the "unreliable" Harley is from the AMF era shovelheads ( 1971-1984 Cone shovels) this isnt without merit since typically the timing/ignition sucked, the design had issues, and the " auto chain oiling" system basically left big assed puddles of oil everywhere. yet even those engines now with modern oil pumps, closed oil systems ( ie not " auto lubing the chain because chains arent 1/10th as shitty as they where in that era) and an aftermarket timing system are reliable and popular. ( the bulk of bikes at Born free shows and smoke out are shovels that have been updated) Ive spent so much time repeating this very same thing to people on thier second bike I dont even bother anymore. Most have no idea the history of Harley Davidson and the impact that company has had on keeping motorcycling alive in the US or even any actual knowledge of Harleys its just old trying to explain it...
people parrot the same poop they hear from weekend track racers and assorted " professionals" who have never ridden a harley much less ridden a bike a thousand miles in a day its just futile to try and educate the ignorant. ANd really... think of ANY other bike that still is on the road a decade old. ( the only ones I know of spent the bulkf of thier life in a garage and have 5-7k miles on them, find a decade old harley with 5k on it I DARE ya
)
on Buell, that wasnt tailored to the HD demographic. ( buell didnt make cruisers...) Eric Buell used to work FOR HD. he came up with his own bike design based on the sportster engine ( ever rode a Buell? poop tons of Torque, not much on top end speed) the Biggest reason Buell failed was he tried to reach into the pocket of the japanese bike industry without offering something MORE than what they already had out .. his bikes where slower, not showy, and while innovative. he came too little too late ( by the time Buell was kicking out ideas that really got notice, the big 3 had already surpassed his innovations with more speed, better dynamics, and overall a more appealing bike.) his Rotax versions had promise but again he squandered funding and spent more time trying to catch up instead of inventing something truely his own and individual. that said, the Fuel in frame design was likely his biggest contribution but even that had been done before ( I cant recall who offhand, I want to say norton/BSA or some other brit bike more obscure) top it all off with a MASSIVE loss in motorcycle sales and interest during his beginings... the US was in recession, the 80s where over and there was less luxury money flaoting into motorcycles. PLUS his bikes where more expensive than most other sport bikes. I personally Collect buells even
( got 4 in storage, because theyre Iconic to me, I love the simplistic design, the things he did do he got rather right IMO, and they are a TON of fun to ride. except for the blast, that thing is only good for tearing down and building a go-kart.
on topic.
HDs purchase of Ducati has potential of saving a moderately decent bike brand with a long history. I give it a solid 70% chance. that said, Im of the mind HD isnt blind to what Ducati is and what it SHOULD be and WILL push them to get up on performance and create a strong contender for the japanese bike market, hopefully at a price that is affordable. its possible ducati could come out with the next CBR/GIXER and take over the market with the big money backing them. Its not likely, given the hurdles, but there is still a chance.
Bikes and styles come and go over the years, hell its almost like fashion version for men. we all want the latest and greatest... whos to say ducati isnt up to the task? the Monster came out in 93 and was popular. Still heralded as the first " naked bike".