CB is now option only?
#31
08-31-2016, 01:58 PM
I've been on several of the National HOG Touring rallies in recent years. On those rallies, the MoCo chases their executives out to ride with the unwashed. (Their customers). These guys all spend time in the hotel bars at each overnight stop and are quite accessible to talk to.
I've spent time with guys from their Parts & Accessories group, and learned there is generally a lot of give and take between the Parts & Accessories and their Motorcycle product managers. As an example, when the Rushmores were introduced with Daymaker headlights, the bike product managers wanted the Daymakers to enhance the value of their bikes, but the P&A guys fought against it, because it took away from dealer post delivery Parts & Accessories sales. In this case the bike's won.
While there are groups that heavily use the CB's, I would've bet that it was probably a third of the owner's of bikes that had a CB regularly used it. But the number HD reported from their market research was that 98% did not regularly use it. With numbers like that, it's no wonder the bike guys wanted to get rid of the CB to hold their cost down, while the P&A guys were happy to sell CB's as an after-sale option.
I've spent time with guys from their Parts & Accessories group, and learned there is generally a lot of give and take between the Parts & Accessories and their Motorcycle product managers. As an example, when the Rushmores were introduced with Daymaker headlights, the bike product managers wanted the Daymakers to enhance the value of their bikes, but the P&A guys fought against it, because it took away from dealer post delivery Parts & Accessories sales. In this case the bike's won.
While there are groups that heavily use the CB's, I would've bet that it was probably a third of the owner's of bikes that had a CB regularly used it. But the number HD reported from their market research was that 98% did not regularly use it. With numbers like that, it's no wonder the bike guys wanted to get rid of the CB to hold their cost down, while the P&A guys were happy to sell CB's as an after-sale option.
With this said, the CB should be standard on a Limited due to the high cost of a install, especially with the boom box. I had no idea so many use the CB. Then again, have not been involved much with HOG.
#32
08-31-2016, 02:04 PM
You guys make me feel guilty. From my first new Ultra, a 91 to my current, 14. I have never used the CB or the intercom. Last thing I want my wife doing is chatting as I ride, lol. When I have been surveyed I responded as such.
With this said, the CB should be standard on a Limited due to the high cost of a install, especially with the boom box. I had no idea so many use the CB. Then again, have not been involved much with HOG.
With this said, the CB should be standard on a Limited due to the high cost of a install, especially with the boom box. I had no idea so many use the CB. Then again, have not been involved much with HOG.
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Casper (08-31-2016)
#33
08-31-2016, 02:40 PM
#34
08-31-2016, 02:42 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
I've been on several of the National HOG Touring rallies in recent years. On those rallies, the MoCo chases their executives out to ride with the unwashed. (Their customers). These guys all spend time in the hotel bars at each overnight stop and are quite accessible to talk to.
I've spent time with guys from their Parts & Accessories group, and learned there is generally a lot of give and take between the Parts & Accessories and their Motorcycle product managers. As an example, when the Rushmores were introduced with Daymaker headlights, the bike product managers wanted the Daymakers to enhance the value of their bikes, but the P&A guys fought against it, because it took away from dealer post delivery Parts & Accessories sales. In this case the bike's won.
While there are groups that heavily use the CB's, I would've bet that it was probably a third of the owner's of bikes that had a CB regularly used it. But the number HD reported from their market research was that 98% did not regularly use it. With numbers like that, it's no wonder the bike guys wanted to get rid of the CB to hold their cost down, while the P&A guys were happy to sell CB's as an after-sale option.
I've spent time with guys from their Parts & Accessories group, and learned there is generally a lot of give and take between the Parts & Accessories and their Motorcycle product managers. As an example, when the Rushmores were introduced with Daymaker headlights, the bike product managers wanted the Daymakers to enhance the value of their bikes, but the P&A guys fought against it, because it took away from dealer post delivery Parts & Accessories sales. In this case the bike's won.
While there are groups that heavily use the CB's, I would've bet that it was probably a third of the owner's of bikes that had a CB regularly used it. But the number HD reported from their market research was that 98% did not regularly use it. With numbers like that, it's no wonder the bike guys wanted to get rid of the CB to hold their cost down, while the P&A guys were happy to sell CB's as an after-sale option.
All I'm saying is be careful on surveys and answering questions, think about how your answer would effect all riders, not just yourself.
#35
08-31-2016, 07:17 PM
Road Captain
Right I should answer a survey with your answers.. GMAFB!! The girls have been whining about the position of the push to talk switch for over a year. Talking of suing them because they had to take their hand off the throttle to access the switch and have a crash and all this crap. If I was HD I would've done the same thing, problem solved. Just like there are aftermarket GPS solutions for motorcycles there are also aftermarket CD solutions for motorcycles. Reach in your moth filled wallet and pay up. Rant over!!!
#37
08-31-2016, 07:46 PM
But - the bike still increased $600. My guess - those who count the beans wanted a higher MSRP, but marketing a new engine & some new suspension bits at $1200 over the 2016 price - from $26,399 to $27,599 - was identified as a no-no & it was the CB that was sacrificed to keep the MSRP below $27k.
#38
09-01-2016, 07:05 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Right I should answer a survey with your answers.. GMAFB!! The girls have been whining about the position of the push to talk switch for over a year. Talking of suing them because they had to take their hand off the throttle to access the switch and have a crash and all this crap. If I was HD I would've done the same thing, problem solved. Just like there are aftermarket GPS solutions for motorcycles there are also aftermarket CD solutions for motorcycles. Reach in your moth filled wallet and pay up. Rant over!!!
GMAFB!
#40
01-02-2017, 08:24 PM
