| Author | Message | ||
     Gonen60 |
V-Rod Engine Leading to New Styling Direction for Harley? By Dirck Edge When you think of high performance naked bikes, do you think of Harley-Davidson? Probably not. That could change. Harley indicates a new model will be introduced to the public next month (already previewed to dealers) featuring the V-Rod's Revolution engine. The Revolution engine is a liquid cooled powerhouse that Harley will feature in several models, eventually. Expect Harley to leave the traditional "cruiser" styling mode with at least some of these machines. For example, Harley's great tradition in dirt track racing might form the theme for a Revolution-powered street bike of the future. A more modern street fighter-style machine could be coming, as well. In any event, expect the Revolution engine to form the basis for the diversification of Harley's product mix in the near future. | ||
| Dynarider |
I certainly hope so. Eventually they will have an entire lineup of bikes based on the V-rod motor. Cruiser, streetfighter style, Bagger, etc. Right now they have the 1st V-rod & the new one that is a basic model..lower cost, less frills. In August we will see if the next one is going to be the street fighter style or the Bagger. | ||
| Gonen60 |
Maybe this is why, the new Buell's didn't get the V-Rod Engine. If Harley puts out a street fighter that can out do the buell, will HD even want to mess with Buells anymore?...I say No. | ||
| Dynarider |
Buell makes money for Harley. Not a lot compared to Harley sales, but its still a profit. So long as Buell is self sustaining I dont see them going anywhere. A V-rod muscle bike really wouldnt take any sales away from Buell. How many sales of softails did Harley lose to the V-rod?? None. Completely different markets & customer base. | ||
| Bykergeek |
This concept drawing keeps making the rounds. I'd like to see it in the flesh (or chrome).  | ||
| Spiderman |
The one major problem with that pic is the sump for the oil is no where near that small. | ||
| Gonen60 |
I figure if HD puts out a street fighter model, the full bodied model will not be far behind. Like the XbRs and XBS's..Maybe the whole point is Buell isn't making HD any money, and more and more dealers aren't even caring the Buell models. I just find it strange HD would put out a street fighter Bike, when on the other side of the show room is the buell street fighter. Just some food for thought... | ||
| Vr1203 |
QUOTE{I figure if HD puts out a street fighter model, the full bodied model will not be far behind. Like the XbRs and XBS's..Maybe the whole point is Buell isn't making HD any money, and more and more dealers aren't even caring the Buell models. I just find it strange HD would put out a street fighter Bike, when on the other side of the show room is the buell street fighter. Just some food for thought...}QUOTE Our town's HD/Buell dealer just dropped Buell. When I found out ,I just walked out.There no reason for that except that the parent company (HD)does not stick up for Buell. If they will not help Buell they will hurt Buell. And you will see a split. Then with competition between the two , with no engines where will Buell go? | ||
| Mikej |
 Somehow I think this may be Harley-Davidson's rendition of a V-Rod powered hotrod bike. Are V-Max's known for cornering? If H-D came out with a V-Max/V-Rod would it put Buell out of the game? Look at the artistic rendition above, look at this V-Max, think of Harley's traditional customer base, think BarHopper, then wait and see what's a comin' down the road in a week or three. I'm probably wrong, probably way wrong, probably usually am. No biggie, I just like to ride. | ||
| Bomber |
I'm with MikeJ on this one . . .. . HD ain't gonna dilute the brand with a streetfighter type bike (not that the streetfighter name has a wide recognition factor), but a power cruiser trying to push Mr Max off his throne (really no competition EVER for that bike) would be right up HD's alley | ||
| Daves |
VR1203, What dealer just dropped Buell? Maybe I can buy up their stuff? Dave HD/Buell Cycle center Waterloo Iowa | ||
| Gonen60 |
HD is smart enough to see that the sport bike movement is the new guard, and the whole chopper thing is fading. The new generation wants speed and race type bikes. Pick up any sport bike mag and see the explosion of new bike technology and how popular the whole scene is. Massive marketing for all the stunt riders. 1000s of DVDs and tons of merchandise. I believe Buell would be 100% more into the game if the HP numbers were up. So many pass on the Buell because of the power issues, coupled with the higher price. people want the greatest and the latest. I love my 03 XB9S, but I would love it a whole lot more with 110 HP, like the BIG-4s 600s. without a new High HP engine the Buell is left on the sidelines, except for it's die-hard fans. HD with the V-ROD can close the gap, and hit the market in a huge way. VR1000 street bike, featuring the V-ROD engine. The BIG-4 will become the BIG-5. I for one have been waiting for the HD VR for a long time. Maybe HD is waking up and moving that way. | ||
| Twodogs |
Harley is really starting to suck hard.Take a look at the VTX retro sometime and compare it to the obsolete looking Heritage.More custom look, half the money, I like riding too,I like being able to afford it as well.Is H-D getting their old habits back pertaining to customer appreciation/service? | ||
| Mikej |
"... and the whole chopper thing is fading. " Funny how fluid life is at times and how quickly trends change and localized trends appear. Locally several shops are offering chopper kits and fully customized bikes ready for a photoshoot in EasyRiders or IronHorse. A few years ago I was looking at an ancient ULH Harley, dripping oil all over the place, 80c.i. mostly-stock flathead engine, foot clutch and hand shift with a knobless rod, a kid looking for all the world like SuperSquid hisownself was there a few minutes before me and he was drooling all over himself for the bike making phone calls to relatives and friends trying to scrape up the scratch to buy it. The SportBike market is just one aspect of the current motorcycle market, Choppers are another very much alive segment of that same general motorcycle market. Just like in music, while some may say there is a new guard in town, there's still a whole lot of other trends around. Things should get very interesting in the next few weeks. Or we may all just yawn and carry on. | ||
| Glitch |
I think the VMax is what it'll be closet to also. Why would HD wanna kill Buell? It wouldn't make dollars and cents... "StreetFighter" "SportFighter" "SportBike" What will it be? There has always been arguments over what these words mean... What would this be?  | ||
| Jim_m |
"What would this be? " Ass kickin' | ||
| Jprovo |
What would this be? Someone who should have bought an M2! James | ||
| Nevco1 |
Should HD or BMC intro a StreetTracker or StreetFighter with the V-Rod engine, I will buy one!!! | ||
| Glitch |
I thought StreetTrackers needed to be light. Isn't the VRod engine a bit heavy? | ||
| Jim_m |
HD doesn't seem too concerned with the weight factor  | ||
| Gonen60 |
Choppers in a Box, that's what killed the whole "chopper" scene for Me. I love the Buells, But I think they are going to have to step up the HP output to have a chance against the BIG-4. This whole notion of not wanting to compete is Bull. They are in business to build and sell Bikes. There whole promotion is based around cornering. The Sport riders today want cornering and straight speed. Every article I read it talks how the XB9s get wupped up on the straights and claws it's way back on the corners, and this is against 600s. it's all motor motor motor. build them to compete or don't build them. I thing the tides going to turn, and HD is going to build some bikes, with the V-Rod engine that will hang with the BIG-4...then, bye bye Buell. | ||
| Glitch |
Well they should be, if it's a StreetFighter. StreetFighter:If it don't need it take it off=less weight... Or is Harley only talking about a Sportster that has that "StreetFighter look"? | ||
| Apex1 |
How about a "dual-sport" or "motard" type Harley? Several variations on a common chassis/powerplant platform could make up a whole new line to attract new riders of all ages to street & track riding. Motard-ish & stunt specific bikes will likely be the next fad in motorcycles. This trend is just starting to take off. Light, powerful, big enough for larger framed riders (i.e.- slightly bigger than an XB), & able to go just about anywhere. Actually, I hope Buell does it first. | ||
| Nevco1 |
StreetTracker...StreetFighter...What's the difference other than a little style and geometry when it is an "out-of-the-box" creation? As long as it looks good, has plenty of power and handles well, I could care less. Am not in it for the racing anymore, just the stylin' and profilin' with some twisties thrown in for thrills. However, I get seriously ill over cruisers, baggers and other "feet forward, metal dragging" style motorcycles. So let HD make the bike I want and let Buell make the bike you want. edited by nevco1 on July 24, 2003 | ||
| Jim_m |
well, outside of you backing it in on the street, or actually racing one, the street tracker is a styling excercise. A street fighter is a completely different animal (IMO) | ||
| Nevco1 |
Jim_m...Good point. Consider that part of the geometry comment. I would like to see Buell continue to make competitive bikes and HD make the performance stylers. Two different markets with some overlap. Then again, I guess we will all have to wait and see. Dang, I hate waiting!!! | ||
| Cowboy |
Att. 1203.......Where are you located...I just returned from my dealer this AM one of the largest HD dealers in the south ( Cowboy H D- Buell of BeaumontTex.) and was told they are no longer stocking Buells. What in the Hell is going on???????????? | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Jim, I agree. I've got pics at home of a real street tracker. I post em later when I get home. If you want to see a street fighter, check out a stripped down S1. Now that's hooligan! Brad | ||
| Glitch |
Jim_m: Yes that's it! | ||
| Mikej |
http://www.motocarrera.com/tracker.htm  |
