Why is Harley riding on a decline?
#701
02-22-2018 | 02:43 PM
#702
02-22-2018 | 02:50 PM
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 81
Likes: 22
From: Orange, CA
#703
02-22-2018 | 02:52 PM
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,251
Likes: 1,784
From: PA
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#704
02-22-2018 | 03:34 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,867
Likes: 674
From: Illinois
Well, being as tho I am a member of all the demographics that the HD culture despises (milllenials and non whites), i'll give my opinion (which is probably more accurate):
1. The dealership experience has turned into a KKK style rally. If you aint a white male in a lifted pickup or on an HD, you're ignored or treated shitty (dont ask how i know).
2. Salesmen are not very friendly OR inviting if you're not part of culture mentioned above. And dont dare ask them to compare the HD to a competitor. You'll get ran out the building as if you insulted their mom.
3. The cost of entry. Why would I spend close to $25k on a bike that i STILL have to drop another $5k on? I mean damn, for $25k, can i at least get some speakers I can hear above 50 mph? Also, ever seen what you can get for $25k at the Indian or Victory dealer? I believe a $25k victory is the equivalent of a $40k HD (or damn close). What about that new slingshot? WAY better and cooler than and HD will EVER be.
4. Parts - even die hard HD owners complain about the prices. Enough said.
5. The bikes - they suck. plain and simple. They were probably cool for the generation in the 70s and 80s that had to project that sort of fake tough guy persona, but nowadays, they just flat out suck. I mean c'mon HD, how is it that your "upgraded" bike is basically a copy of your competitors?
6. The culture - did I mention the culture? The image? Nobody wants to be seen as or associated with middle aged trump supporting white men nowadays. That just aint cool. Unfortunately, HD has catered to this demographic to the point of no return. HD is screwed. Might as well sell out to the chinese or to polaris or something.
1. The dealership experience has turned into a KKK style rally. If you aint a white male in a lifted pickup or on an HD, you're ignored or treated shitty (dont ask how i know).
2. Salesmen are not very friendly OR inviting if you're not part of culture mentioned above. And dont dare ask them to compare the HD to a competitor. You'll get ran out the building as if you insulted their mom.
3. The cost of entry. Why would I spend close to $25k on a bike that i STILL have to drop another $5k on? I mean damn, for $25k, can i at least get some speakers I can hear above 50 mph? Also, ever seen what you can get for $25k at the Indian or Victory dealer? I believe a $25k victory is the equivalent of a $40k HD (or damn close). What about that new slingshot? WAY better and cooler than and HD will EVER be.
4. Parts - even die hard HD owners complain about the prices. Enough said.
5. The bikes - they suck. plain and simple. They were probably cool for the generation in the 70s and 80s that had to project that sort of fake tough guy persona, but nowadays, they just flat out suck. I mean c'mon HD, how is it that your "upgraded" bike is basically a copy of your competitors?
6. The culture - did I mention the culture? The image? Nobody wants to be seen as or associated with middle aged trump supporting white men nowadays. That just aint cool. Unfortunately, HD has catered to this demographic to the point of no return. HD is screwed. Might as well sell out to the chinese or to polaris or something.
1. Harley dealers are independently owned and operated. The dealership experience varies by location. If you don’t like one, find another.
2. Salesmen come in different varieties. Some are simply order takers with no interpersonal skills. Others offer a consultative approach. Also, a salesman’s job is to sell Harleys, not understand competing brands. If you want to compare an HD to another marque, do your own analysis.
3. Harleys are expensive. If you don’t like the prices, buy used or shop another brand. And good luck finding a Victory. They went out of business in January 2017. Whether or not a Slingshot is ‘cooler than an HD’ is a subjective call. In my opinion, the Slingshot is more comparable to a cage than a motorcycle.
4. If you want to complain about parts pricing, buy a BMW. You ain’t seen nothing!!
5. If HD’s “suck”, I suggest you buy a Honda or Yamaha. They offer a few HD clones, complete with plastic chrome, fake cooling fins and low resale value.
6. In the 30+ years I’ve owned HD’s, I have never associated “culture” with ownership. In my view, motorcycles and lifestyle are mutually exclusive.
Harleys are fine motorcycles. The ownership experience is more enjoyable if you separate the motorcycle from jaded b beliefs and perceptions.
Good luck.
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#705
02-22-2018 | 03:35 PM
But hey, what do I know. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'm late for the weekly klan meeting/bike night at the Harley dealer...
Last edited by DynaKid94; 02-22-2018 at 03:36 PM.
#706
02-22-2018 | 03:36 PM
lookie here then:
mean-*** fat bob with super swing arm
mean-*** fat bob with super swing arm
Last edited by cvaria; 02-22-2018 at 03:42 PM.
#707
02-22-2018 | 03:38 PM
lookie here then:
mean-*** fat bob with super swing am
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfefx_fH...espeedmerchant
mean-*** fat bob with super swing am
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfefx_fH...espeedmerchant
#708
02-22-2018 | 07:08 PM
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 349
Likes: 58
From: Bedford, Nova Scotia
I'm black and I used to sell Harleys. Here’s my take on your comments.
1. Harley dealers are independently owned and operated. The dealership experience varies by location. If you don’t like one, find another.
2. Salesmen come in different varieties. Some are simply order takers with no interpersonal skills. Others offer a consultative approach. Also, a salesman’s job is to sell Harleys, not understand competing brands. If you want to compare an HD to another marque, do your own analysis.
3. Harleys are expensive. If you don’t like the prices, buy used or shop another brand. And good luck finding a Victory. They went out of business in January 2017. Whether or not a Slingshot is ‘cooler than an HD’ is a subjective call. In my opinion, the Slingshot is more comparable to a cage than a motorcycle.
4. If you want to complain about parts pricing, buy a BMW. You ain’t seen nothing!!
5. If HD’s “suck”, I suggest you buy a Honda or Yamaha. They offer a few HD clones, complete with plastic chrome, fake cooling fins and low resale value.
6. In the 30+ years I’ve owned HD’s, I have never associated “culture” with ownership. In my view, motorcycles and lifestyle are mutually exclusive.
Harleys are fine motorcycles. The ownership experience is more enjoyable if you separate the motorcycle from jaded b beliefs and perceptions.
Good luck.
1. Harley dealers are independently owned and operated. The dealership experience varies by location. If you don’t like one, find another.
2. Salesmen come in different varieties. Some are simply order takers with no interpersonal skills. Others offer a consultative approach. Also, a salesman’s job is to sell Harleys, not understand competing brands. If you want to compare an HD to another marque, do your own analysis.
3. Harleys are expensive. If you don’t like the prices, buy used or shop another brand. And good luck finding a Victory. They went out of business in January 2017. Whether or not a Slingshot is ‘cooler than an HD’ is a subjective call. In my opinion, the Slingshot is more comparable to a cage than a motorcycle.
4. If you want to complain about parts pricing, buy a BMW. You ain’t seen nothing!!
5. If HD’s “suck”, I suggest you buy a Honda or Yamaha. They offer a few HD clones, complete with plastic chrome, fake cooling fins and low resale value.
6. In the 30+ years I’ve owned HD’s, I have never associated “culture” with ownership. In my view, motorcycles and lifestyle are mutually exclusive.
Harleys are fine motorcycles. The ownership experience is more enjoyable if you separate the motorcycle from jaded b beliefs and perceptions.
Good luck.
#709
02-22-2018 | 07:27 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 171
Likes: 25
From: Central Florida
The 4 times I’ve bought Harley’s I’ve ridden in on BMW or Ducati, dressed in nice business casual, looking like anything but a stereotypical Harley rider. 4 different dealers in 4 different states. Treated with respect and with knowledegeable help and the salesman made a commission each time.
I’ve sold bmw cars a couple of times between gigs. 100% commission. I treated everyone well. My advice? Walk away from a salesman who is a dick and find one who wants to make a good living, selling.
I’ve sold bmw cars a couple of times between gigs. 100% commission. I treated everyone well. My advice? Walk away from a salesman who is a dick and find one who wants to make a good living, selling.
#710
02-22-2018 | 09:58 PM
Not one who frequents the dealership, but I guess I need to check in and do some research. Pretty sure I've never seen any white robes there, and I'm wouldn't know how to identify a Klansman, Black Panther, or any other extremist if not in full dress. Yea, I've seen the pirates, Hog members, and rubs, but they're harmless.
Pretty sure any of the salesmen would treat anyone well to get a sale. I know a few happen to be non-white, so I haven't seen that issue either.
Pretty much if your money is GREEN, your Credit card hasn't expired, and your credit is good they're all friendly, that will never mean they are your friend.
Seriously a decline won't hurt my feelings.
Pretty sure any of the salesmen would treat anyone well to get a sale. I know a few happen to be non-white, so I haven't seen that issue either.
Pretty much if your money is GREEN, your Credit card hasn't expired, and your credit is good they're all friendly, that will never mean they are your friend.
Seriously a decline won't hurt my feelings.