Wandell slashes costs, cuts jobs in effort to save motorcycle firm

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ^ | April 25, 2010 | Rick Barrett

[Spktyr]

Yup, I use mine for running around in the city and for fun back road blasts. They’re great for that. :D

[Eagle Eye]

Probably a good time to roll out a new line of HD leathers, HD mugs, HD glove, HD T shirts...

[Spktyr]

Hooligans are buying machines like the Kawa ZRX’s and Honda 919s, or other streetfighter class machines. They absolutely are not buying Harleys.

[Spktyr]

Behold this man modelling the latest in Harley riding apparel: genuine HD helmet, T-shirt, fingerless gloves and boots.

All that HD "lifestyle" gear doesn't seem to have done him a whole lot of good. Maybe Harley should start promoting real gear and ATGATT, instead of trying to sell more do-rags and T-shirts. Also, chrome is no substitute for cornering clearance - perhaps Harley should actually test their accessories on roads that have curves?

[BraveMan]

Nice picture . . .

FWIW, there is a drain plug at the bottom of that primary cover that allows you to empty the mist collecting from the primary chain lube & clutch. If you forget about it for 15 years, the level eventually builds up to the point where it weeps past the paper gasket on the Derby cover when the bike is parked on the jiffystand, runs down the case and the dog marks it's spot.

[Spktyr]

All of which does not explain why sometimes they leak in the same spot when *new*.

The Evo engine improved it quite a lot, but even to this day, you’ll get the occasional new Evo-engined bike that marks its spot - something that the rest of the industry considers unacceptable. Even Triumphs don’t leak any more.

[Eagle Eye]

I haven’t laughed that hard since Southpark’s satire of facebook!

[BraveMan]

Idiots come in all shapes and riding preferences.



If you ride over your head on the Dragon, you will go down . . .

[BraveMan]

Even riders of the vaunted 'Gixer' screw up:


http://jalopnik.com/5168730/stop+motion-motorcycle-collision-on-tail-of-the-dragon

[spunkets]

LOL! Notice the rider locked up the front wheel as he was attempting to steer.

[ichabod1]

Those are ALL chinese.

[ichabod1]

yeah, you feel me.

[ichabod1]

Oh, that is bad. The look on his face when he realizes everything is about to go sour.

[ColdWater]

>Prior to the introduction of the “EVO” engine in 1986, oil leaks were common. <

With the “EVO” engine, oil leaks are ....

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=harley+evo+engine+oil+leaks&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

[ColdWater]

LOL! Notice the rider locked up the front wheel as he was attempting to steer.

I think it locked up as the weight came off the tire.

[Spktyr]

Yup, and in typical fashion, you’ve missed the point. The point isn’t that people crash on the Dragon. The point is what happens after/during the crash.

If you go to a Honda, Kawa, or Suzie dealer, purchase a bike and ask to load up on ‘gear to go with it’, you will be shown a selection of armored clothing, effective helmets, impact-protective gloves, and abrasion resistant pants. In short, modern safety gear that will protect you in a crash - all with the logo of the particular manufacturer, of course.

Go to a Harley dealer, and you will be shown assless chaps, fingerless gloves, faceless beanie helmets, t-shirts, sleeveless leather vests, logoed fashion-weight denim jeans and walking boots. All with the orange-and-black logo on them; basically stuff that protects you from the things you encounter on the ride (which the other gear mentioned above does equally as well if not better) but does next to NOTHING for you in a crash.

And THAT is the point of the post.

[Myrddin]

That's not very encouraging. I have 3 Yamahas, 1 Kawasaki and 1 Piaggio in the garage. Not a drop of oil from any of them.

[Myrddin]

That was a really expensive screw-up. My Roadliner requires some care as it also has limited clearance. The Versys has more clearance than I will ever use on a public road. The XR1200 will handle up to a 40 degree lean angle. That's still well beyond what most people will do on a public road. Naked street bikes are some of the most functional, safe configurations that I've had the pleasure to ride down the road.

[Spktyr]

So, in other words, they should make what Honda already made in the Shadow 750DC Sport.

[Myrddin]

I checked out a new Concours on the showroom floor. That electrically adjustable windshield is pretty cool. There is plenty of carrying capacity for "stuff", good fairings and an overall pleasant seating position. Probably a lot better dollar value than any HD bike.