Topic: Willie G. announces retirement... (Read 8922 times)

He did.

And then he used that design over and over and over and over and.......

I'll drink to his retirement!

One would be hard pressed to dismiss his contributions to the company, but I sincerely believe fresh eyes are a bit overdue.

X2 I'll drink to that to!

110tHunDer · « **Reply #10 on:** March 16, 2012, 10:03:19 PM »

Maybe he'll have time to come to Maggie Valley now.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #11 on:** March 16, 2012, 10:30:32 PM »

Quote from: 103tHunDer on March 16, 2012, 10:03:19 PM

Maybe he'll have time to come to Maggie Valley now.

At a bar you want to bet he orders the same drink over and over?

BigLew55 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 16, 2012, 11:08:25 PM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on March 16, 2012, 10:30:32 PM

At a bar you want to bet he orders the same drink over and over?

Just makes it a different color each time.

muddypaws · « **Reply #13 on:** March 17, 2012, 07:37:19 AM »

Change is good...

Twolanerider · « **Reply #14 on:** March 17, 2012, 09:40:11 AM »

Quote from: BigLew55 on March 16, 2012, 11:08:25 PM

Just makes it a different color each time.

Not even the drinks. Just the straws and umbrellas he sticks in them.

grc · « **Reply #15 on:** March 17, 2012, 09:44:38 AM »

Maybe for his retirement we could paint him denim black and chrome his little beret. Then he could be considered a new model and hang around for another ten years or so.

Jerry

MIKEYTEE · « **Reply #16 on:** March 17, 2012, 10:35:02 AM »

Now maybe a water cooled bagger!
Mike

110tHunDer · « **Reply #17 on:** March 17, 2012, 10:39:47 AM »

That's what I'm thinking. Maybe he just couldn't stand how they integrated the radiator into the design and decided it was the last straw.

sadunbar · « **Reply #18 on:** March 17, 2012, 07:59:48 PM »

Quote from: grc on March 17, 2012, 09:44:38 AM

Maybe for his retirement we could paint him denim black and chrome his little beret. Then he could be considered a new model and hang around for another ten years or so.

Jerry

Maybe operate his pacemaker with a MOCO fly by wire throttle!

sadunbar · « **Reply #19 on:** March 17, 2012, 08:01:20 PM »

Quote from: grc on March 17, 2012, 09:44:38 AM

Maybe for his retirement we could paint him denim black and chrome his little beret. Then he could be considered a new model and hang around for another ten years or so.

Jerry

With one of those little "skull" designs tattoed on his forehead!

Twolanerider · « **Reply #20 on:** March 17, 2012, 08:01:54 PM »

Quote from: sadunbar on March 17, 2012, 07:59:48 PM

Maybe operate his pacemaker with a MOCO fly by wire throttle!

It would suck if he tuned the pacemaker with a SERT then had to visit an ER someday but had left his dongle at home....

RedDevil · « **Reply #21 on:** March 17, 2012, 08:54:49 PM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on March 17, 2012, 08:01:54 PM

It would suck if he tuned the pacemaker with a SERT then had to visit an ER someday but had left his dongle at home....

I hate it when you leave the dongle!!

Twolanerider · « **Reply #22 on:** March 17, 2012, 10:16:29 PM »

Quote from: RedDevil on March 17, 2012, 08:54:49 PM

I hate it when you leave the dongle!!

If you're lucky there's a cute PA to give you a hand keeping track of it.

ultrafxr · « **Reply #23 on:** March 17, 2012, 10:38:46 PM »

Whew, you guys are brutal. No one is perfect but I'll say this for ole Willie G. - when the chips were down he put his azz on the line to save the moco from AMF. If not for him and the others at that time I don't think the moco would be around to celebrate its 110th next year. Is he perfect, hell no. But on the whole has he been a positive for the moco? I think so.

I mean the guy is a icon, a living piece of history. The moco we love to hate is unique in the modern corporate world and Willie G. has been a big part of it.

So here's to you Willie G.

Job well done and enjoy your retirement.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #24 on:** March 17, 2012, 10:57:07 PM »

Quote from: ultrafxr on March 17, 2012, 10:38:46 PM

Whew, you guys are brutal. No one is perfect but I'll say this for ole Willie G. - when the chips were down he put his azz on the line to save the moco from AMF. If not for him and the others at that time I don't think the moco would be around to celebrate its 110th next year. Is he perfect, hell no. But on the whole has he been a positive for the moco? I think so.

I mean the guy is a icon, a living piece of history. The moco we love to hate is unique in the modern corporate world and Willie G. has been a big part of it.

So here's to you Willie G. Job well done and enjoy your retirement.

No debate Jerry. All the appropriate cudos and appreciation for what he's done and his role in bringing the company forward from the brink of extinction. All kidding put aside he is and should be a hero to any that appreciate HD currently and the company's history. He's still gotten a bit long in the tooth and has been recycling old ideas for a long time. He'll be remembered for that too.

harley56 · « **Reply #25 on:** March 17, 2012, 11:11:49 PM »

Quote from: ultrafxr on March 17, 2012, 10:38:46 PM

Whew, you guys are brutal. No one is perfect but I'll say this for ole Willie G. - when the chips were down he put his azz on the line to save the moco from AMF. If not for him and the others at that time I don't think the moco would be around to celebrate its 110th next year. Is he perfect, hell no. But on the whole has he been a positive for the moco? I think so.

I mean the guy is a icon, a living piece of history. The moco we love to hate is unique in the modern corporate world and Willie G. has been a big part of it.

So here's to you Willie G. Job well done and enjoy your retirement.

I agree. I've know Willie for many years and been extremely fortunate to ride to Daytona from Milwaukee with Willie and a small group of friends a number of times. A nicer person you will never meet. He would never say no to anybody when they asked to speak with him. Bill and his department have styled, and continue to style what I believe are the most beautiful motorcycles in the world. He's one hell of an artist in many ways beyond motorcycles as well. It's a shame the retirement of such a wonderful and truly talented person has triggered so many negative comments.

willyB · « **Reply #26 on:** March 18, 2012, 10:48:01 AM »

Quote from: ultrafxr on March 17, 2012, 10:38:46 PM

Whew, you guys are brutal. No one is perfect but I'll say this for ole Willie G. - when the chips were down he put his azz on the line to save the moco from AMF. If not for him and the others at that time I don't think the moco would be around to celebrate its 110th next year. Is he perfect, hell no. But on the whole has he been a positive for the moco? I think so.

I mean the guy is a icon, a living piece of history. The moco we love to hate is unique in the modern corporate world and Willie G. has been a big part of it.

So here's to you Willie G. Job well done and enjoy your retirement.

Tradition is a big part of the reasons why we own these machines. When the heart of the tradition retires one can only hope that the heritage of this company remains true to the culture.

If I only wanted a better riding, better handeling, better performing, better quality motorcycle then I would have bought a Honda or a BMW. But I prefer the Classic all the way.

Love my Harley Davidson!

Willie D · « **Reply #27 on:** March 18, 2012, 11:11:20 AM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on March 17, 2012, 10:57:07 PM

No debate Jerry. All the appropriate cudos and appreciation for what he's done and his role in bringing the company forward from the brink of extinction. All kidding put aside he is and should be a hero to any that appreciate HD currently and the company's history. He's still gotten a bit long in the tooth and has been recycling old ideas for a long time. He'll be remembered for that too.

Well said Don

now if only manufacturing could keep up with engineering

JMHO

grc · « **Reply #28 on:** March 18, 2012, 11:18:00 AM »

Quote from: willyB on March 18, 2012, 10:48:01 AM

Tradition is a big part of the reasons why we own these machines. When the heart of the tradition retires one can only hope that the heritage of this company remains true to the culture.

If I only wanted a better riding, better handeling, better performing, better quality motorcycle then I would have bought a Honda or a BMW. But I prefer the Classic all the way.

Love my Harley Davidson!

But the two things do not have to be mutually exclusive. There is no good reason why Willy and the boys in Milwaukee had to settle for bad quality and lousy customer service. It was strictly a result of complacency and short sighted management, and will probably lead to the next great downfall in the history of the company. For every guy like you who prefers the tradition, heritage and culture instead of best in class performance and quality, there are legions of young folks who just expect their stuff to work correctly without hassles. I don't see those kids being willing to suffer the same shortcomings we have just because of some lifestyle crap or historical perspective. It's a brave new world, and it's time for companies firmly rooted in the last century to drag themselves into this one. If that means replacing the old farts with young blood and modern ideas, so be it. Honor him for what he did to help save the company 30 years ago, but don't let that blind you to what needs to be done now to save it again.

Jerry

Willie D · « **Reply #29 on:** March 18, 2012, 11:36:19 AM »

Quote from: grc on March 18, 2012, 11:18:00 AM

But the two things do not have to be mutually exclusive. There is no good reason why Willy and the boys in Milwaukee had to settle for bad quality and lousy customer service. It was strictly a result of complacency and short sighted management, and will probably lead to the next great downfall in the history of the company. For every guy like you who prefers the tradition, heritage and culture instead of best in class performance and quality, there are legions of young folks who just expect their stuff to work correctly without hassles. I don't see those kids being willing to suffer the same shortcomings we have just because of some lifestyle crap or historical perspective. It's a brave new world, and it's time for companies firmly rooted in the last century to drag themselves into this one. If that means replacing the old farts with young blood and modern ideas, so be it. Honor him for what he did to help save the company 30 years ago, but don't let that blind you to what needs to be done now to save it again.
Jerry

I'll drink to that

Twolanerider · « **Reply #30 on:** March 18, 2012, 11:47:00 AM »

Quote from: willyB on March 18, 2012, 10:48:01 AM

Tradition is a big part of the reasons why we own these machines. When the heart of the tradition retires one can only hope that the heritage of this company remains true to the culture.

If I only wanted a better riding, better handeling, better performing, better quality motorcycle then I would have bought a Honda or a BMW. But I prefer the Classic all the way.

Love my Harley Davidson!

That's a maddening and self defeating perspective. In a nutshell that summarizes why Mother Harley has become so narcissistic and removed. Why it doesn't just think but feels that it knows it can treat much of its consumer base like mushrooms and get away with it.

The bikes can look and be good. Even suggesting that you'd consider good looks and a "classic" feel to be more important than a good machine allows the company a pass to keep retreading old visual idea and stay a generation behind the curve compared to the rest of the automotive industry (of which HD is a part).

That sentiment wrote the next great advertising line for the competition. "...and a Harley rider said 'if all I was after was a good bike I could ride a Honda'."

StevesCVO · « **Reply #31 on:** March 18, 2012, 11:53:37 AM »

Quote from: grc on March 18, 2012, 11:18:00 AM

But the two things do not have to be mutually exclusive. There is no good reason why Willy and the boys in Milwaukee had to settle for bad quality and lousy customer service. It was strictly a result of complacency and short sighted management, and will probably lead to the next great downfall in the history of the company. For every guy like you who prefers the tradition, heritage and culture instead of best in class performance and quality, there are legions of young folks who just expect their stuff to work correctly without hassles. I don't see those kids being willing to suffer the same shortcomings we have just because of some lifestyle crap or historical perspective. It's a brave new world, and it's time for companies firmly rooted in the last century to drag themselves into this one. If that means replacing the old farts with young blood and modern ideas, so be it. Honor him for what he did to help save the company 30 years ago, but don't let that blind you to what needs to be done now to save it again.

Jerry

Well said Jerry

grandpadoc · « **Reply #32 on:** March 18, 2012, 01:18:34 PM »

He is probably tired of answering to stock holders and their demand for unit/unit corporate profits. In order to pacify the stock holders the MoCo must show at least a 4% increase in profits every year. When sales are flat that can only be achieved with lay offs, outsoursing parts (cheaper), closing plants...profits staying flat is not an option. If you own a private company these days flat is ok, keeping your staff is ok, keeping the quality of your product is ok, life is ok. Some quality companies are buying back their stock and going private to ward off the blood sucking stock holders, brokers, and middle management who know nothing about our motorcycle culture and what we want. Doc

Harley Guy · « **Reply #33 on:** March 18, 2012, 05:34:12 PM »

Quote from: MIKEYTEE on March 17, 2012, 10:35:02 AM

Now maybe a water cooled bagger!
Mike

I agree with the above!
.
In his prime, he did good, but that was many years ago, IMO

ultrafxr · « **Reply #34 on:** March 18, 2012, 07:45:02 PM »

Can quality be improved? Sure, no doubt. And can products be better engineered? Again, yes. But when I get on my 2012 CUSE7 and compare it to my '99 ultra with the first twin cam there is no comparison - it is light years better. And I am not convinced that Beemers or Gold Wings are ' better riding, better handling, better performing, better quality motorcycles.' They have their own share of problems. And the ergonomics of the big Harleys is way, way better than their offerings imo. I have no idea what the numbers are but I am certain that Harley dressers outnumber all other brand dressers by a huge margin so the moco must be doing something right.

I don't think I am settling for second best in order to preserve tradition - but I do appreciate and honor tradition. Everyone has their own perspective and opinion but I appreciate that Willie G. and many others at the moco have felt it important to keep that tradition.

BALIS · « **Reply #35 on:** March 19, 2012, 06:54:45 AM »

I remember in the mid 80's at the first Annual Hog Rallies like Branson,MO, Pigeon Forge,TN or the Poconos,PA.
At that time,there was a life member breakfast and Willie G was allways listening to us and had kind words for everyone.
For me,it is a great guy.
RESPECT mister Willie G .

North Georgia Hawg · « **Reply #36 on:** March 19, 2012, 07:39:07 AM »

C'mon, guys... We don't ride Harleys for the quality, the reliability, the smoothness, nor the handling. We ride 'em for one reason, and one reason ONLY... because "you can't get hot biker chicks on a HONDA!"

Love him or hate him... but Willie G. was a huge reason we have Harleys to ride today. On my SESG, I can go friggin' FAST, and look cool while doing it! Well, as "cool" as I am capable of looking, anyway... which probably isn't that cool... But you just can't look cool on a Gold Wing... sorry...

Willie G. has RETIRED??? "We might as well try to get BMWs now. At least with a Beemer the Harley riders won't beat me up..."

LovemyCVOgirl · « **Reply #37 on:** March 19, 2012, 07:49:53 AM »

Quote from: ultrafxr on March 18, 2012, 07:45:02 PM

Can quality be improved? Sure, no doubt. And can products be better engineered? Again, yes. But when I get on my 2012 CUSE7 and compare it to my '99 ultra with the first twin cam there is no comparison - it is light years better. And I am not convinced that Beemers or Gold Wings are ' better riding, better handling, better performing, better quality motorcycles.' They have their own share of problems. And the ergonomics of the big Harleys is way, way better than their offerings imo. I have no idea what the numbers are but I am certain that Harley dressers outnumber all other brand dressers by a huge margin so the moco must be doing something right.

I don't think I am settling for second best in order to preserve tradition - but I do appreciate and honor tradition. Everyone has their own perspective and opinion but I appreciate that Willie G. and many others at the moco have felt it important to keep that tradition.

Well said, thank you

In the past I have ridden Honda's, Yamaha's all metric's and my first Harley was a 2005 new Softail Deluxe. It was the first motorcycle that was "fun" to ride. Now owning a 2012, I can honestly say that I think the MoCo has exceeded my expectations. Yes, they could do better in some areas but when I climb on it and start it up it is an experience that I never got from my metric scooters. If Willie G is responsible for this awesome motorcycle, than I say thank you

and I appreciate your contribution to "making my day."

MKW · « **Reply #38 on:** March 19, 2012, 08:10:43 AM »

Quote from: MIKEYTEE on March 17, 2012, 10:35:02 AM

Now maybe a water cooled bagger!
Mike

It's only a matter of time

RedDevil · « **Reply #39 on:** March 19, 2012, 09:49:29 AM »

Willie may have been locked in the past as far as design, but give him his props. He knew what we wanted to ride. Everybody states that the other bike manufacturers have come out with better engines and more power off the showroom floor, and they're right, but in order for them to do that, they had to do two main things, water cooled and more cylinders (4 to 6). The MoCo came out with the Porche-designed water-cooled V-Twin, and called it a Harley, and if they would have went to that engine exclusively, the MoCo would no longer be here. They don't have the sound that we want to hear, or the feel. Is it a better engine, more than likely, but it's not what we want. There's only so much you can do with an air-cooled, push rod, engine and keep the sound that is distinctively "Harley". The Japanese, and even Victory, have tried, but they can't quite get it. Better engines, sure, but I don't see everyone flocking to get one. If the MoCo goes to more cylinders and water/liquid cooling, which eventually, they'll be forced to do, we won't have the beloved Harleys that we all ride. I, for one, can put up with a little inconvenience, and older technology to have the bike that I want to ride, hear, and feel. The MoCo has done well in their marketing, they've made HD's the iconic American motorcycle, and to mess with that formula, will see it's demise. JMHO.

BigLew55 · « **Reply #40 on:** March 19, 2012, 10:43:18 AM »

Quote from: RedDevil on March 19, 2012, 09:49:29 AM

Willie may have been locked in the past as far as design, but give him his props. He knew what we wanted to ride. Everybody states that the other bike manufacturers have come out with better engines and more power off the showroom floor, and they're right, but in order for them to do that, they had to do two main things, water cooled and more cylinders (4 to 6). The MoCo came out with the Porche-designed water-cooled V-Twin, and called it a Harley, and if they would have went to that engine exclusively, the MoCo would no longer be here. They don't have the sound that we want to hear, or the feel. Is it a better engine, more than likely, but it's not what we want. There's only so much you can do with an air-cooled, push rod, engine and keep the sound that is distinctively "Harley".

They came out with a great water-cooled engine. They just made the mistake of putting it in the wrong bike!

RedDevil · « **Reply #41 on:** March 19, 2012, 11:08:37 AM »

Quote from: BigLew55 on March 19, 2012, 10:43:18 AM

They came out with a great water-cooled engine. They just made the mistake of putting it in the wrong bike!

It is a great engine. No doubt. But right or wrong bike, it will never sound like the Harley we like to hear. Also, its gas mileage sucks on a good day.

mark · « **Reply #42 on:** March 19, 2012, 04:07:32 PM »

Most of what I hear folks complaining about are design related. I'm sure Willie would like to have designed new and different bikes for every year model, but he's got to work within the company's limitations...design costs, stockholders, bad economy, profits, etc.

North Georgia Hawg · « **Reply #43 on:** March 19, 2012, 05:29:47 PM »

+1 Frankly I think he did a pretty darn good job. I absolutely LOVE my FLHXSE3!

91FXR · « **Reply #44 on:** March 20, 2012, 08:42:47 AM »

Maybe Eric will come back

tazmun · « **Reply #45 on:** March 21, 2012, 04:44:42 PM »

I've always liked what Willie designed. New can look old, and still have the
latest and greatest under the skin. As for people saying the bike won't sound
the same being water cooled, wrong! The only have to put water jackets around
those big buckets! The sound out of the pipes will always be the same!

As someone else said, styling can only go so far, when the corporate
team tells you what they are going do do!

Taz

RedDevil · « **Reply #46 on:** March 21, 2012, 05:06:27 PM »

Quote from: tazmun on March 21, 2012, 04:44:42 PM

I've always liked what Willie designed. New can look old, and still have the
latest and greatest under the skin. As for people saying the bike won't sound
the same being water cooled, wrong! The only have to put water jackets around
those big buckets! The sound out of the pipes will always be the same!

As someone else said, styling can only go so far, when the corporate
team tells you what they are going do do!

Taz

Sorry Taz, gotta disagree with you on that one. If it were that simple, the MoCo would have done that a long time ago. Saved then a lot of grief with EPA rules and regs and trying to conform. There's just a touch more engineering involved than that.

tazmun · « **Reply #47 on:** March 21, 2012, 09:18:22 PM »

Quote from: RedDevil on March 21, 2012, 05:06:27 PM

Sorry Taz, gotta disagree with you on that one. If it were that simple, the MoCo would have done that a long time ago. Saved then a lot of grief with EPA rules and regs and trying to conform. There's just a touch more engineering involved than that.

Really!!!!!! They JUST don't know where to put the radiator!!! The 4-stroke configuration
that HD has, will never change with water jackets around the cylinders!

Taz!

RedDevil · « **Reply #48 on:** March 21, 2012, 09:35:06 PM »

Quote from: tazmun on March 21, 2012, 09:18:22 PM

Really!!!!!! They JUST don't know where to put the radiator!!! The 4-stroke configuration
that HD has, will never change with water jackets around the cylinders!

Taz!

They could have put the radiator right in between the down tubes in the front and integrate it into the lowers...there's more to it than just location of the radiator...again, they would have done it years ago. They had no problem with locating the radiator on the V-Rod, but if you notice that V-Twin does not sound, nor act like the air-cooled HD standard and it wasn't just a design of simply putting water jackets around the venerable old v-twin. Just sayin'

tazmun · « **Reply #49 on:** March 21, 2012, 10:30:28 PM »

Quote from: RedDevil on March 21, 2012, 09:35:06 PM

They could have put the radiator right in between the down tubes in the front and integrate it into the lowers...there's more to it than just location of the radiator...again, they would have done it years ago. They had no problem with locating the radiator on the V-Rod, but if you notice that V-Twin does not sound, nor act like the air-cooled HD standard and it wasn't just a design of simply putting water jackets around the venerable old v-twin. Just sayin'

Devil,
The V-Rod is NOT the same 45 degree motor! That's why it doesn't sound the same!
Putting cooling on is very difficult without making the driver uncomfortable on an FLH bike!
Without covering the motor, the heat would move to the front of the bike.
"IF" they put the radiators in the lowers, with incoming air it the front,
and the exhaust air out the side that may work? BUT LOOKS IS THE PROBLEM!

CVOJOE · « **Reply #50 on:** March 22, 2012, 08:16:37 PM »

Quote from: Mark on March 19, 2012, 04:07:32 PM

Most of what I hear folks complaining about are design related. I'm sure Willie would like to have designed new and different bikes for every year model, but he's got to work within the company's limitations...design costs, stockholders, bad economy, profits, etc.

He's getting up there in years, and aren't we all, and it's a good time for him to retire and enjoy the rest of his years and million$. His kids are still in the company and he clearly has left his mark on the motorcycle market. An icon.

Now can we move away from the skulls and berets?

Enjoy your retirement WGD!

grc · « **Reply #51 on:** March 22, 2012, 08:29:44 PM »

The "almost patented" sound of the Harley V-Twin is created by the 45° V angle and the common crankpin. That is what determines the irregular firing pulses and the potato potato deal. If they were to maintain the 45° angle and common crankpin, water cooling would not change the sound of the exhaust. What it would change is the amount of mechanical noise emanating from within those cylinders and heads thanks to the damping of the water jackets, tighter clearances, and the lack of large cooling fins that resonate. When you reduce the mechanical noise you can increase the exhaust flow and sound level and still maintain the overall sound levels mandated by the EPA. Ever notice how the stock V-Rod exhaust is louder than the system on the Twin Cam bikes?

Jerry

Buy early · « **Reply #52 on:** March 22, 2012, 10:23:13 PM »

Sturgis 2010. He was kind enough to pose for a photo while the staff got his lunch. This was at the grocery store behind the HD display in downtown Sturgis. Seemed like a pretty regular guy to me for someone who has lived the life he has. I wish him well and hope he enjoys many years of riding as much as he wants!

red ben59 · « **Reply #53 on:** March 25, 2012, 09:36:24 AM »

I wish him well and a happy retirement, say what you want but there is no telling where the MOCO would be today without his influence. $:-\$

cvobiker · « **Reply #54 on:** March 25, 2012, 11:03:42 AM »

i guess when you need two watches to keep up with time, it is time to retire....

skreminegul07 · « **Reply #55 on:** April 07, 2012, 04:30:31 PM »

Quote from: sadunbar on March 16, 2012, 07:28:25 PM

We can only hope!

Now if the head of quality and head of service would retire!

He did, 20 years ago!

Author Topic: Willie G. announces retirement... (Read 8922 times)

mark