While I definitely admire The Motor Company's business success (as does Wall Street), and would never want them to fail or disappear, I have to wonder. 227,000 projected production target for 2001? How can so many people desire a $8,000-$21,000 motorcycle? Who are these people and when will the bubble burst, so to speak? I just don't understand the continuing appeal and willingness to wait for their products and pay a premium for them. It's all about image I guess. Someone enlighten me- I'm open minded.
I wholeheartedly agree that everyone should just ride what they like riding.
The reason I chose to compare a Nighthawk and a big twin is because they have similar horsepower (the Nighthawk might even have a few more horses if both are stock), not because they have similar displacement. They are also "comfortable" seating positions as opposed to "agressive" seating positions. I know they look very different, but--I know I'm in the minority here--I would be happy with a bike that looked like either a Japanese standard or an American twin. Both have an elemental, simple look (before customization, at least) and proudly display their mildly-tuned, air-cooled engine.
I bring up the money issue because it is, unfortunately, important. I can't ride what I REALLY like--an R1150R--because I just plain can't afford it. Thus I'm looking for a bike that's comfortable, fun to ride, but also economical to own.
And, of course, the purpose of this thread was NOT to bash Harley-Davidson. The Sportster 883 is one of the bikes on my "possible next bike to buy" list, though it has significantly lower horsepower than a Japanese 750/4. I'd love to see what they do with the Evo-replacement Sportster engine (which I really want them to get around to releasing). Since I'm working on very limited finances, finding a fun ride that is also economical is very important to me.
I like to buy new because I once bought a bike that had been poorly broken in and thoroughly abused by the former owner, even though it only had 9000 miles and looked like a good buy. After that experience, I much prefer to break bikes in myself.
However, if you can find last-year-leftovers (something that never happens with Harley-Davidsons), take them. You should be able to get at least $1000 off list price for taking a left-over, and its still an unridden bike. With most motorcycles besides sportbikes, the only thing that changes from year to year is the color, so left-overs are a great find.
Well, I'm sure that it makes the all the "Biker Wanabees", like my brother very happy that H-D is again in the red I wish them much success in the future but, H-D will never see any of my money, their bikes don't impress me in the least, infact the "only" bike H-D makes that I'd think about buying is the Buell ST-3 Sport Tourer.
That's only if they get ride of the "out of date" Sportster motor and put in something upgraded like the VR1000 motor. $13,500 will buy some very excellent, dependable and long lasting sport touring bikes from other mfg'ers. H-D know's cruisers but hasn't got a clue when it comes to "sport touring" bikes! The new Sport-T and the Buell ST-3 are purely "2nd. class" machines in that area of motorcycling.
Sigh, so another typical bunch of BS from a Harley riding RUB. Yep I've rode em and you can have em, nothing special about em but since you have money, it's just another toy too bring up you status to your circle of loser friends.
I helped my dad shop around quite a bit for a Road King (Awesome bike), and you can find harley dealers that sell at MSRP, the only problem is that you are on a 1-4 year waiting list. One of the dealers in VA or roundabout there had its next 80 incoming bikes presold. This was about a year ago, and with the cruiser market starting to soften, i dont think it will be a problem too much longer.
You just don't get it, do you? MO is here to provide news and info about ALL motorcycles. It is not there fault that people want to act so childish.
You sure like to complain, but do you have any solutions? Gee, it looks pretty easy to and moan all day.
I have a solution for MO, and this should be agreeable with you.
MO, I propose that you stop posting any articles about Harley-Davidson. There is too much static between harley/sportbike riders.
I also propose you stop posting anything about the GSXR-1000. There is too much static between suzuki/yamaha owners.
I also propose you stop posting anything about bikes that weigh over 450 lbs. There is too much static between tourers/30 minute riders.
I also propose you stop posting anything about a bike with more than 160hp. There is too much static between Busa/ZX-12R/CBR1100XX owners.
I also propose that you stop posting anything about offroad riding. There is too much static between the offroad/ PC motorcyclists.
I think if you follow my proposals we will no longer have to put up with people saying MO posts stories with a malicious motivation. OH WAIT, THEN THERE WOULDN'T BE ANY INFO TO POST.
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