It all started when MOCO brought in Elton John for the 100th

 

Harley davidson thinks they can just create a whole new generation of riders . And they are with their new toy bikes for kids . But that’s going to take another 15 to 20 years . Until then the ONLY WAY to get new riders is to find the right price point for today’s bikes . And until they do that ,todays generation will just be happy buy low mileage used bikes .
And this is the problem Harley has create it for themself’s !

 

Unfortunate choice of title for this article. When I read it, my first thought was "Why? Do they crash more now?"

 

I'm 55, 3 of my 4 kids are out on their own. The 4th is still in college. I have a decent job and can afford any bike I want (within reason)

But way back when I was a High School kid working a part time job I bought my first car. It was a Chevy. There still is a Chevy truck sitting in my driveway.

Point is I was once young and poor and I'm not now, but I still have brand loyalty that was created in my younger days.

Even getting today's younger generations on used Harley's is a good thing for the long term survival of the moco. They arent playing the short game they are building a new generation of riders. That doesn't happen next quarter.

 

Don't want to throw gas on a fire, but I think brand loyalty is a thing if the past. Kids today research products before the buy and switch brands at a drop of a hat.. I have three kids, and my brother.has three. My granddaughter rode with me when she was younger.. None of them ride even though they did. No interest in motorcycles regardless of what it says on the tank at all. Generational differences, IMHO.. I hope it works out for Harley, but thinking you can manufacturer new riders, IMHO is wishful thinking..
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Murf I have to disagree with you. From the friends of my kids that are gear heads they are very brand loyal.

Now the non gear heads yeah they dont care about brand. Heck most of them can't even tell me what brand of car they are driving. Daddy bought it for them.

 

Not too sure of that, V'fish
I couldn't tell you what shoe, bag or jacket they have on, but betcha many of them can....


..L.T.A.

 

We just had our family Christmas party last night. My family is large and has always been a heavy motorcycle family, mostly Harley but a lot of other to. Been like this since the 60s. About 10 years ago I noticed a lack of interest with the under 20.kids. has been going down hill ever since.
last night was the worst, us bike guys was talking and no one under 30 had any interest in us and our bikes. I know all of them well I yeld out to the under 20s, around 6 of them and they each said they have no interest in motorcycles, I said why, you know.your dads and uncles love them. They just looked dumbfounded, one said they are to dangerous and the rest just went back to playing on their phones. I'm in Michigan so we cant ride year around but from what I'm seeing in my family is pure and simple, the young in my family just have no interest in motorcycles. On a side note, not.one of them knew what a Indian bike was, they thought I meant buying used bikes from American Indians, lol. Maybe Polaris should had stuck with the Victory name. But if they have no interest in motorcycles now maybe when they get older they might but that will take years. 20 years ago when we talked motorcycles the guys in there 40s now was loven the motorcycle talk. I hope not all family's are losing the young kids like my family. Made me feel a little sad last night. Rest of the party was great.

 

My nephews have no interest nor does their dad (my brother) so I blame my cautious IT brother. My kids are different. They range from 9-19 boys and girls and all 4 ride dirt bikes and all want a Harley like Dad. My work here is done

 

That is kind of humorous to me. I began riding when I was in high school.

A few years later, while attending college, I had a bad accident while desert racing on my Suzuki. After a few years of recovery, I entered the IT field.

Perhaps your brother is skipping to the final outcome? J/K