+++1 Agree with your comment 100%....these are motorcycles, not an iPod, iPhone, iPad or other electronic gadget that change every 6 months

 

Personally, I would rather see what is called "continuous improvement" in the existing designs rather than changing something just for the sake of change.

ABS on more bikes, CAN on more bikes, elimination of some relays and fuses on some bikes...all these seem like good things to me.

 

Have to agree with most of the responses so far. I just dont know what some people were expecting for something "new". I mean, like its a motorcycle, not a iPad or iPhone for crying out loud. I for one did not like the crazy weird colors from previous model years and find what is offered this year to be adequate (except maybe for that orange on orange). The Tourers get the 103 which was no surprise but also getting the oil cooler was a nice perk. For those complaining about a lack of "engineering progress" take a look at the CAN system that has been deployed. That IS some new engineering (if you can understand what it does) and greatly reduces some potential failure points in the electrical system (how many of you have chased gremlins in a vehicle electrical system?). Not sure about that new Dyna FL "tourer", I will have to see it up close. I think the MoCo keeps an eye on what its customers are doing to their bikes after the sale and is doing a good job of incorporating what they see be done in owner customization (ie sound systems in the hard bags, etc.). These are subtle changes in the direction that potential buyers of new bikes are wanting. My biggest concern is the pricing on these bikes. All the tourers are bumping the $20K ceiling and will easily be over that when actually sold and out the dealership door. I recognize that costs for just about everything are increasing but come on, $20 thousand dollars for a motorcycle??? $34 thousand dollars for a CVO StreetGlide??? Oh the insanity!!! If I were in the market for a new bike (which I am not, love my 2010 StreetGlide!) I find the 2012 models offer several good choices and in palatable colors. Now if I could just understand why its gonna cost me almost $700 for two new tires.

 

The 2012 line up is a reflection of how several years of our **** poor economy has impacted HD. The pool of new motorcycle buyers has shrunk so as a result they have paired back the model lines and variety (colors, etc.) of what is available. Buyers of the new bikes will pay higher prices than in past years as profit margins on each new bike are tighter with less new bike inventory available.

 

I love my motorcycles, boats, trucks, etc. The only new model year that excites me has a pair of breast. I am getting where I like them older and more worldly.

 

What exactly do you expect? Harley's "claim to fame" is retro styling. Don't expect much year to year except color and configuration changes. If you want to see big changes and new models every year, visit the Honda site.

 

You were expecting water cooled motors?

 

Each new year's crop of Harley's reminds me of something that Britain's last domestic luxury car manufacturer (Bristol) said once. It was something like: "We prefer continual and incremental improvements instead of startling the public with a new model every few years."

 

Nope, just an observation.

 

Stock is way up...$45+, sales are up dramatically over past two years. Must be doing something right.