Harley Davidsons and Motorsport- why???

[williamp]

This isnt an anti bike thread, or an anti blokes with leather waistcoats and ponytail thread, just an observation:

As a non biker, it seems that harley davidsons aer the least sporting bike you can buy. Cruising yes, but not very sporting. So why do they seem to have a huge presence at motor sport events:

Le Mans: Drivers parade. The first vehciles through- even before the asupercars and trophies, are hoards of harleys with their fake sirens. At the end- the same.

This years Silverstone classic: they had a huge presence inside the circuit by bridge. A massive semi-permentant marquee, grandstand, activities.

So, why. i could understand if it was, say triumph, Ducati or other sporting bikes. But big, soft harleys? it seems very strange to me

[Jonboy_t]

I don't think they are designed as sporty bikes, but they are f-ing quick.

You could draw a parallel with an iPod - design was put above function to begin with, but it became clear that they carried both off amazingly, so that could explain their presence at motor shows?

God, I talk some ste sometimes.

[sjg]

They have a support race at the BSB, on XR1200s.

As for the other events, I imagine there's quite a big overlap between the demographic groups that attend motorsport and those who are potential Harley owners. There are lot of people who've "always fancied a Harley" and passing a stand at an event, sitting on one, being given some brochures - might actually persuade them to take the test (which you can do via HD's own school these days) then they'll be back in the showroom to buy.

[Rawwr]

Jonboy_t said:

I don't think they are designed as sporty bikes, but they are f-ing quick.

They are? :|

[Jonboy_t]

Rawwr said:

Jonboy_t said:

I don't think they are designed as sporty bikes, but they are f-ing quick.

They are? :

I have a 1.8 and a 1.9 deseasel, my poo's are quicker than my cars, so yes!

[NDT]

Jonboy_t said:

I don't think they are designed as sporty bikes, but they are f-ing quick.

You could draw a parallel with an iPod - design was put above function to begin with, but it became clear that they carried both off amazingly, so that could explain their presence at motor shows?

God, I talk some ste sometimes.

I didn't think they were quick?

IMHO it's the complete opposite of the iPod.
The iPod is a great piece of design (styling, ergonomics and function). I get the impression that all three things were considered from the start (which is how product development is supposed to work...)

Harleys seem to be more about style than anything else.

[Mr Gear]

Harley has a massive sporting heritage in the USA, including flat-track racing, circuit and drag racing. They are a bit long in the tooth these days, but some people like to live the dream still, so fair enough I guess.

[Jonboy_t]

NDT said:

Jonboy_t said:

I don't think they are designed as sporty bikes, but they are f-ing quick.

You could draw a parallel with an iPod - design was put above function to begin with, but it became clear that they carried both off amazingly, so that could explain their presence at motor shows?

God, I talk some ste sometimes.

I didn't think they were quick?

IMHO it's the complete opposite of the iPod.
The iPod is a great piece of design (styling, ergonomics and function). I get the impression that all three things were considered from the start (which is how product development is supposed to work...)

Harleys seem to be more about style than anything else.

I suppose style is in the eye of the beholder and all that gash. I'm not a biker by any stretch, but I think they are a really good piece of design, everything has a reason for being where it is on them IMO.

I'd disagree about the ergonomics of an iPod - I have fairly large hands and an iPod shuffle, I can't work the on/off toggle without the aid of a pen!! Could have been better, but I think that's for a slightly different discussion board!

[Rawwr]

Jonboy_t said:

I think they are a really good piece of design, everything has a reason for being where it is on them IMO.

Yes, in 1832 I'm sure that was the case.

[y2blade]

Rawwr said:

Jonboy_t said:

I don't think they are designed as sporty bikes, but they are f-ing quick.

They are? :

the V-rod isnt bad in a straight line, but not EXACTLY "f-ing quick"

Edited by y2blade on Tuesday 27th July 12:54

[Rawwr]

y2blade said:

the V-rod isnt bad in a straight line

Get back to your diesels!

[Jonboy_t]

Rawwr said:

Jonboy_t said:

I think they are a really good piece of design, everything has a reason for being where it is on them IMO.

Yes, in 1832 I'm sure that was the case.

Was that the 'Gentlemans' edition that came with the side saddle maiden on the back and the optional goblet holder?!!

[markCSC]

Rawwr said:

Jonboy_t said:

I don't think they are designed as sporty bikes, but they are f-ing quick.

They are? :

The V-rod is quite quick (in a straight line). it has a water cooled V twin designed by Porsche

Does the standing 1/4 in about 12 seconds I think

[y2blade]

Rawwr said:

y2blade said:

the V-rod isnt bad in a straight line

Get back to your diesels!

[clarksonisawilly]

Jonboy_t said:

I think they are a really good piece of design, everything has a reason for being where it is on them IMO.

Can somebody explain tassles please?

More importantly, should I attach some to my Ninja?


Edit for quoting like a mong

Edited by clarksonisawilly on Tuesday 27th July 13:05

[aeropilot]

Mr Gear said:

Harley has a massive sporting heritage in the USA, including flat-track racing, circuit and drag racing.

This.

The Harley Davidson factory racing department dates back to 1914, that's 96 years, and is probably the oldest and longest continuous (barring interludes for a couple of world wars) factory racing divison of any manufacturer, beit car or bike.

[isee]

well you just got me started wanting one...
and lookie what i found 'ere!
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...


porn!

[y2blade]

isee said:

well you just got me started wanting one...
and lookie what i found 'ere!
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...


porn!

have you ordered some "arseless" leather trousers to go with that?

[bikemonster]

clarksonisawilly said:

Can somebody explain tassles please?

They're there so the rider can tell whether he is moving or not.

To get back to the design comparison, I think Morgan cars are a better analogy for HD bikes. To the casual observer they both ended their product development sometime in the 30's. Under the skin they have both moved on, but neither are really at the forefront of functional design. Yes, I do know about the Morgan Aero-thingies, which to me look like the car of the future as drawn by a 12 year old in 1935.

They both do a very good job of exploiting a niche market for people who want a vintage experience with modern reliability.

(Edited for quoting)

Edited by bikemonster on Tuesday 27th July 13:22

[Uhura fighter]

Buell?