Why a Harley Davidson isn't a real American Motorcycle

[hvacker]

So many bikes produced in the 90's-2010 or so didn't make it. Kind of a heyday for customs
and after market motors. Even companies like Easy Riders and another I forgot that marketed
custom bikes.
I thought the Confederate had a chance. Some interesting engineering and very fast.
Something HD has that others don't is the really huge after market so owners can personalize
their bike. Or restore an older bike. Like the Model A Ford. Almost build one from scratch.

[hvacker]

Then there was Ridley Motorcycles ( automatic transmission ) producing bikes for 6+ years…or thereabouts

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...KRPxIKnkfGqLYv

http://www.ridleymotorcycle.com/motorcycles

I remember the Ridley. Weren't they really cheap or was that another I forgot. One that was like 6K.

[Bazooka Joe]

I remember the Ridley. Weren't they really cheap or was that another I forgot. One that was like 6K.

IDK, the answer to your question…..I requested a catalog of their bikes years ago and had it sent directly to a friend of mine unbeknownst to him who is a big Ducati guy, suffice to say he got a chuckle out of it…

[Fla.HP]

I'm OK with AMF. I own an 81 Sturgis edition that Willie had a hand in it's design. Black on black.
If AMF hadn't bought in there wouldn't be a Harley today. Or any American MC.
The quality is very much in any new Harley. I bought my wife a 03 1200 to replace her iron head.
A sweet bike to ride especially when comparing my 81.

Recreating a name like Indian is a hard road. For the same money a buyer could have a Harley or
risk a lot of $$ on an Indian.
As far as engineering goes and the expected vibration many HD's have, there is a perk. Put your lady on
the back and hit about 4000 revs. It works for me.

Yup, something about those "sympathetic vibrations" that gets em going. Most all women want to ride a Harley. If I recall, Harley tried to patent that sound and vibration. They finally put rubber isolaters in 2004. At least you could see what was in the rear view mirror!

[hvacker]

Not sure HD could patent the sound. I did hear ()that also.
Hard to do when every motor has it's own sound. Knuckle, flatty, pan head, shovel, sporty, Evo, Twin etc.
Should keep the lawyers busy.
Even with vibrations, there is a sweet spot. ~(.)(.)~ I think the knuckle was the best looking and the shovel best sound.
Hear no Evo.