Man. A lot of folks really need a course or 2 in business.

Harley did not lose money.... They just didn't make as much money as they wanted to. Add to that part of that involved a one year charge. Honestly I do not think the loss of profit is what drove Harley to SAY they are going to close the KC plant. I believe they have wanted to close it for a while to shift the labor south of the boarder (keeping mexico great). KC is going to offer something to Harley to try to save that plant (tax breaks, tiff money or something). I do not know if it will work or if that will be in Harley's long term plan to decrease labor cost.

I don't think riding a Harley is on the decline. I think the whole motorcycle industry is in a decline as has been discussed on this forum. This is because (as discussed) the changing demographics. most of us HATED being inside all day. to most of us, that was punishment. This generation grew up inside on video games, smart phones, etc. I don't know if there is ever going to be an answer to this issue.

The lack of a popular show or movie about motorcycles being available. some of you may scoff or laugh at this, but seriously, look at motorcycle sales when sons of anarchy was on the tube. Near the end of that shows run, it became an hour long Harley parts and bike commercial. Now don't get me wrong, I loved the show, but think back to all the cool add on parts and bikes that were on that show in the last few seasons.

 

http://www.nasdaq.com/symbol/hog/analyst-research

 

I was at the Cleveland Ohio IX center motorcycle show last weekend. Lots of people......... over 55. Seriously I would guess 2/3rds were greyhairs, as I am also. Some young families, but not many. Many clubs of all types, appeared to be like a social run. $10 to park, $16 to get in. Last time I will go, they are pricing themselves out of the family market for a show that is much smaller then it used to be.

 

 

I don't think the young generation will understand what these bikes are all about until guys like us start dying off and they start riding our bikes they inherited.

 

Harley’s earnings before taxes was over $863,000 on $5 million in revenue in 2017. Many companies struggle to have 10% EBIT or more and Harley made a whopping 17%! Harley’s making money, but the money their making is not enough for them to be satisfied. Moving all production back to their York facility which used to produce all models will increase profits even if sales decline. Not condoning the closing of the K.C. plant, but since the dynas are gone the sportster is the only bread a butter model built there.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-rele...300589869.html

 

JC, surely you don't expect these alleged business folk to use common sense, do you?

Both businesses I've been involved with over the years have done the same things as you have mentioned here.
Reorganization and restructuring are part of the business world.

Besides, Harley is in the business to make money. Making and selling motorcycles are what accomplishes that.............

 

We're keeping our fingers crossed, we're hoping they keep the XL line alive.

 

Or they might just inherit your Harleys and trade them in for a downpayment on a Hyundai.

IT COULD HAPPEN!!!

John

GO EAGLES!!!

 

What you said there are true, but by commuting on a motorcycle, I spend 40 hours less in traffic per month. Yes, a saving of 40 hours per month. If you think about it, that's the same amount of time in a standard work week !!!