New H-D model; i'm confused

[rflnomad]

Hello all. Not trying to start pointing fingers at the Motor Company, but H-D released a model that I can not believe. Sportster 72.
Take a peek online. I just shake my head over & over. Just not sure people are going to warm up to a style based in the early 70s. It is marketed at younger people too in the Dark Custom line. Don't get me wrong; I like the 883 Iron and Nightster Sportsters! I like their simplicity and back to basic approach to riding and individuality. I just see a smaller market with the Sportster 72.
I am still a fan of the Wide Glide as I have an original year FXWG. And for 14.4K it is a pretty good darn bike. I would love one Blue with the Blue flames! And if I had to get a Dark Custom it would be the BlackLine hands down. That thing is cool and I am begging our local dealer to do demo rides!
Just my opinion on the Sportster though. Seeing if any one else saw it yet.

[Timay]

My first motorcycle was a Honda 50 (!) in 1963...my second was a 1959 Sportster, 883, but it was warmed up a bit - 'P' cams, 10% overbore in the carb, lightened rocker arms, oversize valves (don't remember which ones), ported and polished heads, aluminum rims (in 1964!), etc. - fastest street MC in Champaign-Urbana (maybe Illinois - ). I just took a look at the Sportster 72...an immediate trip down memory lane! Looks nearly identical to the bike I had, down to the color! The 72 even has spokes...I don't like the ape hangers and I'm sure it's belt driven (haven't looked at the specs yet)...too bad they didn't put a chain on it to really get back to basics and give the new owners something to do between rides...

Tim A

[glwilson]

My guess is they will sell a boat-load of the new sportster... Despite your dislike (or bewilderment) of the idea.

[cnc]

Car companies have been very successful with the rebirth of models from the sixties and early seventies in the last few years.
In the motorcycle world the Triumph T-100 is a pretty close visual replica of the early Bonnies and now it appears that the Norton Commando is back with the old style look and modern engineering. There must be a market for them or they wouldn't do it.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I think it will do very well. Especially with some old timers.

[jlreeves]

I dont think I would have chosen the year 1972 for the model though. That was right in the middle of the AMF years. AMF realized some of the problems the company had and decided that the way bring it back to the top was to produce large numbers of motorcycles quickly and cost effectively. Harley was now trying to compete with the Japanese (SuziQ, Yamama and Maw Kaw), which they could not do on their own ground. With the speeding up of the assembly line, it became apparent that the quality control which Harley had always been so concerned with was deteriorating. As production increased there was a significant drop in quality. AMF = bowling balls, not motorcycles.

[jandreu]

Bobed finder, lower shocks, Mid size ape hangers and some WW tires. What's so new about this. HD seems to be building bikes for the mindless that can't customize their own bilke.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by glwilson

My guess is they will sell a boat-load of the new sportster... Despite your dislike (or bewilderment) of the idea.

Of course you are correct, but my back hurts just looking at it.

[Netnorske]

My first bike was a 1969 Sportster 900....last year before the AMF's! It had a magneto and kick start. Half the time I just pushed it, jumped on and dumped the clutch. That 72 model brought back some good old memories! A couple things to notice...one...I actually had hair back then.......and two...if you look at the fuel tank in the second pic, the crossed American and Norwegian flags you see in my avatar goes WAY back....!! You should have seen the cool Viking I had painted on the top of the tank, it was truly awesome...! I had some of the best times of my life on that bike...

[rflnomad]

wow, maybe I was off on my outlook. It seems to get a better view than I thought it would. I am still in the mode of a 'custom' type vehicle is 'customized' by its owner to show their personal (artistic) view.
Kris (Netnorske) old Sportster is exactly what I mean. Kris, that oldie is amazing. Mag, Kick start, right side shift....
I do have a soft spot for old stuff. I go in the garage and just stare at the GTO sometimes. It is so amazing. Never had any interest in one of the newer (Holden) models. Too sanitary. MAYBE that is it!!!! The newer factory type customs are a little too refined for me! That is why the FXWG and the GTO are so dear to me; they are not for everybody.

Wow, just learned a bit of myself on this website...

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by jandreu

Bobed finder, lower shocks, Mid size ape hangers and some WW tires. What's so new about this. HD seems to be building bikes for the mindless that can't customize their own bilke.

A majority of the motorcycle "buyers" do not do their own work, nor any customization (beyond bolt-ons). Most do not have the facilities to do their own work beyond oil-changes and such.

So... to say they are selling bikes to "mindless" people appears to be more of a reflection of your distaste of anything Harley.

I could include all bike companies within the premise of your statement, and besides... there isn't any company that offers more add-on parts than HD.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by glwilson

A majority of the motorcycle "buyers" do not do their own work, nor any customization (beyond bolt-ons). Most do not have the facilities to do their own work beyond oil-changes and such.

So... to say they are selling bikes to "mindless" people appears to be more of a reflection of your distaste of anything Harley.

I could include all bike companies within the premise of your statement, and besides... there isn't any company that offers more add-on parts than HD.

Not to mention an insult to you, CJ and Dave.

[Top Cat]

Originally Posted by ponch

Not to mention an insult to you, CJ and Dave.

Greg, CJ and Dave should be used to that by now

[Jared]

I'm probably the youngest guy here (27) and I think it's a great looking bike. If I was looking for a smaller bike for riding around town, through canyons, etc. that would be on the short list. The idea that they're customizing it for you, is just a misunderstanding. Why do you think they come out with new models? They recognize the market trends and demands and adjust their models to best fit that market. I see nothing wrong with it at all and still see a LOT of customizing that could be done.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by Top Cat

Greg, CJ and Dave should be used to that by now

WE ARE! You have to be truly "tough" to own one; especially when you hang-out on a Kawasaki site!

Originally Posted by Utah Motorcyclist

I'm probably the youngest guy here (27) and I think it's a great looking bike. If I was looking for a smaller bike for riding around town, through canyons, etc. that would be on the short list. The idea that they're customizing it for you, is just a misunderstanding. Why do you think they come out with new models? They recognize the market trends and demands and adjust their models to best fit that market. I see nothing wrong with it at all and still see a LOT of customizing that could be done.

I think your thoughts hit the nail on the head Jared. It is an appealing bike that is small (easily handled); and is in a price-range for many to afford -- especially younger individuals that may have limited money. With regard to customizing it... the options are literally endless for those that have a creative-mind (rather than mindless).