Harley probably knows marketing better than most of you here. Got some family members in the Harley business, and purchased my last scooter from a Harley employee in the "brand protection" business.

 

Personally I think it's difficult for Harley to come out with "new" models. Every time they come up with something different, many people jump on them and say it's not a Harley. The V-rod is still controversial, when the rocker came out many people hated it even though it reflected the custom scene at the time. I think right now the economy is keeping them from coming out with a brand new bike. They seem to be focusing on paint, finishes and parts right from the catalog.

 

How about the new Deluxe with a Springer front end and seat? ....that would be very cool.

Nobody will ever like everything HD comes out with. Buy the base bike you want and keep it that way, or dive into the endless world of aftermarket parts.

 

I subscribe to the idea of buying a base model and then making it my own. A few aftermarket parts here and there, a few simple engine/exhaust mods and I'm good to go. Keeps my total cost down so I can afford to buy another one.

 

That was called a Heritage Springer, or Springer Classic.

They need to put a springer model back in the line-up. I say they drop the Blackline, and replace it with a re-incarnated Bad Boy. Something like a Night Train with a springer front.

 

That'd be cool!

 

Interesting takes. Good stuff.

Now....if we were allowed to order up our own options just like the cages, would there be a need to dress up the softail with different part combos and giving it a name? Ie...bars, fenders, lights, etc. Something like they do for the sporty. Let the customers be their own designers.

I know it's about rolling out the batches for HD, but it would be cool to see how folks piece their bikes together.

Food for thought.