How can Harley Davidson appeal to younger riders? + Poll.

[BIG DOUG]

The problem is most people think harleys are technically inferior,but things like there fuel injection,fly by wire,security systems etc,its the things you don't see,crack's me up when people say harley haven't changed there bike's for years they just make little changes year after year that most people don't notice.Oh and by the way my xr1200 has just clicked over 70,000 k's and in that time I have only replaced a regulator and tyres and fluids it been a very unreliable bike.(not)

[awayatc]

The Yamaha is techncally far superior.

I wish I could buy a Yamaha like that.............

Unfortunately I am blessed with good taste.....

and common sense,

isn't (trying to ...) copying the ultimate compliment...?

[scumdog]

They ( Star- Yamaha) are doing what they did to the Brits ... to appeal to younger riders make a better bike, Harley need to sharpen the pencil.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7hZp12i4Kg

Mwahahaha...what a 'loaded' comparison....

The Yamy looks OK and probably goes OK but it's still too much of a Harley-Davidson imitator.

My main bitch about its appearance (and a slew of similar bikes) is the butt-ugly seam that runs along the lower edge of the gas-tank, breaks the lines too much and looks 'cheap'.

[Crasherfromwayback]

My main bitch about its appearance (and a slew of similar bikes) is the butt-ugly seam that runs along the lower edge of the gas-tank, breaks the lines too much and looks 'cheap'.

Correct. That...and the exhaust system that looks like it was knicked from a Keeyway Super shadow. And that that tail light? lololololol.

[Smifffy]

A lot of people, including dyed in the wool HD nuts, first mistake my jappa for a Harley. Not that I've de-badged it or anything. If I had another $10k in my kick when I bought it, I most likely would have got a fat boy instead. Always wanted one, ever since Arnold rode one in T2. Many of my riding mates have Harleys and rib me a bit, but I figured that mine still gets me out on the road doing my thing, and to me that's what it's all about. With the dollar the way it is now, I could probably get a good XR1200X for not much more than I paid for the boulevard. May well have been too big a step after not riding for a long time though.

I don't watch the show, but seeing all of the young uns around wearing Sons of Anarchy hoodies and shit, I would have thought that would have raised the level of interest among the younger crowd?

[scumdog]

I don't watch the show, but seeing all of the young uns around wearing Sons of Anarchy hoodies and shit, I would have thought that would have raised the level of interest among the younger crowd?

They seem to be mainly the broken-arsed ones that can barely afford the T-shirt let alone a motorbike...they might have a raised interest but that's as far as most will get..they're off for more K2 and another go at PS2..

[ducatilover]

YOu seem to have overlooked my word in the first sentence, technically.

Now I'm gonna have to tell you you're talking shit. The Yamaha is excuse me...100cc bigger. And according to their own film clip leaves the 883 for dead? I'd fucking well hope so. It has more susp travel? Yeah...but the 833 Iron is so shorties can ride 'em. More lean angle? If you want lean angle...buy a fucking GSXR!

I think they're appealing to a certain audience, the Yamaha (as I said) is the technically superior bike. I don't think it's "nicer" though, not with the Chinese looking remote reservoir shocks and the heinous exhaust. At least Harley can make a proper looking cruiser.
Neither of them is about power, really, but it's nice that the Yamaha supposedly has more, because the 883s are rather short of breath out the box and I'm sure you'll agree.
Suspension travel is very important though and that's a very handy feature to have and the Yamaha has a lower seat than the 883 superlow, only by 5mm though.
Not so sure if the clearance is an issue for the 883/bolt buyer? They'll get along at an okay pace through the twisties in standard form, but I have to agree with you.

Next...how fucking UGLY is that Yamaha? I mean really? They've tried so hard to make it look like the very bike they're rubbishing...but they've failed badly!

I don't like the Yamaha. I may be a Hardley basher but I'd rather have to look at the 883 every day

And Ford/Holden make rubbish? My SS ute is twice the vehicle my XJR Jag was/is. Retail when new? I think around $150k vs $45k?

They don't make very sophisticated vehicles, hence the prices on them. Never said I dislike them

Lastly...bet I can ride an 883 round Manfeild quicker than you can ride your Kawasaki.

I hope so, I'm a shit rider.

By being such a Harley basher...you make yourself out to be an uneducated twat.

883s are rubbish though and I'm going to stand by that, because even on KB I'm allowed an opinion, just like the Harley lovers (not Honda lovers, they're fucked)

[Big Dave]

The problem is most people think harleys are technically inferior,but things like there fuel injection,fly by wire,security systems etc,its the things you don't see,crack's me up when people say harley haven't changed there bike's for years they just make little changes year after year that most people don't notice.

Yea - at least it gives me something to write about.

[Big Dave]

You are even entitled to an incorrect opinion.

Now fuck off.

[ducatilover]

You are even entitled to an incorrect opinion.

Now fuck off.

I stay here to annoy people, it satisfies my inferiority complex and stops me from continuing to build shit bikes

[Big Dave]

OT - My commentary is coming more under the influence of Charlie Brooker every episode.

Not work safe.

http://youtu.be/9FdHGfsVoqw

[Crasherfromwayback]

YOu seem to have overlooked my word in the first sentence, technically. I think they're appealing to a certain audience, the Yamaha (as I said) is the technically superior bike.



883s are rubbish though and I'm going to stand by that, because even on KB I'm allowed an opinion, just like the Harley lovers (not Honda lovers, they're fucked)

Superior how? The fuel injection systems used? How good is the Yamaha's alarm system compared to the 883's? Does it even have one?

I think you actually lust after an 883! And if you ask nicely...we'll 1200 kit it and it'd suck the mirrors off the Yamaha!

[ducatilover]

Superior how? The fuel injection systems used? How good is the Yamaha's alarm system compared to the 883's? Does it even have one?

The Yamaha has an adjustable gear lever
I don't think the Blot has an alarm. No cunt would steal it anyway, it's fugly

I think you actually lust after an 883! And if you ask nicely...we'll 1200 kit it and it'd suck the mirrors off the Yamaha!

If I ask nicely will you make it look like an XR1200? Or just paint it orange



I think Yamaha are full of shit on this, the features list says it has a stylish exhaust.

[AllanB]

I don;t really give a shit what you ride, good that you do.

BUT it does annoy me that the Japanese do a carbon copy of the HD's. Yeah they 'define' cruiserdom but there is or at least should be room for a bit of variation if one uses their imagination. Shit the drag bike scene is huge in the USA u would think a low slung kick arse drag styled GSXR engine based cruiser who pop a bit wood in the market.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I don;t really give a shit what you ride, good that you do.

BUT it does annoy me that the Japanese do a carbon copy of the HD's. Yeah they 'define' cruiserdom but there is or at least should be room for a bit of variation if one uses their imagination. Shit the drag bike scene is huge in the USA u would think a low slung kick arse drag styled GSXR engine based cruiser who pop a bit wood in the market.

Agree with you 100%. Yamaha went brave and hit the nail on the head with the original V-Max I reckon!