you) give a rats *** what 'they' think?? I didn't buy my bike for 'them', but maybe you (or your old lady) did??? I love my Harley, and I understood its shortcomings and limitations *before* I bought it. The fact that you're now 'shocked' tells me that you didn't.

 

Decreased Demand for Japanese Motorcycles


December 24, 2008 - The Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) reports that a number of negative factors have impacted Japan's motorcycle market this year, including higher vehicle prices reflecting mandatory compliance with new emissions regulations as well as a deteriorating economic environment stemming from the global financial crisis.

Demand has also declined in Japan as a result of stronger crackdowns on illegal parking and the chronic shortage of motorcycle parking bays in cities and towns.

On the other hand, surging fuel prices have underscored for consumers the economy and convenience of motorcycles in the <125cc category.

Nevertheless, and despite other positive developments such as new product launches, domestic market conditions are severe. Total motorcycle demand in Japan in calendar 2008 is estimated at 570,000 units, down 21.1% from 2007. Declining sales have been recorded in all motorcycle categories except for the 51-to-125cc category.


2009 sales decreases are projected in all model categories, with total Japanese domestic motorcycle demand expected to drop to 498,000 units, down 12.6% from 2008.

 

All that are looking for the Harley coolaid line, it's not here. You get no point's for brown nosing on this thread. You must go to the genuine Harley thread to get bonus points and eventual 10% off all accessaries.

GEEEEESH ! The horse is down. IT'S DEAD . Beating it wont bring it back to life. LET IT GO !

 

I know one, me son. Bought his '07 streetbob new. He was 23 at the time. I think that is young.

 

Let's break that down,

Harley Davidson had 49% market share in 08 for heavy cruisers.
HD for sale 1584
Rice 2371
That doesn't include other cruisers produced by European companies.

HD can currently comply with 2010 EPA regs. So whats the problem?

The V rod motor was designed and built by HD. But to substantially improve its durability Porsche was contracted to take the motor and refine it to meet the vigorous conditions it was going to be subjected to in the real world.

 

im 20, ill be riding HD for the rest of my life

 

i like the way my harley feels its a solid piece of iron,i have sat on metrics in the show rooms and the first thing i notice they dont fit right the reach to the handle bars is awkward not comfortable,and they all feel light and tinny,if it takes apiece of rice to make you happy go to the local china star,but dont get on the forum and belittle what so many of us here enjoy, and that would be riding the grandest motorcycle ever made

 

You're right, the horse is dead. But you decided to drag this tired a$$ed discussion in to the here and now, so enjoy the back and forth senseless merry-go-round. You'll get tired of it, and so will we, and this thread will sink to the abyss like many others.

If your ***** weren't locked up in your wife's purse, and instead you purchased the bike you really wanted, right now you'd be on a metric forum talking about what product is best to polish the chrome plated plastic parts on your bike. Instead, you're here enjoying the silliness of getting people irritated over... nothing.

There are many examples of older technology being desirable over newer technology for similar products across the marketplace. This is no different. The only problem here is you purchased something and want it to be something else. You did this after testing out the product and knowing full well what you were getting.

In the end, all you're doing is taking out your frustration on everyone else, when really you should direct all that hot air right at yourself for making an ignorant purchase. You're the one with the koolaid mustache.

 

If you want to laugh at your metric buddies, next time they want to race challenge them to a slow race. The harley is balanced so much better than any metric that you can easily win your race. Go Harley.