Corvettes and Harleys
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 2
From: Cedar Rapids Iowa
[QUOTE=kkr-c5]
I don't understand this comment. Are you implying that there are bikes with no sidestand? If so, I have never seen one. Can you name one?
Originally Posted by PaPaChoc
I’ve only got one thing to say about this!
“I wouldn’t have something that when you get off you have to take a stick and prop it up”
“I wouldn’t have something that when you get off you have to take a stick and prop it up”
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 2
From: Cedar Rapids Iowa
Originally Posted by Matt69-ZO6
Who would have thought that post would have gone on for five pages!
Happy Holidays to Everyone and a Special Thank you to those serving our nation.
Happy Holidays to Everyone and a Special Thank you to those serving our nation.
Last edited by slwhite; Dec 24, 2004 at 03:21 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 0
From: Huntington IN
Originally Posted by slwhite
It seems that one has to have an advanced existential mind capable of pondering these cosmic intangibles to "get it". I would suggest a careful reading of "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" in order to qualify yourself to comment on this subject. If your state of enlightenment has not been sufficiently elevated after digesting this tome, then I can also recommend several introductory philosophy texts to further bolster your mind in preparation for the weighty discourse in question here. Many also find helpful assuming the lotus position as they absorb the collective wisdom of the ages. Periodically, repeat an appropriate mantra. You may consult the Harley brethren for a list of appropriate mantras. May I suggest "There is no bike but Harley, there is no bike but Harley, there is no bike but Harley,...". Please do not bother to read road tests or any other objective evaluations of Harleys. These will only confuse you and distract you away from your path to true enlightenment. Now, my little grasshopper, after having prepared yourself and are now able to say "I get it" you are now ready to address that ultimate of conundrums: why does a motorcycle with the lowest performance in any category cost more than any other motorcycle? We, the un-enlightened, await your learned wisdom.
You are now near the end of your long journey. Now that you "get it" and have mentally prepared yourself you now have the right, or dare I say the privilege, to stand in line at the Harley dealer and hand them your $25,000 to obtain the precious icon. Please do not forget to tell the nice man at the Harley store at the conclusion of your purchase "Thank you sir, may I have another?"
Welcome to the cult of the Harley!
You are now near the end of your long journey. Now that you "get it" and have mentally prepared yourself you now have the right, or dare I say the privilege, to stand in line at the Harley dealer and hand them your $25,000 to obtain the precious icon. Please do not forget to tell the nice man at the Harley store at the conclusion of your purchase "Thank you sir, may I have another?"
Welcome to the cult of the Harley!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 82,866
Likes: 4
From: Dust Bowl
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08
Originally Posted by USA-VET
Where is DTD 
As far as I'm concerned, bikers are bikers. I'll wave to Harleys and if they're too good to wave back, oh well. I'm keeping my CBR and my vette.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 2
From: Cedar Rapids Iowa
Originally Posted by harley56
I'm certain, as they are now in their 102nd year, that the the demise of Harley-Davidson is right around the corner.
Last edited by slwhite; Dec 24, 2004 at 05:53 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,558
Likes: 224
From: Manitowoc WI
Originally Posted by saber
have both
The '96 has been replaced by an '03 Ultra
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,369
Likes: 142
From: For the strength of the pack is the wolf . . . . . . and the strength of the wolf is the pack.
Originally Posted by adg
It occurs to me that Corvettes and Harleys have a lot in common.
I love my Harley and have been seriously thinking about a Corvette as my next car.
The more I read, the more I see in common: beauty, power, American made, history, culture/community, in short a lot of good old American heritage!
Love to hear what you think......some of you probably have both....lucky dogs (or just a big boys/girls with expensive toys).
I love my Harley and have been seriously thinking about a Corvette as my next car.
The more I read, the more I see in common: beauty, power, American made, history, culture/community, in short a lot of good old American heritage!
Love to hear what you think......some of you probably have both....lucky dogs (or just a big boys/girls with expensive toys).
Nice Deuce.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Windsor ca
Originally Posted by slwhite
It is not as far-fetched as you might think. Harley was on the verge of bankruptcy in the early 1980s. It was then an 80-year old company. It had 5% market share at that time and was going down. It was only saved by a government bailout that imposed a 40% tariff on all imported bikes over 700 cc. That, in combination with the baby boomers hitting their 30s and seeking nostalgia. That demographic will run out in less than 10 years. Hence the V-Rod.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by slwhite
I don't understand this comment. Are you implying that there are bikes with no sidestand? If so, I have never seen one. Can you name one?
You know that little sticky thingy under the left foot peg that you have to fold out or else when you get off the bike it will fall over? Kind of like a stick? Oh, never mind!
Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 528
Likes: 0
From: Yuma AZ
It's interesting to me that those without Harleys seem to be the ones most passionate in their comments, and most are quick to put them down... 
I don't know that anyone on this forum would be stupid enough to claim the Harley to be a fast bike, nor has anyone declared it the performance machine of tomorrow, rather, those of us that ride Harleys are proud to ride an American machine that WE enjoy. That's all. We like 'em, we like the way they look, sound, feel, and we like to mod them and personalize them. We like the ride, the people and the events. Sort of sounds like a Corvette commericial...
I would also add that the Corvette has a following much like the following that Harley Davidson enjoys, and I might also say that Harley Davidson does a better job of supporting that following.
Corvette owners are passionate, pour money into their machines, and love them...what's so wrong with that? Nothing by me, I'm guilty as charged. 
In the end, to each his own. I've always enjoyed the biking community, and I have always felt that it's not what you ride, but if you ride. In the past 20 years or so of riding, I have found the Harley community to be the most dedicated, open group, most likely to "ride and let ride" if you will...
I say that based on my experiences, having been the owner of both "Metric Cruisers" and other bikes through the years.
Mac
I don't know that anyone on this forum would be stupid enough to claim the Harley to be a fast bike, nor has anyone declared it the performance machine of tomorrow, rather, those of us that ride Harleys are proud to ride an American machine that WE enjoy. That's all. We like 'em, we like the way they look, sound, feel, and we like to mod them and personalize them. We like the ride, the people and the events. Sort of sounds like a Corvette commericial...
I would also add that the Corvette has a following much like the following that Harley Davidson enjoys, and I might also say that Harley Davidson does a better job of supporting that following.
Corvette owners are passionate, pour money into their machines, and love them...what's so wrong with that? Nothing by me, I'm guilty as charged. In the end, to each his own. I've always enjoyed the biking community, and I have always felt that it's not what you ride, but if you ride. In the past 20 years or so of riding, I have found the Harley community to be the most dedicated, open group, most likely to "ride and let ride" if you will...
I say that based on my experiences, having been the owner of both "Metric Cruisers" and other bikes through the years.
Mac
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Pilot1996
It's interesting to me that those without Harleys seem to be the ones most passionate in their comments, and most are quick to put them down...
I don't know that anyone on this forum would be stupid enough to claim the Harley to be a fast bike, nor has anyone declared it the performance machine of tomorrow, rather, those of us that ride Harleys are proud to ride an American machine that WE enjoy. That's all. We like 'em, we like the way they look, sound, feel, and we like to mod them and personalize them. We like the ride, the people and the events. Sort of sounds like a Corvette commericial...
I would also add that the Corvette has a following much like the following that Harley Davidson enjoys, and I might also say that Harley Davidson does a better job of supporting that following. Corvette owners are passionate, pour money into their machines, and love them...what's so wrong with that? Nothing by me, I'm guilty as charged.
In the end, to each his own. I've always enjoyed the biking community, and I have always felt that it's not what you ride, but if you ride. In the past 20 years or so of riding, I have found the Harley community to be the most dedicated, open group, most likely to "ride and let ride" if you will...
I say that based on my experiences, having been the owner of both "Metric Cruisers" and other bikes through the years.
Mac
I don't know that anyone on this forum would be stupid enough to claim the Harley to be a fast bike, nor has anyone declared it the performance machine of tomorrow, rather, those of us that ride Harleys are proud to ride an American machine that WE enjoy. That's all. We like 'em, we like the way they look, sound, feel, and we like to mod them and personalize them. We like the ride, the people and the events. Sort of sounds like a Corvette commericial...
I would also add that the Corvette has a following much like the following that Harley Davidson enjoys, and I might also say that Harley Davidson does a better job of supporting that following.
Corvette owners are passionate, pour money into their machines, and love them...what's so wrong with that? Nothing by me, I'm guilty as charged. In the end, to each his own. I've always enjoyed the biking community, and I have always felt that it's not what you ride, but if you ride. In the past 20 years or so of riding, I have found the Harley community to be the most dedicated, open group, most likely to "ride and let ride" if you will...
I say that based on my experiences, having been the owner of both "Metric Cruisers" and other bikes through the years.
Mac
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
I got my 04 Vette on May 11th what a day!!! I had a 05 Electra Glide Classic built and picked it up on Nov. 9th again what a day!!! Though the two machines are so different, they both give me the same pride of ownership. The bond with other owners of each machine be it the Harley or Vette is almost identical. Both are an American icon for different reasons, but for me it just doesn`t get any better than this.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,216
Likes: 1
From: Vette Doctors Performance RX450 - 466RWHP !!!
I think people are hung up on quality issues from the past.
If you read this forum enough you discover that our Corvettes have issues also. Just like anything.
Buy what you want.
My main issue for not owning a Harley , is other drivers. Especially here in New York City. Most dont care about others on the road let alone a bike. Ive seen too many cars driving way to close to bikes with no care in the world. Plus the city is way to congested. Maybe one day, but just not yet.
Until then I will only have my 04 Coupe to keep my Adrenaline Habit going!!!!!!!!
Stay Safe and Happy Holidays!!!!!!! 
If you read this forum enough you discover that our Corvettes have issues also. Just like anything.
Buy what you want.
My main issue for not owning a Harley , is other drivers. Especially here in New York City. Most dont care about others on the road let alone a bike. Ive seen too many cars driving way to close to bikes with no care in the world. Plus the city is way to congested. Maybe one day, but just not yet.
Until then I will only have my 04 Coupe to keep my Adrenaline Habit going!!!!!!!!
Stay Safe and Happy Holidays!!!!!!!
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Columbus Ohio
Originally Posted by harley56
The tariff provided very little of the help that saved them.
Few people remember (or know) that H-D petitioned the FTC to have the tariff lifted a year before it was set to expire. I was fortunate a couple of years ago to have a private conversation with Mr. Beals about that. I remember the smile on his face when he said that the FTC had lots of experience with extending tariffs but had no clue what to do with a company that wanted to end one early. One of the best PR moves in the annals of American business.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 321
Likes: 5
From: dover delaware
harleys and vettes
the diff. beween vettes and harleys are the meets, or events at vette meets everyone is friendly and at harley meets some punk might just sneak up behind ya , and hit ya in the head with an axe handle he he he he he
