The new bikes that "everyone wants" now has tech that not everyone can work on. I've been riding Harleys for 20 years and I wouldn't buy a brand new one. Some of us still want a simple machine. Some of us don't care about the displacement wars, a bunch of car-like bells and whistles, or bragging rights. Some of us just want to ride. As far as apparel goes. I stopped buying Harley-Davidson shirts because I'm not as proud of what Harley-Davidson has become.
Now there's a take that I have not considered, thank you for bringing your experience and knowledge. Your comments brings a different perspective to the conversation.
@@jamessouthworth1699 I have a video coming out this week from the Freemansburg Hill Climb and Bike Show in Freemnasburg PA, I saw and videoed the most amazing Road King I have ever seen. If you get a chance, check it out, has the most amazing paint job and won in the bike show.
You are spot on! I'm waiting to purchase a new Road Glide till next year. I've been to 3 dealerships looking at the 2024's, and they wanted $2050, $2700, and $3000 above MSRP....not including the $350 to turn on the nav. They called it freight, prep, dealer fees, etc. I can wait and get one next year...probably for 1 or 2k below MSRP. And, that year will shake out some more new model problems. Great observations Sir!!
I'll say this, ain't no way I'm paying $30k for something that depreciates in value That's a lot of coin. So I go used. There's tons of neat new bikes that someone else has taken the hit on. $30k I can help the kids out a bit or invest it. HD is now a RUB company and good luck to those who can afford it. Financing it means even more $$$ burnt. Just my view.
Your view seems to be as good as anyone elses when it comes to this topic. The financing isn't too bad if you buy a 2023 right now, I think I saw 3.99% being advertised by Harley but the 2024's are going to be no less than 7% at least that's what I hear.........NO THANK YOU.
What price drop? FLHX's here in Michigan are 28K+, As of Aug 5th. 24... Then add tax, freight, prep, doc, plates your now well over 30K!!. Not in this world or economy!..
Motorcycles are a luxury item for most. People don't have the money for these expensive bikes. I ride my bike as a daily driver. The car and motorcycle industry is in a bad way. Harley merchandise? Same deal. Four more years of this economy will be the end for many. Including Harley
I agree with most of what you have said, except I do not believe Harley is going anywhere. An American company with 121 year history will survive one way or the other. I remember when Chevy and Ford were in trouble and the United States Government bailed them out, so I dont think they are in jeopardy. But I do think that change is coming to the top of Harley Davidson and Im predicting change will happen before October.
The entry level Harley is a used Harley….well according to Jochen. They still believe everyone has $800 a month for 96 months to spend on a bike. So, yes it’s economics. The diehard’s will keep riding what they got and the new buyers will go elsewhere.
It is The DEI Woke factor For Me Giving Money to Drag Queen Story Time makes Me sick .The prices were out of control and Harley Lied because they are now sending The Pan AM and Sporsters To be made in ThiLang ? Go Woke Go Broke .