Notices
General Harley Davidson Chat Forum to discuss general Harley Davidson issues, topics, and experiences.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

What does it mean "Harleys have soul"?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #11  
Old 11-12-2010, 12:30 PM
c50plus's Avatar
c50plus
c50plus is offline
Tourer
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ft LAuderdale
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

frog13, excellent disertation! That is perfect retotic for describing how a harley has soul.
 
  #12  
Old 11-12-2010, 12:37 PM
G20's Avatar
G20
G20 is offline
Tourer
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 401
Received 24 Likes on 8 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by sargek
Well, for me it means it's a machine with a personality: it vibrates, is a bit of rolling nostalgia because of the company's age, and has remained relatively unchanged in terms of basic engine design for around 100 years. It sounds, looks and feels like a motorcycle should: rumbles, shakes, etc.

I can't put my finger on it and that's probably why someone came up with the saying: "If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand."
Exactly! I do think some of the imported bikes are more efficient in ways than HD, but they don't make me feel alive when I've ridden them. I would rather have a bike with personality or "soul" than mass produced perfection.
 
  #13  
Old 11-12-2010, 12:37 PM
sargek's Avatar
sargek
sargek is offline
Road Warrior
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Frog13 - understand completely and very well said - you explained the original question with a example that I really understood. Not sure if anyone else does this, but who else pats the tank on their bike while riding, like you'd pat your dog's head? I do, wierd though it may be, and I always say "thanks baby", meaning I guess, thanks for running sweet and getting me to where I need to go.
 
  #14  
Old 11-12-2010, 12:48 PM
mnskip's Avatar
mnskip
mnskip is offline
Tourer
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: coon rapids,mn
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Scratt
The first part of sargek's post explains it, but I'll add to it.
It shakes, rattles, you can feel the sound of the pipes through the bike and that makes it feel alive or with a soul.

How's that?
I like the shirt you have in the pic. LMAO when I seen it. As far as soul, I never understand people who complain about the ride and vibration of there bike. I'll fix what ever needs fixing, but if it didn't shake and rattle I would wonder what was wrong with it. I do believe my 08 will be my last. And yes, I like the way it shakes at a stop light, rides a little rough, and makes a little noise, but thats soul, and it makes me smile every time I ride it.
 
  #15  
Old 11-12-2010, 12:56 PM
flyer91's Avatar
flyer91
flyer91 is offline
Tourer
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

The hell with soul ..... I wish it had **** ..........
 
  #16  
Old 11-12-2010, 12:58 PM
Geoff's Avatar
Geoff
Geoff is offline
Seasoned HDF Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Illinois
Posts: 10,856
Received 660 Likes on 410 Posts
Default

Soul is a subjective call. I think it's reflected in the style and sound of a Harley.

Jap clone bikes have no soul. These asian atrocities with their bolt-on cooling fins and plastic chrome pale in comparison to Milwaukee's finest.
 
  #17  
Old 11-12-2010, 01:07 PM
pargenz's Avatar
pargenz
pargenz is offline
Outstanding HDF Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Fennario
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by flyer91
The hell with soul ..... I wish it had **** ..........
They're in the latest catalog, pn T1T$-44DD, and I heard that Drag Spec will have a set in the fatbook soon...
 
  #18  
Old 11-12-2010, 01:08 PM
apolo07's Avatar
apolo07
apolo07 is offline
Intermediate
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Ft. Worth, Texas
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

A Harley is like a Corvette, an American icon. If you don't own one you dream of ownership. I have both, what a lucky man i am.
 
  #19  
Old 11-12-2010, 01:31 PM
c50plus's Avatar
c50plus
c50plus is offline
Tourer
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ft LAuderdale
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Awesome responses! Now I understand better why I feel the way i do when i ride my harley
 
  #20  
Old 11-12-2010, 01:41 PM
ZZZCICI's Avatar
ZZZCICI
ZZZCICI is offline
Tourer
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Wa. state
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

With the metrics it is more like the ZEN, they have personality. Fun to ride and a unique experience. Each type with its own personality, beit a crotch rocket or a heavy cruiser. But, no real soul.

After spending many hours at a time of riding the Harley it was an experience that I could feel. It offered an intensified more visceral endeavor. It was intrinsic, the experience integrated all the senses and emotions. It induced a thirst to be a part of the machine itself.
It speaks to to the rider in a way the rider can feel. The sound, the look, the feel, is so profound that it is absorbed into the body and mind.
You are not "One with the machine" , alas , You are the MACHINE, one heart beat , each ones energy absorbed by the other....
Then it is said, this thing has soul. Like a good blues tune, it can be felt.

uh, if you can understand then i've explained (I think)....
 


Quick Reply: What does it mean "Harleys have soul"?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:41 AM.