This out to get Foolie's goat
HD is looking to get into the Italian crotch rocket business...

MILAN (Thomson Financial) - U.S. motorbike manufacturer Harley-Davidson is in advanced talks to buy Italy's MV Agusta, the daily Messaggero reported, without citing any sources.

According to Messaggero, the deal would see Harley-Davidson buy out most of the debt of MV Agusta, currently at around 200 million euros -- 130 million euros held by banks and 70 million euros held by suppliers.

The operation would envisage a write off of part of the debt, Messaggero said.

Harley-Davidson wants to write off about 35 percent of the debt but the banks and suppliers want that amount reduced to at least 30 percent.

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA holds debt of MV Agusta of about 95 million euros, Messaggero said.

The paper said Harley-Davidson could buy 80-85 percent of MV Agusta's capital, leaving businessman Claudio Castiglioni with 15-20 percent.

Castiglioni currently owns 29.6 percent of MV Agusta while 65.4 percent is owned by finance company Gevi, Messaggero said.

what happened to Buell?

Buell is still around, and will be as long as they keep using modified Sportster motors.

I guess Agusta is having some financial trouble, and it being the Ferrari of sport bikes, nobody wants to see them go down. This aquisition ought to give Harley the exposure it needs in Europe, and improve the sales and service deficiencies it has now.

And before Foolie rattles on about how crappy an Agusta is when compared to a Ducatti, you're comparing Apples and Oranges again. You get what you pay for, and I dont see a $120k price tag on a Ducatti.

Egads. What an effin ugly bike.

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/6453/mvagusta1ha1.jpg

Egads. What an effin ugly bike.

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/6453/mvagusta1ha1.jpg
where's the pocket for the organ donor card?:confused:

Buell is still around, and will be as long as they keep using modified Sportster motors.

I guess Agusta is having some financial trouble, and it being the Ferrari of sport bikes, nobody wants to see them go down. This aquisition ought to give Harley the exposure it needs in Europe, and improve the sales and service deficiencies it has now.

And before Foolie rattles on about how crappy an Agusta is when compared to a Ducatti, you're comparing Apples and Oranges again. You get what you pay for, and I dont see a $120k price tag on a Ducatti.
some ppl don't see a Covette as worth the sticker price either, but GM has never made a dime on one.

where's the pocket for the organ donor card?:confused:
Don't even go there, Bub. Don't even go there.

Don't even go there, Bub. Don't even go there.
who? me?http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o245/mikezila_bucket/angel.gif

who? me?http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o245/mikezila_bucket/angel.gif

Yes Y O U ! ! !

:) you know you're my favorite gutter skank :flowers:

And mine too:bike:

Golly! You guys are the best. :)

The best what, I don't know exactly, but definitely the bestest!!

:bighug: <<< For Mikey

:bighug: <<< For Ride

Golly! You guys are the best. :)

The best what, I don't know exactly, but definitely the bestest!!

:bighug: <<< For Mikey

:bighug: <<< For Ride
Awwwwwww, gosh:hug:
Is your Ironhead runnin now?
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/kk6pg/PICT1241b.jpg

Nice bike....

Awwwwwww, gosh:hug:
Is your Ironhead runnin now?
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/kk6pg/PICT1241b.jpg

Unfortunately it isn't but I'm hoping to get it back in a week or so. Had the alternator cleaned up (was gunked up with grit and dirt) and now have to get another regulator (fried the old one) and wait for my mechanic to get going on it.

It should be running by 2010. :(

Nice bike....
Thank you.
Any time you want to go for a ride, let me know

Thank you.
Any time you want to go for a ride, let me know

I IS READY ! ! !

their stock { HOG } trade symbol formerly { HD } but not their
Bikes.I'm very displeased with their stock.It's been languashing for
a couple years at the bottom end.Was hoping it would split,because
then more people might consider buying shares.Buying a Harley is
all about brand.They're Overpriced and not competitive with regards
to bang for the buck and especially Performance.
Metric Cruisers { which is what you call a Non-Sportbike } aren't
" Jap Crap ".Even most Harley types seldom use that convenient excuse.
Since many a Non-motor part IS Japaneese.
I think Harley is hurting,mainly because they've managed to meet
demand.That happened about 3 years ago.For years,throughout the
90's they had a waiting list on their new bikes,and therefore what any
Harley dude knew.
Purchasing yer Harley cruiser will be a drag.Really.
Not as bad as when they { Willey G } Re-invented his line in
2000 with a slight upgrade in the motor to the TC 88 {Twin Cam}.
The knock on the old EVO 80 c.i. was it leaked,as did most Harleys.
Vibrated quite a bit also.
Harley dealers used to have poetic license to Overcharge,and did so
because pre-2000,new harleys couldn't meet demand.
It was common to pay 2-$4,ooo MORE for a New Harley,as late
as a few years ago.Harley won't take trades on anything that isn't
a relatively NEW Harley.Don't even insult the dealer with mentioning
trading in a Nice Honda,Yamaha or Suzuki.They will virtually walk away
from the customer.Don't even dare bicker,in the least about paying
sticker,because Harley Does Not Discount models.And speaking of
Models,there's one for every day of the month.
Yes,Harley's line of accessories is quite an attraction,being far
easier to have that trademaek LOGO of Harley on some piece of
Leather { Boots,Jackets,shirts,pants ... Underwear?}
Like who cares anymore.Harley is either going to have to get-WITH
the new Millenium,or face slow extinction.They've Outpriced and
bullied their way among customers to levels,never seen before
in the purchasing world.it's mindboggling for me,to still hear from
certain Harley types.They're stuck in the bigoted world of
Only Harley.The onlt true motorcycle is a Harley.
Remember Indian.Well,they made a run at it that lasted almost a
decade.Even developed a new,farmed-out engine.That brand was
Legendary.Overpriced also.Sounded and looked better than a Harley.
But it had problems,and they couldn't propoagate a dealer network.
Being a Harley dealer,used to me,bein a Prick.
Most folk,walk away thinkin ... What Gives.?
Must I take out a 2nd mortgage,and ask every relative for a small
personal loan ta boot.Well,not for Harley Boots.
Thank God,some tings are sound.
An awfully high price to pay,just to cruise yer neighborhood with that
Proud as a Pig ... Harley Look on ones face.
More like a Hog.

Egads. What an effin ugly bike.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/kk6pg/PICT1241b.jpg
THAT'S what you ride, and you contend the MV's ugly? At least the MV's employing technology that's post 1952.

THAT'S what you ride, and you contend the MV's ugly? At least the MV's employing technology that's post 1952.

MV Augusta are prime time sportbikes.But they're expensive and
very hard to find.Limited production.Some models are sold-out
prior to delievery stateside.So,few dealer network and twice
the price of an equivalent Jap sportbike which are easy as pie
to find a dealer and tweek { Power commander}.
Using the best brakes,suspension { Front forks } and lightweight
alloy frames.

Thank you.
Any time you want to go for a ride, let me know

Really. I love the sound of a Harley.

THAT'S what you ride, and you contend the MV's ugly? At least the MV's employing technology that's post 1952.

My Dearest Prae :rolleyes: , that is not my bike. I think it's Ride's ride. My bike is much cooler looking than that (Sorry ride). Mine is a 1972 custom Sportster that is raked, chopped and chromed with a custom paint job and looks like sumthin outta the Easyrider movie. :thumbs:

When I get my baby back, I'll snap a current pic of it and post it so you can apologize. :D

Ya, like that will ever happen :@@:

Thank you.
Any time you want to go for a ride, let me know


OOOPS! I thot you were talkin to me but I can see you were not. Well PISS on you! Besides, my bike is much cooler lookin than yers is. See my last post.


*runs away before getting pummeled*

OOOPS! I thot you were talkin to me but I can see you were not. Well PISS on you! Besides, my bike is much cooler lookin than yers is. See my last post.


*runs away before getting pummeled*
Scummy, like I've told you before,
You can ride with me anytime

Really. I love the sound of a Harley.
Woo Hooooooo

My Dearest Prae :rolleyes: , that is not my bike. I think it's Ride's ride. My bike is much cooler looking than that (Sorry ride). Mine is a 1972 custom Sportster that is raked, chopped and chromed with a custom paint job and looks like sumthin outta the Easyrider movie. :thumbs:

When I get my baby back, I'll snap a current pic of it and post it so you can apologize. :D

Ya, like that will ever happen :@@:
Scummy, if you can find the pic of the veggie cycle, post that.
Let him drool over your seat

Scummy, if you can find the pic of the veggie cycle, post that.
Let him drool over your seat
banana seat?:banana:

Really. I love the sound of a Harley.
This is exactly the reason I ride a Hog. You wont get that response from any other manufacturer

banana seat?:banana:
Better.
Cucumber

[QUOTE=Scumbelina][B]My Dearest Prae :rolleyes: , that is not my bike. I think it's Ride's ride. My bike is much cooler looking than that (Sorry ride). Mine is a 1972 custom Sportster that is raked, chopped and chromed with a custom paint job and looks like sumthin outta the Easyrider movie. :thumbs:


******************************************
You've Ben sayin dat for as long as you've ben,what is it
23 OR 24.? I can't remember.You used to celebrate yer 24th
every year.And every year you were just about a year away from havin
yer Baby back.I took it to meanie you were finally breakin down,willin
to try some Non-Vegan crud,like baby Back Ribs.
Maybe on yer next ... 24th eh.
I wonder if someone ties enough Helium Birthday baloons to that
Chopped & Chromed Sportster,it would float up into the strat.
Is all.

Ride, I'll post it purdy soon, assuming I get it back in the near future. Not sure how much drooling will be done, but I think it's a boss lookin ride.

Fool, I'm still 23 years old and my bike is down again but it's been running many times since I met you on Yahoo! many years ago. Again, I'm not a vegan... but... I'm still 23 years old... after all these years. :D

I mean you DO believe what people put on their profiles, yes? But this one doesn't say my fake age, I mean my age.

Since I've met Scummy in living color, I can say this:
She's the hottest 23 year old I've ever met
And I have photos of her in a wet t shirt to prove it

Since I've met Scummy in living color, I can say this:
She's the hottest 23 year old I've ever met
And I have photos of her in a wet t shirt to prove it

SHUT - UP ! ! !

:eek: :D :eek: :D :eek:

Prae apparently doesn't know shit about motorcycles. :)

Egads. What an effin ugly bike.

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/6453/mvagusta1ha1.jpg


Not only ugly,but I can only imagine that is very uncomfortable to ride.
The one I rode on last year left my ass numb.

Not only ugly,but I can only imagine that is very uncomfortable to ride.
The one I rode on last year left my ass numb.

You rode on an Agusta? You have my condolences :o

Not only ugly,but I can only imagine that is very uncomfortable to ride.
The one I rode on last year left my ass numb.
You were on a recent model MV and you live middle Illinois? Just outta curiosity, are Ducati's uncomfortable "to ride on", as well?

You rode on an Agusta? You have my condolences :o


Oops....no it wasn't one of those. Sorry,I should have been more clear.
This is what I rode on that numbed my butt.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/Michelle111276/l_a5dd6d84c0d9342943f0ae0a3103e26d.jpg


You were on a recent model MV and you live middle Illinois?

I live in Michigan,not Illinois. ;)

I live in Michigan,not Illinois. ;)
Oops. My apologies. :)

Oops....no it wasn't one of those. Sorry,I should have been more clear. ;)
A kocksucki Ninja, close enough.

If Mikey gives his approval, I'll let you take a seat on mine. Much more comfy.
You look good in black leather, dont you?

A kocksucki Ninja, close enough.

If Mikey gives his approval, I'll let you take a seat on mine. Much more comfy.
You look good in black leather, dont you?

Yeah,they aren't made for 2 hour rides.
I've been on a Harley before,it was way different and much more comfortable. My buddy Joey had one and he always took me for a ride on his Harley when it was nice.

Now that you know how it feels, are you going to convince Mikey to get one?
Dont let him use his leg as an excuse.
Tell him "Autoclutch", "Jockey Shift", and "Ultra Classic with ABS and cruise control"
Thats pretty much no hands and no feet

Probably not. I don't see me getting on another again anyways.

My dad's got a Road King... but he's selling it because he recently got in an accident and broke his shoulder. It wasn't his fault but he said he thought it was too risky to keep riding with the way that people drive!

My dad's got a Road King... but he's selling it because he recently got in an accident and broke his shoulder. It wasn't his fault but he said he thought it was too risky to keep riding with the way that people drive!

No shit. I saw a horrible accident the other day. Some dumb bitch hit a pair of bikers, threw them right into the ditch. :(
There's no way in hell Aj's getting a bike, not while we are living around here.

No shit. I saw a horrible accident the other day. Some dumb bitch hit a pair of bikers, threw them right into the ditch. :(
There's no way in hell Aj's getting a bike, not while we are living around here.


The way some drivers are is why I won't get on another bike. 2 years ago this week I lost 2 friends when someone on a cell phone lost control of his truck and took them,bikes and all,down a ravine with him.
They are nice to look at and I enjoyed riding them when I did,but I have 2 kids that need me more than I need to take a risk someone is gonna kill me on one.

You cant let a little crash get you down
I've been down before
Nothing a band-aid, vicodin, and an airlift to the emergency room wont fix.

I am planning on learning to ride this summer. I am getting my permit this Friday and then taking a class. The price of gas is too high and I don't have kids to cart around anymore. I am itching to hit the road. Not literally, of course.

You cant let a little crash get you down
I've been down before
Nothing a band-aid, vicodin, and an airlift to the emergency room wont fix.
My dad can't take Vicodin. He's in NA. And he's had 3 neck surgeries so far.... he's lucky the crash didn't do anything to his neck.

My dad can't take Vicodin. He's in NA. And he's had 3 neck surgeries so far.... he's lucky the crash didn't do anything to his neck.
Sorry to hear that DF.Tell your dad I feel his pain, and the best medicine to to get out and ride

I am planning on learning to ride this summer. I am getting my permit this Friday and then taking a class. The price of gas is too high and I don't have kids to cart around anymore. I am itching to hit the road. Not literally, of course.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but.....
It's not a matter of if you go down, it's a matter of when.
The best you can hope for is to go down easy.
Just so you know, I'm proud of you for having the initiative to take the plunge.
Ride on Mama

Thanks Ride.. I'll keep that in mind. I am a quick learner and I hope to take to it like a fish in water.

I'm pullin for ya L2S
Take it slow and easy, and you'll be alright
And listen to everything the instructors say in the MSF or Riders Edge course.
After you go through the course, let me know and I'll help you practice what you've learned, and teach you how to do wheelies and stoppies