Why do Harley-Davidsons look the same in 2010 as they did in 1970?

Because that’s the point.

I agree with @pdworkin Don’t fix somethin’ that ain’t broken.

Forgot the second part. Here you go: http://www.automotto.org/entry/designer-renders-a-futuristic-harley-davidson-for-2020/

@DrasticDreamer Heh, heh. They look like the coolest oversized goggles I have ever seen! I really hope to test-drive one in ten years! ^_^

The whole “aura” of H-D is tradition. My 1938 ULH has a strong family resemblance to the 2010 models. If you want sleek and modern, buy a rice-burner.

Harley does bring out new models; but true, for the most part they look the same. I’m glad, I like Harleys. Harley as a business is having trouble though from what I understand.

It’s a classic look that appeals to a lot of people. And Japanese companies have copied since the early 80s.

Check out these recent V-twins:
http://www.honda-motorcycles.info/model_pics/2008-Honda-VTX-1800.jpg
http://www.kawasakimotorcycles.info/model_pics/2009-Kawasaki-Vulcan-1700-Classic.jpg

A hog is a hog is a hog. The Beach Boys have not changed their music and they still are around and as good as ever. same applies to a Harley.

Because a Harley is just that badass!

Agree with @aprilsimnel I think they’re just really cool looking. And I’ve never ridden a motorcycle (and never will).

Why would they change?

As @john65pennington said, a hog is a hog is a hog.

As @stranger_in_a_strange_land said, you want modern, buy a rice burner. A Harley is not for you.

@Arisztid >A Harley is not for you.

Complete agreement here. I knew it wasn’t ever since one pierced my ears as it blew by me. I was traumatized in an auditory fashion by Harleys from a fairly young age. (Huh. “Auditorily” isn’t a word?)

Also, that’s the flagship vehicle of the Hells Angels. Harleys imply “bad-boy types” and even though it’s a “manly” bike, if I want to be manlier through ownership of a vehicle, I’ll get a full-sized extended-cab pickup.

I am most definitely a Daelim, Gold Wing, or a Ninja kinda guy.

Photos in last link chosen for humor’s sakes.

Because the brand is identified by how it looks. The same reasons why all Porsche 911 (Porsche did 911 lol) look pretty much the same since the beginning. Or the designers are talentless hacks. Or they don’t have any designers.

http://www.motorbikestoday.com/reviews/Images/harley_vrod_fr_lge.jpg

Have you ever ridden a Gold Wing? It’s kind of like a mushy Volkswagon without doors.

If I had my dream bike, the 1948 Indian Chief would be it. Well, that is assuming that I had enough money to maintain it, insure it, and a locked garage in a safe neighborhood to store it.

@Arisztid That must be a rare and dying commodity nowadays! Ordering a lot of its spare parts online and putting it together yourself, is probably your best hope.

Or you can look at getting today’s Indians (which look remarkably similar, more or less,) at http://www.IndianMotorcycle.com

I had a 49 Indian Chieftain when I was about 22. I’ve also owned an Ariel Square Four.

@pdworkin that is when you hit the older chick?

@EgaoNoGenki Wow. They have made a remarkable effort to stay true to the old days. If I had the money to purchase a Harley and somewhere to park it, I would get an Indian instead. Of course I would do my legwork to see how they are mechanically first.

@pdworkin That is impressive, pdworkin. How did the Ariel run? I cannot even imagine how the engine would be. I have only seen a few and they were display models.

It was very high compression. I was a very big guy (6’1”, 350 lbs.) and had a hard time getting it to turn over! (No electric starters on those babies.)

@pdworkin I had a friend who rode a Norton 750 Commando and, if you did not prime it just right and kick it just right, it could punt you over the handlebars. I know because I was one of the snorten Norton’s puntees (I am 6’2”, 195lbs, and it punted me with ease… he grabbed the bike, luckily, so it was ok. I had just wanted to try kicking the thing. If the Ariel is worse than that, and it sounds like it was, I can imagine how hard it was to kick.

Once it turned over, how was the ride? Literally I cannot wrap my mind around how that motor worked.