I currently work for and rep Cleaver Brooks, Aurora, Watson McDaniels, Power Flame and many others.

My last gig of 15 years was working with Babcox Willcox, Spence, B&G, Hoffman, M&M, Sellers and others.

I know my way around plants and operations.

I bought a pair of HD boots this weekend. Had to return them today. Pretty much ended my relationship with HD.








Whoever thought that was a good idea needs there *** kicked.

 

Sad just plain sad!

 

With products like this it's no wonder the brand is in decline. Bad move, Harley.

 

As far as Harley sales declining goes, I can only give my opinion based upon what I see when I walk into the showroom. Almost none of the bikes in there have any chrome on them. If there is one thing that should by synonymous with HD it is chrome.

They have chucked the Dynas which for old timers like me at least looked something like the Shovelheads I grew up with in favor of a design that's primary reason for existing is being cheaper to manufacture.

So we have bikes that they are telling us are cheaper to make being made even cheaper by not having much chrome on them yet the price has not dropped at all.

It also seems to me that they have so many different models that it would make manufacturing costs higher. And to me most of these new models are FUGLY. I mean they look like Japanese copies of Harleys, not Harleys.

I've never been able to afford a new bike of any kind, but I have cut my finances short over the years enough to have owned three Harleys. If I had the money to buy a new one now other than the Ultra Classic there isn't much that they make now that would make me feel like "I finally got the bike I've wanted since I was a kid".

And from the standpoint of someone who has loved Harleys since he was a kid that is really sad indeed.

 

Personally, I can afford whatever I want, and write a check for it. My 2006 Harley is a Harley, and I’m keeping it. Basic technology.. I love it. You couldn’t trade me even up for a new Softail of any kind. The Breakout is so ugly, I can’t believe the designers OKed that one for production.

Also, times have changed. The motorcycle craze from 2000 to 2010 is over. OCC is bankrupt. No one cares about Jesse James, or the long list of bike builders that dominated the TV reality shows from 10 years ago.. It’s over folks, and interest is gone.

Add to the fact that HD’s business plan is totally outdated. They don’t even know who their customers are, or what they want.

 

You sir are correct.....its just us hardcore guys left. Now I think part of it depends where you live. Here in the Midwest I see Harley's everywhere I go.
So sales are down...the market is flooded.
It happens....it will rebound....always does.

 

That strikes a chord with me. I've walked into dealerships where the employees there have absolutely no people skills. I ain't exactly a socialite, so if I notice that then something is definitely wrong.

 

So part of the industry do you work in, sales or operations?


150 or more, how many horse ?

 

Maybe your dealer hasn't received its shipment yet ? Or maybe the chromed bikes were sold ?
Anyhow, from a recent visit to my local dealer, they had no less than three of these Deluxes. Plenty of chrome !

 

Retired now ,did installs and service,still play around and sell and service some.
Any HP never mattered.