Motorcycle.com

grover750 · 12-21-2001, 09:42 AM

First off, congrats to HD. I agree that they are a money machine, and that's what companies are in existance to do, make money. The definetly do "translate the passion into profit".

Techological advancement? Maybe for them, but not for motorcycling. As soon as their engineering skills catch up to their marketing skills, I'll consider one, if I don't have to wear the costume.

desertbilly · 12-21-2001, 10:11 AM

Good for them. They certainly have a lot of happy customers (and shareholders).

I seem to remember Malcolm being quite a Harley fan.

jchin1979 · 12-21-2001, 12:33 PM

HD might be the company of the year, because undoubtedly they are an awesome money making machine, but they certaintly are not the MOTORCYCLE company of any year. They're bikes sell on image and image alone. Image is an important aspect of motorcycling, but they are severly lacking in all other departments as a MOTORCYCLE company. ie. technology, engineering, innovation, reliability, pricing, racing, competitive products. Now I will accept the flaming of all HD fans who are probably just drooling to take a bite out of this one, but can anyone argue that HD is better or even on-par with the Honda's, Aprilia's, and Suzuki's or this world? HD is the American equivalent of Triumph, should of went out of business (and stayed out of business) a long time ago.

christianl · 12-21-2001, 12:48 PM

see,the great thing about freedom is you can ride any bike you want.cant you just take the article in context?they are talking about american business and although im a kawasaki guy i admire the motor company for finding a niche and remaining true to it

Grover · 12-21-2001, 01:14 PM

Having been involved in the engineering of H-D, I can say that although they may be "lacking" in certain areas, other areas are their specialties. If what you are looking for is a top notch fit & finish bike, H-D is where to get it. I'm not talking about reliability, I'm talking about look. H-D's are like jewelry, and although it's not appreciated, the paint, chrome, and overall finish of a Harley is better than any other bike in the world, and if that's what you're concerned about (and there's plenty of people who are) then Harley-Davidson is the best motorcycle company in the world.

Personally, I'm about going fast, but I've come to appreciate the attention to detail that Harley puts into it's bikes, and it is that attention to detail that has made it so successful.

Do I think Harley's are the best motorcycles in the world? No, my chips are on Ducati, but I fully understand those who believe that Harley's, more than anything else, speak to the spirit and of motorcycling.

Grover · 12-21-2001, 01:14 PM

Having been involved in the engineering of H-D, I can say that although they may be "lacking" in certain areas, other areas are their specialties. If what you are looking for is a top notch fit & finish bike, H-D is where to get it. I'm not talking about reliability, I'm talking about look. H-D's are like jewelry, and although it's not appreciated, the paint, chrome, and overall finish of a Harley is better than any other bike in the world, and if that's what you're concerned about (and there's plenty of people who are) then Harley-Davidson is the best motorcycle company in the world.

Personally, I'm about going fast, but I've come to appreciate the attention to detail that Harley puts into its bikes, and it is that attention to detail that has made it so successful.

Do I think Harley's are the best motorcycles in the world? No, my chips are on Ducati, but I fully understand those who believe that Harley's, more than anything else, speak to the spirit and of motorcycling.

Grover · 12-21-2001, 01:14 PM

Having been involved in the engineering of H-D, I can say that although they may be "lacking" in certain areas, other areas are their specialties. If what you are looking for is a top notch fit & finish bike, H-D is where to get it. I'm not talking about reliability, I'm talking about look. H-D's are like jewelry, and although it's not appreciated, the paint, chrome, and overall finish of a Harley is better than any other bike in the world, and if that's what you're concerned about (and there's plenty of people who are) then Harley-Davidson is the best motorcycle company in the world.

Personally, I'm about going fast, but I've come to appreciate the attention to detail that Harley puts into its bikes, and it is that attention to detail that has made it so successful.

Do I think Harley's are the best motorcycles in the world? No, my chips are on Ducati, but I fully understand those who believe that Harley's, more than anything else, speak to the spirit and ideals of motorcycling.

jim111 · 12-21-2001, 01:49 PM

With the new EVO, Harley is finally looking forward. Up till now, they've been all about looking back and keeping the tradition. It will be interesting if they can do both. If the Evo sales are strong, we will probably see more modern Harleys.

caderider · 12-21-2001, 01:54 PM

3rd time's a charm, eh? LOL

B

super7 · 12-21-2001, 07:14 PM

You gotta get a grip. You don't understand the whole thing about bikes period, is having fun. You can ride the latest sportbike and get shot down tomorrow by the next one. You can ride the latest Japanese cruiser and dazzle people with the latest tech. But have ya realized the people out there on the Harley's are just havin fun pretenders or not. That's what ridden is all about. Not technology, or cruiser, sportbike, or whatever. if your havin fun it's worth the whole thing. If your lookin for the something you don't have from the latest cycle mag review that makes you more better than the next guy on any bike, think about it. And just have fun fer Crissakes. EVERYBODY, ITS ALL ABOUT FUN.

12-21-2001, 09:42 AM	#1
grover750 Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 142	Re: Harley Davidson is Company of the Year First off, congrats to HD. I agree that they are a money machine, and that's what companies are in existance to do, make money. The definetly do "translate the passion into profit". Techological advancement? Maybe for them, but not for motorcycling. As soon as their engineering skills catch up to their marketing skills, I'll consider one, if I don't have to wear the costume.

12-21-2001, 10:11 AM	#2
desertbilly Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 133	Re: Harley Davidson is Company of the Year Good for them. They certainly have a lot of happy customers (and shareholders). I seem to remember Malcolm being quite a Harley fan.

12-21-2001, 12:33 PM	#3
jchin1979 Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 7	Re: Harley Davidson is Company of the Year HD might be the company of the year, because undoubtedly they are an awesome money making machine, but they certaintly are not the MOTORCYCLE company of any year. They're bikes sell on image and image alone. Image is an important aspect of motorcycling, but they are severly lacking in all other departments as a MOTORCYCLE company. ie. technology, engineering, innovation, reliability, pricing, racing, competitive products. Now I will accept the flaming of all HD fans who are probably just drooling to take a bite out of this one, but can anyone argue that HD is better or even on-par with the Honda's, Aprilia's, and Suzuki's or this world? HD is the American equivalent of Triumph, should of went out of business (and stayed out of business) a long time ago.

12-21-2001, 12:48 PM	#4
christianl Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 35	Re: Harley Davidson is Company of the Year see,the great thing about freedom is you can ride any bike you want.cant you just take the article in context?they are talking about american business and although im a kawasaki guy i admire the motor company for finding a niche and remaining true to it

12-21-2001, 01:14 PM	#5
Grover Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 175	Re: Harley Davidson is Company of the Year Having been involved in the engineering of H-D, I can say that although they may be "lacking" in certain areas, other areas are their specialties. If what you are looking for is a top notch fit & finish bike, H-D is where to get it. I'm not talking about reliability, I'm talking about look. H-D's are like jewelry, and although it's not appreciated, the paint, chrome, and overall finish of a Harley is better than any other bike in the world, and if that's what you're concerned about (and there's plenty of people who are) then Harley-Davidson is the best motorcycle company in the world. Personally, I'm about going fast, but I've come to appreciate the attention to detail that Harley puts into it's bikes, and it is that attention to detail that has made it so successful. Do I think Harley's are the best motorcycles in the world? No, my chips are on Ducati, but I fully understand those who believe that Harley's, more than anything else, speak to the spirit and of motorcycling.

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12-21-2001, 01:49 PM	#8
jim111 Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 12	Re: Harley Davidson is Company of the Year With the new EVO, Harley is finally looking forward. Up till now, they've been all about looking back and keeping the tradition. It will be interesting if they can do both. If the Evo sales are strong, we will probably see more modern Harleys.

12-21-2001, 01:54 PM	#9
caderider Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 261	Re: Harley Davidson is Company of the Year 3rd time's a charm, eh? LOL B __________________ Pressure cookers have a relief valve for a reason!

12-21-2001, 07:14 PM	#10
super7 Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 1	Re: Harley Davidson is Company of the Year You gotta get a grip. You don't understand the whole thing about bikes period, is having fun. You can ride the latest sportbike and get shot down tomorrow by the next one. You can ride the latest Japanese cruiser and dazzle people with the latest tech. But have ya realized the people out there on the Harley's are just havin fun pretenders or not. That's what ridden is all about. Not technology, or cruiser, sportbike, or whatever. if your havin fun it's worth the whole thing. If your lookin for the something you don't have from the latest cycle mag review that makes you more better than the next guy on any bike, think about it. And just have fun fer Crissakes. EVERYBODY, ITS ALL ABOUT FUN.