Two 82 maxims

[DGXSER]

I think it was due to import tariffs in the US that they stopped selling the 1100 version here. We had the big movement on buying Made in the USA at the time. And Harley had some good lobbyists.

My assumption is that Canada was less stringent on Imports.

[Schming]

I think it was due to import tariffs in the US that they stopped selling the 1100 version here. We had the big movement on buying Made in the USA at the time. And Harley had some good lobbyists.

My assumption is that Canada was less stringent on Imports.

Here's a little read on the "Movement"

Enjoy

http://www.goingfaster.com/angst/noharley2.html

[tcoop]

Here's a little read on the "Movement"

Enjoy

http://www.goingfaster.com/angst/noharley2.html

Sounds like the author of that article does not like Harleys!


Personally I couldn't care less if someone teases me for riding a rice burner. If I owned a Harley I wouldn't care what Harley haters would say. I ride a bike because I enjoy riding (even when it's below freezing like this morning).

I don't have to hate what others are riding to feel better about what I ride.

[madmax-im]

Here's a little read on the "Movement"

Enjoy

http://www.goingfaster.com/angst/noharley2.html

thats alot of hatin...While i dont ride HD I do understand ...and if you have to ask why...then you might as well forget it...

[madmax-im]

Sounds like the author of that article does not like Harleys!


Personally I couldn't care less if someone teases me for riding a rice burner. If I owned a Harley I wouldn't care what Harley haters would say. I ride a bike because I enjoy riding (even when it's below freezing like this morning).

I don't have to hate what others are riding to feel better about what I ride.

exactly...ride what you like...no explanations needed ...life is too short....Live it or Live with it...

[Rasputin]

I really do not think that he is so much a harley hater as he hates what has happened to America in general concerning motorcycles. If you read it carefully he states many true concerns for the industry itself and how it has failed American standards and even offers ideas to improve on it. If I was into harley's I would be proud to own one and to heck with anyone who thought I was wrong.
If I was proud of my countries achievements and one of them was less than stellar (ie the harley Rant) I could easily rant on it as he did. I did in fact see many of my harley riding friends in his description of them. I loved the line " If NASA were in the same technology rut that Harley Davidson is in, Neil Armstrong would have gone to the moon launched from the world's biggest slingshot..." and laughed my arse off.
Personally I do not care who rides what but to me some (not all) of what he said makes sense.

[Schming]

I really do not think that he is so much a harley hater as he hates what has happened to America in general concerning motorcycles. If you read it carefully he states many true concerns for the industry itself and how it has failed American standards and even offers ideas to improve on it. If I was into harley's I would be proud to own one and to heck with anyone who thought I was wrong.
If I was proud of my countries achievements and one of them was less than stellar (ie the harley Rant) I could easily rant on it as he did. I did in fact see many of my harley riding friends in his description of them. I loved the line " If NASA were in the same technology rut that Harley Davidson is in, Neil Armstrong would have gone to the moon launched from the world's biggest slingshot..." and laughed my arse off.
Personally I do not care who rides what but to me some (not all) of what he said makes sense.

Well stated Ras, exactly what I see in his very eloquent postings.

Your first sentence truly reflects what the feeling of loss and thoughts of what could've been for the American Motorcycle Industry.

Daydreams of being 18 yrs. old in '78, going to work at the newly built motorcycle factory, next to the steel mills, working on bikes to compete with
Japans new Super Bike . . . well where would we be now if dreams came true.

[Cobia]

I have an XJ and it's a really nice ride. I would venture to say it's the ultimate expression of the XS run. Stem and frame flex is virtually eliminated with the implemetation of gusseting at critical joints. We're all familiar with that flexing while riding the twisties at speed... Gone.
The suspension is exeptional for its time. The rear shocks are great and hold air well, the forks, not so much. Forget the air in the forks, just put in a spacer above the springs, your seals will last a lot longer too.
CON - The seat. I don't much care for the "bucket seat" setup. I dislike having to raise my ass up 4" to reposition to the passenger location just to get some tush relief. I feel best riding when I can shift my weight fore and aft along the entire length of the seat. That has also served me well in getting out of tight situations unscathed.
If I could afford them right now I'd pony up the $800 without hesitation if the compression checks out accross all 4. They even have titles, geezz what else can you ask for? :-) !!!!

[IanDMacDonald]

I read that article and I agree/disagree with his opinion. I'm young and in some ways a follower. Do I know that brand names like "North Face" for $150 is the same as something I can find at Target for $40? Yep. But, being part of the trend, I buy. This same principle is applied to everything in life. Some things we buy for the brand because the brand has a proven track record. Other things I grab from Family Dollar or Walmart because it's the same exact thing, but cheaper. I grew-up in a high-class city, but my parents were middle-class workers. Everyone around me had the latest & greatest, and I did not. It made me feel inferior. So, when I got older I got a job and paid for my own latest & greatest. And, when I got even older, I realized that it no-longer mattered what other people thought. I now buy things that I want for whatever my reasoning is. And, if it's to show-off, then so be it.

I noticed a lot of his rant was more based on a sociological principle, rather than actual technical data of Harleys. Keep in-mind, I know absolutely nothing about Harley's. The only thing I can compare this to is Apple iPhone's vs. Android phones. And if this is the case, then Harley's are like iPhone's. iPhone's are always behind in technology, have over-priced accessories, and people buy them just because they are Apple iPhone's. But, I think they are nice phones, and are simple to use for those whom want a phone that is just simple. I think Harley's are nice bikes. The Street Rod is sexy and my fave. Would I pay the sticker for it? Nope. Nor would I for a BMW, Ducati, etc.

His argument about Harley's can be applied to anything, and everything. Hell, you could hold the same arguments for people buying bottled water. I think some people in life just want to find something to gripe about that has absolutely no effect on their life in any way. God gave us free will, and if you buy a HD for any of a thousand reasons, then to each his own. What ever happened to "land of the free"?