Comments on Harley Davidson Sportster: What makes a Harley a Harley?

(ranked in order of effect) 1. potato-potato-pota...

2009-08-31T13:10:40.643-07:00

(ranked in order of effect)

1. potato-potato-potato

2. history (built-up brand)

3. cosmetics & styling

Dig into a newer Harley once, and you'll discover that, while it may not be on top of the techno pyramid, the simplicity, packaging, and innovation are as elegant as they are surprising.

But really, in the end, it's all about the potato, man

IMHO Harley is to Motorcycles, what Mercedez is to...

2009-07-04T05:41:15.333-07:00

IMHO Harley is to Motorcycles, what Mercedez is to Cars.

Thanks, and yes, its the evolution of one bike 5yr...

2009-05-30T03:38:09.217-07:00

Thanks, and yes, its the evolution of one bike 5yrs in 5 minutes. Back to the original question...I guess what makes Harley s a Harley, is that without them the chopper phenomenon may never have begun. They are the original chopper. Its the single pin crank that gives a Harley its distinctive sound that everyone loves. Without this culture that began with a single brand, choppers may have never been born.

Bryan, your "Dark Fire" VTX looks amazing. I'm ass...

2009-05-29T20:09:19.425-07:00

Bryan, your "Dark Fire" VTX looks amazing. I'm assuming that the video shows the evolution of the bike; it definitely looks like a dream come true. I always thought the VTX was a great bike and yours is out of this world. Thanks for sharing and enjoy the ride!

Your absolutely right, maybe its me and the attitu...

2009-05-29T19:52:22.858-07:00

Your absolutely right, maybe its me and the attitude I have to put up with from the 1%'s I deal with on a daily basis. I've just finished a custom pro street project on a Honda VTX 1800. 3 yrs. and 15,000.00 in changes on a 12,000.00 bike, and I get alot of inane comments because of it. The truth is, no one should be concerned about what bike someone else chooses, only that they ride, and thats what links us. I enjoy working on a bike as much as riding it and the brotherhood of the guys I ride with. This bike is something I've dreamed about for 30 yrs. and finally had the time and money to build it. Its all about realized dreams. I wish I could figure out how to show you what I've done, but this blogging thing is new to me. I'll try a link to my space. http://www.myspace.com/bgreer1

Hey Bryan, the question isn't what bikes are more ...

2009-05-29T18:49:42.247-07:00

Hey Bryan, the question isn't what bikes are more technologically advanced. I don't think anyone would argue that Harley's are top of the tech pyramid. I actually commented on this in a previous post. But you've avoided the actual question "what makes a Harley?" Maybe it is jut good marketing but this is a brand with following unlike any other in the market.
BTW, I don't remember seeing anything in the owner's manual about not thinking other motorcycles should exist, that's just ridiculous. If I want to carve up a track it isn't going to be on a Harley; if I want to go off-road it isn't on a Harley.

First of all the question makes no sense. The "Har...

2009-05-29T15:36:28.293-07:00

First of all the question makes no sense. The "Harley" nostalgia is simply a marketing plow to sell sub standard motorcycles with antiquated technology to "RUBS" who think that no other motorcycle exist or should be allowed to exist. I've owned 3 Harley's and numerous other metric bikes. The term chopper was coined in the late 50's early 60's by people who were obviously not satisfied with the bike they had and wished to customize it. Sorry that I don't buy in to the mystery, but there are alot better, more technologically advanced motorcycles out there for a fraction of the cost

It is the look and sound of the motorcycle. Nothin...

2009-05-28T21:27:23.389-07:00

It is the look and sound of the motorcycle. Nothing else is like it. Others might try but they aren't Harley.