Mister Jalopy vs. the Real World
Today’s New York Times editorial page contains an interesting piece on the resurgence of the Maker Movement. As the column notes
An example of a company that has it partly right is Scion, the brand of toaster-shaped cars that many young people use as a canvas for self-expression. Basic models can be customized in hundreds of ways, from artful to goofy. It’s an example of end-user engagement that Scion celebrates and profits from.
Obviously this is a game that Harley-Davidson has had down for quite some time. Undoubtedly many Harley owners find great appeal in the ability to customize their bikes to a greater or lesser extent.
But I see a troubling trend mixed up in all the customizing goodness. And a lot of it comes down to another fact identified in the NY Times article:
our machines are coddling us into idiocy
Back in the day when Harleys were bought by machinists and welders, one could count on a reasonable amount of mechanical aptitude among the people that bought them. Now they are the favored ride of accountants and orthodontists – I’m not too sure. What is even more frightening is that many of these people seem to believe that they somehow know more about their bikes than the professionals who designed, built, and service them. I could literally write a book filled with anecdotes about the mechanical harm done to Harley-Davidson bikes by owners trying to fix or “improve” them without the necessary mechanical skills or knowledge.
The cult of the amateur is all very well, but it requires a certain measure of Yankee ingenuity and know-how. Without it, the result is disaster.
