Outlaw Machine: Harley-Davidson and the Search for the American Soul

I finally found the the words I needed to tell a friend in this book - "...Like most Japanese products, Honda motorcycles offered perfect function but no passion." That clearly describes the difference between those of us on scoots and the wannabe racers on rice rockets. Brock brings his awesome powers of observation and ability to get the facts straight to this book, and leaves no doubt in any readers mind of the bad, the good and the VERY ugly in the story of an American icon - Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. If you are a true student of the marque as well as a business buff, this is a must-read on both counts.

Do you ask yourself what is the reason someone would buy a outdated technology like a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Or why on-lookers will crowd around a Harley-Davidson in a parking lot and ooohh and aaahhh the antique like chromed HOG. Most Harley riders will say, "if you have to ask, you wouldn't understand." By reading the Outlaw Machine it is possible to understand without being part of that exclusive, in the know, Harley crowd. Brock Yates starts out as if he is a Harley antagonist in favor of Japanese and German sport bikes, but you soon realize he is setting the stage for a truely hard hitting romp through the American psyche. His travels through the American and Harley history makes it very clear what it is that so many see in the Harley motorcycle and what is missing in the Japanese copies.If you sit proudly on your high tech Japanese cruiser with the feeling of superiority with your nose down to all the Harley riders, you may just change your mind once you read Outlaw Machine. You may also find yourself saving your pennies so you too can have a piece of the American iron. Mr. Yates makes no appologizes or excuses for Harley-Davidson and is brutely honest about its technology, but he does bring us closer to why it is so loved as an America tradition and points out that there is a little bit of outlaw in all of us. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the true mystery of motorcycling.

This is a thinking man's guide to Harley Davidson, but moreover a thoughtful anaysis of what primeval forces are at work in the market place and in our psyches causing us to lust after such a machine. Brock Yates addresses such questions as: Why do respectable dentists and stock brokers long to be week-end outlaws; why does riding a Harley symbolize rebellion against an over-regulatory society; and why do the clueless Japanese continue to offer high tech versions of the Harley.Personally, I never knew absolutely why I chose to ride a Harley or why I continue to cling to the nebulous Harley Davidson mystique, but after reading this book, I think I do. This book is a must read for the Harley enthusiast or even the non-enthusiast who simply wants to understand all the fuss!

In my opinion Brock Yates does one of the best jobs to date in relating the real ("non-corporate")Harley Davidson Factory story especially as it relates to the long standing conflict between the factory's desired clean cut "Harley Rider" image and the outlaw/1%er culture which has and continues to be one of the primary driving forces behind the current boom in American V-twin Motorcycles. It's well written and presents both sides in a fair and objective manner. Additionally, Yates really understands and accurately relates the underlying "In Your Face" attitude that most riders don't talk about, yet rides with them (us) every mile. This is a great book for anyone interested in the American V-twin lifestyle be they new to it or a long term patch holder. As a lifelong rider and advide collector of both biker books and movies, I classify "OUTLAW MACHINE" as a "must have" for anyone interested in the subject. It certainly contains information that was new to me. It's also especially good for newcomers in that it provides a very good overview while not becoming bogged down in the alphabet soup of model designations and biker jargon. GREAT JOB BROCK!

I've read most of Brock's books and have enjoyed them immensely. Here he takes the reader on a historical tour of a timeless marque. He does it with his usual style, good humor and enlightened cynicism. He stands not in awe of the "Milwaukee monsters", but is a chronicler who dares to point out the pluses and minuses of a machine whose very existence is a minor miracle. They aren't high tech, can't compare in quality or performance with their Japanese competitors but enjoy a cache rarely afforded a product that falls short in so many areas.But Yates finds a way to explain this phenomena. He calls a spade a spade, but in doing so penetrates the veil of intense loyalty exhibited by the Harley Davidson trifosi. I own six Harleys and love them all! This is a fun book and a great read. Yates has another winner that deserves to be in the library of any Harley lover. Clint Allen- The Allen Vintage Motorcycle Museum.