goo.gl/GV9Gp2 Few could argue that Harley-Davidson is a name recognized - and revered - the world over. The company doesn't just produce American motorcycles - it produces an American legend.
My first Harley-Davidson was a black 1980 1200 sportster, 40 years later, I am still riding a Harley. When i retire this year at 62 I will ride my Harley all around America! This has been on my bucket list since I got the fever in 1980! I will buy another bike this time Harley touring bike, because of the long distance riding I plan on doing! God Bless Harley-Davison it is an American icon!
Got my first Harley Davidson last Saturday. 2007 Sportster 1200 Custom for a good price. My family has always had Harley Davidson motorcycles and that was the only thing I was going to get, just to keep it within the family.
My first Harley-Davidson was my 1994 883 Sportster Deluxe which I still have. In 2015 I purchased a brand new FLHP Road King Police. I always wanted one. I have had 14 bikes and I must give Honorable mention to my 1976 Triumph T140V Bonneville 750 which won every road race for 10 consecutive years! I still have my Triumph but these days as I approach 67 this month I have nothing to prove. I just want to ride a dependable comfortable machine such as my Road King Police. Life is Good. Have a great riding year.
Thanks Grieg. The 14 motorcycles were purchased over 40 years from 1975 till 2015. I was a draftsman that worked very hard and became an Engineer (self taught). I still have 4 motorcycles. My 1976 Triumph T140V Bonneville, my 1994 Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster Deluxe, my 2012 Honda Shadow Aero 750 and my 2015 Harley-Davidson FLHP Road King Police.
PeterDad60 power to you, wish you health and many more years of riding. I’ve also been a life long rider, love my Road King. Started with British bikes went to Japanese and ended up with Harley for the past 20 years. All the bikes l’ve had have been reliable and good to me. Just takes proper maintenance and a little tlc. Enjoy your passion.
I ride an FLH and one day i was on a ferry in Eastern Canada an older fellow in his 80s came to me looking at my bike with a big intriguing smile on his face. He looked at the badge on the tank and looked at me and said son you have a real bike. That alone had made me realize that as a kid he had always wanted a Harley. He told me i envy you young man. Since that day i have always been an even prouder Harley owner just for that reason. When a man double your age can relate to you as owning a brand says allot about your ride. No matter what anyone says it will be Harley till i cannot ride another mile. Like any make some were good some were bad and some are just waiting to be rated.
I've been riding some 35 years, rode Hondas (XL125, VFR750, CBR1100XX, GL1500) great bikes all, Suzukis (GT125) good bike, rode Aprilias (RSV Mille) feraking awesome ride. Bikes aren't just a machine, they're a way of life, they're an entry to a community (and not just the 1%). The AMF days were dark days for HD, I'd never of dreamed of even wanting an HD back then. I used to say: "Bikes are about going fast, cornering in a rush and stopping before you die! So Harleys don't accelerate, corner like a barge and only stop when you hit a wall. So why call them a bike?" (I'm a Brit we still refer to motorcycles as 'bikes'.) "It doesn't matter what you ride, so long as you ride!" but now I'm finally moving into Harleys (2020 FXLRS), HDs are good for my age, satisfy my desire to be an individual (they customize better and easier than any other bike), going forward I think they need to appeal to the younger market and that's going to need a MUCH cheaper sports bike which I think will require them to replace the air-cooled V-Twin, even Ducati have given up trying to race a V twin.
@@ajshovel1 making fun of things, you don't have any reasonable arguments about... 🙄😂😂 Even if it is true. This means, the whole LGBTPTSD crew is riding a technically more advanced, more reliable, faster, more powerful, better equipped, less expensive, way better accelerating bike.
had two 76 Sportsters a bobber and a chopper I look back and wished I would never have sold them. The price I paid for them then, and what they cost now, not only fun and nostalgia, but a bargain, of coarse you need some wrenches, but that was fun doing your own repairs and cheaper too.
Its a funny comment , because thats my choice as well and i have a 1997 sporty , wife says i cant sell the sporty even if i get a road king , now thats love right there boys ....
"Made in England" was once a proud boast. It led to the demise of BSA, Norton, the original Triumph. Laziness and hubris leads to nowhere. The reborn Triumph and Ducati show how to succeed. Modern technology, nimbleness, quality, ambition. If HD didn't have its home market it would have been dead years ago. It needs to learn, and fast.
@@ajshovel1 Just look at HD now, they are not doing very well. In the past they were able to survive through government aid (import taxations on foreign bikes). And yes I love HD, just not their arrogance towards customers.
@@bartb7790 I think you make a good point....don't know that I'd call it arrogance, but back in the mid 80's when HD decided to go "all in" to help yuppies live out their fantasies, they had to know it was a fad with these folks and eventually, they'd die off, get old and quit riding, or move on to the next shiny object. They were selling a lot of bikes so I guess I can't blame them. They just abandoned their loyal base and their future, upcoming (young folks) loyal base. Tough call I guess.
I owned three AMF Harleys , all three 1976. (2) xlch Sportsters and one Electra Glide. They all leaked a bit and broke down a bit, but I learned to be a some what decent customizer and a mechanic. I could fix em at home, on the road or where ever. I owned (2) Triumph Bonnies from the 60's used and a two yr. old 69 Honda 750 four also and they broke down just as much. I learned a lot in those days. If I owned a bike now that didn't break down, I don't know what I'd do.
Over the last 40 years have rode a lot of different motorcycles. Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki. Got my first HD in 2008, a Electra glide custom. Now riding a 2016 Road Glide Ultra. I'll own a Harley until I'm too old to throw a leg over it.
My father was a harley, wont lie i still like them myself and wouldnt mind owning one. But my first bike was a 79 honda cb650 i learned the mechanics of a bike first hand, then a 82 cb750, then a honda rc51 super bike, and now a 84 cb650sc. I really like my older hondas how they ride and feel. I have ridden one harley it was nice but it felt off to me not having as much room to lean in curves ( or least didnt feel comfortable doing so) but if a chance ever came up and i had the cash id buy an oldee harley with out batting an eye
I realize this video seems to only focus on manufacturing here in America, but I was still hoping they would at least list Aermacchi in the timeline. I believe Harley Davidson invested in the company in 1960, which then gave Harley Davidson the ability to compete with the small Honda's mentioned in the documentary. Aermacchi was also able to give Harley Davidson it's ONLY world championships in 1974, '75 and '76. I know it's not the American engineering, but they were great machines and were possible because of Harley Davidson's support. A side note, when Harley Davidson sold Aermacchi, it was purchased by and became Cagiva, which went on to win many world championships. Too bad.
i just picked up another 1981 harley fxs low rider shovelhead. i have 2 1981 fxs now. each son will get one when i die. harleys are great machines you just have to do your maintenence on them.
That 1901 engine was a copy of a De Dion-Bouton engine, everybody copied this motor for it's light weight and reliability for the time.. they made 1 1/4 hp stock, but a racer modded one up and got six hp or so out of it, and put a solid rear axle , with ring and pinon gear ..(De Dion made trikes at this point), it's considered the first hot rod in history.. Guy's name was Louis Renault, the rest is history..
i can give you a HD history...they started the company in 1903 and 115 years later are still building the same motorcycle...BTW what do all you die hard fans think of the great HD now that they are shutting down plants in US and moving production to china???
"Harley could build more bikes... but they said they don't want to sacrifice quality." -- I wonder how many times he had to read that line during rehearsal without choking or laughing.
Once I was bit by the harley bug! Instantly transitioned from a sport bike to the Cadillac of the bikes (harley). Now I see what the big fuss is about!
I can't wrap my head around why so many people are ready to start a war over there preferences. Before un-social media you could disagree and still have no ill will against the other person.
I started on a Yamaha XS650, then got a bolt, and now I’m on a dyna. I’ve also owned royal endured, dr650, boulevard, and a rebel. My dyna is hands down my favorite motorcycle I’ve ever ridden. It’s pure, its old school, and it feeds my soul far more than any other cruiser ever did. That’s why Harley riders, that get it, are so loyal.
If you go out alone its considered self isolation , i approve go for a ride , i did and it was nice no cars or texting drivers ahhh , sorta felt like a dream but was a nice ride ...
We are allowed to go riding just stay out of groups and crowds. Nobody's being bothered by the police or the troopers and they have seen us on our bikes. So ride bothers and sisters ride ! Enjoy it!
You can thank China for all this virus crap. President Trump will hopefully move american manufacturing back to America the way it used to be before money trapping politicians like the clintons moved it over seas to line their pockets.
Love my 2016 Ultra Limited, and I miss my 2001 Road king! Once you own a Harley, and only then, will you understand the feelings we share as a family. Keep your BMW’s and Honda’s. You guys sound like sewing machines going down the road. No one can hear you coming on your bike and therefore don’t notice you until it’s too late. Loud pipes save lives, baby!
I've ridden and owned a few. It was very "meh". Like trying to ride a bloated hippo. If you're into it though, good for you. Oh and if loud pipes save lives, just imagine what learning to ride that thing safely can do.
I picked up a new 2021 Pan America 6 months ago and love it. Looking forward to when they build a sport tourer using that engine and the same Brembo brakes.
Hello when I was 20 years old picked up 1950 FL Panhead 1500 bucks two years later took it all apart weld it up stress cracks Stress relieved the frame frisco where the lock used to be, hallcraft made Two custom 6 inch over stock springers the owner kept one I got the other extended the rocker inch and a half gave me a Cadillac ride and looked awesome Holdcraft spool no front brake fishtails custom-made seat triple stitch one solid piece of stitch leather ape hangers eyebrow highs no dangles hanging off my handlebars anyway 22 years later sold it because I got custody of my two kids just paid off my lawyer arrears IRS 1099 finish carpenter sold it got $8000 got me a place for me and my two kids now finishing up my hot rod afterwards may build another like mine except evo engine and trans. much more done to it but that’s all for now, One more thing when people think they know all about Harleys they’re puzzled ? they say to me how do you oil the upper end ? there’s no oil line going to the heads and the know it all dumbasses are opening their mouth then they say why are the heads oval in shape they know it all right check this out when I explained what’s up with this engine they got really pissed at me because they didn’t know anything just blabbermouth One pulled a big screwdriver on me, threaten to stick me I backed up lifted up my shirt that squash that, Punk ass know it all‘s. All they know is what they read in books no hands-on.🕶
Harley davidson motorcycles have went to many changes from engines to new technology within the motorcycles. And now in 2018 HD has a new engine/motor, new technology, new brakes, new lighting etc etc. But 2014 to 2018 HD can no longer lag in the technology department and/or keep older tech in their designs due to the competition leaping ahead causing harley davidson to play catch up or wait for governmental regulations to force change. Then there is the dealership network that are nothing more than money pimps who over price everything harley davidson selling bike above the MSRP. Once again HD is on top barely but the one thing spoken of now is the use of the outdated chain primary drive in lieu of a gear drive system that smoother, simpler, and less maintenance.
Good to see Uncle Bob alive and well. Getting struck by lightning is no joke. His nephew Bud should've rode a Harley from Spur to Pasadena instead of a Ford pickup.
I knew i knew that guy from somewhere. turns out i know him from a lot of movies and tv. Dukes of hazzard, king of the hill, walker texas ranger, matlock, lonesome dove, mash just to name a few.
It's interesting to observe how the early adopters of the HDs were actual former military and warriors at heart, then, as time went by, people who had adventurous/dangerous lives as misfits and outlaws, until, ultimately, at least where I live today, they are nothing but a bunch of middle-aged posers who want to look tough but live lives that are far away from that.
There's always the Hollywood crowd, and the Maw & Paw weekend warriors who ride about 500 miles a year. The brand has nothing to do with real bikers anymore. I'll keep my 47' Flathead 45 WLA, and leave the Chinese made twin-cam abortions for the wanabees. If it ain't pre-EVO.....it ain't a real Harley. Shovelheads were the last real Harleys.
What I think is hilarious is all the so called real Harley riders spending so much time worried about how many miles a year some other dude puts on his bike, how often some other guy washes his bike, what kinda suit or uniform the guy wears to work, and how much money some other guy makes. I didn't realise real Harley riders were so obsessed with all the drama and details of someone else's life like some kinda Jerry Springer addict. You know what if you ride a Harley at all heck ya good for you and ride safe can't wait to see you on the road!
Well now it is Aug 2018, I started riding Harleys during the AMF days. Hey a little oil on the ground I got to be areal good bike wrencher. Then came the EVO. Yay. That is where they should have stopped.
Evel Knievel had the best bike in the 1970s 750 but nobody could buy it and AMF had nothing to do with the building of that bike. My dad bought me a Honda after you look at the Honda quality compared to the Harley-Davidson quality of the dirt bike. What a shame because Evel Knievel was promoting Harley-Davidson but nobody should have bought those bikes back then
The Evo Sportster is the only reliable Harley made even to this day. Harley still will not change the design flaws of the unreliable twin cam motors and continue to sell them at outrageous prices and mask the problems with nice paint and chrome. I've had several twin cam Harleys and had problems with all of them, had 3 Sporty 1200's, they were all reliable, comfortable and ran circles around the overpriced and underpowered twin cams
@@jamesferrell9404 no they are not twin cam they have only one camshaft and it is gear-driven therefore you do not have the problems that a twin cam has with cam chain drive and tensioner
American iron all the way. The sad thing is Harley has gotten so full of themselves a lot of shops have closed. Cutters in Janesville Wisconsin sold and the new owners had to many shops already, or so I hear, so couldn't get a deal. My bike bought at Cutters with mods done right there. 23 years later that 98 low rider still run like a champ. Same for the shop in Princeton Illinois. Had some of the best mechanics you could find and I think it was at the time thee oldest Harley Davidson dealership in Illinois. Wasn't gonna give in to Harleys demands and closed the doors. Sad, but, I'm still a Harley rider.
There was/is an auxiliary fan mounted between the cylinders opposite the air cleaner carburetor area between the cylinders. Police bikes were set up with them that had to do slow traffic situations
Harley Davidson is the best and their a great example of tenacity, and ingenuity . However, there are a lot of people who make negative remarks about Harley Davidson. I would bet detractors don't know anything about them, nor have they ever ridden a Harley Davidson. I believe everyone should buy what they want But, they don't have the right to make judgements based on antiquated stereotypes. It's not 1975 anymore, it's 2018 and for the last twenty five years, Harley Davidson have been building premium bikes ever since.
I had a street bike for 6 months👎🏽. I Decided to traded in for a Harley Davidson, oh man... I can tell you I made the best decision ever. Now I'm a Harley Davidson family. 👊🏽
I still have my gsxr sixxer prep for race and yet, the only brand of motorcycle I ever kept buying is Harley I had 3 and to this day I still think all 3 is great choice, on my old man heritage now but still a beast in disguise lol
I've had 3 Japanese bikes--two Hondas and a Suzuki. Never had any problems to speak of with any of them. Never had a Harley, was never attracted to them. That doesn't mean they aren't good bikes. To each his own.
Did you get a harley eagle tat and socks and undies and a orange and black toothbrush and a gay hat like Willie G. and buy the required Ness billit stick ons?
@BBQ Nut I own 9 street bikes, currently 4 are HD's. Enjoy them all, but when you put big touring miles on they will cost serious $$ compared to the metric bikes to keep riding em. First 50k miles on most bikes are near trouble free, other than normal maintenance. See comparably few HD's over 100k still touring.
@@larryj8924 Wrong. Before the Evo, Harleys were designed to be worked on by their owners. There are tons of knuckles pans and shovels STILL on the road with MANY more miles than that.
American made?? Asian made shocks,forks,instruments, engine parts,carburetors,and fuel injection parts, stators,etc.,etc. Please do your homework people. You are making yourselves look stupid,and that makes me sad. Seriously.
why dont they get on with new technology like a 4 valve head overhead cam engine that flat puts it down with 200 plus hp then make it stop with oversized brake rotors and brembo calipers and lighten it up with drilled titanium bolts and aluminum frame with some state of art carbon fiber wheels and then they might be the leader of the pack vrooom vrooooom!!
why dont they put rocket engines on it, and wings, and giant robot arms, and solar panels, and fucking laser while they're at it, right!? You're literally 12.
If all those things were to happen then that would be the reason for me Not to buy Harley Davidson, I only like the old stuff anyway as it gives the modern world the middle finger....
@@randyhutchinson9910,.....Before Honda moved Gold Wing production to Japan in 2011, the Gold Wing DID have a higher percentage of North American parts in it than HD.
Harley Davidson is the biggest name in mortor cycling hands down , it seems to me that people who don't own one are the most haters , just don't understand why full grown adults carry on like children, just let it go
the buy back was the result of AMF bad management.....they ( the future buyers)didn't want it to go to bankruptcy.........which AMF stepped in in the late 60's and saved it from a bankruptcy....in the beginning...but AMF wanted quanity not quality.......sorry they are not telling the whole story
Also somewhat didn't give some credit to The Evo being developed while under the AMF banner. Quality did improve under AMF, but Harley Purists wouldn't recognize it.
Just flop one on it's side against a heavy block wall and ram it with a truck ....it will be plenty horizontally opposed and reduced to about 870 bucks salvage parts
At 26:50 the guy rides into the camara man , lol you can see why you dont ride with a gun in your hand . And this guy fought for you , ya he most likely didnt live but he gave it all , of course after apologizing to the camara man ...
how in the fuck do so many morons take issue with that phrase. So, I guess Italians were the first to make pasta? Canadians were the first to tap a fucking maple tree? Oh, no? You're just a fucking idiot? Yea, ok.
There is a fair amount of , shall we say, "truth bending" and omissions in this so called documentary. I have to wonder how much HD "donated" to have this presentation made........
I had an AMF Harley once, worst vehicle of any kind I've ever owned...my twin cam is much more reliable, but the bar it had to get over was pretty low...Lol!
The ponytail is no longer required, but full road pirate gear is. Nothing more than a half helmet though so everyone can see who the super cool dude is with the overly loud exhaust and the Lynard Skynard lifestyle choices. 😁
