Anyone heard any info on the 2008 Harley Davidsons?

[Gummiente]

Can't understand why they only make it available to the cops and not the public.

Because the public would b*tch about the ABS control box taking up room in the saddlebag, is my guess.

[OhioHarleyGuy]

That is a possibility if they invented their own control unit. But, if they used on of the many units that already exist it would limply be an additional small control box under the seat or tank dash.

I think every car or motorcycle that has ABS uses a control box from an outside vendor.

Plus, Harley already has had them for several years on the cop bikes and they are not located in the saddle bags. If they were in there, they would likely get ruined by being bumped into by extra ammo, night sticks, tazers, and flares.

Yikes, glad I don't have to carry that stuff around!

John

[Nalian]

I hate the ABS in my car and would really hate it on a bike.

[OhioHarleyGuy]

Hey,
Everyone is entitled to enjoy what they prefer. All of the tests I have seen indicate that the ABS is much quicker than the best of our reactions.

To each their own. My hunch is that if it wasn't safer, it probably would not be on current vehicles cars or bikes. Do you like the discount that you get on your car insurance because you have it? If you are not getting the discount, you might want to call your insurance guy.

But, I understand that you may not want it on your bike. We all have personal preferences as to what we like on our scooters. Probably why I have never seen two bikes with the exact same options/add-ons.

We just love to ride!
John

[mbrudolph]

The Ohioharleyguy is right as far has Harley playing catchup and it's far more than just the brakes. Feature for feature Harley falls far short of most of the other bikes on the market in almost every class. Harley is not the best, the cheapest, the fastest, the most reliable, has higher maintanence and dosen't offer the best warranty out there. Harley riders are paying thousands more for just the image. Harley knows this and probably figures if consumers are willing to spend the money for something they don't have to improve, well it's just that much more money in our pockets.

I'm in my 60's and I can afford a Harley but simply can't justify the cost when compared to standard features offered on other bikes. I think more and more consumers are becoming value smart and I perdict in the near future Harley will hit the wall, sales will drop and they won't have anthing on the drawing board to offer. It's time for Harley to give back to their loyal following and by doing so will gain yet more loyal customers. Harley is going the way of the US auto makers.

Believe me I understand the image thing. It's a shame, Harley is an an American icon, in image only and not backed up by what we know an American made product can and should be. I think the new Victory Vision has a good chance of taking some of Harleys touring business. Execpt for the back end it's one good looking bike.

A simple thing, for example, Harley can't offer a good stock seat on most models. Everyone I know who has a Harley has changed the seat. You read a lot about this in various forums, "the seat has to go". I can't imagine how much more money Harley makes with the aftermarket seat changes.

I like the idea of a V-rod type touring bike, it makes a lot of sense. Bigger motor and water cooled. They'd be on the right track if they did something along those lines and for a reasonable price. Anyone know how much the current V-rod conversion costs? Not interested just curious. It seems like it would be a small fortune.

[b]I wish Harley the best [/b]but like the Ohioharleyguy, I'm waiting. I just don't see Harley doing anything signficant until the sales fall. Or should I say if they fall. There may be a lot more people out there that are willing pay for the image and not the machine.

I'm probably going to wind up with a Goldwing. This is a team activity with my wife and her input is as important as mine. Having been a passanger on a Goldwing it can't be beat for passanger comfort. Toss in the standard features and sorry to say it's hands down Honda and not Harley. As much as I want to buy American (Harley) I just can't do it.

[fatboyharleycat]

ok , here is the lowdown....
for the 08' harley's they are dropping the duece, roadking custom, softail standard, wideglide...and ( tada! )and the springer.
no motor changes, harley did not spend millions of r&d in the 96' to change it a year latter!

if ya want abs buy a police bike or ::: cough :::: a bmw .
folks this is a harley davidson not a honda or a swiss watch.
american made iron and ride it and enjoy it.
go to harleydavidson.com and watch the " live by it " video
THATS WHAT HARLEYS ARE ABOUT!
i'm done .... by the way ( i sell 'em and ride one my self )

[OhioHarleyGuy]

Thank you for letting me know that you sell them and ride them. I guess that's good enough reason for me to buy another!

It will happen when they put ABS on it.

Certainly no shortage of opinions!

Have a safe ride!

[OhioHarleyGuy]

Well, we are about 3 weeks from announcement of the 2008 models. Has anyone heard anything additional about them?

What's new, what's discontinued, new features?

Thanks for any info!
JR

[OhioHarleyGuy]

Anyone know when the new Harleys are announced. I think it is at the annual dealer show, but not sure when that happens. Ealy July maybe?

Thanks,
JR

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