Rule the Road With Your Harley
The slight mention of Harley Davidson brings to mind raw power, oozing machismo, and anything that is extremely hard core. One imagines a powerful man with bulging arms, decked with tattoos of poisonous snakes and fearsome dragons, long hair, a muscle shirt,piercings and all the works. The Harley Davidson after all is a legendary giant in the motorcycle industry that rakes in more than half the US market customer share.
It was a fun surprise when I came across an article about the height of the seat of a hog being a major concern to almost all of their customers. Apparently, the seat height needs to be perfect to assure comfort while atop their monster ride. I had the perception that people take out their hogs on the road for a display of power but most just want a convenient cruise.
It does make sense how a perfect seat height can lend composure while on top of a hog. It does give a boost of confidence to the rider knowing he can easily plant his feet flat on the ground when he needs to. Someone desperately trying to reach the ground with his foot is a pretty funny picture.
Browsing the history of Harley Davidson, you will note that the scene is dominated by radicals with raked out choppers like Dennis Hopper in the film Easy rider. There are also the temperamental nonconformists who take a hog to the road to escape their awful jobs and unhappy marriages.
Today however, it is surprising to notice the diversity of hog owners. You might see a guy jumping from a Harley to update and check out his facebook status in his laptop. Furthermore, you will see a sleek lady reaching for her cell phone to check how her kids are doing in college, and drive off in a hog.
The clientele of harley Davidson is changing as various people want to own one for different reasons. Some want to live the lifestyle and take it out for days, while others just want to own one because it lends the owner a degree of prestige.
Whatever their reasons are, one thing is clear. The hog is picked for the reputation it holds. It is power and freedom – an icon. When you are atop a Harley Davidson, you become a legend, and you are part of its rich history.
In the motorcycle world, the Harley is in a league of its own. It is classic and will always represent strength and craftsmanship. It symbolizes freedom and will always be king of the road.