I don't know about this thread...but those rims on your bike POP! I like it!

 

being 45 years into the love affair with motorcycles, I have to disagree. In the early 1970's Honda came out with the inline four 750cc street motorcycle. People fell all over themselves buying them, because they were more powerful and smoother than a Harley. I even saw some guys put a Honda 750 engine into a Electra Glide frame. Then Honda and Kawasaki came out with bigger inline fours, then water cooled, drive shafts etc. Accessory manufacturers played to this market, until Honda built the Interstate and Goldwing, Kawasaki came out with Voyager, and even Suzuki and Yamaha tried to market big displacement touring bikes. All that is left is Goldwing, though Kawasaki brought back the Voyager this model year.

But, despite the fierce competition Honda and others brought to the market, Harley stumbled but didn't lose its footing. Through tariff protections and the like, Harley had enough time to refine its products and be the big seller of heavyweight motorcyles it is today. And just look around at all the V-Twin motorcycles the Japanese guys are building now.

Harley has consistantly worked on improving the image and concept of the V-Twin touring motorcycle. The Sportsters and V-Rods are more toward the more casual rider, though quite capable of being tourers too. As for the future, I would bet HD will continue to lead the way of touring motorcycles, but they will continue to improve on the existing concept. It has been proven it works for the past 100+ years.

 

Less is more. I like it. more is too much.

 

Man, I wish I had known about that run, I would have gone for sure - w/ my board as well!

 

The next trend is already making its initial steps: marketing more to women and younger riders.

 

Just wait to all the young riders get older & their backs & bodies start breaking down. There's nothing like riding comfort & they will be looking for some later on in life.

 

Holy cow I'm rich! Move over Bill Gates, I have a paid for Harley. I think there will always be a market for the traditional Harley as long as the government stays out of it (EPA), like that's gonna happen.

 

your post would be thought provoking if it were 3 years old; the trend you talk about is in full swing and i personaly embrace it, it will weed out those who aren't passionate....

i remember when skateboarding did the same thing....it was great

 

I am really likin my air ride seat on my rigid now!!! Uhuh!!! Be 56 next month and the long trips are on the RKC!!!

 

You can sell anything if you market it well, Harley's a prime example.