Why is Harley riding on a decline?
#881
06-17-2018 | 09:17 PM
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,251
Likes: 1,784
From: PA
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#883
06-19-2018 | 07:40 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,132
Likes: 772
From: Earth
Young kids don't have 21k+ money to throw away on a pleasure toy any more than young kids buy Gold Wings. My bike isn't the fastest or lightest but it is the coolest in my eyes and well. It's not perfect by any means but it is what it is. Nobody cares when a crotch rocket goes by or a Ducati or even a Hayabusa . They all look when they hear a Harley coming for what ever reason and maybe thats why those of us that choose to ride the baddest machines on the road do so.
As for being the “baddest machines on the road,” well, I suppose that’s true if your criteria includes making 70hp, weighing 800 pounds, and generally having the performance characteristics of a farm tractor.
Personally, I like Harley’s for their cool retro vibe, sort of like a ‘57 Chevy. But that just isn’t enough to attract new riders in 2018. Going forward, Harley will either have to make some radical changes and learn to actually compete, or be content as the company slowly morphs into a niche boutique brand. And it seems the upper brass at Harley knows this. They just haven’t haven’t come up with a comprehensive roadmap for making it happen, as it’s going to require some painful changes and involve considerable effort re-branding the product. If Harley fails to evolve, the EPA will cripple the company long-term, and no one wants to see that.
Last edited by DM426; 06-19-2018 at 07:52 PM.
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psyshack (06-19-2018)
#884
06-19-2018 | 08:18 PM
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 689
Likes: 255
From: NW Indiana
#885
06-19-2018 | 10:12 PM
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 32
Likes: 6
From: Indiana
I guess you could say I'm in the younger generation of riders (age 29), I can't exactly give a good answer as to why younger generation's prefer other brands than harley, but I can give some insight on why myself and a few friends in my age group or younger have choosen Harley as our preferred ride.
1. They're simple to work on, I for one prefer the older technology, everything these days has seriously become over complicated to point of ridiculousness. I prefer a motorcycle over a car and I'm a classic car person so naturally a Harley engine appeals to me.
2. American company - I don't give a sh*t how much you swear their parts are made overseas or by Japanese companies, I have worked at several places here in the U.S. that supplied parts for harley so it still puts money in the pockets of American workers and their families.
3. They hold their value more than other brands (except indian?)
1. They're simple to work on, I for one prefer the older technology, everything these days has seriously become over complicated to point of ridiculousness. I prefer a motorcycle over a car and I'm a classic car person so naturally a Harley engine appeals to me.
2. American company - I don't give a sh*t how much you swear their parts are made overseas or by Japanese companies, I have worked at several places here in the U.S. that supplied parts for harley so it still puts money in the pockets of American workers and their families.
3. They hold their value more than other brands (except indian?)
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twoglides13 (06-19-2018)
#886
06-19-2018 | 10:22 PM
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 390
Likes: 160
From: xyzzy
I believe DM426's views of H-D are on the mark. That's the unpleasant reality of their current situation. If anyone thinks H-D's are the "baddest machines on the road" they are delusional. They are overweight, underpowered and poor handling by any objective measure. Owners talk about bringing their touring bikes "out west" and having concerns about keeping up with cars/trucks on long interstate hills. Geez, are you kidding? That's not a "bad" machine. That's an underpowered machine. But, having said (typed) that, if H-D chooses to stay the course and not seriously evolve/compete they will by default morph into, as DM426 says, a "boutique brand" that proudly waves the nostalgia banner. And that may very well be a viable market position given the fanaticism of those who support it. As they say, time will tell.
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IdahoHacker (06-22-2018)
#887
06-19-2018 | 10:49 PM
Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 515
Likes: 198
From: Oklahoma
HD doesn't have the patience to "morph" into anything. They will manufacture, market and push what actually produces revenue on the income statement.
#888
06-19-2018 | 11:56 PM
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,395
Likes: 363
From: Okmulgee
I guess you could say I'm in the younger generation of riders (age 29), I can't exactly give a good answer as to why younger generation's prefer other brands than harley, but I can give some insight on why myself and a few friends in my age group or younger have choosen Harley as our preferred ride.
1. They're simple to work on, I for one prefer the older technology, everything these days has seriously become over complicated to point of ridiculousness. I prefer a motorcycle over a car and I'm a classic car person so naturally a Harley engine appeals to me.
2. American company - I don't give a sh*t how much you swear their parts are made overseas or by Japanese companies, I have worked at several places here in the U.S. that supplied parts for harley so it still puts money in the pockets of American workers and their families.
3. They hold their value more than other brands (except indian?)
1. They're simple to work on, I for one prefer the older technology, everything these days has seriously become over complicated to point of ridiculousness. I prefer a motorcycle over a car and I'm a classic car person so naturally a Harley engine appeals to me.
2. American company - I don't give a sh*t how much you swear their parts are made overseas or by Japanese companies, I have worked at several places here in the U.S. that supplied parts for harley so it still puts money in the pockets of American workers and their families.
3. They hold their value more than other brands (except indian?)
#890
06-20-2018 | 12:39 AM
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 32
Likes: 6
From: Indiana
What parts are USA sourced now? Is it the steel? What about the Aluminum? The ECU's? It's not the wheels. They screwed the Aussie's and sent that to China? Is it the bearings? I see China and India on them. Is it the rubber in the rear swing arm mounting system? How much of the ave. Harley is North American produced now days? Skip the USA,,, just North America.
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