A Century of Hogs
A few random observations (hey, it's what we do!) on the 100th anniversary of Harley-Davidson:
- The HD V-Rod is arguably the best-looking production bike ever made. At just under 18 grand, it should be.
- This is also the 20th anniversary of the Big Government Bailout of HD. In 1983, in response to the whining of a nearly-bankrupt, mismanaged company making an inferior product, Congress imposed huge tariffs on Japanese motorcycles with engines larger than 700cc... in other words, those which competed directly with Harleys. Were the Japanese dumping bikes in the US, to the detriment of Harley? Probably. Were they dumping better bikes, by a factor of 10? Definitely.
- Regardless, HD made the most of this five-year window of opportunity, recognized that without a focus on quality they were toast, regardless of governmental interference, and got their act together.
- Would I ride a Harley? In a heartbeat, if I had the coins to afford it. But, unlike most people I talk to, I prefer the look of the Sportster to anything else in the line-up (with the exception of the V-Rod).
- Do I wish I had bought 10,000 shares of Harley Davidson stock a decade ago? Uh, yep. It was selling for $5/share back then. It closed today around $50. Not the stuff of tech-bubble legend, perhaps, but a pretty decent return for a company that actually makes stuff.
Oh, no doubt the company has benefited immensely from the boomers' happy convergence of population density and disposable income. But I can think of a lot worse demos to base my financial success on. You'll see a lot of sons growing up with a Harley legacy passed down by their dads (or granddads). Heck, I saw that in my own family 30 years ago. It's powerful mojo.
As far as the noise, I don't mind TOO much the sound from the stock bikes, but many are putting custom headers on their bikes that increase the decibel level considerably...and I don't like that. Still, the sound is part of Harley's image. I understand they've even got a patent (copyright?) on the specific sound wave profile from their V-twin engine.
Posted by: Eric at August 29, 2003 07:08 AMYeah, I saw a documentary on that whole V-twin creation.
But you might find an opposite reaction to the Harley as younger folks reject the bike *because* of the older generation's acceptance. It will be interesting to watch.
Posted by: bryan at August 29, 2003 12:13 PMThank God for the American classic. What a beautiful sounding bike. It's good that the popularity is growing and expanding -- helps keep the company profitable so they stay around for everyone to enjoy.
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I just wish they made a bike that was quiet. I know I'm outside the norm in that desire. Of course, I'm curious how much of their spurt in sales has been caused by baby boomers entering their midlife crises. I see a lot of 50-year-old guys riding spittin' new Harleys who look like they just picked up their leather chaps and helmet.
Posted by: bryan at August 28, 2003 11:23 PM