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[16HD117]

Not a Harley to be found!

https://autos.yahoo.com/photos/10-best-new-motorcycles-of-2014-1407194419-slideshow/

[Fired00d]

Why am I not surprised.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[DICKW]

Why am I not surprised.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

I'm hoping no one is.

[Slick1]

Pretty sad couldn't even make it in the top ten. 

[ultrarider123]

Three BMW models, three KTM models with one Indian, one Kawi, one Yamaha and one Duc.  Interesting choices but not surprised HD isn't anywhere to be found.  Also no-shows on the list:  Honda, Suzuki, Triumph, Can-Am, Victory (unless you count the Indian).  Can't argue with any of the choices Cycle World made, however.  Just quite a few very good to great bikes not on the listing.  Guess that's why they have an active reader comment section online along with in print.

[gadgetz]

I'll have to respectfully disagree with their assessments, but then I usually do.




CW Hater Extraordinaire 

[D-N-D]

That BS Harley sells to many bikes not to have one in there.

[SDCVO]

ok but 1 stat that is not in that article is that HD sells 55% of every bike sold in the USA and every other manufacturer  with every bike (including those 10 bikes) they make share the other 45%. I don't mean to be Polly-Anna about the Motor Co but numbers are numbers and every one on this site knows we don't have the best running/performing/technically advanced/best braking/etc bike made out there but we have all spent a tremendous amount of money to own/maintain 1/2/3/?

[2smoke]

In my opinion Cycle World's top 10 was actually pretty good this year.  Anything KTM makes is always nothing short of awesome.  We could have predicted the Indian would be on there.  Indian presents 3 brand new bikes in one year, then introduces another brand new bike a little more than a year later with a totally different engine as well as another model variant. That is absolute market motivation.  Harley's Twin cam came out in 1999 ('98 ?)and there hasn't been nothing since.  They introduce the V-Rod in '02 and that is now left to die on the vine.  Oh I forgot... they came out with the new "Street"  made by a company in India.  No thanks. 2015 will be no different for H-D.  Paint and stickers year after year (and more Chinese components).  Harley killed the one company making new and exciting products: Buell. 

[grc]

ok but 1 stat that is not in that article is that HD sells 55% of every bike sold in the USA and every other manufacturer  with every bike (including those 10 bikes) they make share the other 45%. I don't mean to be Polly-Anna about the Motor Co but numbers are numbers and every one on this site knows we don't have the best running/performing/technically advanced/best braking/etc bike made out there but we have all spent a tremendous amount of money to own/maintain 1/2/3/?

I never equate market share with being the best.  For example, not long before they went bankrupt, GM was the world leader in sales and most of their vehicles were crap.  Comcast has the largest piece of the cable TV pie, and they suck to high heaven.  Need any more examples?

Harley, and many of the others that have enjoyed large market shares for years, have a tendency to be complacent and just sit back counting their money.  Smaller companies looking to move up are the ones that tend to innovate and push the envelope.

I suggest that anyone who really thinks Harley has anything as technically competent as the bikes on that list has just indulged in a bit too much Kool-Aid over the years to look at this objectively.

JMHO - Jerry

[cropsure]

As others have stated, I'm not a bit surprised that HD is absent from this list.  I for one have drank all of the coolaid I can stand.  My moneypit SEUC7 is about to be a distant memory.  Either going with a k1600GTL or a Goldwing depending on what the 2015 Wings look like.

[SBB]

going with a a Goldwing depending on what the 2015 Wings look like.

2000cc
6 speed

 

SBB

[16HD117]

2000cc
6 speed

 

SBB

Will they have it in BLUE?

[cropsure]

2000cc
6 speed

 

SBB

Have you read that somewhere SBB?  I've been trying to find some info on the 15's and can't find anything.

[SBB]

Have you read that somewhere SBB?  I've been trying to find some info on the 15's and can't find anything.

Nothing in writing.
A 14 year run on the 1800 is lending speculation that the 15 will be 2000cc.
Wing owners have been looking for a 6 speed for years.
Maybe it's just an optimistic expectation.
Who knows.

SBB

[SBB]

Will they have it in BLUE?

With your connections I'm sure you will know sooner than anyone else.


SBB

[16HD117]

Nothing in writing.
A 14 year run on the 1800 is lending speculation that the 15 will be 2000cc.
Wing owners have been looking for a 6 speed for years.
Maybe it's just an optimistic expectation.
Who knows.

SBB

Otherwise know as a WAG!  Not a SWAG.
 

[SBB]

Otherwise know as a WAG!  Not a SWAG.
 

OK


SBB

[gadgetz]

All this wing talk is making me hungry.  The only wing that's good is covered in BLUE cheese dressing.


Just sayin 

[110tHunDer]

 
See, Harley's have 6-speeds.  So, they're better.

[sinner]

I just bought the Yamaha FZ09 and it's the best bike I've ever owned. It's not without flaws but I really love the bike.  I bought the 14 CVO Breakout the day after buying the FZ09 but the Harley still has tuning issues and hasn't been a good bike.  It's at GMR right now getting sorted out.

[SBB]

See, Harley's have 6-speeds.  So, they're better.

And have for 7 years!

 

SBB

[SBB]

All this wing talk is making me hungry.  The only wing that's good is covered in BLUE cheese dressing.


Just sayin 

Keep talking!

 

SBB

[phato1]

Well to me it seems that the moto journalists generally have had a love affair with anything european for the past few years and in CW's defense these "awards" are usually given to bikes that have been substantially redesigned or a clean sheet new model - that will usually disqualify HD right there.

BMW warrants some love for their technological advances like selectable ride modes and electronically adjustable suspension on the flagship touring model  and I admit to drooling over the S1000RR. KTM makes a great dirt bike and therefore their supermoto is superb again this one has the full electronic package. Ducati is, well, Ducati and they build some of the most beautiful sport bikes on the planet - always have.

Honda has some nice offerings, origami styling aside,  but lately seems to concentrating on developing "entry level" bikes - those under 750cc - and the wing is getting long in the tooth and due for an update, not just some cosmetic changes --oh wait they stole our playbook 

Suzuki has been sorta quiet with "new" offerings. Kawasaki is trying to build a super sport tourer with the 1400 ninja and an entry level with the ninjet 300.

Now if HD went and put electronically adjustable(or at least adjustable) suspension , selectable riding modes and an adjustable windscreen on a fully water cooled touring bike with a quality sound system/electronics package - then they would ride away with all the awards. But it seems we as faithful buyers have established that the current state of the product is what we want whether that's because of the beautiful styling, glorious sound or we just like to modify our bikes - who am I to say, for me it's a little of all three and that makes the HD offerings appear on MY list

So I guess all this rambling translates to while I don't necessarily agree with any of the moto journalists "best" lists, there are plenty of bikes out there to suit whatever your tastes, desires and riding styles are and it's up to the consumer to decide what bike is "best" for them. If your lucky like me your better/smarter half will let you keep a few different makes and models in the garage so then you can pick the one that suits your needs/mood for the days ride 

[LARK]

ok but 1 stat that is not in that article is that HD sells 55% of every bike sold in the USA and every other manufacturer  with every bike (including those 10 bikes) they make share the other 45%. I don't mean to be Polly-Anna about the Motor Co but numbers are numbers and every one on this site knows we don't have the best running/performing/technically advanced/best braking/etc bike made out there but we have all spent a tremendous amount of money to own/maintain 1/2/3/?

Harley sells 55% of all bikes 601cc and larger sold in the US not 55% of all motorcycles.

[Jswerve]

Harley sells 55% of all bikes 601cc and larger sold in the US not 55% of all motorcycles.

They sell 100% of the bikes I'll ride

[SDCVO]

Harley sells 55% of all bikes 601cc and larger sold in the US not 55% of all motorcycles.

True, my bad.. changes everything

[Phantom309]

I never valued CW's opinion and never will, all that impresses them are everything BUT Harleys.

[FLHTCUSE7]

Not a real surprise. HD does not really belong in the top 10 category in my opinion.

[CVOThunder]

Now if HD went and put electronically adjustable(or at least adjustable) suspension , selectable riding modes and an adjustable windscreen on a fully water cooled touring bike with a quality sound system/electronics package - then they would ride away with all the awards. But it seems we as faithful buyers have established that the current state of the product is what we want whether that's because of the beautiful styling, glorious sound or we just like to modify our bikes - who am I to say, for me it's a little of all three and that makes the HD offerings appear on MY list

Yeah, I need to force myself to hold off on buying another new HD until they do this. It was mentioned awhile back about making up a voting list about the water cooled engine but I guess we just have to vote with our cash. I don't mind the new Road Glide the more I look at it but I have to say no to anything new until they change more items. I still think the V-Rod design made bigger and put into the bagger design would work well. Those who don't like the change will complain but won't be able to say it's designed after the Japanese. I suspect killing the aftermarket will play a big part in all of this. Who knows what they could do on engine mods if it's already powerful and reliable. Cams and head work might be the only thing left if the case and jugs are one. Pretty crafty network out there, they'd probably come up with something.

[kmh364]

Well, opinions are like a certain body part: everyone!s got one, and they all stink!

Seriously, everyone's entitled to their own opinion. As American citizens, we get the choice and right to voice our own opinions and the right ignore other's!

Aprilia Caponord is the best adventure tourer? The GS BMW and the KTM leave it in the dust off-road, and the Duc Multistrada leaves it for dead on-road. How it's the best compromise with 17" supersport wheels is beyond me. Where do you go when it breaks? No thanks...I'll keep my Duc MTS1200ST.

CORRECTION:  apparently it was a CN editing error...the Caponord was the honorable mention, while the Katoom 1190 ADV beat the venerable wasserpumpfer GS.
No off-road riding on a $20k- plus ADV tourer for me, so the "big" Duc wins again!

Best Cruiser/Tourer? Who cares! I'm on a CVO Ultra...the rest can have the BMW GT or Wing...it don't perfern me!

[kmh364]

I'll be trading the Duc in when it sells for a '14 or '15 Multistrada 1200GT and the '13 CVO will go when the '15's come out...you guessed it...to be replaced by a CVO LTD. My '99 FLHRCI is going in the box with me.

[2 ROSE]

Communist...all Communist.   
Boy that kool-aid taste great!!!   

[theslash]

Harley Davidson has never made the best looking, fastest, best riding, or cheapest motorcycle.  What they do make is a Harley Davidson. The man of motorcycles.

[kmh364]

What's that saying about two types of bikers WRT H-D's? Those that have, and those that want!

Apparently, poor QC/design/reliability hasn't hurt BMW's and especially H-D's sales. I still love em, warts and all! Lots of warts!

Glutton for punishment?

guilty!

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[HUBBARD]

Harley Davidson has never made the best looking, fastest, best riding, or cheapest motorcycle.  What they do make is a Harley Davidson. The man of motorcycles.

There endeth the lesson.  Later--HUBBARD

[doublerunner]

The article is titled as "top NEW bikes". I read this as being new models of bikes not seen before, not existing bike models. Or previously existing models with new designs to them. Still surprising a wethead HD did not make that list, especially the Ultra Classic with the re-designed batwing and saddlebags

[kmh364]

Scratch my comment about trading for a '15 CVO Ltd...no changes except for craptastic paint options equals another year with the '13


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[Doniwin]

Mini-bikes the Lot.

[screaminCVO]

Interesting - I picked up a rag while going through  the grocery line up and it said with honorable mention  "the CVO Ultra Limited" best touring bike with many extras! That was after the 10 best for '14. made me feel a little better.............
 

[skratch]

Oh I forgot... they came out with the new "Street"  made by a company in India.  No thanks.

quote:  All Street 750s and Street 500s for US and Canadian consumption will be built in the Harley-Davidson Vehicle and Powertrain Operations plant in Kansas City, Missouri, where there is a manufacturing line dedicated to producing the liquid-cooled Revolution X engine.  On the other hand, all Street 750s and Street 500s for India, Italy, Spain, and Portugal (the only other markets at this time), will be built in Bawal, India.

[kmh364]

MCN reviewed the Street 750, and while the review was generally favorable, they panned the fit/finish, comfort (seat and ergos), brakes (warped frt pad backing plates!), shift quality and inadequate cornering clearance. This despite a decent engine and suspension. I understand it's being built to a price point, but with bikes like the generally excellent Yamaha FZ-07/09, Harley needs to do better. "It's a H-D so we can charge more" doesn't work anymore, at least not at the entry-level end. If H-D wants to entice more newbies or re-entry riders to the brand, they need to do better than this!


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