2008 Harley-Davidson CVO Models

[tshelver]

Great... A report on the great new HD tech. On bikes that are ridiculously overpriced. Where is the report on the new Concours14? Didn't Kawasaki invite you guys to the intro last week?

[Kenneth_Moore]

Actually KDuke said Pete would be riding it over the weekend (last week or the week before) and a big review would be forthcoming. Still, we wait. Seen the full page ads for it in the magazines? It looks good in print!

[tshelver]

Originally Posted by Kenneth_Moore

I think few people, even people who aren't impressed with HD's technology or performance to cost ratio, would argue that they build a high quality product. Materials, fit, finish, and assembly are top notch.

Then how come so many UK magazines complain about HDs (especially the fasteners) corroding in winter riding conditions, where bikes like the KTMs come through really well?

For the money, nothing should ever, ever, ever go wrong on these machines.

I rented a Glide Classic 2 years back, wasn't particularly impressed with the quality, especially compared to say, something as common as a VFR.

[MrDeadeye]

They don't have less bike reviews than before. They still get scooped by other moto news sites like before. The only difference is the layout and its free. But I'm not complaining--ITS FREE AGAIN. What do you want for nothing? I don't think it was ever worth paying for but as a free site its pretty good.

Originally Posted by Alaskan18724

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am resistant to change, at least until it is demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence that change is beneficial; i.e., we are moving to something bigger, better, faster, stronger, whatever. Now the site looks like every other site, is less convenient to navigate, and has lost most, if not all, of the personality that made the old site unique. Sure, it had its glitches from time to time, but that seems to be the one characteristic that hasn't changed.

Beyond style, however, content is the big deal, and content is suffering mightily. I'd much rather have quick, comprehensive coverage in an old-school package than have the guys waste their time with glitz. I sat quietly for days waiting for the site to post something--anything!--on the new Harleys and the water-cooled Buell. Some of it finally arrived, but it's basically a cut and paste of the factory info, and doesn't even cover all of the significant items included in the factory release!

I guess I haven't seen anything here that would persuade me not to resist change. This site has for years been my first stop when I log on, but it just ain't keeping up with some of the competition. We should demand a return to normalcy. Where's John Burns when we need him?

CWB

[nweaver]

I doubt it will remain free, the "free" is probably until they figure out how to re-add-in the billing infrastructure...

And there is a difference between "Scoop" and "utter neglect", posting Buell's press release on the News page would have at least been something.

[Kenneth_Moore]

I can respect the fact that you have a different opinion. I will say that I rode a LOT of metric trade-ins when I was selling HDs. Their ride and handling were, in my opinion, lesser than the HDs. Actually, I found the metric cruisers inferior across the board, especially in overall appearance after a few years on the road. They say money talks: compare the value of a used HD to any other bike. With a very few exceptions, the HDs hold their value far better than other bikes.

[MrDeadeye]

Originally Posted by nweaver

I doubt it will remain free, the "free" is probably until they figure out how to re-add-in the billing infrastructure...

I don't think they will be stupid enough to make that mistake again. The pay for membership model might have worked for porn, but not for this. With the "pay for play" plan they still couldn't keep talent around for long and content did not improve. Not enough people paid. It looked like the same 15 guys posting comments in every forum. Now they have a shot at attracting more readers and, with them, more real advertising bucks.

[GSXRWolf]

Originally Posted by MrDeadeye

They don't have less bike reviews than before. They still get scooped by other moto news sites like before. The only difference is the layout and its free. But I'm not complaining--ITS FREE AGAIN. What do you want for nothing? I don't think it was ever worth paying for but as a free site its pretty good.

"IT'S FREE AGAIN." Big hairy deal. Like $12 was a major financial burdon to anyone. Go ahead MO. Charge $20 or $30. Whatever it takes to clean out some of the tight assed whiners out there.

By the way MO, keep up the good work and get the motorcycle news out as soon as you can.

[anrajala]

H-D quality is simply not up to the japanese competition. I have a 2002 Fat Boy since new. Dropped it six times. Technically nothing has gone wrong, not a single reliability issue, nothing. However:

- “Chromium” backs of mirrors totally corroded
- Chromium peeled from the front cylinder head
- Aluminimum rims not plated or even varnished: both corroded
- 307 kg and only one front disk, good saving there motor company
- Handle levers cheap finger coloring aluminium
- Floorboards made of awful tinny steel plate, sound crap, wear badly, absolute shyte
- Seat strap expanded and does not lock up: hangs stupidly loose at all times
- Right hand passenger foot beg in contact with exhaust pipe when lifted up

Regardless, I am happy with the bike (apart from Nissan Sentra like acceleration), it being comfortable and reliable and all. But its not a high quality product.

- cruiz-euro

[Buzglyd]

Originally Posted by anrajala

H-D quality is simply not up to the japanese competition. I have a 2002 Fat Boy since new. Dropped it six times. Technically nothing has gone wrong, not a single reliability issue, nothing. However:

- “Chromium” backs of mirrors totally corroded
- Chromium peeled from the front cylinder head
- Aluminimum rims not plated or even varnished: both corroded
- 307 kg and only one front disk, good saving there motor company
- Handle levers cheap finger coloring aluminium
- Floorboards made of awful tinny steel plate, sound crap, wear badly, absolute shyte
- Seat strap expanded and does not lock up: hangs stupidly loose at all times
- Right hand passenger foot beg in contact with exhaust pipe when lifted up

Regardless, I am happy with the bike (apart from Nissan Sentra like acceleration), it being comfortable and reliable and all. But its not a high quality product.

- cruiz-euro

Dropped it six times? 6? S-I-X?