Im getting kinda old but I still like the new bikes.

Saying the MOCO screwed the pooch on this and will be hurting in 2-3 years is a little short sided. I stepped back and look at it this way:

They pretty much gave us everything we asked for - suspension, brakes, power, performance with weight reduction. What's not to like?

I think they have set themselves up to be healthier in the long run. They could have reduced cost by building lower quality bikes but I don't think they did that here...they did it by standardizing the engine across the touring and cruiser lines, they eliminated an entire line but still incorporated the most popular models of that line into the softail line. Just think of all the parts inventory they have reduced...that's a lot of savings there. The new models are also ~30 lbs lighter and my non-engineering guess is that some of that weight reduction translates into cost savings. So through smart engineering they are positioning themselves for a great future.

Look at how clean that rolling chassis looks in the video. One of the things I like about my Harley is the clean simple frame and they have kept that. Have you ever looked at a Japanese bike frame...ugh.

 

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...to-buy-11.html

Ever since the above thread/poll was started it has consistently ran with about a two thirds majority against the new bikes. I have been to my local dealer and the majority of people in there looking was bad mouthing the looks as well.

Almost everyone I know rides and less than a third of them like the new bikes.

As they say, everyone is entitled to their own opinion but not their own facts.
The fact is sales have suffered since the release of the Rushmore bikes, if it had been a big hit they wouldn't have rushed to replace them so soon.

 

I'd be very curious to see the source of your data - 66% against, huh?

The good news is, this time next year we'll get to see if those predictions are accurate or not.

No, it's still bitching and moaning. The difference is the older HD crowd is aging out; the younger HD crowd is starting to make enough expendable income to contemplate buying a Harley.

That's the problem - everyone thinks their opinion is the "right" opinion these days.

Um... "swingarm design"? All Harley's have a "swingarm design" these days...

I hope to have a rigid shovel in my garage in the next year or two also! HOWEVER, it will reside NEXT TO my Road Glide. Because I like riding A LOT and taking at least one road trip a year. Right now, I'm riding about 8,000 miles per year, and hoping to increase it next year. At 50, I don't want to ride that many miles on a rigid, or with a shovel. I'm thinking there's more people who agree than disagree with that.

YMMV.

Ah... so not exactly a scientific poll then... My bet is that number is different nationwide.

I will say when I showed up in the middle of a Friday last week for the first day of test rides for the 2018, the lot was full, and the lines were long. The part that really grabbed me was the parking lot... MANY Harley's in the lot, of course, but also MANY other bikes.... two crotch rockets, two sport-tourer's, several Jap cruisers, a Victory, and an Indian.

Another part that really grabbed me was - there were almost as many "younger" (<40) riders as there were "older" riders.

Now this observation isn't exactly scientific either, but... I think it represents the goal of HD designers in this new line. It will be interesting to see the sales number this time next year.

 

This is the fairy tale people have been pushing. That the 2018's are only for "younger" crowd. Obviously not as you're 61 and pulled the trigger, at full MSRP I imagine, on what happens to be one of their more "radical" (for lack of better word) designed models,....the Fat Bob.

For those looking for the more "traditional" look,...many of their models still look "traditional" to me. Sure there's been some updating,...but don't ALL auto manufacturers update their models. Cars seem to do it every 5 years. HD seems to do it every 20. So what!

 

HD can't help it that a few folks are stuck in the 70's.

 

That's some simplistic, anecdotal BS right there.

 

because the older crowd is stuck in the 1960s and are buying fewer and fewer bikes as they age out of the market. Harley has to get new customers, and tastes change over generations. Their potential new customers don't have this sick fetish for the 1950s and don't want a chromed-out throwback to the FLH.

Oh? so it sounds like you weren't going to buy a new bike any time soon anyway.

 

Harley survived the last 100+ years making the same old thing, it's what made them the icon they are now. They will never keep the snowflakes happy, they want a metric bike with Harley badges.

Don't flatter yourself. The old folks(most) have money or resources to buy bikes if they want them. I have several bikes and paid cash for all of them. Harley is betting their future on a generation that has to dig through couch cushions to find change to tip the pizza guy.

I'm very happy with my carb and kick starter, and I can actually operate them both. If it weren't for electric start much of the newer generation would have to drive momma's mini van to Applebee's bike night.

 

You think I cannot "afford it?" You don't know me. And that picture of the old man that's me a year or two ago and I'm 72. I've held up pretty well I think.

I can see the problem here. About 80 percent of the posters here these days are like the guys I see riding through my Norcal beach town. New bikes, Chinese leathers, creature comforts and a fat wife on the back to match their own bellies.

I got my first scoot when I was 14, my first V-twin when I was 17 -- a '48 Chief -- and my first Harley when I was 22 -- a *****-to-the-wall XLCH. A few of us were bikers before most of you were born. Not club members, just scooter trash. I do my own service, like a fast Harley, hence the Dynas after my disastrous purchase of a lard-*** Streetglide.

I like the Harleys of my youth and I guess my kind are dying out. But to date, my kind have always been around, sort of like left-handed folks. We are as minority among the bike world and that is most definitely the way I like it.

I don't think watering down that experience is the way to go. Harleys always sold to a blue-collar rougher crowd than Honda so we'll see if making a Honda with a Harley badge will sell long term.

Have a great day...

 

Its about time Harley moves on from traditional customer base. They have to compete with other brands in terms of style, efficiency, and performance. Cult buyers are getting old and dying, and they are not making them anymore!
2018 models are step in right direction. Price reduction will eventually happen as shareholders expect Harley to report sales increase every quarter.