Harley copying Kawasaki?

[nomadwest]

In 2009 Harley completely redesigned all their touring fleet. The frame was beefed up and changed to a 2 piece cradle design to make them more stable at high speed. The left rear exhaust was routed under and behind the transmission kind of like ours. They put a wider swing arm and wider rear tire on kind of like ours. Anyone else had that thought?
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/dudewest/Img_0066-small.jpg

[wheelie]

Yup

[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.

[Top Cat]

loafer, what happene to your sig pic? It is not showing.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I never go looking at Harley's so I haven't seen it.

[Loafer]

loafer, what happene to your sig pic? It is not showing.

I thought I was taking up too much space. And I'm looking for a different avatar. :)

[Top Cat]

loafer, what happene to your sig pic? It is not showing.

I thought I was taking up too much space. And I'm looking for a different avatar. :)

Yeah, I worry about that with my sig pics too, NOT!

[Loafer]

I thought I was taking up too much space. And I'm looking for a different avatar. :)

Yeah, I worry about that with my sig pics too, NOT!

Just trying to be frugal, I guess.... http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

[Dave]

And all this time I've riding a just a cheap knock-off?

[skiman]

Ever wonder why HD can't build bike that matches the Japanese bike on price the US car makers have no problem doing it.

[Loafer]

Ever wonder why HD can't build bike that matches the Japanese bike on price the US car makers have no problem doing it.

The sheep make it so easy for them, they don't have to. :)

[glwilson]

And all this time I've riding a just a cheap knock-off?

http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[blowndodge]

And all this time I've riding a just a cheap knock-off?

Not really! It's been back to the dealer many times! that doesn't qualify as "cheap" in a Nomad book!

You ride a high priced unreliable "knock-off" so don't forget it! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[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".

[Dave]

Not really! It's been back to the dealer many times! that doesn't qualify as "cheap" in a Nomad book!


Just doing my part in helping to stimulate the economy by creating jobs.

[ponch]

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

[ponch]

So he's happy with the K1200?


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]

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]

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


So he's happy with the K1200?


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]

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

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

[skiman]

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]

[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]

now boys.....

[Dave]

....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]

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]

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]

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

[Loafer]

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

What are you talking about?

[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]

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

[Loafer]

He and I both ride Harleys.

That was obvious from the start, just making myself clear. Don't knock my Kawasaki and I won't tell you what a piece of sh*t your HD is.

[cactusjack]

Not all Harley owners have the "we are better than you" attitude. The smart HD dealers won't perpetuate that crap, they know that metric owners are potential customers. I have never been treated badly by an HD dealer just because I don't ride one.

[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.

Ok you win

[Loafer]

Not all Harley owners have the "we are better than you" attitude. The smart HD dealers won't perpetuate that crap, they know that metric owners are potential customers. I have never been treated badly by an HD dealer just because I don't ride one.

I guess I'll have to come for a visit. I haven't had that warm fuzzy feeling from a HD dealer in a long time. Maybe I'll have to change my name too. Yours sincerly, Bigpushover.

[glwilson]

Not all Harley owners have the "we are better than you" attitude. The smart HD dealers won't perpetuate that crap, they know that metric owners are potential customers. I have never been treated badly by an HD dealer just because I don't ride one.

I guess I'll have to come for a visit. I haven't had that warm fuzzy feeling from a HD dealer in a long time. Maybe I'll have to change my name too. Yours sincerely, Bigpushover.

Ouch loafer!!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

Look... it was quite clear your HD-bashing is related to your experience.

I just wasn't going to let the record stand that ALL HD's are a piece of cr@p, and that ALL HD owners are a piece of cr@p. That my friend is just simply not true... ;)

I'll take HD-bashing only from someone that has put several thousands of miles on an HD first, and only if the HD they owned or ridden is a 2009 or newer.

I don't know that you have ever owned one; thus for me your opinion gets disqualified -- with all due respect, unless you tell me otherwise.

I see where you had an incident that, quite frankly, would have left me with a bad-taste for HD's also. To that... I'm sorry to have heard it went down that way. However, to group ALL dealers and owners in the same classification would be simply be wrong... because that simply is not true -- period!

Some of the most hospitable dealers I have ever stopped into were Harley dealers -- even when I rode my Nomad. At my local dealer (Kegel Harley -- the world's oldest Harley dealership); there are always metrics of all size and shape there. It is not uncommon to see metrics stop at their diner for lunch. I don't believe if they had a terrible attitude that these people would stop-by any longer. So... your statement is wrong with my one example.

Regarding a comparison between a Nomad and a HD... I don't believe I have "ripped" on Nomads (or any other metric -- unless in "fun") in such a way that you "rip" on HD's.

From my perspective... there may be people on this site that might be interested in hearing "factual" statements, or comments from "real" experience about both bikes... and I would not want any "untruths" to be spewed about errantly about any bike without true experience or ownership... and/or based on personal anger. Untruths, or statements made based on anger do no one any good. ;)

...just saying. :)

[wompus]

They finily caught up to the 1999 Nomads!?? <G>
Next thing you know they will build a dependible motor!

WHAT IS THIS WORLD COMMING TO??? http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif


.

[Loafer]

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."



I have been bashed by HD riders. And I'm fed up with them.

I didn't come to KawaNOW expecting to hear two guys that own HD's talk or joke about my beloved Nomad.

I didn't come to KawaNOW to say anything bad about HD's or their riders.

I have numerous relatives and friends who own HD's and I do ride with them and we all have a great time together.
They don't say bad things about me or mine, and I do the same.
The HD people I was referring to, are the people who will ride up, get off their trusty ride and make comments to me personally.
I said they were ignorant, I didn't say "you two" were ignorant...
If you read my comment again and bare in mind they you personally haven't insulted me. You will hopefully see that I was talking about personal encounters. And that I was not slamming all HD riders or all the dealers. If that's what you or anyone else got out of it, I DO APOLOGIZE.
When I drive into the local HD dealer with my Nomad, they all seem to go on a coffee break. No warm and fuzzy feeling at that place. I have others that do not ride HD's tell me similar stories. And some have even gone out of state to buy their HD. after trying to talk to someone at this dealer.

No I haven't ridden a HD for thousands of miles on a '09 or newer
model. Get serious, that will never happen.

And you can discount anything I have said if you so choose.

I have ridden all of my relatives and friends HD's as well as riding many demos since 1968.
Does this make me an expert? No.
Does this give me an idea about whether "I" would be happy owning one? Yes.
I like to joke around and laugh as much as anyone.
But on a Nomad site, I didnt expect to read the post that were being made.
Did I take them personally, yes. Should I take them personally? You tell me.
Anything with a motor and tires will have problems. Is there a motorcycle that is perfect? NO. And there will never be.
As they have said for a very long time, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder".
I hope you enjoy your 7 hour ride. ;)
Gerry

[cactusjack]

Easy, guys. Shake hands and go get a beer or something. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[Cajunrider]

Easy, guys. Shake hands and go get a beer or something. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

+1

[ponch]

Kawasaki copied Harley with the Voyager.



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

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

[ponch]

My Nomad shifted a lot better than the Ultra I rode yesterday, but the gearing on the Ultra was better.


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. ;)

[ponch]

I have to agree with Scott. The HD dealers I have dealt with were pretty nice. No bashing at all, just playing up their own brand.



Not all Harley owners have the "we are better than you" attitude. The smart HD dealers won't perpetuate that crap, they know that metric owners are potential customers. I have never been treated badly by an HD dealer just because I don't ride one.

I guess I'll have to come for a visit. I haven't had that warm fuzzy feeling from a HD dealer in a long time. Maybe I'll have to change my name too. Yours sincerly, Bigpushover.

[ponch]

Exactly. All I want is factual information. No bike is perfect and it's a good thing going into any brand to know what the facts are. I have only owned Kawasaki for the last 23 years. The Nomad was a good bike, very good in some ways, but perfect, no. We all have our unique requirements and hopefully we can find the ride that comes as close as it can and then modify it if necessary to meet the expectations of the owner. If the Nomad made 40 more HP, handled like an Ultra, and came with a Russell seat, I would have kept it. A Russell seat is doable, the other two aren't. So that being said, let the facts be the facts.





I guess I'll have to come for a visit. I haven't had that warm fuzzy feeling from a HD dealer in a long time. Maybe I'll have to change my name too. Yours sincerely, Bigpushover.

Ouch loafer!!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

Look... it was quite clear your HD-bashing is related to your experience.

I just wasn't going to let the record stand that ALL HD's are a piece of cr@p, and that ALL HD owners are a piece of cr@p. That my friend is just simply not true... ;)

I'll take HD-bashing only from someone that has put several thousands of miles on an HD first, and only if the HD they owned or ridden is a 2009 or newer.

I don't know that you have ever owned one; thus for me your opinion gets disqualified -- with all due respect, unless you tell me otherwise.

I see where you had an incident that, quite frankly, would have left me with a bad-taste for HD's also. To that... I'm sorry to have heard it went down that way. However, to group ALL dealers and owners in the same classification would be simply be wrong... because that simply is not true -- period!

Some of the most hospitable dealers I have ever stopped into were Harley dealers -- even when I rode my Nomad. At my local dealer (Kegel Harley -- the world's oldest Harley dealership); there are always metrics of all size and shape there. It is not uncommon to see metrics stop at their diner for lunch. I don't believe if they had a terrible attitude that these people would stop-by any longer. So... your statement is wrong with my one example.

Regarding a comparison between a Nomad and a HD... I don't believe I have "ripped" on Nomads (or any other metric -- unless in "fun") in such a way that you "rip" on HD's.

From my perspective... there may be people on this site that might be interested in hearing "factual" statements, or comments from "real" experience about both bikes... and I would not want any "untruths" to be spewed about errantly about any bike without true experience or ownership... and/or based on personal anger. Untruths, or statements made based on anger do no one any good. ;)

...just saying. :)

[snarleybill08]

In 2009 Harley completely redesigned all their touring fleet. The frame was beefed up and changed to a 2 piece cradle design to make them more stable at high speed. The left rear exhaust was routed under and behind the transmission kind of like ours. They put a wider swing arm and wider rear tire on kind of like ours. Anyone else had that thought?
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/dudewest/Img_0066-small.jpg i have to disagree with you. the only thing hardley and the nomad have in common is the fi v-twin and similar appearance. i am not into harleys, but the frame on the nomad is far from being a good one. my nomad is far from being a good handling bike. i don't care cuz it is my fun bike. the harley looks awesome when it comes to finish and quality, but it is archiac, mechanically. i would'nt own a harley cuz i think you get the shaft. we already have the shaft. lol. never rode a new harley but i have done the twisties in georgia behind one on a venture, and a roadstar warrior and was surprised at the way they cornered. i have had everthing from really piss poor handling bikes to the ultmate sport bikes ( a 2007 yamaha r-6 that was tweeked), and believe me the nomad rates close to 3 on the ten scale. like i said i don't care . i like everything else about it. i never make what i own to be something it ain't. iffin it ain't got it, i will be honest and admit it. the nomad has a trace of frame flex and heavy steering when pushed hard in the curves (very unerving), mostly when an rv is in the wrong lane coming at you in a curve. i try to keep from pushing to hard in the curves cuz i bought cycle cats floorboard fringe and don't want to grind it off. bill

[yoda]

Between my wife and I we have owned 4 Kawasakis, 1 Suzuki, 1 Yamaha, and 1 Honda. I put more miles than any on the Suzuki, and have had the most economical ownership from her current bike, the Aero. There were styling and engineering cues shared by all the manufacturers, and some were obviously copied from HD. And I don't care. I liked whichever bike I owned at the time, and admired others I didn't. I am not lusting after a Harley, as the Nomad only has 13000 miles on it and I am perfectly happy to keep it for a long time. When I decide on the next one, who knows what it will be! I don't come here to read about bashing of ANY brand, as I have friends who ride just about everything under the sun. Idiots are idiots no matter what they ride, or sell, for that matter. Lack of civility comes in all shapes, sizes and colors, as does courtesy.

[billmac]

Brand loyalty often amazes me regardless of the brand. Personally I like Harleys and many other brands as well. I am not interested in convincing anyone to buy a Nomad or Harley. I figuring the brand suited them so they bought it. I think it is ok to jack with friends about their brand and for them to jack with me. We all know our bikes are good but have some weaknesses.

I have liked both of my Nomads a lot but I have not considered giving them a name or sworn any allegiance to them. My next bike may be a Road King. I believe my Nomad resembles a Road King. Some Nomads with fairings appear to me to resemble Harley Ultras or Street Glides. If the Harley was priced the same as a Nomad, I wonder how many of us would have opted for the Harley.

Now I'll will admit I don't care for the "metric" label. To me it is disrespecting all other brands and denotes an us and them philosophy. I prefer just calling the brand by it's given name or just say other than Harley. After all, is my wife's Toyota Sienna a "Metric"? The term is silly and does not offer a clue as to the bike's actual manufacturer..

Having said all that, I am just expressing my thoughts. I am not wanting to upset anyone or asking anyone to agree with me.

[elvis]

Brand loyalty often amazes me regardless of the brand. Personally I like Harleys and many other brands as well. I am not interested in convincing anyone to buy a Nomad or Harley. I figuring the brand suited them so they bought it. I think it is ok to jack with friends about their brand and for them to jack with me. We all know our bikes are good but have some weaknesses.

I have liked both of my Nomads a lot but I have not considered giving them a name or sworn any allegiance to them. My next bike may be a Road King. I believe my Nomad resembles a Road King. Some Nomads with fairings appear to me to resemble Harley Ultras or Street Glides. If the Harley was priced the same as a Nomad, I wonder how many of us would have opted for the Harley.

Now I'll will admit I don't care for the "metric" label. To me it is disrespecting all other brands and denotes an us and them philosophy. I prefer just calling the brand by it's given name or just say other than Harley. After all, is my wife's Toyota Sienna a "Metric"? The term is silly and does not offer a clue as to the bike's actual manufacturer..

Having said all that, I am just expressing my thoughts. I am not wanting to upset anyone or asking anyone to agree with me.



Bill, I'm gonna agree with you anyway. I echo what you just said.

[elvis]

[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.

Loafer, you hope they all run out of oil? What did they do to you? I wonder what makes you so angry?

[Loafer]

Loafer, you hope they all run out of oil? What did they do to you? I wonder what makes you so angry?

No I don't hope they all run out of oil. Haven't you ever said something, and thought I didn't mean that? Just make sure you don't do that with your lady, it will be a less forgiving moment than if you just run your mouth like I do sometimes around people that I figure can take it. I said in my last post that if I offended anyone, that I was sorry. And I guess that is where I should leave it. Gerry

[Dave]

I said in my last post that if I offended anyone, that I was sorry. And I guess that is where I should leave it. Gerry

That's good enough for me.

As for the "metric" tag. For the life of me, I'll never understand why the USA has not converted over. It's so much easier. In school I loved algebra but I sure hated messing with fractions.

Plus one has to have 2 sets of tools.

[cactusjack]

I said in my last post that if I offended anyone, that I was sorry. And I guess that is where I should leave it. Gerry

That's good enough for me.

As for the "metric" tag. For the life of me, I'll never understand why the USA has not converted over. It's so much easier. In school I loved algebra but I sure hated messing with fractions.

Plus one has to have 2 sets of tools.

They taught us the metric system in grade school, because the USA was supposed to convert to metric back in the 70's. Never happened...

I need metric tools to work on my Pontiac!

[rickyboy]

Whewww!!! Thanks Scott, I'll have that beer.
After seeing the way this well intentioned thread was going, I passed it by while biting my tongue,.... till today. Then I had to catch up. I'll just say that we each like what we like. Ride what we like {I hope}. I go to the motorcycle shops that serve me well. I have a "motorcycle mall" so to speak, where I live. A large area that houses a Kawasaki/Honda shop, a <s>Hardley Go Davidson </s> {kidding!!!} Harley Davidson shop, An independent custom bike shop, and an other that's name escapes me right now. I've been in every one of them and been treated just fine. In fact if I've ever been disappointed in service or knowledge {that's another thread} it's been with the Kawasaki dealer. Where I bought my Nomad new. But I either go there for supplies or parts or I drive 30 kms. to another shop.
I have also been "accosted" by H.D. owners and once painted all of them with the same brush that they thought they were better than me for buying H.D.. I have wised up and found that not all have that mind set. There are A-hole Harley owners, and A-hole Kawasaki
{dare I say Nomad} owners. The fact is they are both A-holes. It's not the bike that makes them that !!! they just are !!!. I kid G.L. because I have met him and know what a great person he is. And I know one day when I'm not looking, he'll "cold caulk" me with some kidding about my Nomad. But I know it'll come with a smile. I recently had a conversation with an H.D. work colleague about him riding with "metric" owners and he said, " let us celebrate together brother".
I think loafer has seen he was misunderstood or perhaps could have made better choices when choosing his words. So......let us celebrate together brothers !!!

[glwilson]

For the record... loafer, Dave, and I have already been to the bar and have been there waiting. We're already having our second round.

Seriously, an offline conversation put this to bed with no hard feelings what so ever. Gerry is passionate about his Nomad! What can anyone say! ;) :)

[elvis]

Gents, now that's great. In my mind, when we're on the open road, we're one big family regardless of the makes and models we ride.

For the record, I cannot say the same thing when riding within the city limits but I've learned to deal with it.

Cheers everyone,

E.


For the record... loafer, Dave, and I have already been to the bar and have been there waiting. We're already having our second round.

Seriously, an offline convesation put this to bed with no hard feelings what so ever. Gerry is passionate about his Nomad! What can anyone say! ;) :)

[Loafer]

For the record... loafer, Dave, and I have already been to the bar and have been there waiting. We're already having our second round.

Seriously, an offline convesation put this to bed with no hard feelings what so ever. Gerry is passionate about his Nomad! What can anyone say! ;) :)



At 8 o'clock a toast to new friends!!! ;)

[cactusjack]

That's how business is done here at KawaNOW, gentlemen!

[elvis]

Whewww!!! Thanks Scott, I'll have that beer.
After seeing the way this well intentioned thread was going, I passed it by while biting my tongue,.... till today. Then I had to catch up. I'll just say that we each like what we like. Ride what we like {I hope}. I go to the motorcycle shops that serve me well. I have a "motorcycle mall" so to speak, where I live. A large area that houses a Kawasaki/Honda shop, a <s>Hardley Go Davidson </s> {kidding!!!} Harley Davidson shop, An independent custom bike shop, and an other that's name escapes me right now. I've been in every one of them and been treated just fine. In fact if I've ever been disappointed in service or knowledge {that's another thread} it's been with the Kawasaki dealer. Where I bought my Nomad new. But I either go there for supplies or parts or I drive 30 kms. to another shop.
I have also been "accosted" by H.D. owners and once painted all of them with the same brush that they thought they were better than me for buying H.D.. I have wised up and found that not all have that mind set. There are A-hole Harley owners, and A-hole Kawasaki
{dare I say Nomad} owners. The fact is they are both A-holes. It's not the bike that makes them that !!! they just are !!!. I kid G.L. because I have met him and know what a great person he is. And I know one day when I'm not looking, he'll "cold caulk" me with some kidding about my Nomad. But I know it'll come with a smile. I recently had a conversation with an H.D. work colleague about him riding with "metric" owners and he said, " let us celebrate together brother".
I think loafer has seen he was misunderstood or perhaps could have made better choices when choosing his words. So......let us celebrate together brothers !!!

Rick, speaking of A-Holes..., note the sign in the background:

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/elvis101/P1410570.jpg

When I ride in to work and back home, it feels like, I'm riding in an airport.

Good to be on KawaNOW, cheers again!

[Cajunrider]

Now that is dark beer! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif Or is it a soda?

[Stump]

Well HD look towards the money more than the other bike manufactures do , prime example the V-rod is called a HD but it is really a porcha motor and the frame was built around the motor. The Kawasaki motorcycle is more in tune with the riders and not as much the money , don't get me wrong they still love the money but their bikes are more affordable than HD ever dreamed of , and in most causes all bike companys copy some thing off each other as far back as THE 70's ,but thats only good thinking .

[Sin City Stan]

[quote author=glmvt board=general thread=19712 post=297485 time=1284266263]

At my local dealer (Kegel Harley -- the world's oldest Harley dealership); :)

Greg, that brings back old memories. When I was young Kegal's was the third oldest Harley dealer. Then came a recession in the 80s and they were the second oldest. Another recession and they were the oldest, moving from a little shop on the West side of Rockford into a brand new huge store on the SE side by a huge shopping center.

That kind of staying power, is definetely a testament to good business practices.

[elvis]

Now that is dark beer! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif Or is it a soda?

What is the best way to end a great day of riding through desert? I'll take a pint of ale, a local brew if possible ;)

[elvis]

Back to the discussion at hand, I think almost in any industry (e.g. automotive, computers, digital cameras, etc), manufactures are usually inspired by their competitors.

A prime example is the Mac OS X by Apple, the Linux OS by various vendors [free or non-free] and the infamous Windose by Micro$oft. Take a closer look at the graphical user interface, consider the computer peripherals and the Internet.

Anybody care to know whether I'm typing this on a Mac, Ubuntu or Windose machine? I don't think so but we all share the same information highway the so-called Internet. Almost the same thing when we're on the road riding a Nomad, a Road King or the mighty Rocket 3.

The flame wars between HD and Japanese bike owners/riders often remind me the never ending competition among those fanatic computer users.

If only the bikes were as inexpensive as the computers...

[ponch]

For the record, I use a Mac, but I don't care anymore...Got over that a while back. steve jobs could tech willie g a thing or two about the reality distortion field. That being said, type away.


Back to the discussion at hand, I think almost in any industry (e.g. automotive, computers, digital cameras, etc), manufactures are usually inspired by their competitors.

A prime example is the Mac OS X by Apple, the Linux OS by various vendors [free or non-free] and the infamous Windose by Micro$oft. Take a closer look at the graphical user interface, consider the computer peripherals and the Internet.

Anybody care to know whether I'm typing this on a Mac, Ubuntu or Windose machine? I don't think so but we all share the same information highway the so-called Internet. Almost the same thing when we're on the road riding a Nomad, a Road King or the mighty Rocket 3.

The flame wars between HD and Japanese bike owners/riders often remind me the never ending competition among those fanatic computer users.

If only the bikes were as inexpensive as the computers...