There is quite a bit of discussion on other sites about HD and their failure to meet imposed EPA pollution requirements from their V twin. Rumor has it that HD will begin phasing out their air cooled V twins in favor of the water cooled V rod engine which can meet the EPA imposed requirements. I see that HD has went to fuel injection on all their engines for '07 as well as offering a six speed similar to the Baker transmission.With the impending demise of the venerable V twin.
I wonder how many die hard HD fans will opt for other bikes more reliable and technologically advanced engines and drive trains than the old school V twin and it's antiquated belt drive. I also wonder just how much Harley can charge for their bikes and still remain competitive in the marketplace especially after the V twin goes south.
Interestingly, a few weeks ago I was at the Harley shop with a friend who was looking for a leather jacket for his wife. Every jacket and I mean every one was made in Taiwan, ROC. I was perusing the accessory displays and also found the majority of accessories were made across the pond in various locations. How tacky.
I know, the globalization of the economy or is it the prostituting of an American icon?
Originally written by SCT100 on 8/26/2006 10:38 PM
There is quite a bit of discussion on other sites about HD and their failure to meet imposed EPA pollution requirements from their V twin.
Last I checked, all the '07 lineup passed the EPA requirements no problem. Unlike Yamaha, who were recently fined for knowingly selling vehicles that did not meet the standards.
Rumor has it that HD will begin phasing out their air cooled V twins in favor of the water cooled V rod engine which can meet the EPA imposed requirements.
Wow. Haven't heard that one. Wonder how the Road Star lineup will fare, what with their air-cooled V-Twin setups. Better kiss Moto-Guzzi and Ducati goodbye, too.
I see that HD has went to fuel injection on all their engines for '07 as well as offering a six speed similar to the Baker transmission.
Uhhh... hang on now, isn't this supposed to be a rant about Harley not keeping up with technology?
With the impending demise of the venerable V twin. I wonder how many die hard HD fans will opt for other bikes more reliable and technologically advanced engines and drive trains than the old school V twin and it's antiquated belt drive.
Yeah, me too. Maybe they'll all switch over to the Road Star with it's air colled V-Twin and belt drive. Or maybe the Kawasaki Vulcan lineup with the belt drive. Or the Victory's with their V-Twins and belt drives.
I also wonder just how much Harley can charge for their bikes and still remain competitive in the marketplace especially after the V twin goes south.
Sales forecast is for over 400,000 units this year. I think they'll manage somehow.
I was perusing the accessory displays and also found the majority of accessories were made across the pond in various locations. How tacky. I know, the globalization of the economy or is it the prostituting of an American icon?
All this coming from someone who bought a Triumph? Best check the small bits on your Hinckley built beauty... can you say "Bosch", Nippon-Denso", "Akront" and such? I knew you could. As for the ROC parts, well, no sh*t Sherlock, there's been offshore content on Harleys for years now. Which begs the question - how can you view Harleys as unreliable when many of the parts are made by the same companies that supply for the major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers? And what brand is your home stereo, stove, fridge, computer, car, cell phone, etc?
Next troll, please.
SCT10, (Beemerite?)
Touche!
Gummmiente, (non Beemerite?)
Bravo!
We all like what we like but there's no point in dissing what millions of others like, is there?
Tomatoes, Tomahtoes. Potato, potato, Airheads.
Lonnie
Originally written by Hack'n on 8/27/2006 2:40 PM
Gummmiente, (non Beemerite?)
Well, a "faux-Beemerite" would probably be more accurate but I prefer "Foilhead" over airhead.
I spent seven years as a subcontractor making saddlebags and etc for Harley. Good times and bussiness but the handwriting was on the wall the first time I saw a container load of engine castings from Korea. It is a global market place compete or get out.
Tom
Originally written by big shoe on 8/27/2006 2:12 PM
I spent seven years as a subcontractor making saddlebags and etc for Harley. Good times and bussiness but the handwriting was on the wall the first time I saw a container load of engine castings from Korea. It is a global market place compete or get out.
Tom
Thanks! I have a friend, though I haven't seen her in a number of years, who's father is an executive at a Harley Plant in Korea. Even though she produces photos of herself and her father in front of the sign at the plant and she rides a Harley herself, people accuse her of fabricating the pictures.
Buell has already met the 2008 standards, not sure about Harley big twins. They can probably meet the standards with the big twins, but perhaps by sacrificing some performance- perhaps that explains why they made the 1600 cc. stroker kid standard for 2007?
Originally written by Hack'dBeemer on 9/3/2006 5:12 PM
perhaps that explains why they made the 1600 cc. stroker kid standard for 2007?
I think you're right on that one. They run the engines so lean now that an increase in displacement was necessary to compensate. That's my suspicion, anyway.
As an Ural owner, I'm very curious to see what's in store for that marque when '08 rolls around. Rumours are the IMZ factory is experimenting with a Weber-Marelli FI system to complement an increase to 800cc, as well as to augment the current electronic ignition and catalytic converters.
Makes you wonder why HD doesn't just bite the bullet and fit catalic converters like everyone else so they can have clean air and performance... But the customers who equate noise with horsepower would never buy it.
Originally written by Hack'dBeemer on 9/4/2006 9:36 PM
Makes you wonder why HD doesn't just bite the bullet and fit catalic converters like everyone else so they can have clean air and performance...
News Flash: All Harleys manufactured since 2006 come with catalytic converters. Y'all need to update your motorcycle info database. 🙂
I've not heard too many quiet Harleys. Seems as though most HD buyers can the stock exhaust in favor of noise but I believe that's coming to and end.
My carbureted T100 has custom H.T. coated headers and straight through paeshooter mufflers.
The R3 has a cat box complete with kitty litter and stock, quiet mufflers.
You don't need noise to do 0-60 in 2.5 seconds and 100 in 4 flat.
Originally written by SCT100 on 9/4/2006 7:54 PM
I've not heard too many quiet Harleys.
I have a well-to-do neighbor who, along with his wife, seem to trade in thier Harleys about every 5 or 6 months. Sometimes it seems even more often than that. Anyway, She's riding a new Black RoadGlide that really isn't much louder than my Valkyrie. Really nice cause they go in and out of the driveway a dozen times a day and always have to stop and let them idle while they open and close the security gate at the end of the driveway. And it's never enough to just idle. One gets off to open the gate and the other sits there blipping the throttle as if the bike won't run on it's own.
I checked Harley's website and find no mention of catalytic anything. Given HOG's business plan (buy low, sell high), I doubt they'll stick a few hundred dollars worth of platinum in their bikes until the EPA forces them to.
Yeah, you're right.
The Motor Company doesn't sell at a loss like all other bike MFG'rs. do.
That's why nobody buys them, right?
Lonnie
Check Cycle World mag. Page 54 HD is coming out with a 96 cubic inches in 2007.
