Harley copying Kawasaki? - Page 2

ponch · 09-11-2010, 06:24 PM

The truth is when you look at the Voyager, it's the other way around.

ponch · 09-11-2010, 06:27 PM

So he's happy with the K1200?

Quote:

Originally Posted by loafer

I don't follow what HD does. So I say: What have they been waiting for? They could have made the best bikes on the planet. But their agenda always seems to go in another direction. People want to purchase those things. When I ask what they liked about it, that made them want to buy it. They usually say something like I've always like that style over that style, or it was the color. They have no idea that different bikes, are for different reasons. They buy a bar hopper and get a new seat, highway pegs, change the handlebars, put saddlebags on, add something else. 2 to 3 thousand dollars later they trade it in because they want a touring bike. They don't know what they are doing.
I have a cousin who has every clothing accessory available, are you listening Rich? He has bought three HD's in 8 years. He put an average of $5,000.00 of accessories on each one. He finally sold everything HD and bought a BMW K1200s says he threw to much money away foolishly. That he should have decided what kind of riding he wanted to do. And then looked for the bike to fill his needs.
That's how HD has stayed in business, they are very smart.

Loafer · 09-11-2010, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yoda

I don't really see HD copying Kawasaki. The engine is still air cooled, the switchgear is different, the tranny uses a separate oil tank, etc. I do see that Kawasaki seems to be taking on some HD cues, like a belt drive vs shaft, and the seat extending over the tank, for example.
I guess I never thought of one manufacturer making improvements that others used as "copying".

Kawasaki made a 454 LTD in the 80's that was belt drive. But the material quality wasn't there. HD started using belt drive after the materials for belts improved. All of Kawasaki's LTD series had a seat that went up the tank slightly. The switchgear on HD's sux! HD have traditionally had a separate oil tank because they used to leak, easy to check and pour. ;)

Loafer · 09-11-2010, 07:00 PM

He's had it for two years now, Says he's happy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ponch

So he's happy with the K1200?

Quote:

Originally Posted by loafer

I don't follow what HD does. So I say: What have they been waiting for? They could have made the best bikes on the planet. But their agenda always seems to go in another direction. People want to purchase those things. When I ask what they liked about it, that made them want to buy it. They usually say something like I've always like that style over that style, or it was the color. They have no idea that different bikes, are for different reasons. They buy a bar hopper and get a new seat, highway pegs, change the handlebars, put saddlebags on, add something else. 2 to 3 thousand dollars later they trade it in because they want a touring bike. They don't know what they are doing.
I have a cousin who has every clothing accessory available, are you listening Rich? He has bought three HD's in 8 years. He put an average of $5,000.00 of accessories on each one. He finally sold everything HD and bought a BMW K1200s says he threw to much money away foolishly. That he should have decided what kind of riding he wanted to do. And then looked for the bike to fill his needs.
That's how HD has stayed in business, they are very smart.

Loafer · 09-11-2010, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ponch

The truth is when you look at the Voyager, it's the other way around.

??? I guess I'm not following your thoughts.

skiman · 09-11-2010, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loafer

Quote:

Originally Posted by yoda

I don't really see HD copying Kawasaki. The engine is still air cooled, the switchgear is different, the tranny uses a separate oil tank, etc. I do see that Kawasaki seems to be taking on some HD cues, like a belt drive vs shaft, and the seat extending over the tank, for example.
I guess I never thought of one manufacturer making improvements that others used as "copying".

Kawasaki made a 454 LTD in the 80's that was belt drive. But the material quality wasn't there. HD started using belt drive after the materials for belts improved. All of Kawasaki's LTD series had a seat that went up the tank slightly. The switchgear on HD's sux! HD have traditionally had a separate oil tank because they used to leak, easy to check and pour. ;)

HD's have a separate oil tank because they are dry sump. It has nothing to do with oil leaks,

Loafer · 09-11-2010, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skiman

[quote author=glmvt board=general thread=19712 post=297402 time=1284249442]

Kawasaki made a 454 LTD in the 80's that was belt drive. But the material quality wasn't there. HD started using belt drive after the materials for belts improved. All of Kawasaki's LTD series had a seat that went up the tank slightly. The switchgear on HD's sux! HD have traditionally had a separate oil tank because they used to leak, easy to check and pour. ;)

HD's have a separate oil tank because they are dry sump. It has nothing to do with oil leaks,[/quote

I don't know about you, but I've seen them leak oil. Don't know where it comes from, and frankly I hope they all run out of oil.

skeeter · 09-11-2010, 08:34 PM

now boys.....

Dave · 09-11-2010, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loafer

....Don't know where it comes from, and frankly I hope they all run out of oil.

Could it be the push rod seal like the ones on the Nomad's that are known to leak? After all, Harley is just coping Kawasaki according to one member here. :)

**glwilson** · 09-11-2010, 10:11 PM

I would add that Nomad's do not exactly have the greatest transmission that I have ever used... in fact, my Ultra's transmission is smoother than my Nomad's...

...just saying. ;)

Loafer · 09-11-2010, 10:34 PM

I had been bashed for years by HD riders about how inferior my Jap bikes were. They are the most ignorant people I have ever met. One of HD's most successful dealers since 1950
is right here in South Barre, Vermont. When Harry and his wife ran it, they were friendly to all riders. Years go by, son Alan and daughter Ann start to take over. The we are better than you starts. Lots of other brand riders will never go to their shop anymore. Alan died of Leukemia. Harry died a year later in a car crash. Harry's wife and daughter bring in grandson. The we are better than you attitude is even bigger.
A friend of mine, had a daughter suffering from cancer. One of her last wishes was to be a biker babe for a day. Seven of us got together and put a plan together for achieving her goal.
We bought her leather chaps and vest and also a jacket and boots. We solicited all MC riders throughout the state to join us. We were going to meet in So. Barre, Vt. and ride to N.H. and take her to the top of Mt. Washington. Have lunch and then back to So. Barre, Vt. We were all brands seeking all riders to join us. Three of our members were told the local H.O.G. chapter had a ride planned for the same day we going on our ride. We were told we would have to put a proposal on the table at their next meeting, and they would vote to see if they would join us. Two of our reps went and told them of our plans. They said they would advertise in the local paper once, and all the HD riders had to lead the way. And they sent a T-shirt for Hollie to wear. Our reps told them they would give Hollie the T-shirt and that they were welcome to join us. But that the organizers and road blockers would be at the front.HD riders could ride as a group in our group. They decided not to ride with us. And on that Sunday 45 HD riders drove by us where we were staging, headed for their days ride. We went on our ride an hour later. We had 175 motorcycles in our group. 5 were HD's and they said they quit the local chapter for not joining with us. Hollie had a great day. She died 12 days later at 12 years old. Sorry for being so long, but if you had been there and seen the look on that little girls face....... No HD rider is better than me... No HD is better than my Nomad, period...

Dave · 09-11-2010, 11:11 PM

Gee loafer, sounds like Greg and I won't be getting a Christmas Card from you.

Loafer · 09-11-2010, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

Gee loafer, sounds like Greg and I won't be getting a Christmas Card form you.

What are you talking about?

Dave · 09-11-2010, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loafer

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

Gee loafer, sounds like Greg and I won't be getting a Christmas Card from you.

What are you talking about?

"I had been bashed for years by HD riders about how inferior my Jap bikes were. They are the most ignorant people I have ever met."

He and I both ride Harleys.

skiman · 09-11-2010, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glwilson

I would add that Nomad's do not exactly have the greatest transmission that I have ever used... in fact, my Ultra's transmission is smoother than my Nomad's...

...just saying. ;)

I'll 2nd that very nice shifting indeed

09-11-2010, 06:24 PM	#16
ponch Sr. Contributor Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Way East Valley Posts: 12,015	Harley copying Kawasaki? The truth is when you look at the Voyager, it's the other way around. __________________ Ponch VBA 0019 VROC 8109-R BMWMOA 162849 BMWRA 41335 BMW: When you care enough to ride the very best. My Motorrad Blog My Motorrad YouTube 2009 BMW R1200RT Previous bikes:2007 Nomad \| 2001 Vulcan 800 Classic \| 1984 GPz750 \| 1978 KZ1000A2 Rallies: Custer '09\|Prairie Du Chien '10\|Crescent City '11 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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09-11-2010, 08:34 PM	#23
skeeter Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kerrville Tx Posts: 1,713	Harley copying Kawasaki? now boys..... __________________ Robert(skeeter)Dozier 07 Red&Titanium Nomad 81 Suzuki 850GL KawaNow pre#
	0

09-11-2010, 10:11 PM	#25
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	Harley copying Kawasaki? I would add that Nomad's do not exactly have the greatest transmission that I have ever used... in fact, my Ultra's transmission is smoother than my Nomad's... ...just saying. ;) __________________ "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." *Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader* Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417
	0

09-11-2010, 10:34 PM	#26
Loafer Sr. Contributor Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 18,287	Harley copying Kawasaki? I had been bashed for years by HD riders about how inferior my Jap bikes were. They are the most ignorant people I have ever met. One of HD's most successful dealers since 1950 is right here in South Barre, Vermont. When Harry and his wife ran it, they were friendly to all riders. Years go by, son Alan and daughter Ann start to take over. The we are better than you starts. Lots of other brand riders will never go to their shop anymore. Alan died of Leukemia. Harry died a year later in a car crash. Harry's wife and daughter bring in grandson. The we are better than you attitude is even bigger. A friend of mine, had a daughter suffering from cancer. One of her last wishes was to be a biker babe for a day. Seven of us got together and put a plan together for achieving her goal. We bought her leather chaps and vest and also a jacket and boots. We solicited all MC riders throughout the state to join us. We were going to meet in So. Barre, Vt. and ride to N.H. and take her to the top of Mt. Washington. Have lunch and then back to So. Barre, Vt. We were all brands seeking all riders to join us. Three of our members were told the local H.O.G. chapter had a ride planned for the same day we going on our ride. We were told we would have to put a proposal on the table at their next meeting, and they would vote to see if they would join us. Two of our reps went and told them of our plans. They said they would advertise in the local paper once, and all the HD riders had to lead the way. And they sent a T-shirt for Hollie to wear. Our reps told them they would give Hollie the T-shirt and that they were welcome to join us. But that the organizers and road blockers would be at the front.HD riders could ride as a group in our group. They decided not to ride with us. And on that Sunday 45 HD riders drove by us where we were staging, headed for their days ride. We went on our ride an hour later. We had 175 motorcycles in our group. 5 were HD's and they said they quit the local chapter for not joining with us. Hollie had a great day. She died 12 days later at 12 years old. Sorry for being so long, but if you had been there and seen the look on that little girls face....... No HD rider is better than me... No HD is better than my Nomad, period... __________________ Gerry Martineau / 802 VT / VBA #0892 /[email]glmjgm@gmail.com[email]
	0

09-11-2010, 11:11 PM	#27
Dave Sr. Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Itchycoo Park Posts: 3,422	Harley copying Kawasaki? Gee loafer, sounds like Greg and I won't be getting a Christmas Card from you.
	0

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