Common Ground
A homeowner in Waukesha for 20 years, Steve is president of the Waukesha Dog Parks Organization and enjoys motorcycling, fishing and staying on top of politics.
New Harley Davidson CEO
No sooner do I point out some pay issues with Harley Davidson's CEO, he gets embarrassed over it and resigns. Power of the blog. Yeah!
No, I'm not that delusional. I do want to comment on the new CEO, Keith Wandell, who hails from Johnson Controls. You see, Johnson Controls is both a customer of mine as we are of them. They are a local company that makes furnace and boiler controls and has branched out into the automotive field and also bought a large heating and cooling manufacturer in York Pennsylvania which is coincidentally where the bulk of the Harley Davidsons are made.
I don't know Mr. Wandell, but I certainly wish him luck. I am a bit concerned for his welfare though. I understand he is not a motorcyclist but has one on order. As I really doubt that the upper management wants him to be seen on a Buell thumper, I'm sure he's probably going to be getting an Ultra Glide. The thing is though, perhaps he should be seen riding around the various rallies on a small Buell. You see, many of the casualties of motorcycling are old guys who finally have some time and money and can afford the motorcycle and all the other trappings of it. They may look the part but riding a motorcycle is a skill that take time to acquire. I've been riding since I was 12 or 13. If were to try to learn to ride at my age on my behemoth motorcycle, I'm sure I would end up in the hospital, maybe the lights would be off on the ride there.
In the back of the garage is a small but powerful 650cc Yamaha that I bought many years ago to get back into motorcycling. Even though I was pretty experienced, it was several years since I rode so I signed up for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's advanced rider's course which was held at WCTC at the time. I see they have relocated to State Fair Park in West Allis and are visible from the expressway. They have a beginner's class too. I very highly recommend these classes to anyone wanting to begin riding a motorcycle or to start again after several years hiatus.
I think Mr. Wandell will have the benefit of some personal trainers and will become a very good representative of The Motor Company out on the road and in the offices.
The next three seasons of 2009 are going to be some great riding times. Anytime the economy or politics gets me down. Screw it, I'm going riding!
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