Jamie

Three new (sic) models, a "Superlow" (Sporster?), a "Road Glide" and an "Ultra". All three announced (Bloomberg's "company announcements " being my current source) with HD's increasingly delirious hype.

Pathetic, I say. Jamie

Jamie

Harley's "official" 2011 site is now open, BTW. Browse-The-Way (it happens to be a lateral show) and please try to figure out what's truly new in there?

"Superlow" ain't just yet another Sporster derivative (with a copyright on it ). "Superlow" is truly an apt description of Harley's deliverable technology eleven years into the 21st century, isn't it?

Jamie

The Prophet

It's.......not.......al l ...... that......bad.

Seriously, I'd wager that 90% of the new HD marketing emphasis is now targeted towards female riders.

Not that it's a bad thing (pc check), but the reality is that the bikes are extremely easy to ride what with the very low CoG, and the abundance of low end torque makes movin' the barge super easy. With wide enough tires, they almost stand up by themselves... no need for a kick-stand!

As Jamie sez, almost all just raiding parts bins and renaming old stuff. The HD new marketing is also aimed at folks with more $$ than sense, or base knowledge about bikes, hence the attractiveness (to them!) of an "Ultra". These would be the same folks who buy Land Rovers, "Prada" anything, and first class tickets on < 4 hour flights. "Twirps", we used to call 'em. Now they're "wealthy"... Ha!

"Wealthy" in what aspect? Seems like someone has changed the definition dramatically.

Ride Safe!

Bob

__________________

• A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~Lao Tzu
• Motorcyles are not my whole life, but they make my life whole. ` me

motowebmaster

The motor company is really pulling out all of the stops, they somehow got an article posted on CNET. Which is normally reserved for San Francisco based geeks who enjoy info on other important things in life like Smartphones, Laptops, Funky Glasses, and other gadgets:

Harley-Davidson's latest and greatest bikes | Geek Gestalt - CNET News

Even my "love all bikes" mentality is having difficulty grasping this.

The Prophet

Is this a result of having too many non-rider vastly overpaid token CEO's calling the shots?

Motorcycling seems to be one of those distinct leisure activities where either you "get it", or you don't, with no grey areas.

The "New and Improved" Motor Company - and the new rider profile it is seeking to attract - seem to be full of the latter... sadly.


My advice to H-D? Start recruiting folks from other Motorcycle Companies - BMW, Honda, Triumph, Siuzuki, Yamaha, etc. - who came up through the ranks, and remember clearly what motorcycling is, what riding folks really want in a bike and where it should be going.

Leave the "suits" in the closet (), and roll up those sleeves!

Ride Safe(without the Surround Sound Stereo and the multiple cushioned cupholders... and not on last years same ol' parts)!

Bob