The Hog Phenomenon

[Fontanaman]

Well nothing like a little pot stirring on the FJR forum. The first sentence of this thread is: "The Harley Davidson phenomenon is ...."

My brilliant response is The Harley Davidson phenomenon is very much like the CB Radio craze in the 1970's. Harley has now fallen on hard times because all fads come to an end eventually.

The why Harley was popular is simple. Appealing market was able to attract the masses creating a fad. Wind in you face, freedom of the road, independence 21st century cowboy yadda yadda yadda. Funny thing is independence was often shared in a group ride in a tightly packed formation at low speeds.

As for me I have never road a Harley and likely never will. I cherish my independence. Also I prefer a motorcycle with more performance and consider it a safety advantage provided I can avoid riding like a hooligan on the FJR. Those who know me here know I don't fit into the hooligan category.

Let the pot stirring continue. Yee haw!

 

[harper]

I'm waiting for somebody to do a post and say: I like my harley because... and I bought my harley because...
I'm looking for those good things, man!

I think I would look for those comments on a Harley Davidson forum.

 

[ReRose]

Is it OK if I like the Vrod?

 

[El Guapo Loco]

Well nothing like a little pot stirring on the FJR forum. The first sentence of this thread is: "The Harley Davidson phenomenon is ...."
My brilliant response is The Harley Davidson phenomenon is very much like the CB Radio craze in the 1970's. Harley has now fallen on hard times because all fads come to an end eventually.

The why Harley was popular is simple. Appealing market was able to attract the masses creating a fad. Wind in you face, freedom of the road, independence 21st century cowboy yadda yadda yadda. Funny thing is independence was often shared in a group ride in a tightly packed formation at low speeds.

As for me I have never road a Harley and likely never will. I cherish my independence. Also I prefer a motorcycle with more performance and consider it a safety advantage provided I can avoid riding like a hooligan on the FJR. Those who know me here know I don't fit into the hooligan category.

Let the pot stirring continue. Yee haw!

Wait... I know! The Hammers of Hell!

Hey everbody! I'm forming a motorcycle gang and YOU can join! We are the (yammer)Hammers of Hell! Or maybe from hell? Have to work the kinks out of this, like everything else...

I treasure my independence, as well. And I wanna put it i n everyone's face. And we are ZERO percenters - that's right, there's nobody like us!

I'll get with my people on Monday. Our application form will be simple - what would you like to be called? _______________ how would you like to communicate with us? (phone, address, email) ____________ Just send it in with your check for $999.98 and YOU will be considered for membership in the most elite, of mc societies!

We are all about fun! Our motto: "Good Guys, over rice!" We will show up anytime, anywhere to prove not all bikers are slobbering neanderthals, bent on displaying their underarm hair, to the world!

Our cuts? WELLLLL How about "Saintan's Bust Me NOW!" (spelling intentional) Day glow orange jackets, not black.

Uh Oh. 1%er bashing. MORE people with baseball bats in the front yard, tomorrow...

You just can't win. You know?

 

[El Guapo Loco]

I'm waiting for somebody to do a post and say: I like my harley because... and I bought my harley because...
I'm looking for those good things, man!

I think I would look for those comments on a Harley Davidson forum.

That's silly. Those guys can't READ, man!

 

[El Guapo Loco]

Is it OK if I like the Vrod?

Certainly. I know one guy that likes to be tied up and whipped, until he bleeds. Fine, by me!

I rode a vrod. It was... interesting. 101% crotch rocket - lay way over the tank. Suzuki sv-1000. Ducati. Not a road bike, in my perception. Eager motor. OK brakes, but not impressive. Liked to run

That bike scores light-years ahead of a bagger, in terms of the commonly used criterion to judge motorcycles. The motor was unique - smooth and responsive with a wide power band.

As I walked up to it (it was for sale by private party) I remember thinking, 'and now for something completely different.'

I think harley is in a bind. They're a huge, rich company. Their product is losing traction, big time. They are famous for refusing the changes that have been common to all other manufacturers. Now what? Maybe the vrod is a harbinger of things to come. I hope so.

There is a tough road, ahead. Out running/gunning the v-max, hyubusa and the zx-r 1400 aint gonna happen. All the niches are well, if not over populated... Their development of electric bikes may be a good thing...

Think about it. They have a distribution structure, second to none. They have the sworn allegiance of every redneck in cowville and many rich old guys, too. How can they keep it going?

In my dream I walked up the the ancient, humongous cyclops, saying, 'here. do this, and you can survive'

 

[SouthernCruizer]

Is it OK if I like the Vrod?

Better not let the herd hear you say that. A sportster is a girl's bike. A Vrod is for *******. Rice burners suck.

1st there was the flathead.

then the knucklehead

then the panhead

then the shovelhead

now they are making water cooled engines....

....the shower head!!

That is all.

 

[lnewlf]

 

[El Guapo Loco]

Is it OK if I like the Vrod?

Better not let the herd hear you say that. A sportster is a girl's bike. A Vrod is for *******. Rice burners suck.

1st there was the flathead.

then the knucklehead

then the panhead

then the shovelhead

now they are making water cooled engines....

....the shower head!!

That is all.

The... HERD?

roflmao!

varoommm varoomoooo moooo moooooo

better watch out - we'll get trampled!

 

[MrZappo]

The vrod is a sign of things to come ? That turd is 20 years old and was basically not accepted by the mainstream HD riders.

The motor was developed with Porsche help and then they gave it a gas tank that is embarrassingly small. Another experiment.

Time will tell but I will guess that these silly 30k electric bikes will be the same.

They are a one trick pony with a dying client base whose time has come.

Now, for the record, with the Advent of the millennial crowd, this is true of a lot of motorcycling and all brands to some extent. But, IMHO, most other brands have enough diversity to adapt easier. And they cater to a wider rider base.

Have you seen that new adventure bike they are releasing? I can only laugh. I'll bet that you never see one.

It's not that they suck or any of the typical criticisms. They kicked *** for a long time. And now they will struggle. A sign of the times.

Simple math. Less pirate geezers=less sales.

 

[Knifemaker]

An interesting read:

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/02/12/motorcycle-sales-patterns-explained-sky-not-falling/

Although all motorcycle sales are down in the US, And HD sales plunging too, it still made a significant profit, due to overseas sales.

It's important in today's world to think globally. But even with HD sales down in the US, they still lead the market here with the most sales.

Some brands have however done well with sales. Triumph, BMW, Royal Enfield, Husqvarna, and Polaris all have reported growing sales.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.motorcycle.com/features/5-motorcycle-brands-with-soaring-sales.html/amp

Keep in mind Harley Davidsons image in the US has been deeply imprinted for decades. It's brilliant marketing has made it as recognizable and as American as Budweiser, Hot dogs and Baseball. Yet, countries not subjected to this propaganda are buying Harley's.

How many folks here have seen HD stickers on car or truck windows? How many Yamaha stickers have you seen?

Sounds to me HD still knows what they are doing.

 

[SouthernCruizer]

An interesting read:https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/02/12/motorcycle-sales-patterns-explained-sky-not-falling/

Although all motorcycle sales are down in the US, And HD sales plunging too, it still made a significant profit, due to overseas sales.

It's important in today's world to think globally. But even with HD sales down in the US, they still lead the market here with the most sales.

Some brands have however done well with sales. Triumph, BMW, Royal Enfield, Husqvarna, and Polaris all have reported growing sales.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.motorcycle.com/features/5-motorcycle-brands-with-soaring-sales.html/amp

Keep in mind Harley Davidsons image in the US has been deeply imprinted for decades. It's brilliant marketing has made it as recognizable and as American as Budweiser, Hot dogs and Baseball. Yet, countries not subjected to this propaganda are buying Harley's.

How many folks here have seen HD stickers on car or truck windows? How many Yamaha stickers have you seen?

Sounds to me HD still knows what they are doing.

HD has been brilliant at selling a life style, albeit with inferior machinery. Unfortunately for them and all shareholders (including moi), the life stylers are getting a little ripe , and new blood is getting harder to find. As you probably know, a large chunk of their profits are the merchandise and the financing division (despite the ole line of "you don't have a harley because you can't afford one", over 85% of HD buyers finance, and terms are getting longer and longer and down payments smaller and smaller), making it profitable for the finance division.

Overseas sales are still ok as HD is in fact , an American icon...time will tell if global demand for US icons will continue given the geo political climate we are now in.

At some point, the scales will tip because ultimately customers will tire of paying premium prices for inferior technology and performance in motorcycles. Most people would not tolerate this when buying a car or truck.

I am glad that Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW, KTM, etc owners don't plaster their brands stickers on everything in site. I find it ....silly and cheap and desperate to justify a purchase that does not make much sense financially.

Just my $.02 worth.

 

[FJRay]

Looking at it from a mechanics viewpoint I would say that inferior doesn't apply to Harley any more than many others. Image aside, modern Harley products are pretty good. Working on them is no worse than any other brand . like any bike there are things to be improved like oil filter placement so it drains on the regulator but the battery placement on the FJR is pretty silly itself. The overall fit and finish is as good as any and the factory paint work is superior to most. Performance is where it should be for what it is designed to do. Fast NO but plenty of power for everyday use. My wife's 06 Sportster would haul my fat butt over the ton with ease and it handled pretty good.

I'm in the process of restoring a 59 Panhead and it is as good as any other 50-60's era bike I've restored. By today's standards it's a vintage tractor but for it's day it was right there with the rest.

Not defending the bad biker image but the image is the ***** on the machine not machine itself.

Ride more and Bash less. We are only here for a visit so enjoy what you have.

Shopping at the Harley store is like Sears used to be. You can get your clothes and your appliance in the same store. Win Win

 

[Old Michael]

... My wife's 06 Sportster would haul my fat butt ...

Poor little Sportster. I'm guessing it needed a few days off after that chore.

JSNS

 

[FJRay]

... My wife's 06 Sportster would haul my fat butt ...

Poor little Sportster. I'm guessing it needed a few days off after that chore.

JSNS

I did let the Sporty get on top once. It was good for me to.

Up Yours OM.https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//public/style_emoticons/default/****.gif

 

[Bustanut joker]

... My wife's 06 Sportster would haul my fat butt ...

Poor little Sportster. I'm guessing it needed a few days off after that chore.

JSNS

I did let the Sporty get on top once. It was good for me to.

Up Yours OM.https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//public/style_emoticons/default/****.gif

Jebus christ!

Get a room ya damned threadjacking *** klowns!

Somewhat back on topic.. I've been working with a friend Mark who's well known for his work on Old early 1900's HD's . Well enough known to have had several dealings with the likes Jay Leno and Dale from Wheels through Time Museum. Yeah he's that good.

We just completed a rebuild on a 1908 last week. The machine work on that engine and for that matter all I've helped with is as good, maybe even better than a lot of stuff today.

Marks right when he says those old engines will last forever if they are maintained.

He's opening up his shop for us on tech weekend so the guys can take a look at some of his work. I expect there will be photos to be shared here afterwards

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming

 

[Old Michael]

... My wife's 06 Sportster would haul my fat butt ...

Poor little Sportster. I'm guessing it needed a few days off after that chore.

JSNS

I did let the Sporty get on top once. It was good for me to.

Up Yours OM.https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//public/style_emoticons/default/****.gif

Jebus christ!

Get a room ya damned threadjacking *** klowns!

You're right, Beverly.

Ray, I accept your apology.

Go Leafs.

 

[bigjohnsd]

I don't bad mouth them, I just pass them!

I live in the heart of HD Pirate Country, each year the Pirates get older,

Every year the HD Dealer in Rapid City sells over 1,000 bikes in the month of August.

If your idea of a great ride is to ride the roads of the Great Flyover Country with an occasional curve then the HD is the bike for you.

If you like twisty roads with long rides in between the FJR might be a better choice.

If you like Gravel, two track, and long rides in between an S10 or a GSA might be a better choice.

If you want to fit in in Sturgis or at your local "Biker Bar" you need the HD and associated accouterment!

Indian is making a dent in this market.

 

[El Guapo Loco]

I don't bad mouth them, I just pass them!
I live in the heart of HD Pirate Country, each year the Pirates get older,

Every year the HD Dealer in Rapid City sells over 1,000 bikes in the month of August.

If your idea of a great ride is to ride the roads of the Great Flyover Country with an occasional curve then the HD is the bike for you.

If you like twisty roads with long rides in between the FJR might be a better choice.

If you like Gravel, two track, and long rides in between an S10 or a GSA might be a better choice.

If you want to fit in in Sturgis or at your local "Biker Bar" you need the HD and associated accouterment!

Indian is making a dent in this market.

FINALLY! "if you want to fit in..."

Here it is. People choose harleys because they are like keys - you HAVE to have one in order to be accepted into certain... "circles." The reason "the motor company" exists has absolutely nothing to do with their product, and/or the attributes of same.

Myself, personally, I am not accepted into those circles. My friends, few though they are, welcome me no matter what I ride or if I ride anything, at all. I pay no price for friendship, or admission. I am who I am. I make my own choices and then suffer the consequences, of those choices

God gave me free will. NOTHING, anywhere or anytime, is more valuable than that, to me.

 

[Fontanaman]

... My wife's 06 Sportster would haul my fat butt ...

Poor little Sportster. I'm guessing it needed a few days off after that chore.

JSNS

I did let the Sporty get on top once. It was good for me to.

Up Yours OM.https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//public/style_emoticons/default/****.gif

Jebus christ!

Get a room ya damned threadjacking *** klowns!

Somewhat back on topic.. I've been working with a friend Mark who's well known for his work on Old early 1900's HD's . Well enough known to have had several dealings with the likes Jay Leno and Dale from Wheels through Time Museum. Yeah he's that good.

We just completed a rebuild on a 1908 last week. The machine work on that engine and for that matter all I've helped with is as good, maybe even better than a lot of stuff today.

Marks right when he says those old engines will last forever if they are maintained.

He's opening up his shop for us on tech weekend so the guys can take a look at some of his work. I expect there will be photos to be shared here afterwards

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming

And Bust of all people, halo and all, accuses somebody of being a thread jacking clown. Zow. This is a great thread. Beemer Don's must be turning in his grave.

Now years ago I owned a BMW R100RT and attended a BMW tech event. Spent the night at the hosts home. He owned a few BMWs and a Harley Road King. I asked him about that, no venom in the question mind you. He said the Road King was used for a narrow envelop style of riding. It was terrific for two up riding at 55 to 65 mph in a straight line and modest turns. He cautioned do not go outside the envelope. Interesting I thought. It was a great tech event.