To me there is something a little off about Willie G. retiring 1 year short of the 50 years mark, 4 months short of the 110 anniversary bikes, and just a few weeks short of all the celebration kick off parties. I think he got a sweet retirement package in order to clear the bench so that Harley can use the 110 mark to start something new.

My 2 cents; Harley is feeling vertical pressure to produce some new styles that may deviate from Willie's vision and they want to bring in some new talent (like the guys who brought them the Blackline).

Harley needs to step up the designs to compete in the motorcycle market. They really haven't had anything as radical as the Vrod again, aside from the Blackline (which we know is mostly re-purposed parts) and the last truly unique bikes were the poor selling Rocker and Crossbones.

I think what Willie G has done has put an indelible stamp on HD that makes it unique in the market and his work should be appreciated for everything he has done. I think we will see some new stuff rolling off the line for the 2014 model year that will be pretty exciting.

 

that is why I like Harleys, they have classic design, but modern (well, a bit more modern) engines

 

Or as simple as his health lead him to this decision.

 

Then why didn't they just fire Willie g at the end of his first year? "whelp there ya go, just roll this bike off the line for the next 50 years!"

 

Hard concept to accept, but that's what and is a major selling point for them.

 

Hopefully the Willie G skull collection will retire with him lol I hate those skulls

 

Now!!! finally we can get a water cooled bike with illuminated handlebar switches!!!









thanks Willie, for all the fun!!! Good Luck!! Heard they bought you a honda for your retirement!

 

noooooooooooo!

 

probably being forced out by the new A hole CEO

 

He's the last of the Davidson family line isn't he ?,hey Dickey get yourself in there and bring back the Nightrain.