When someone mentions a Harley Davidson, what comes to mind is machismo, raw power and anything that is hard core. I can see a huge guy with monstrous biceps, decorated in tattoos of writhing snakes and snarling dragons, long gray hair, a Harley black shirt, earrings and all the works. After all, Harley Davidson is a legendary giant in the motorcycle industry and owns more than half the US motorcycle market.
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 is understandable though that a rider maintain a show of composure. With the perfect height, riders can be confident that they would be able to plant their feet on the ground when its needed. A hog owner reaching for the ground desperately could be a funny sight.
When you scan Harley Davidson history, it is clearly dominated by rebel images with raked out choppers like Dennis Hopper in Easy Rider, or moody nonconformists who take to the open road to escape boring jobs and loveless marriages.
These days, you’ll be amazed at the diversity of Harley owners. You will see a guy who leaps off his hog and excitedly opens his laptop to check and update his facebook account. You’ll probably find a sexy clean cut woman who dials her cell phone to check how her kids are doing in college.
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 the reasons may be, a hog is picked mainly for the reputation it represents. It is an icon of power and freedom. When you own a Harley Davidson, you are a legend, and you become part of its 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.
