andrew embassy
Been Around the Block
Tim said:
Duuuude, that's classic hipsterism - wear 300 designer jeans but go to dive bars!
*sheepishly hides $250 jeans*...
Fuck, Harley stole my look!
- Thread starter DrJ
- Start date
Duuuude, that's classic hipsterism - wear 300 designer jeans but go to dive bars!
*sheepishly hides $250 jeans*...
come on... they are 883 sportys... like 7 - 8 grand... hell there are bikes on here with more than that into them... yes it was set up to appeal to the wanna be bikers... all blacked out... but hey that is what is selling. i for one am happy that an american based company has gone out on a limb to make their least expensive most easily affordable bike appeal to a newer younger market. you are not going to have some old ass man rocking this bike... so they hit their target market, did well with it as i know i have already done a bunch of powder work, lowered, and pipe changes on 3 of these Irons already...
just sucks they had to mac your style Doc...
just sucks they had to mac your style Doc...
colpumpkinnuts
Banned from public transportation
I suppose they're not bad looking bikes. I think that most people on here are just a little upset by Harley's blatent attempt to appeal to people who want to ride a motorcycle to look cool rather than, well, whatever other reasons there are to ride a motorcycle. They aren't selling a bike, they're selling a lifestyle. Perhaps I shouldn't judge. Rather, maybe I should ask myself why I'm building a cafe racer. Are we not all at least a little guilty of the same thing this commercial portrays? Regardless, I still think that dude looked like a douche bag in his flannel shirt.
locOleoN
Is that the best you got? OK.. now my TURN...
OHHH!!... I want one of those bikes!!.. Where can I get one?... Can I pay monthly?
Where can I get a lid like that???...And those horn rimmed glasses...I do believe Ralph Laurn is selling them now for $400!!.. Cool!!... off I goto Holt Renfrew to get a pair!! yay...
;D
Where can I get a lid like that???...And those horn rimmed glasses...I do believe Ralph Laurn is selling them now for $400!!.. Cool!!... off I goto Holt Renfrew to get a pair!! yay...
;D
loudest143
Insert sense of humor here---->
Here's the problem as I see it...... FWIW.... Harley has made no attempt to ever be anything other than the big gigantic loud piped AMERICAN MADE freedom machine. Their status is legendary. Their look is often imitated, but never perfected. They embody the attitude of the classic American Biker. "Screw you, I don't care what you think, this is who I am. Take it or leave it."
I have no issue with their past marketing schemes. Shoot, they've made lots of dentists and chiropractors very happy bikers. Now, when things are looking bleak for overpriced ANYTHING, they have thrown a hail mary pass as if to say, "See slackers and skaters and Rat Rodders, we really ARE cool." (insert dr. evil dancing in front of scott....) It's the tired old hipster dusting off his pleather Michael Jackson jacket and buying a Beemer that they are trying to woo. It's the young new professional who just got his first bonus check and wants to "fit in" at the local classic country jukebox bar that nobody really says is cool but everyone goes to it because the locals all say that's where the real bikers hang out and we can get Pabst Blue Ribbon for a buck a can then go ride our cool new non-shiny bikes a whole 1/4 mile home because any farther away would be hard cuz my seat really needs redone because shocks are overratted man.
But I digress.....
People who build their own bikes are shade tree mechanics. We do it because it's our hobby, or a part time job, or an obsession, or just plain fun times. You can figure out who's who at the local Quaker Steak and Lube bike night. They're the ones who have on what they had on when they finished fixing the petcock right before they took off for the evening of riding. They typically are there looking at the old hulks and ratters. The guys with clean leather and unscuffed shoes of any kind? Weekend riders, my friend. Harley simply wants more real riders and mechanics to buy their bikes. Not because they want to fit in, but because they love beautiful machinery, the sound of a well tuned ANYTHING, and the smell of freshly opened oil.
Harley just wants their reputation back. I don't blame them. Riding used to be the reason why people bought Harleys. Now they buy them for status.
loudest143
*makin' sumpthin' outta nuthin'
I have no issue with their past marketing schemes. Shoot, they've made lots of dentists and chiropractors very happy bikers. Now, when things are looking bleak for overpriced ANYTHING, they have thrown a hail mary pass as if to say, "See slackers and skaters and Rat Rodders, we really ARE cool." (insert dr. evil dancing in front of scott....) It's the tired old hipster dusting off his pleather Michael Jackson jacket and buying a Beemer that they are trying to woo. It's the young new professional who just got his first bonus check and wants to "fit in" at the local classic country jukebox bar that nobody really says is cool but everyone goes to it because the locals all say that's where the real bikers hang out and we can get Pabst Blue Ribbon for a buck a can then go ride our cool new non-shiny bikes a whole 1/4 mile home because any farther away would be hard cuz my seat really needs redone because shocks are overratted man.
But I digress.....
People who build their own bikes are shade tree mechanics. We do it because it's our hobby, or a part time job, or an obsession, or just plain fun times. You can figure out who's who at the local Quaker Steak and Lube bike night. They're the ones who have on what they had on when they finished fixing the petcock right before they took off for the evening of riding. They typically are there looking at the old hulks and ratters. The guys with clean leather and unscuffed shoes of any kind? Weekend riders, my friend. Harley simply wants more real riders and mechanics to buy their bikes. Not because they want to fit in, but because they love beautiful machinery, the sound of a well tuned ANYTHING, and the smell of freshly opened oil.
Harley just wants their reputation back. I don't blame them. Riding used to be the reason why people bought Harleys. Now they buy them for status.
loudest143
*makin' sumpthin' outta nuthin'
jason teamshralp
Been Around the Block
I agree with you Loudest.
I'll admit that I want to have a harley in the stable sometime in the future, but something old that I will build myself. I don't blame harley for trying. There are a lot of companies that reach out and try and grab other demographics that they are not getting. Look at all of the japaniese "customs" and chopper looking bikes made in the 80's. I hate seeing inline fours in bobbers, and choppers. I think that the bikes in question from harley are okay looking. they may grab the attention of the above mentioned 20-30 something that has too much cash and wants to get into riding. That doesn't mean he would get more of a lesson about what riding and motorcycling really means buy buying a $1000 beater and fixing it. There is a spot for these bikes, and Harley Davidson as a company is an American staple. You can talk shit on about the last 20 years, but there is a history to the company and they are changing for the future. Some for the good and some not so much but they are trying.
We could be talking about bikes like these...
I'll admit that I want to have a harley in the stable sometime in the future, but something old that I will build myself. I don't blame harley for trying. There are a lot of companies that reach out and try and grab other demographics that they are not getting. Look at all of the japaniese "customs" and chopper looking bikes made in the 80's. I hate seeing inline fours in bobbers, and choppers. I think that the bikes in question from harley are okay looking. they may grab the attention of the above mentioned 20-30 something that has too much cash and wants to get into riding. That doesn't mean he would get more of a lesson about what riding and motorcycling really means buy buying a $1000 beater and fixing it. There is a spot for these bikes, and Harley Davidson as a company is an American staple. You can talk shit on about the last 20 years, but there is a history to the company and they are changing for the future. Some for the good and some not so much but they are trying.
We could be talking about bikes like these...
man... that was very well thought out, written, and you made some AWESOME points... made me want to go out to the garage and fire up the Dyna i have hybernating under the cover... my fav part was about the petcock fix... my last bike show my brothers chop had fuel "issues" i was coverd in gas... people kept saying they smelled gas, this old man laughed and said you just smell a bike builder... cracked us up!
isolato
Been Around the Block
Ha Ha ...that's just what these guys said about 30 years ago..
1977 Lowrider. HD's first factory custom. big success, and started the current (now dying) trend.
interestingly enough..that same year HD's "Cafe Racer" came out. was a flop.
they are just going to follow cultural trends. I don't think they know what else to do.
1977 Lowrider. HD's first factory custom. big success, and started the current (now dying) trend.
interestingly enough..that same year HD's "Cafe Racer" came out. was a flop.
they are just going to follow cultural trends. I don't think they know what else to do.
boomshakalaka
Over 1,000 Posts
holy crap... that harley cafe is sexy
jason teamshralp
Been Around the Block
These are some (IMO) better looking harley cafe bikes.
this ones more of a race bike but my favorite...
this ones more of a race bike but my favorite...
gribbs
Coast to Coast
The guy who is helping me build my bike just took on a Sportster which has been wired almost completely with speaker wire. The owner hasnt ridden the thing yet and he has spent almost 4000 in labor on it. I feel bad for him. No he is not a builder, yes he has too much money (upwards of 10 grand in an 88 sportster says so) but to me he is as much a "biker" as anyone else- because he has the same passion as someone who can sort a petcock, his passion is simply manifested differently. Bikes should be about a feeling, they are not practical or safe, or anything but fun and a 'feeling'. Anyone who shares this feeling just gets it. Dont hate on Harley bikes or the comapny's marketing strategy, they do what they should do, shoot for a target market. You guys picked out mis-labeled bars, and your a step ahead of, and makers of, a trend harley is tapping into, thats wicked. Be happy your that step ahead of whats 'cool' and sleep a lil better at night
jason teamshralp
Been Around the Block
this reminds me of something my dad always told me.
"if say a honda part costs $10, the same harley part will cost $100. Just add a zero."
this is pretty close to true. I went into the local harley shop and looked around for some smaller parts that might work on my 350 or 550, and found some cool headlight tabs. the wouldn't fit but I asked the guy how much they were thinking they would be about $50 and he told me $200, in raw aluminum, and $300 painted or chromed! I laughed and said, "no these" and he said "yeah those." That's one thing I don't understand is why the parts, even the made in china bolt on crap for harley's, costs so damn much.
"if say a honda part costs $10, the same harley part will cost $100. Just add a zero."
this is pretty close to true. I went into the local harley shop and looked around for some smaller parts that might work on my 350 or 550, and found some cool headlight tabs. the wouldn't fit but I asked the guy how much they were thinking they would be about $50 and he told me $200, in raw aluminum, and $300 painted or chromed! I laughed and said, "no these" and he said "yeah those." That's one thing I don't understand is why the parts, even the made in china bolt on crap for harley's, costs so damn much.
rob in socal
Active Member
I'm the farthest thing in the world from a "Harley" guy, but I have to admit, when i first saw a commercial on tv for the bike, I did a triple take. I thought it looked really cool. Took me a minute to figure out it was actually a harley ad.I was impressed by it and thought, wow, I guess if I HAD to ride a harley, that would be the one{Ive just never had any interest in harleys, even if I had a million bux}
I dont hate on anyone who rides any bike.
Im an avid surfer, its another passion of mine. So many poeple have attitudes in the water{especially in some parts here in so cal} I could say the same thing about longboarders,shortboarders, boogie boarders, whatever. As long as everyone in the water is having fun and enjoying/respecting the ocean and each other, then WHO CARES. Same thing on the road. Respect the road,respect fellow riders.
I was at a light the other day and this dude pulls up to me on a brand new, SICK BMW sport tourer, full leathers, etc. I was waiting for the snobby look, and he lifted his visor and went to town, complimenting my bike. Ive also been in the same situation where the same type pulls up and wont even look over.
To each is own. I wouldnt quite call myself a "hipster", but i admit I rock an old school lid, funky shades and a scarf. I LOVE cafes and the cafe culture cause it represents character and individuality. Im not flaming anyone or any posts{i got a few chuckles from some of them, especially the handlebars one}
Eh, my 2 cents, fwiw
I dont hate on anyone who rides any bike.
Im an avid surfer, its another passion of mine. So many poeple have attitudes in the water{especially in some parts here in so cal} I could say the same thing about longboarders,shortboarders, boogie boarders, whatever. As long as everyone in the water is having fun and enjoying/respecting the ocean and each other, then WHO CARES. Same thing on the road. Respect the road,respect fellow riders.
I was at a light the other day and this dude pulls up to me on a brand new, SICK BMW sport tourer, full leathers, etc. I was waiting for the snobby look, and he lifted his visor and went to town, complimenting my bike. Ive also been in the same situation where the same type pulls up and wont even look over.
To each is own. I wouldnt quite call myself a "hipster", but i admit I rock an old school lid, funky shades and a scarf. I LOVE cafes and the cafe culture cause it represents character and individuality. Im not flaming anyone or any posts{i got a few chuckles from some of them, especially the handlebars one}
Eh, my 2 cents, fwiw
brewtown16
what, me worry?
ccvsgod said:
actually, it was the bike behind him, when it said "drag bars" and there was a split scene of a bike with drags before that. i really didnt catch it either.
isolato
Been Around the Block
So true. My friends told me... HD = Hundred Dollars What really bugged me was, they wouldn't make a crappy part, or design, better. They just made a chrome cover for it. (+$100.) I loved to ride em when I had em, but I've bought my last new one. There IS an old HD in the back of my mind, I'm hoping to find someday, just to caff. Just waiting for it to turn up, and the prices to hit bottom.jason teamshralp said:
There are definately some attitudes out there though. On both sides.
DrJ
Over 1,000 Posts
I gotta give Harley kudos to this new marketing strategy. It's actually working. This summer I've seen several twenty-somethings rockin' new Sporties with the prerequisite Chuck T's and designer jeans. But they still don't have the helmet thing figured out. Sportsters are now the longboards and fixie bicycles of the hipster scene as evidenced by this post in a Toronto motorcycle forum:
http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?t=93034
I've got an R1 and a Harley Nightster... obviously the riding styles are different. I primarily ride the Harley (selling the R1) so I'm looking for like-minded cruiser riders to crawl the streets with. If you like to chop/bob/modify your bike, not necessarily keeping comfort as a main priority, then let's go for a cruise!
I'm 25 and live in the Yonge/Eglinton area but ride all over.
http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?t=93034
I've got an R1 and a Harley Nightster... obviously the riding styles are different. I primarily ride the Harley (selling the R1) so I'm looking for like-minded cruiser riders to crawl the streets with. If you like to chop/bob/modify your bike, not necessarily keeping comfort as a main priority, then let's go for a cruise!
I'm 25 and live in the Yonge/Eglinton area but ride all over.
boomshakalaka
Over 1,000 Posts
ya, Ive seen quite a few myself. I really dont know what to think. I mean Id rather see those then the "factory custom" victory cruisers with flame paint jobs and fishtail exhaust..
