Sometimes there are companies that create something "special". They are still all about profit and making money, but the way they achieve this is from creating something new, rather than trying to improve on somethign old. Apple is one of these companies. They look at things differently and seek to create something new. Hell, they have even created a technology device that women love using (the iPhone)!
Harley Davidson is another of these companies. They want to make money, but from creating a truly unique experience for their customers. The desire to create something new provides us with a much greater experience, than something from a company that only attempts to imitate.
I have only had my Harley Fatboy for one week, yet I am amazed at what it offers, compared to its Japanese competitors. I can begrudge the fact that it took me 44 years until I rode and owned my own Harley, or I can look forward to what lies ahead. Hard choice .
Sorry if I am rambling .
Go with it Jlow..... and enjoy the new world that is now open to you. Like you, I was late to get into the Harley movement........ if only I knew 20 years ago...... etc etc...... it's never too late............. enjoy every minute of the rest of your life as you will probably never again be without a Harley. Ride every minute that you can...... take far too many pictures of your bike.......and brag about your weekend rides to the mates that don't own one. Whatever you do, don't ever take any notice of cynical comments from people who don't see the world the way you do! You get one chance at this life........... if you get spiritually high from riding your Harley you will probably stay healthier for a long time. I will never part with my bike until I have no legs...... and then I will find a way to ride it with only my hands. Riding a Harley is LIVING!
Couple of months ago I upgraded from 2005 NT to a 2007 NT. Went to show my old man as ya do. Now my old man used to ride Trumpies in his day and still keeps his eye out of whats around plus he's abit of a bar fly at the DÁgualar pub so he's always checking shit out and his comment was (apart from very nice) was the quality of the chrome work compared to the jap imposters. Says it all huh!!! Quality shows.
I had my first Harley when I was 17. Had an SX175. Had a real different sound. Used to go alright, abit top heavy but at the same time I had this Honda CR250 thing that used to run on methonal so it was abit hard to guage, at the time
Truth is, if you don't "get it" about Harleys, there is no point trying to explain. Nothing like them, in any form of product (not just motorcycles), on the planet. No need to defend them or explain. If you really need to hear it, here it is: They are not motorcycles, they are Harleys. If you are not getting it...wrong forum. See ya on the Sachs Express forum.
i have been riding for many years now & have owned quite a lot of bike's in that time , notably #1 = 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 '2053cc push rod , belt driven , softailed rear end jappa , # 2 = 2005 Kawasaki Mean Streak 1600cc along side it to name 2 of my previous bike's . both these jappa's had Kury hyperchargers , Cobra pipe's on the meanie & V&H on the VN2000 , PC111's , etc etc etc blinged out to the max . the VN2000 had on the dyno 118hp @ the rear wheel & over 184nm + of torque , but as nice as these bike's where they have nothing on Harley Davidson's "honestly" . all the while i owned them , i was aware of all bit's they ripped off HD & never was truely proud of em' "Harley rip off's" . My 2009 FXSTC is a exellent cruiser far better than any jappa i've owned & HD is more than just a bike it goes way deeper than the bike alone , if i have to explain it you wouldnt understand .
Ride Free , Ride a Harley Davidson
