I did a search and could not find that anyone else had opened a thread on this topic, so my apologies if one already exists.
So, what are people hoping for in the 2013, 110th Anniversary models ? Do we have a wish list (beyond a water buffalo) ? What's out there that H-D could easily incorporate into their vehicles if they decided to. I can remember not that long ago that the concept of Brembo calipers on a production H-D seemed as far off as Pluto. Six speed transmissions ? Those were for Japanese motorcycles only. And the list goes on. H-D moves slowly but move they do and when one looks at the current 2012 models and compares them to just 10 years ago, the differences are significant.
Myself, I feel that the single biggest thing (beyond the water buffalo) which H-D could do would be to make major improvements in suspension. I am sure that if H-D decided to make front suspension similar to Traxion Dynamics, they could do so and at a much lower cost. And rear shocks ? Really ? There is no excuse for the sorry globs of metal currently occupying space between the swingarm and the stud just below your hip. So there's something they could do, do easily and do well. Beyond that, I'd like to see a much better sound system and integrated electronics. I'd like to see some effort put into adapting seating position to a wider range of body types with good solid seats from the factory vice most of us having to find the aftermarket make that best suits us. And lastly is cosmetics. Change does not mean making an H-D look like something from Nippon. It means enhancing that which is Harley. Example - - -the dash on a 2003 SERK. Amazing piece. Art Deco to be sure but totally American in looks and a real example of form and function meeting perfectly. Paint - - there's no need for anything but flawless paint with the technology available today. As to styling, it's hard to come up with ideas that when produced 100,000 times please everyone. But still, some of the clunkers of recent years indicate that perhaps pre-release consumer surveys are merited. I am not interested in a larger motor. These vehicles are intended for recreational use, not for racing. They already posses a drive train capable of exceeding legal speeds by a significant amount. I see little sense in pursuing any change in engine configuration which is why I see little sense in H-D producing a water buffalo. Produce the 110" engine in a configuration that is dependable and that is all that is needed. Anything else is of little use other than bragging rights. I am sorry, but as much as I like to go fast, if that's your thing then go buy an older H-D, one that you can modify to your heart's content and not worry about EPA regs etc. But the H-D of the future needs to have something of the H-D of the past in it or it becomes something other than an H-D. That's just my $0.02 and I am sure to get maligned for my view. So be it.
So if anyone knows the sister of Willie G's maid's cousin, please let us in on the secrets
B B
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Topic: Predictions for what we'll see come August in the 2013,110th Anni Models (Read 55913 times)