harley davidsons aging biker problem
#1
09-19-2010, 08:16 PM
harley davidsons aging biker problem
another ridiculous artcile full of overreaction and hyperbole hating on HD:
http://money.cnn.com/2010/09/17/auto...dex.htm?hpt=C2
"Harley's core customer is a middle-aged white American male, a group that will contract in the coming decade. As one blogger wrote, "The 60-70-year old riders have trouble lifting a leg over the seat because of arthritis. And finger joints hurt with the cold air and engine vibration." Women represent just 11% of Harley buyers, and penetration in the African-American and Hispanic markets is similarly limited."
let's analyze this bit of nonsense... most HD riders i see are well under 70 and certainly aren't arthritic. women probably make up LESS than 11% of total riders, and last i checked complete utter domination of the white, middle aged bracket is a pretty sizeable market to command.
i think kawasaki would trade their 18 year old sport bike rider market for HD's 70% of the cruiser share...
http://money.cnn.com/2010/09/17/auto...dex.htm?hpt=C2
"Harley's core customer is a middle-aged white American male, a group that will contract in the coming decade. As one blogger wrote, "The 60-70-year old riders have trouble lifting a leg over the seat because of arthritis. And finger joints hurt with the cold air and engine vibration." Women represent just 11% of Harley buyers, and penetration in the African-American and Hispanic markets is similarly limited."
let's analyze this bit of nonsense... most HD riders i see are well under 70 and certainly aren't arthritic. women probably make up LESS than 11% of total riders, and last i checked complete utter domination of the white, middle aged bracket is a pretty sizeable market to command.
i think kawasaki would trade their 18 year old sport bike rider market for HD's 70% of the cruiser share...
#2
09-19-2010, 09:46 PM
"Utopian Overlord"
let's analyze this bit of nonsense... most HD riders i see are well under 70 and certainly aren't arthritic. women probably make up LESS than 11% of total riders, and last i checked complete utter domination of the white, middle aged bracket is a pretty sizeable market to command.
Arthritic - check!
Hip replacement - check!
Patented saddle-up procedure - check!
Women make up less than 11% - check!
Utterly dominated by women - check!
Change oil in wife's sporty ("Da Broom") for free - check!
Teenager on crotch bomb pulling wheelies in the road to impress his girlfriend - check!
Teenager on crotch RPG coasts to a stop to fix clutch lever that fell off while pulling wheelies in the road to impress his girlfriend - check!
Teenager with crotch rock examines my Heritage and sniffs "Whad'ya buy a HARLEY for? Huh?" - check!
Teenager with crotch skate goes back to his broken bike after I tell him that I had wanted a Harley all my life, and now I was finally financially able to buy one for cash - check!
Teenager fixes crotch whistle and recommences his paused wheelie activity while his girlfriend sidles up to me and tells me how much she likes my bike - check!
Miz Roo shows up suddenly - check!
#3
09-19-2010, 10:04 PM
I waited 10 years to buy my bike.....saving and puting alittle away....I must admit that when I look at the price tag I almost have to slap my self cause 18k for a bike is alot, and for alot of people hard to justify.....but then again you're money doesn't do u any good when you're dead....and the smile on my face when cruzing is priceless...so f%$# it drive fast and take chances....
#7
09-19-2010, 10:15 PM
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#8
09-19-2010, 10:18 PM
5th Gear
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Had to wait a while to get my first H-D too. Had to recover from Ex-wife #1 AND #2, child support and all that other stuff. Then Wife #3 wanted a scooter too, so finally this year we were able to afford to purchase a Heritage for her and an Ultra Classic for me, both our dream bikes! Been on rice burners for years but was finally able to make the switch, and now we're never going back!
Both under 70
Neither arthritic
Have a kid on a crotch rocket think my 20 year old daughter on the back of my scoot was my better half? That was priceless. When I told him it was my daughter, he replied, "You never know, you do have a Harley!"
Both under 70
Neither arthritic
Have a kid on a crotch rocket think my 20 year old daughter on the back of my scoot was my better half? That was priceless. When I told him it was my daughter, he replied, "You never know, you do have a Harley!"
#9
09-19-2010, 10:19 PM
First Harley at 50...
It's been two weeks, and I already know I will need a bigger bike. Road King, I think. Yah. Road King with the largest possible motor, and some performance stuff, and some skulls and other death chit to make it look purty. I'd say the HD cohort will stay steady. I see more of them on the road than ever before. I don't see the outlaws any more, just doctors, accountants, and insurance actuaries dressed up as outlaws...... 
#10
09-19-2010, 10:29 PM
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im with toastman... but let them know there are a few of us youngsters out here