Topic: What is the Harley Mystique to you? (Read 5116 times)

Keats · « **on:** July 09, 2011, 04:15:01 PM »

No matter what you may or may not want to acknowledge their is an "Air" about Harley.

Is it that it represents an American made machine (even if that is not completely true)

Is it that it is an American Icon.

Is it that there is a common belief system amongst Harley riders?

Is it the camaraderie amongst it riders?

Is it a common enemy? (MOCO)

Is it because they are the most customizable machines out there?

Is it the attention general public gives to it's riders?

Is it because this group likes to talk about their bikes and modifications, which is not nearly possible with other brands.

Is it the "potato potato" or for our english folk "potatoe potatoe" the Dan Quayle version

what is your reason?

Twolanerider · « **Reply #1 on:** July 09, 2011, 04:21:35 PM »

Quote from: Keats on July 09, 2011, 04:15:01 PM

what is your reason?

I like red bikes.

Chains · « **Reply #2 on:** July 09, 2011, 04:33:18 PM »

Is it the camaraderie amongst it riders?
Especially with SBB

SBB · « **Reply #3 on:** July 09, 2011, 04:58:47 PM »

Quote from: Chains on July 09, 2011, 04:33:18 PM

Is it the camaraderie amongst it riders?

Especially with SBB

Probably not.
I don't have a red bike.
Do red scooters count?

SBB

Twolanerider · « **Reply #4 on:** July 09, 2011, 05:01:30 PM »

Quote from: SBB on July 09, 2011, 04:58:47 PM

Probably not.
I don't have a red bike.
Do red scooters count?

SBB

Thought I remembered pic of a red riding mower? It's got an engine; all that counts.

SBB · « **Reply #5 on:** July 09, 2011, 05:15:49 PM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on July 09, 2011, 05:01:30 PM

Thought I remembered pic of a red riding mower? It's got an engine; all that counts.

True!
The riding mower is John Deere green.
Maybe the mystique is the feel of the motor?

SBB

MIKEYTEE · « **Reply #6 on:** July 09, 2011, 05:57:18 PM »

It could be the tingle you get between your legs when you ride.
Mike

AXIL · « **Reply #7 on:** July 09, 2011, 07:48:15 PM »

I would say something but i wont.

smkymtnboy · « **Reply #8 on:** July 09, 2011, 08:08:48 PM »

Keats! i like the fact its american made! its iconic! and it rumbles :2vrolijk_21:i do not know of anything left as it was but with modern upgrades.hard to describe that part of harley. maybe someone else can say it better than me.

MIKEYTEE · « **Reply #9 on:** July 10, 2011, 11:46:30 AM »

Quote from: AXIL on July 09, 2011, 07:48:15 PM

I would say something but i wont.

Not meant to be dirty. what I was saying is you straddle the bike, one leg on each side, so the rumble and power is in the middle.

Believe that if you want to.

Mike

jcd520 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 10, 2011, 12:07:38 PM »

Here is why---------see below. You won't see one of these on a gold wing!

Keats · « **Reply #11 on:** July 10, 2011, 12:09:14 PM »

Quote from: MIKEYTEE on July 09, 2011, 05:57:18 PM

It could be the tingle you get between your legs when you ride.
Mike

I am not sure that anything to do with the Motorcycle......

Keats · « **Reply #12 on:** July 10, 2011, 12:12:44 PM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on July 09, 2011, 04:21:35 PM

I like red bikes.

?

almost looks like "Mr Hanky" rides again

cvobiker · « **Reply #13 on:** July 10, 2011, 12:14:27 PM »

Whatever it is, defiantly not what you get with a Beamer... Just ask any motor cop what they'd prefer to be riding,, and most answers of course,, the god 'ole Harley

AXIL · « **Reply #14 on:** July 10, 2011, 04:27:58 PM »

Quote from: jcd520 on July 10, 2011, 12:07:38 PM

Here is why---------see below. You won't see one of these on a gold wing!

Sierramadre · « **Reply #15 on:** July 10, 2011, 04:56:38 PM »

Used to represent an iconic American brand. Like Jeep. Now I'm not sure what it stands for. I buy
Harley because there's not another credible American alternative. I own a Big
Dog too which I like much better than my CVO. Now that they're defunct not sure there are any other options. Victory? Just think Harley has lost it's way in terms of product devlopement, quality, and customer service.

C2CRider · « **Reply #16 on:** July 10, 2011, 07:23:25 PM »

Quote from: Sierramadre on July 10, 2011, 04:56:38 PM

Used to represent an iconic American brand. Like Jeep. Now I'm not sure what it stands for. I buy
Harley because there's not another credible American alternative. I own a Big
Dog too which I like much better than my CVO. Now that they're defunct not sure there are any other options. Victory? Just think Harley has lost it's way in terms of product devlopement, quality, and customer service.

Perfectly said, sadly but true. Victory is in my future, or Indian now that they will have a better service network. I have a friend that is new to riding ( a few years now) and is all about HD, union made, American made... his wife drives a Kia and he has a Tundra..... go figure.

JCZ · « **Reply #17 on:** July 10, 2011, 07:33:36 PM »

Quote from: C2CRider on July 10, 2011, 07:23:25 PM

Perfectly said, sadly but true. Victory is in my future, or Indian now that they will have a better service network. I have a friend that is new to riding ( a few years now) and is all about HD, union made, American made... his wife drives a Kia and he has a Tundra..... go figure.

[/b]

Herd on the news about a week ago......the most "American made" car in America is the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord is second and the Chevy Malibu is a distant third. Now there's something to think about.

B.A. · « **Reply #18 on:** July 10, 2011, 08:13:49 PM »

1. A fascinating aura of mystery, awe, and power surrounding someone or something.
2. An air of secrecy surrounding a particular activity or subject that makes it impressive or baffling to those without specialized knowledge

I looked up the word. Hmmmmm.

It's the places it takes me and how they look and feel from the seat. It's that, more than almost any inanimate object, you can make it your unique machine.

All it takes, in my best Dr. Evil voice, is one billion dollars!

Keats · « **Reply #19 on:** July 10, 2011, 10:03:25 PM »

My reasons seem to be many.
Loyalty to MOCO is not one of them.

I like the rhythm of the engine, potato potato

I love that you can take a stock bike and make it yours with many vender's to chose from, no other brand has that ability.

I like the way you can wear what you want (clothing) and it does not matter on a Harley. Other brands seem to dictate other choices. (I know you can wear what ever you want, but it seems more restrictive on certain bikes)

Harley group has it's own language, Ultra, Road king, Road Glide, primary, jugs, twin cam etc.

I must admit that from the neophyte, Harley is held to high degree of awe (even if I do not agree)

I have many conversations with total strangers just because I ride a Harley.

These are some of the reasons I settle for a technological dinosaur.

C2CRider · « **Reply #20 on:** July 11, 2011, 01:20:20 AM »

Quote from: JCZ on July 10, 2011, 07:33:36 PM

[/b]

Herd on the news about a week ago......the most "American made" car in America is the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord is second and the Chevy Malibu is a distant third. Now there's something to think about.

Ain't that the truth!

cvobiker · « **Reply #21 on:** July 11, 2011, 08:47:51 AM »

Quote from: JCZ on July 10, 2011, 07:33:36 PM

[/b]

Herd on the news about a week ago......the most "American made" car in America is the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord is second and the Chevy Malibu is a distant third. Now there's something to think about.

i lost track but has has the number one selling Truck in America now? ?? I would guess Ford but wouldn't doubt Tundra

grc · « **Reply #22 on:** July 11, 2011, 02:50:58 PM »

Quote from: cvobiker on July 11, 2011, 08:47:51 AM

i lost track but has has the number one selling Truck in America now? ?? I would guess Ford but wouldn't doubt Tundra

It's not even close my friend. The Tundra didn't even make the top 20 list. Ford and Chevy are still the kings of the pickup truck market, and by a rather large margin. For comparison, I believe the Tunda sold about 6300 units in June. That's a couple thousand less than their own Tacoma model.

Jerry

HUBBARD · « **Reply #23 on:** July 11, 2011, 03:37:44 PM »

Some, maybe none of those, KEATS.

What floats my boat is the sound of that Black B*tch bellerin' when I stomp her into 6th at about 5800. Shakes my peaches, if you know what I mean.

Later--HUBBARD

faceracer · « **Reply #24 on:** July 11, 2011, 03:46:54 PM »

1)The look, to Quote Willie G "the motor is like a piece of jewelry". Its pleasent to look at. No other motor has that.
2) The feel of the motor and the potato potato sound.
3) Because it has a simplicity about it I don't see in any other motorcycle.
4) Because it is an American made machine. (even if all the parts are not).
5) Because I don't like the new Triumphs! They went the way of Technology and lost some of the mystic of there brand.
(I used to be a die hard Triumph guy)

Mr. Warlock · « **Reply #25 on:** July 11, 2011, 04:52:00 PM »

Life long desire, the whole ball of wax - period!!

How many of us grew up thinking.......... Man wouldn't it be cool to be riding a Harley............ How many of us grew up thinking they would be the cool kid on the block riding a friggin beemer in full leathers and motocross boots, NONE.

C2CRider · « **Reply #26 on:** July 11, 2011, 06:19:22 PM »

Quote from: Mr. Warlock on July 11, 2011, 04:52:00 PM

Life long desire, the whole ball of wax - period!!

How many of us grew up thinking.......... Man wouldn't it be cool to be riding a Harley............ How many of us grew up thinking they would be the cool kid on the block riding a friggin beemer in full leathers and motocross boots, NONE.

Guess that depends on when and where ya grew up.... I'm a 1950s model and grew up in a VERY rural area of the mid west. Gramps had an Indian, other folks just had old Harleys and "whatever"..... all I knew is I loved (and still love) motorcycles.

spydglide · « **Reply #27 on:** July 11, 2011, 06:34:45 PM »

Quote from: faceracer on July 11, 2011, 03:46:54 PM

5) Because I don't like the new Triumphs! They went the way of Technology and lost some of the mystic of there brand.
(I used to be a die hard Triumph guy)

good point, Face. I was also a British MC fan (BSA's, Trumpets, Norton's, etc.), but they evolved into more modern machines that just don't 'shake my peaches' (to quote HUB).

har. spyder

lucille · « **Reply #28 on:** July 14, 2011, 11:29:54 PM »

Quote from: C2CRider on July 11, 2011, 06:19:22 PM

Guess that depends on when and where ya grew up.... I'm a 1950s model and grew up in a VERY rural area of the mid west. Gramps had an Indian, other folks just had old Harleys and "whatever"..... all I knew is I loved (and still love) motorcycles.

Same here.......I'm a late '40's model, grew up on the Canadian prairies.......horses, old Harley and Indian bikes, learned to be self sufficient.......and still love handlebars & two wheels.........mystique? ..... not too sure about that..

cvobiker · « **Reply #29 on:** July 15, 2011, 01:46:25 AM »

Quote from: grc on July 11, 2011, 02:50:58 PM

It's not even close my friend. The Tundra didn't even make the top 20 list. Ford and Chevy are still the kings of the pickup truck market, and by a rather large margin. For comparison, I believe the Tunda sold about 6300 units in June. That's a couple thousand less than their own Tacoma model.

Jerry

I didn't expect Toyota Camry to be the #1 selling car after all the bad press they got last year on their accelerator problems. Goes to show how good damage control works when you have the right people in place and the bucks to back them up

Jerry/MD · « **Reply #30 on:** July 15, 2011, 07:56:11 AM »

The Harley mystique for me? It's all about "The Look". The colors...the open engine...and of course chrome.

I don't want a bike where over half of it is covered in plastic panels. Nope...I want something that looks like a motorcycle...not a space ship.

GaLonghair · « **Reply #31 on:** July 15, 2011, 09:45:19 AM »

The Mystique is just that....the Mystique. It is not one thing. It is that the whole is greater than just the sum of the parts. It's more than the sound, the look, the ride, the heritage or the people who ride and/or are associated with them. It is the truth that with other bikes, you just buy a bike, but with Harley, you join a family (that this site shows can sometimes be disfunctional, but is still family). That mayby started as some marketing guru's brain child, but is still true. Having ridden, owned, and/or sold many other brands, none affects you like a Harley. And once you discover this, no other bike will do! JMHO.

cold1 · « **Reply #32 on:** July 15, 2011, 02:07:08 PM »

I like my bike, the function, the feel, the form, I know others have exactly the same but! different. I just like mine better !

StevesCVO · « **Reply #33 on:** July 15, 2011, 11:41:45 PM »

Quote from: Jerry/MD on July 15, 2011, 07:56:11 AM

The Harley mystique for me? It's all about "The Look". The colors...the open engine...and of course chrome.

I don't want a bike where over half of it is covered in plastic panels. Nope...I want something that looks like a motorcycle...not a space ship.

Harley's definately have the look I wanted. I wanted something that looked like a traditional motocycle. Goldwings just looked like scooters on steroids with all the plastic covering everthing. The one i rode was much more refined and probably as bullet proof as every other Honda I've owned but didn't have the look. The Victory is just but ugly and looks like something from the Jetsons.

UFO_HOG · « **Reply #34 on:** July 16, 2011, 01:38:59 AM »

The best way I can describe it is this;

Harley-Davidson is a lifestyle, everything else is just a motorcycle

RedDevil · « **Reply #35 on:** July 17, 2011, 10:40:28 AM »

"If I have to explain...you wouldn't understand."

spydglide · « **Reply #36 on:** July 17, 2011, 11:33:00 AM »

The Harley Mystique to me has always been trying to ascertain exactly what the noises were and from where were they emanating (and were they becoming louder or just maintaining). har. spyder

Indenial · « **Reply #37 on:** July 23, 2011, 02:31:19 PM »

The Torque! When i stomp on it, that torque along with the pipes just makes me smile. Never get tired of it. Never

Spiderman · « **Reply #38 on:** July 23, 2011, 02:47:05 PM »

The Harley Mystique ? Today ? Right now ?

That you can choose from some 800 pages of Parts and Accesories to "make it your own "

That's it. That's the whole sheebang in a nutshell.

Buy an overpriced toy, spend more money on it and then with any luck you'll be able to tell it apart from the 100,000 others parked on Main Street in Sturgis.

B B

CVOThunder · « **Reply #39 on:** July 23, 2011, 05:25:09 PM »

Quote from: Spiderman on July 23, 2011, 02:47:05 PM

The Harley Mystique ? Today ? Right now ?

That you can choose from some 800 pages of Parts and Accesories to "make it your own "

That's it. That's the whole sheebang in a nutshell.

Buy an overpriced toy, spend more money on it and then with any luck you'll be able to tell it apart from the 100,000 others parked on Main Street in Sturgis.

B B

LOL, pretty much covers it right there. I like having the abilty to search for performance options off the shelf and not having to stay with what the factory created. I guess riding a bike with an American name has a little to do with it as well.

I'm guilty of enjoying all kinds of motorcycles but when I climbed aboard that first EG and took it for a spin, it was like riding with an old friend (deja vu, think I said that before). My other machines might be faster and more reliable but none of them elicit the satisfaction I feel when I'm ridin' my Glide. I didn't plan to buy a Harley this year but wanted to check them out none the less. Then something washed over me (ya I know, corny huh) as I was test riding and well the rest is history. Not real pleased with the deal but stupid is as stupid does and I'll just roll with it (for now) and enjoy the dream that I have a new CVO waiting at home for me. My .02

Mano · « **Reply #40 on:** July 23, 2011, 11:01:34 PM »

Quote from: MIKEYTEE on July 09, 2011, 05:57:18 PM

It could be the tingle you get between your legs when you ride.
Mike

They also feel bigger.

Ironhorse · « **Reply #41 on:** July 24, 2011, 06:28:19 AM »

The Harley Mystique means I can go out into society dressed like one of The Village People.

UFO_HOG · « **Reply #42 on:** July 24, 2011, 10:59:28 AM »

Quote from: Ironhorse on July 24, 2011, 06:28:19 AM

The Harley Mystique means I can go out into society dressed like one of The Village People.

Would that be the cowboy...

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #43 on:** July 24, 2011, 11:13:51 AM »

Quote from: JCZ on July 10, 2011, 07:33:36 PM

[/b]

Herd on the news about a week ago......the most "American made" car in America is the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord is second and the Chevy Malibu is a distant third. Now there's something to think about.

Yep, and in the same article the Silverado is the most american made truck, with the Tundra being Second beating out Ford and Dodge for American made and content.

Ironhorse · « **Reply #44 on:** July 24, 2011, 08:21:09 PM »

Quote from: ..- ..-. --- on July 24, 2011, 10:59:28 AM

Would that be the cowboy...

That's the ONLY outfit I don't have yet.....LOL!!!!

Diamondback · « **Reply #45 on:** July 25, 2011, 12:23:39 PM »

The entire experience is the reason:
1. the bike
2. the riders
3. the groups riding
4. the clothes
5. the chrome
6. the sound of over one hundred years of the big V.
7. What the rest of the world does not understand?

8. the great parties and rallies, from Sturgis to state rallies and the national ones.
9. the history of the company from the first bikes over 100 years ago, to the WWI and WWI bikes, the 60's, etc etc etc

Finally, only those that ride understand.

lucille · « **Reply #46 on:** July 25, 2011, 02:26:13 PM »

Quote from: Spiderman on July 23, 2011, 02:47:05 PM

The Harley Mystique ? Today ? Right now ?
That you can choose from some 800 pages of Parts and Accesories to "make it your own "
Buy an overpriced toy, spend more money on it and then with any luck you'll be able to tell it apart from the 100,000 others parked on Main Street in Sturgis.

Harley-Davidson has done a supurb marketing job......selling the concept of 'The Harley Family', individuality (everyone wearing their black T-shirts today?), convincing the moneyed public that they 'need' a Harley-Davidson at $20,000. +-, and as Spiderman noted, customizing your American dreamcycle with the necessary Parts & Accessories (Help please...which concho...Skull Collection or Live To Ride) .........now you 'belong'........
...happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.....

Author Topic: What is the Harley Mystique to you? (Read 5116 times)

jcd520

Jerry/MD