HELP my friend is being pulled to the dark side

(I was referring to the OHV engine design, which they base their "Twin Cam" on today. HD first used it in their 1936 top o' the line model's engine. That first OHV big-twin was affectionately named the Knucklehead.)









Before I went to work for Ducati I restored antique motorcycles for a living. My specialty was pre-1985 Harley Big Twins. I still have a soft spot for these old "tractors." I just can't help it.
 
I own a harley davidson myself and the ONLY thing I like more about it than my duc is that it is more comfortable and stays in the shop less.I ride it mainly as a commuter back and forth to work and the occasional poker run.
 
Harleys are cool, as far as a lifestyle motorcycle goes. A lot on Comradarie and events to attend. They sorta look nice (Not my taste). I mean they are slow, have bad brakes and handle for shit. But, they sound O.K., and chicks seem to like them.......
 
After reading all the above posts, I cannot help it but wondering what they say in a "harley" forum about us ducatisti. I personally don't like Harleys worth a damn but In my opinion the two cannot even be compared. Not quite...but it is almost like comparing a Desmosedici with a 1098R. I have to " + 1 " on Johnny's post above about the "chicks" comment though.
 
For some reason Harleys been around for ever. They out produce Ducati 5 to 1 if not more- they must be doing something right. Its just a different ride, lifestyle persona kind of thing. Be happy your friend is still going with a v twin and that he's still riding period. Who knows, he just might pick up a second bike when he wants to rule the twisties. Just my nickle
 
morgan,

I suggest that, rather than trying to, "break the voodoo curse," you should embrace his newfound love of Harleys. Harleys are cool too, in their own way. It's a different trip than what we're into, but it's got two wheels and a motor, so it's OK in my book. Hell, if money were no object, there'd be a really cool, tricked-out Harley chopper in my garage next to my Ducs.

In the final analysis, this, "us vs. them," "sportbike vs. cruiser," mentality is divisive and counterproductive to motorcycling. I say, "invite them to the table," rather than excluding them. We like different kinds of bikes, but at the end of the day, we're all bikers. Just my opinion.

Elton
 
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