I've owned 5 Harleys over the past 30 years. Stopped going to the dealers after they refused to work on the older bikes I have because they're "too old"! Mind you, I bought the bikes from them. Sad. Never again, though. I can assure you that!
I went in to the local Harley Dealer and asked for a set of head gaskets for a flat head 45. The service manager says to me, "we can order parts for any brand motorcycle" I said, it's a Harley, "Oh, lets go look" so he holds up head gaskets while looking at me for answers, no that's a pan, no that's a shovel, no that's an evo, I'm out of here, thanks.
Harley has been sticking it to their base for much longer than 30 years. I remember the threats of lawsuits against shade tree mechanics that kept their bikes running. I also remember the lottery where you had to buy a ticket(non refundable) to get chance to buy a new Harley. Do what we did in the Keys hit them where they are making their money, t shirts. Stop buying HD t shirts.
I happily owned an 2000 FXST for 22 years. The FIRST time that I needed a problem serviced by a dealer, in 2021, I was told by the most reputable Dealer in this area, and I quote, "Sorry we don't work on any bike older than 2006. I bought a Kawasaki Vaquero and never looked back. 8600 miles later and I made the correct choice.
I am 66 years old I Purchased my first Harley 1981. It was a rolling basket case, but I was able to bring it back to life. It was Totaled in 1985. I had a decent job and made good money, but with a family there is just no way I could justify the kind of money they wanted for a new Harley here in Michigan. I ride and maintain late 90s vintage Harleys.
I’ve been riding Harleys for 51 years. I just traded in my 2012 ultra classic because of corporations force-feeding us vegetable soup,(LBGTQ) I can’t believe Harley did this to its customers! corporations would love to have the loyalty Harley-Davidson has with its customers! I left the dealership with a brand new Indian elite motorcycle, I never thought in 1 million years I would ever ride anything else other than a Harley. When are these corporations going to realize you go woke you go broke. thanks for putting this video up. I really enjoyed it.
Back in 77 when I returned from the "Rosies" last Med cruise I purchased a brand new FXE Super Glide through HD's Military sales for a grand total of $3200. Had I known about the new Low Rider it would have been one of those but I was happy with the Super Glide. I could have got a new Mustang or Camaro for that price but I wanted a Hawg. That Silver & chrome beast was my spring, summer & fall daily driver for a coast to coast grand tour of our great country for the 1st year of my honorably discharged freedom tour. The only setback that AMF produced bike had was a flat rear tire that I patched in a small town in Wisconsin... My fellow USMC riders during the last couple months of my enlistment rode Kaw 900's & Honda 750's. My roomy had a Triumph Trident with a long frontend. I could keep up with the rice burners through 2nd gear but that huge drop from 2nd to 3rd always cost me. Thing is, the Hawg always got the attention and it always got me to where we were going... These old V Twin Hawgs are definitely boomer toys, the young-un's coming of purchasing age now are more into high tech than nostalgia. Now they'll spend the $$$'s on what they want cause many are making good $$$ but keep in mind these same young-un's are being propagandized into more modern thinking where they're being told that men can have babies, can't define what a woman is and to think that socialism will benefit them... And the new HD CEO wants to partner with bud lite even after this very last marketing fiasco... I dunno what they're teaching these new exec's in MBA school but it's probably the same crew that thinks theres 100's of human sexes.... Carry On.
Still love the 70's home made cafe racers. Saw some fabulous examples, minimalist but packed out with whacking great Harley engines. Rear sets and drop bars, these bikes were pulling the ton even at standstill. I never got the easyrider Dave Mann thing when there were these beauties to salivate over.
I worked for a HD dealership for 5 years between 2002 and 2007. I was the parts to service associate but I also worked the parts counter as well from time to time. I watched as guys and gals would bring their bikes into the service dept and be quoted a repair cost of say $400 for parts and labor on said repairs. But when the customer would come to pick up the bike the bill had tripled due to the dealership owner making the service writer add unnecessary parts such as tires and brakes plus labor costs to a customers bill without ever contacting the customer. Once the customer came to pick up the bike thats when they were hit with the astronomical repair bill. If they refused to pay it the dealership held the bike until full payment was made. Strike one. We would have meetings with the sales manager stating that we as parts people weren't pushing thousands of dollars of add ons onto new bike owners which I felt was pathetic and a disservice to buyers. Most people in my neck of the woods were just happy that they could buy a new Harley much less add $5000 of crap that they didn't need to their monthly payment. Most folks just wanted a backrest for the misses or a windshield but that was never good enough to the greedy owner. Strike two. Then I was accused of doing things that never happened by a jealous parts department employee because I was chosen to replace the out going parts department manager over him. And of course they believed him without a shred of proof because he was screwing around with one of the women in the finance department. Strike three I'm out. I'd had enough so I left a job that I loved with shit wages on principle and I never stepped foot back into that dealership for many years until I learned that the parts department employee was gone and the dealership was under new management. And I have only been back twice since because the new owners aren't much better. I'm still loyal to the brand and always will be but I choose very carefully what dealerships I visit now.
I'm glad I bought my Harley in 2000. There were three HOG clubs to visit near my home and they always had rides and events going. Those were good times. My FXDWG cost $16,000 which was plenty but I have had numerous wonderful experiences with it. Trouble free for 85,000 miles. I've replaced brakes and batteries and put new spokes in both wheels after the some of the spokes seized and could no longer be adjusted. I plan to keep it till I croak.
Over the past 15 years I owned a slightly used Yamaha road star 1600 that I put over 100k, minimal maintenance (tires & battries),gave it to my son, who is customizing it, still runs great. I am currently riding a Kawasaki Vulcan with low miles. It will probably out last me. I've owned 3 Harleys in my life, starting at age 19. I am 70 now. I recently rode my son's 2017 Harley. Great bike, just way too much $ for what you get.
I went to our local dealer in Australia here a few months ago to buy an air filter. While waiting I saw a nice plain black T Shirt with a small Harley emblem over the left chest area. I thought yeah I might buy this, looked at the price and very carefully put it back on the shelf, got my air filter and never went back. $105 Aus or about $69 US. No Thanks Harley.
They are a business that exists to make a profit. The world has changed rapidly and in unforeseen ways. Regulations from the EPA and other agencies worldwide have forced changes to the bikes that many of us despise. The push to be a premium brand and the elimination of the less expensive models will clearly eliminate a group of customers, and I feel that's a bad idea, because those customers could potentially grow into the more expensive models in future years. I love the brand, but they are increasingly out of the reach of many people. And the world as a whole is in crisis, economically, and just about every other way. I wouldn't say Harley betrayed their customers, but they've made it harder for many of them.
The " change " started in the late 80's early 90's. I worked as a mechanic ( called Tech now lol.. ) in a Mom and Pop Harley Davidson dealership and noticed the change then and soon after they forced the owners to build one of those Mc Dealerships and when the economy tanked they ended up going out of business after being around since WW2 ! Very sad, great dealership that Harley killed.
Exactly....all of us who supported Harley through the tough times and AMF years got screwed by HD and their focus on glitz fancy glass dealerships rather than their core business.. I recall when guys used to buy Evo motors from HD for their own project bikes and as a result HD about doubled the price.
I too worked at a Harley-Davidson dealership. I saw first hand the animosity that existed between the dealers and the Motor Company but it was always this way. Believe me, the first place you go, when buying a bike at an HD dealer, is the Finance and Insurance office. The F&I guy will look into your wallet and see how much you are worth and how much they can gig you for. Then they hand you over to a pretty girl in Motorclothes to sell you a jacket and boots made in China. From there you will be passed to parts and service. There they will sell you the stage # kit upgrades that will provide the performance the bike should have come with but didn't. Harley-Davidson hasn't betrayed its customers as much as they are treating them like marks to be swindled. The new generation is not playing the game. By the way I worked as a mechanic back in the day and I am proud of that moniker.
I'm not sure the "brotherhood" is still there either, riding through Michigan a few years ago I came across a Harley broken down on the side of the road, I pulled over on my Honda because that's what you do when you see a rider stranded. I didn't have a torx screwdriver, as my Honda doesn't have any so I couldn't help the guy, he called someone to get trailered home. We did give them a couple bottles of water. The thing is, while I was there trying to help the couple about 10 to 15 people on Harleys road by, not one of them stopped to try and help this couple out. I felt sad for them.
Did you consider those that rode by had no idea how their machines work or anyone elses. I have a 1984 FLHS. Learned the machine inside and out. I cannot help you out on your 2 wheeled cars of today, any of the foreign machines, i simply don't know.
I rode across the Lower 48 in 2021 and in Rest Areas I have had HD riders scowl at me or turn their backs at me when I gave them a nod or verbally greeted them. And don't get me started about hem refusing to wave to anyone not riding a HD.
@@davidbell1619 That's a bunch of bullcrap!! I have stopped to see if someone in an actual car was okay and if I could be of assistance. The HD "culture" is counter to motorcycling or riding. Riding bar-to-bar to show off your patch-covered vest is not what it's all about.
I feel like Triumph is doing the same thing. Gone are the days of a $8k USD Bonnie and other entry bikes. And with their move to expensive and hyper expensive ADVs and "classics" they're pushing many of us from Tigers to T7s and Bonnies to REs.
I believe the Royal Enfield bikes are a great alternative to the Triumphs. They might be a little less glitsy and they are not quite up to Triumph's very high quality standards, but they are good motorcycles and are very affordable. I just read that H-D is going to bring some smaller bikes over here from Red China. I will NOT participate in that mess.
@jroberthadden the RE bikes are excellent quality and still retain the ability to quickly repair in the field. As to the HD bikes, there's no indication they'll bring them over, and it's doubtful they can compete with RE, Honda, and KTM in that area. But you should know the Chinese company, Qianjiang, already produces motorcycles for BMW, KTM, Honda, Yamaha, and others, along with small engines used throughout the world. Chances are you have one already.
@@jroberthadden and that ignores the fact that HD tried and failed to do their own assembly & manufacture in India, and still maintains factories in Thailand & Brazil.
I have been riding for 48 years and 37 of them were on Harley. I tried to buy o new road glide in 2021 and the sales experience with a very cocky salesmen who felt I had to no choice made me try and Indian. Yes I bought the Indian challenger. guess what? great bike and no regrets. Thank you, Harley, for treating a core customer like me like crap. You made me look around and realize I did have a choice.
Many metal parts on Indian Motorcycles (Polaris), like fasteners wheels are machined in various locations in Asia. For example, the wheelsets of an Indian Motorcycle are forged in China. All electrical wiring components are manufactured overseas. The same as with Harley Davidson and Chevy cars. Hence the claim that "all Indian Motorcycles are built in America" ~ should be: "Indian Motorcycles are assembled in America". Just like HD's. In 1998 Polaris created the line of Victory American-made cruisers, and baggers. However, Victory could not capture the legacy and emotion Harley-Davidson enjoys from its owners. They flopped and Polaris discontinued the brand in 2017, after less than 20-years production. (HD's have been in continuous production in America since 1905!) Polaris "solved" this problem by buying the Indian Motorcycle "badge" in 2011. Indian Motorcycles had ceased production in 1953! 71-years ago! Polaris motorcycles have zero relationship to the old Indians of yesteryear. Except for its rip-off cosmetics. They thought that this Indian name would better compete with Harley-Davidson on an emotional level. Is it going to be any more successful than Victory? It's only been 15-years! Let's see if they flop like their Victory's did eh!
I have been riding Harleys for 50 years, my first bike was a knucklehead had to put cardboard underneath the motor to catch the oil. The AMF years were really hard, but I refused to buy a Japanese bike. at the age of 66 I probably only have four or five years left of riding. I had a 2012 ultra classic that took me two years to build it. I traded it in two weeks ago and bought an Indian Elite, I refuse to do business with a company that goes woke. I never thought in 1 million years I would end my writing a motorcycle on a bike other than Harley. What I did isn’t going to affect their company at all, but it made me feel good about it
Harley invested so much in its image that it’s near impossible to break away from it. It was almost too successful of a marketing campaign. Now people don’t have the money to afford them anymore in the numbers they need. Being married with children I haven’t bought another bike in almost 9 years (and those were Victory’s). My kids prefer sportier and adventure looking bikes as well. Harley is a victim of their own previous success in my opinion.
Harley wanted well over 6k over msrp "take it or leave it" when I was shopping for my 1st Harley. I went across the street and bought a new 04 Victory Vegas.
I bought a Harley a few months ago. I sat down with the finance agent. He pulled out a darkened screen tablet and said to initial in 4 places. A few minutes later I asked where's the paperwork to sign? Said that I already did and printed it out from the tablet. Didn't tell me the interest rate, length of loan. I only new the monthly payment before. I've since refinanced. What an underhanded deal! I hope they fold too! Kawasaki's shift a lot smoother. I wish I'd bought one!
No matter what kind or how much they market. The customer base that they have enjoyed having is gone. The Boomers and their money. GONE. And as you said , the young riders want Sporter bikes. And bikes they can work on. They don't have the big money either. And H-D never did anything in years to prepare for this. 7:25
Been riding Kawasaki since 1978. While putting over 200k miles on these bikes, I got a lot of crap from HD riders. My big problem with the dinosaurs was their overweight, underpowered, overpriced, lack of sportiness. I like to go fast, far, and lean in the curves. I always said that someday I would be old and slowed down, where I might be content to ride a HD. At 70, I’m not there yet.
Not only are the prices ridiculously high, the dealer will try to sell you a maintenance contract that is also ridiculously high. $500 oil changes. Dealers weeks out on service dates. They completely separated from us commoners.
I went to a Harley dealership and left on a Kawasaki voyage 1700. I never looked back. The voyage had 2500 miles on it and was 1 year old, cost me 12,500. I couldn't touch a Harley bagger for less than 40,000. Good luck Harley! I wish you well but you have to be able to compete.
The small mom and pop Harley stores closing comment hits close to home. I watched our small, brick and mortar store in the working class, commercial area move to a giant glass castle(as you described) in an upper class suburb. Very sad.
For me the dealers are almost entirely responsible for Harley 's problems. A few years ago I walked into a local dealership to buy a new bike that was priced at just under 12K. By the time the paper work , add ons, and dealer fee was added the final price was over 17K. I left the dealership and haven't been inside a Harley dealership since.
I went to a Harley dealership in Slovenia last year and asked if I could test ride a Pan America. They had no test bikes and some plastic chick bored out of her mind sitting behind the front desk told me I can only ride one at a Harley meeting at the coast or at a bike meet in Austria. I don't want to go to some stinking meet to test a motorbike, that costs 20.000€!!! I want to test it at the store that sell them! So that's how they sell Harleys in Slovenia. On top I got the impression the fit and finish of the Pan America was absolute crap. With this kind of attitude, service, quality and prices, and if this is not a lone occasion, Harley can die tomorrow for all I care.
I agree, Harley needs to bypass the dealers and sell their bikes directly. The dealers are the problem. Harley can sell like crazy if they cut out the middleman...... AND YES BRING BACK THE ROAD KING STANDARD
@@joemosely5520 Except it's Harley forcing changes on its dealer network. HD is responsible for what Dealers do now. Many are not happy, and a WHOLE LOT lost their businesses with the last bunch of changes that HD pushed through. I don't like defending dealerships of any ilk, honestly, as the regulations allowing their shit are IMHO a plague, but in this particular case, it's HD forcing changes on those dealerships even if it's actively destroying their owners business.
63 year old guy here, just purchased a 2023 Kawasaki ZX-14R, couldn't be more happy with its performance and cost, gets tons of positive attention/comments everywhere I go (with the exception being HD riders).
My Kawasaki Vulcan has shaft drive, water cooling, hydraulic clutch, and a beautiful 1500 cc power plant. They also are not doing a deal with Budweiser.
I've have had 18 Harley-Davidsons, from 1925 to my current bike, a 2020 M8 Softail. The M8 Softail is head and shoulders more superior in every category than any Harley I've owned. All it lacks, for some folks, is the attachment to, "I hate change."
@@twocupstwodrams7535 your Harley is nothing but a collection of government regulations on two wheels. The Milwaukee eight motor is even less reliable motor twin cam. If you have had so many Harley-Davidson you must not have kept them for too long. I have an elevation Sportster 883 that is almost 25 years old now and has 400,000 plus miles on it. The milwaukee-eight and the twin cam as well as the revolution Max the last guy dying of a once viable American company. Pretty soon every product on their sales floor will be all made in China. Frankly you Harley Fanboys amaze me. They can come up with shit on two wheels and you will pay an extraordinary price to purchase it and then you will spend a fortune correcting all of the factory penny-pinching low quality components in critical areas. But when it's running you can make lots of noise on bike night Whoopi do.
From the UK. I've owned a sportster 48 and a Sportglide. Loved them both. Preferred the 48 due to custom factors. However I've also had a Yamaha XJR1300 and a few other Japanese bikes. In all honesty I have enjoyed them all but HD rips the piss out of its buyers. The standard kit on a Japanese bike seriously is phenomenal in comparison with HD where everything needs to be added if bought brand new. If I ever bought another it would definitely be second hand. If they don't adapt for younger riders they won't last...
There are so many Harley Davidsons on the used market, it's kind of silly to buy a new one anyways. Eventually, the one you want will be for sale, just gotta be patient and ready.
@@barryervin8536 I ride my Harley 8 to 10k a year (live in Iowa with winters or it would be a lot more). But you’re not totally wrong, there are many wannabes that just ride when it’s perfect out or only ride a few miles to the bar to show off.
Who are HD's customers? According to CNBC - "Average Harley-Davidson consumers are married men in their early 50s with a household income of $90,000 or higher, Women account for 12% of recent buyers with an average income of $120,000." Sounds like an exclusive members only club.
@@kennethschauer1801 Just bought an 84 FXR with less than 6000 miles for $1500. I'm gonna beat the shit out of it. 63 years old doing donuts and wheelies!
I know a lot of Harley guys, and that absolutely checks out for the vast, vast majority. Very few young people are particularly interested in Harley's, and most of those who are are pushed away by the insane prices. I mean, hey, you can buy a 50hp 600lb machine for twice the price of a 70hp 400lb machine. That's a damn hard sell in a world where we're struggling to buy fucking eggs.
That's a crock, you believe CNBC research 🤣 We ride a 18 year old Road King everywhere, it's been low maintence and reliable. And I could only imagine making that much..
You nailed it right on here. Yup, the regular fella could get a bike on his blue collar wages. I had a 1975 XLCH 1000cc 4 speed Sportster - was AMF years, but this bike never left me on the side of the road, I was one of the lucky ones - it liked oil though, lol. Same with the cars, Mustang & Camaros & Chargers were cheaper than the full size Galaxie 500s, Impalas, Polaras/Monacos - now you have to be a dentist or high roller to grab a Mustang, etc - as with Harleys. Me, I have enjoyed Japanese & Triumphs since - all fantastic value & reliability - you want true luxury - BMW 1250/1600, head and shoulders above HD. I like HD, but so ridiculous now & mark-up is ignorant. Royal Enfield is nailing it with the price & value for new & old riders with their new 350cc Classic/Hunter/Meteor, the 650 Interceptors & the new Super Meteor 650 is the entry bike that Harley could have & should have made. (Bought a 2022 RE350 Classic myself, great machine). Cheers & great video, hit the target dead centre.
You're spot on about Royal Enfield. I'm not crazy about the bikes but they're coming in at a decent price point for someone starting out or wrapping it up.
Agree with you re RE. Considered a 650 but was a bit small for me and wound up with an MG V7 instead. Very temted to get a 350 signals as well though, for short hops and just looking at lol. Glad you're enjoying yours.
I have had them all. The most comfortable, best handling-normal riding, absolutely the best sounding best feeling was the pre fuel injection Motto Guzzi Eldorado. You could run stock or full dress them to the hilt. Full fairings, hard bags, trunk, floor boards, leg guards. Around a 1973
@@rastus666 good one. No, BMW was a boring bike, like a Honda gold wing. Might as well take the Mercedes. The Guzzi torqued to the right when throttled and before fuel injection sounded like a small block Chevy with a 4 barrel. They had a breather box but no filter. They shook a little at idle, clunked when you shifted, just a real machine. You could ride a 850 Eldorado all day and never tire. Just an all around great machine, comfort, handling, sound and feel.
I'm in UK and a retired blue collar worker. As a 16 year old I saw Easy Rider and other biker movies that to me were the stuff of dreams. At that time I rode old BSAs, or more often pushed them! Harleys to me represented an exotic lifestyle I would never live. Fast forward to 2008 and I fulfilled my dream when I bought a Softail Custom, which I still have. Am a huge Harley fan, in fact all classic American vehicles. Been lucky enough to ride Route 66 and southwest USA. I find it really sad the way Harley-Davidson and biking in general is going now
It's sad. But i dont think it matters anymore. There is variety of brands and qualities coming from different corners of the world that are ready to take Harley's place. Honestly? Beautiful as the Breakout may be, I am way, way more interested in the RE Super Meteor. Fully aware that we may as well be in the last decade of IC engines and all this may be for naught. Because I really cant care for electric vehicles not one bit.
Or, thousands of jobs will be lost in manufacturing and ancillary support, as ICE becomes illegal and emissions rule put and legacy vehicles. My money is on the latter. Makes no economic sense whatever, but there it is.
New ones will be built. People are finding out how impractical and unsustainable EVs really are and there will be a fight to keep ICE's despite the green new deal forcing this crap on us...
Totally agree. Who the hell wants an electric motorbike. They will just be for the about town Bimblers and it will all be over....but that's what these Globalists want. You will do as we say and keep your mouth shut.
As someone who fits your description of the "aging boomer" to a T, I agree with most of your comments. This transformation of the market for motorcycles has been gradually coming for about thirty years. This year's H-D line up was a huge disappointment. Now, that there are only bikes that either folks with deep pockets or a friendly banker can afford, many of us will continue to ride what we have. However, as my bad leg gets weaker and my arthritic hands hurt more and more, I can see that the days of riding even my old 2003 Road King are numbered. The Motor Company dropped all of the EVO XL models and discontinued the standard Road King and Low Rider, which I believe to be a huge mistake. There really is nothing in the new batch that even interests me at all. As I contemplate moving to smaller and more nimble bikes, companies like Royal Enfield and the "new" BSA are looking more and more attractive. I have owned an H-D badged motorcycle since 1983 and I will always keep my two XLs. However, since the Motor Company hierarchy really does not, and has not, cared about their older loyal base, there is no longer a good reason for me to support them. It's a sad time that we live in. Ride On. Our days are numbered.
Average car is now $47k. Our first bikes were not Harley’s. 2 grand for a Harley and 3 grand for a BMW back in the day was impossible as well. We bought cheap small Japanese bikes to get started. I made a $1 an hour pumping gas in 73. We tend to forget the wage comparison when waxing on about prices today.
@@2wheelsgene171 In 1973 I was making $2.50 an hour as a senior in high school and still living at home. Buying a $1,200 motorcycles was a lot easier and the cars and bikes did not have all of the unnecessary BS electronics on them. Now, with Bidenflation and living on a pension and fixed SS income, a 30 + thousand $$ motorcycle would not be a very smart investment. Especially since the H-D line up no longer has a bike that is a simple machine. Oh, and I do not, and will not, own a $47k car.
@jroberthadden Your rambling on tells me that you know nothing about economics, inflation, and how the past presidential administration affects future GDP, etc. Tell us more about the conspiracy theories you read off of Qanon. Lmao...
With basically the Nightster as their entry level bike, they might want to consider bringing over the India made 350cc that they were considering and flood the market with an inexpensive Harley like the Aermachi . I would buy a cheaper bike just to commute back and forth to work. Currently have a dyna and roadglide. Great video!!
I bought my wife a Honda Rebel 250cc to learn on. If she gets confident riding the rebel I would think of upgrading her to something like a 750 Shadow. Harley literally has nothing for novice, or intermediate riders. I would never recommend a sportster to a low experience rider; Sportsters are unstable and squirrely in adverse conditions. I can see that entire demographics of potential buyers are being ignored... Why can't Harley see this?
That was really where this started was when they got rid of the Italian made bikes. Yes they weren't as good of quality as the Japanese but they had a full line. I started on a Honda. I just got a new...... Honda Shadow. Why? All my Honda's have treated me well why would I change? Plus I spent half what the ugly nightster would have cost me and there isn't anything or anywhere my 750 can't ride
Point of order: AMF gets a bad rap, due to selective memory. They literally saved the company, as it was on the verge of shutting down. AMF is responsible for moving HD out of the dark ages, with the introduction of electronic ignition, standardizing electric start, and development of the EVO engine. Yes, AMF developed the EVO. Willy G got credit for putting it into production, but shoehorned it into the existing chassis, while dragging the company back to the old ways, letting things stagnate for 30 years. Innovation was thrown out, only making changes when forced to do so, by increasing regulation. He's directly responsible for the state the company is in.
20 years ago I was working in west TX and went to the oldest HD dealership in the country in Big Spring. It was tiny and had a shop and only 3 or 4 new bikes on the floor. It was so cool. It is now gone. Sad to say you are right. I have no idea what to do to keep them relevant. I still have my old 2010 sportster 1200. It is ugly and dirty but I still love it. Best bike I've ever owned. I got it used for 5k. I remember in the 80s you could get a brand new Sportster for $4,995.00 and they would give $4,995.00 trade in value the next year. I thought that was cool.
Have to agree, they have betrayed their customers. I don't buy T-shirts anymore, they got rid of the Dynas which were my favorite, and the big McHarley Stores seemed to take away from the experience of Harley. They turned into what car dealerships were. They don't give you a fair price on your trade-in, the models now are crazy expensive and they push you to buy a bunch of accessories for your bike and pretty much break you. The last one I bought was a 2014 Road King and I feel like I got raped. My first two were Dynas and I felt pretty good after buying them. Not anymore. Now I buy used, a 2003 Sporty and kept the Road King even though its not what I want. Harley has ruined the experience of what Harley was. The cost to much, the cost to much to work on. My advice, buy used, buy aftermarket parts, get a manual, and do your own work (you can find a lot of vids on You Tube).
Very well said. I can't understand why anyone would go to a dealer for basic repairs? I worked in a motorcycle dealership, 2 of them. They have punk kids in the back that are doing the repairs, who are only being paid minimum wage. There is no license required for working on a motorcycle, so they have an 18 year old kid in the back that is taking your bike apart. That's why there are so many stories of bikes being ruined after bringing them to a dealer for a basic repair. Motorcycle mechanics are far harder to find, because there are very few good mechanics, and even the good mechanics are not very good. You have to find a motorcycle racer who builds his own motorcycles and engines, and then ask him to specifically work on your bike, otherwise you're risking your life with some minimum wage person with no experience working on your bike,
Yes your exactly Wright they push my local Harley dealer out to they were in business since 1958 good people to deal with these bigger dealers wanted steel your used bike in trade on new one
Your crystal ball is clear AND accurate! It's to the museum for Harley and Harleys are all I have owned since my brand new 1973 Super Glide I bought (still have the original receipt) for $2695.00 out the door. Those days are gone. It REALLY makes me sad. Harley Davidson no longer cares about they riders. They only care about profits.
Well, they are in business to make money but its about time they realize they are going to put themselves out of business at the rate they are going. And losing the entry level buyer is not a plan for future success.
@@Sirdoolanit’s about 19k usd but a current street glide starts at 26k mrsp without taxes and dealer fees, it’d be well over 30k for a similar bike now so still a big difference.
Harley is one of a kind. No other brand has the mix of terrible customer service combined with sky high prices (bikes, parts, service, upgrades, financing, etc.). They feel they can abuse you and they will.
I bought 2 new Harleys to help them survive in 82 and 83. Harley needs to have an entry-level plain 900cc to 1000cc bike for under $10000.00 and it should be made in the USA. A plain air-cooled Sportster with a seat for 2, single disc brake in front and a 5-speed transmission makes sense to me for first-time Harley buyers.
And they'll get it, from Italy where they make the Evo Sportster under a new name. But it's the same bike, so all Harley aftermarket stuff will fit right on. It's the SVM customv1200 Stormbreaker.
I always liked the idea of a simple, traditional looking motorcycle that a somewhat mechanically inclined person could work on. Something like a '70's CB750. Maybe upgrade the ignition, points are a pain. Anyway, you'd think they could make something with a simple classic look and no bells / whistles for a smaller price tag.
The tooling for the cancelled XG models is paid for. There was nothing wrong with that engine! Bring the XG-750 back and put it in a strip-model like the XLX of 1983 to keep the price low. Assemble them all in America with merit-based non-union employees and you would have an affordable US entry-level machine.
While I love Harleys and everything they stood for before, I’m only considering buying a used one from another old guy who’s hanging up his helmet. My father grew up in the hay day of the British bikes and watched from the sidelines (family man) when the Japanese took over in the 70’s/80’s….I still have his last bike, a Honda CB 350 which turned out to be my first. I’m that mid 50’s post baby boomer which has everything paid for, still have a few yrs left before I retire and could buy a new Hog cash, but it’s just not worth the crazy prices. Harley nowadays seems to be digging it own hole…
I’m in the same boat… everything paid for.. I’m 63.. can buy a new Harley cash….but I’m not paying 10k over msrp so some dealership exec can take a 2 week Hawaiian vacation..
Long-time rider (41 year) who has owned a bunch of Japanese bikes, and one Buell and one BMW. At 20, Harleys were just clawing out of the AMF years (drip pans under bikes was a real thing). At 30, I could have managed a sportster, but was busy paying for a house, so nope. At 40, I could afford anything in Harley's lineup, but was busy exploring the likes of Buell and the Honda 919 (with hard bags as a fully capable touring bike) and an MZ supermotard. Harley was "stone axe" technology and "old guy" styling. At 55, I sold the inline four(s) and bought a Honda CTX700 parallel twin with factory color-matched bags (link to image). It will go highway speeds all day long, looks good, gets 70+ MPG, and the Out The Door price (new old stock) was $7,009 - literally a third of what a Harley bagger would cost (and weighs 3-400 pounds less) AND it handles well in the twisties. At 60, I'm not hanging up my gear, because I bought a smart, practical (easy to move around) bike. The mythical downside is that I don't regularly have 30-40 identically dressed "lone wolfs" around to reaffirm my "rugged individuality." I also own a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 for the nostalgia feels ($7,100 OTD). www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Honda%20CTX%20700%2015%20%202.jpg
With all due respect I think you need to be an American to understand the Harley culture. My first bike was a 51 panhead and while I have owned a few Jap bikes I have always had at least one Harley in my garage. There is nothing on the planet that looks, rides or sounds like a Harley. True, the MoCo has always made crap which is what all true Bikers riding Harleys know how to fix them or have a very good mechanic. My beef is with the MoCo that knows less about their own customers than you do. These new McDealerships are painful to even walk into. Sleaziest sales people ever. Not a real biker in the crew. It's all about finding out just how stupid the customer is and getting as much $$$ out of them as possible. Providing a premium service experience and seeking to make customers for life? Please.... MSRP plus ~ $7k in 2023? You really have to be a true imbecile to go for a scam like that.
Owned an 05 custom with a screaming eagle stage 3 kit, etc, etc. Pearl white, chrome, purty thing. Woman once commented 'that thing looks fast sitting still'. I now own a 1982 750virago. And I friggen love it. 14xxx miles, gunna put a fairing and radidio on it next.
Yep, ... This year I sell my Fatboy from 2010 which I bought in 2019 for €15.000,- !! ($16300,- USD) Yes, you read this correct. An almost 10 year old HD Fatboy cost easy $16.000 USD in my country. Than all the upgrades I did for better performance, better faring and so for. The prices for HD's go through the roof in my country. And what do I get? The same old stuff in different colors? For €10.000,- I can buy a brand new Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 cruiser which I think wil crush the small cruiser market. I am going to test ride it and maybe buy two bikes for the same price. One for me and one for my wife!! 😉 Just a little edit: In The Netherlands where I live, the 2023 CVO Road Glide Limited costs ...................$78161,37 USD!! 🤑
Unfortunately dealers are becoming large groups.. one family in particular had a huge amount of dealer groups. And they are literally con artists raping people out of money. There are a few small dealers out there and I try to give them my money. Although buying a new Harley is not going to ever happen again for me. I got a 98 Springer and a 2000 Electraglide in my stable. The EG has a 128 and full suspension and brakes set up... Really no reason to buy anything else from there.
That is a very good point. H-D sells on its "Heritage", so why would you buy a newer machine when you've already got that "Heritage"? The engines are reasonably reliable these days, after all, they are so under stressed because they're not expected to produce huge power. And most machines do a tiny yearly mileage in comparison with cars, so why would anybody spend all that extra money to replace their machine with something which, well, isn't as "Heritage" as their old machine? H-D long ago abandoned any pretence at actually making significant improvements to their machines, each new year's catalogue was hardly any different to any previous year's catalogues. While your customers are flush with money, it comes as no surprise that they might want to occasionally update their ride, but when that update becomes a mortgage extension, or your (grand)child's University fees, it's an easy decision to not upgrade again. And after a few more years of not upgrading, that machine becomes more and more a friend that you just don't want to part with anyway. if the replacements were significantly better... maybe. But they really aren't.
I agree here is SOCAL the dealerships have been bought up by large automotive groups and are being run like car dealerships. Everyone I know hate buying cars because of the tactics used in these corporate dealerships.
Yawn.... In the '60s Harleys were for old guys, and the '70s Harleys were for old guys, in the '80s Harleys were for old guys, in the '90s Harleys were for old guys, and the 00's we're for old guys, and the 2010s Harleys were for the old guys, and the 2020s, oh never mind.
I think your insights are spot on! One of the reasons I got into motorcycling and Harleys was because the people riding them were true or borderline outlaws and/or veterans/mechanics/tradespeople/etc. They were characters with character. Then, like tattoos, everyone and their sister was on a Harley wearing leathers that had never been exposed to a drop of blood and/or sweat. I have an anniversary edition Sportster 1200 that I ride occasionally to veterans', LEOs', etc funerals, parades and whatnot, but as an aging boomer, my real loves are the cheap Himalayan 411 and the even cheaper Honda XR150L that I ride anywhere and never worry about scratching, washing, polishing, dropping, etc. Going for a DR650 next! Ancient technology, I know, but like the "real" men and women that used to be the primary Harley riders, tough as nails, fun as hell, and willing and able to break the law or someone's face and take a night in jail for the right cause such as backing up a brother or sister. So, hang on Harley because China will be buying you out soon, not just making your relatively inexpensive and new 350 that a lot of U.S. would buy if you would offer it to U.S. $20 to $50,000 for a bike?! To ride with who? Yourself? Crazy!
I own and love an 03 Electra Glide but I won't buy another Harley but I won't sell the one I have either. I just bought Two brand new Chinese bikes for less than a sportster. Harley has gotten stale and greedy and I'm no fanboy anymore. I just like to ride. I love riding all kinds of bikes. If Harley ever gets their heads out of their tail pipes I would love to support them again.
In the 1960s the British motorcycle industry were selling every motorcycle that they could produce. In the 1970s they had such incompetent management and such a hostile Workforce that they drove themselves into the ground. When the Yen was worth 400 t o the dollar Japanese motorcycles were relatively affordable. Now that the yen is 85 all of the Japanese motorcycle production as well as car production has moved offshore because you're just now too expensive to build a car or a motorcycle in Japan. The Japanese motorcycles of the seventies were great but where are they now either in a collection or a junkyard. British German Italian motorcycles and the old Harleys were built to be rebuildable forever. Now everything is planned obsolescence. Even Harley since the Evolution motor.
This was spot-on, and it didn't even get into the blasphemy that is H-D importing and rebadging a 100% Chinese made motorcycle from Guanjun Motorcycles, then selling it as a Harley. Honestly, it's probably going to be a reasonably decent bike, but the only thing authentically Harley-Davidson about it is the sticker on the gas tank. Contrast that with the 100% American Made Honda Goldwing. And you can bet that the new Chinese fake Harley will cost $2,000 more than any direct competitor because of that Harley sticker. Even if I could afford a Harley, I wouldn't even consider one any longer.
Honda Gold Wings haven't been built in America since 2010. The plant in Marysville closed in 2010 and the machinery was taken back to Japan where all Gold Wings have been built since then.
I am 71 and started riding mini bikes at age 11. I bought a Yamaha CT1 175 Enduro in early 70's and it was a fantastic bike, started racing a Yamaha 125 in MX and flat track. I realized then that the Japanese bikes had superior quality and engineering. I got sponsored by a Yamaha dealer and got my pro license for flat track. I raced the 250 class for a year and then moved to the 750 class with a Harley XR750. The XR was king and was so easy to ride, I loved it, but I always thought the street Harleys were under performers. My friends said they liked the idea of riding a Harley, it was special to them, I understood but my main concern was performance and really did not care what the color of the bike was, so to speak. I would gravitate to whatever had the best performance. The mystique has been absolutely amazing for Harley but it could not overcome the performance issues for me personally. We all feel bad that the old days are gone but one cannot hold back time for long and trying to is a fools errand. I got married, quit racing, got a degree in Mechanical Engineering and raised a family. I got back into bikes five years ago. I have 2 Ducati Streetfighters (one for track days), a BMW 750 GS adventure bike for light off road and touring and a new BMW M1000R. I always keep a I on Harley but they have yet to make what I desire at this point. I have two brothers that love their big new Harleys, and that is great, one has a CVO which cost two of my high end bikes, unfortunately for Harley I only have two brothers and not 200,000. Harley has tremendous competition now, the Japanese yes, but BMW, Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, Triumph, Indian produce extremely high performing equipment. I would say Harley did not betray their customers, I would say just the opposite, the customers betrayed Harley. Harley tried way to hard to placate the old guard and did not develop properly because of this IMO. Yes, there maybe many other contributing factors but this is certainly one. Trying to live in the past will usually lead to a bad outcome, I sincerely hope that Harley can get to a reasonable and stable business situation. No one want to see Harley hurting.
Well prepared and very enjoyable. Thank you. I think that you are very likely correct. One other factor that’s difficult to ignore, as I watch the new generation of young people, is that young people these days have barely enough interest to get a driver’s licence. A motorcycle licence isn’t on their radar, nor could they afford ownership. This is going to be a difficult decade or two for all manufacturers and it’s sad to see the decline.
Great video man. The lack of foresight by Harley is truly mind-blowing. Your estimate that they will be selling half the product in 10 years is really high in my opinion. I think the company will be out of business around ten years from now. The upcoming generation of guys who think Harley is cool is SO SMALL, even around my age (early 40s). They are done, man. Done. Those Harley showroom floors may as well prepare to be museums in the near future 👍🏻
Every person in the Pacific Northwest only likes Harleys. I see people don't like fast or good motorcycles, they only like Harleys. I'm not seeing this lack of interest that this video talks about. I see more interest in Harleys now than 5 years ago. I worked at a hospital, and two of the guys who worked there drove Harleys, one was the $65,000 CVO, it was such a beautiful bike, and looked so expensive. There were no other motorcycles, only the 2 Harleys in the entire hospital. When I'm riding I see that about 75% of all motorcycles are Harleys. As far as I can tell, all new riders prefer Harleys, they don't know anything about "performance" only the image and status. There's actually a minority of people who want a fast, high performance motorcycle. We are in the minority, that's why Harley sold 350,000 motorcycles in 2006.
I’m 73 and somehow missed the great Harley dude craze. I did however buy a new cast iron Sportster around 1980 but it was incredibly unreliable so it was sold after a year. I’ve found happiness with BMW, KTM, Husqvarna and Ducati. I’m planning my 5th trip to the Arctic Ocean right now.
I'm 61 with 8 motorcycles in the garage - but zero Harleys. H-D offers anything you want as long as it's a V-twin cruiser, neither of which I want. So, Triumph, Honda and BMW have gotten my money.
I guess we should just be thankful that Royal Enfield exists for beginner riders or anyone that want a quality, reliable, low purchase price and low cost to maintain motorcycle with a 3 year warranty which have a more retro style.
Very good bikes for the price.. got a Himalayan for my wife so we could ADV together and she loves it. And so easy to work on. Less than 6k out the door brand new. For reference, I have 2 Harleys,a Honda, and a Triumph Scrambler xe.
There an are solid deals out there to be had. I just bought a vtx 1300 for 3k with just a hair over 12k miles. I’d like a new bike, but like cars they want too much for them imo.
Hunter 350 is my first road bike. Other than some moderate pinging when hot it's a great riding little bike.simply made. Shotgun 650 looks to be even better.maybe in a few years.
Honestly I was not impressed with the sales rep or the prices at my local Harley dealer. Went to an Indian test drive event and loved the Chief Darkhorse, and walked out with one at a much better price than what Harley asking, and their outrages dealer fees.
good luck finding polaris dealers across the country ! try asking a guy who bought a new Victory a few years back hoe he was treated by Polaris, Victory & Indian!!! hahahahahaha They got the ole middle finger salute
Every bike that Royal Enfield sells is potential money lost to Harley, and other brands. And they sell a lot of bikes, more than anybody else. Why do they sell so well? Quite possibly because they know what people want. And cater to that market. So yes, you are right in your prediction. And for Harley to compete with Ducati, BMW or KTM (who are innovative brands) or the japanese brands is a bit like trying to sell John Deere tractors at a Ferrari exhibition. Not many that are interested. Harley did well out of american workers but that base is almost extinct now. So unfortunately we might see the demise of HD sooner than we think, if they don´t snap out of it and change course fast. Unfortunately they propably already are way too late for that. The competition is too far ahead by now.
Man, this is exactly how I have been feeling about the brand... it is very sad because I'm also a fan of Harley. I bought a great Harley in 2015, brand new... a Dyna Low rider. 5 years later, I can't really afford the M8 bike I want and not to mention the cost on top of it to put pipes and get the bike to a bare minimum state. I then went with a Triumph T120... to buy it brand new and add all the accessories it ended up something like 15K+ cheaper than going with HD. There is also something very strange going on: The dealerships here in Australia are filled with second hand bikes that are priced very high and have been for sale for months without ever having its priced lowered. Nobody is buying anything but the prices won't budge... I really don't understand :) Anyway, love your vids, man!
The second hand prices are part of the broader company’s strategy in elevating the status of the brand to “boutique”. They’re setting themselves up to fail.
Super solid point regarding the after purchase expense of setting the bike up. Between parts and labor I have $10k USD into my bike on top of the msrp of initial purchase.
If I had an evolution powered a twin I would not give it up for Love or Money my Evolution Sportster has 400,000 miles on it on the original engine all original.
I live about 25 minutes from Harley HQ and it's obvious they're trying to be like Ferrari but in bike form. It's REALLY hard for me to trade in my 2011 dyna street bob that has the 110 tire shredder kit (thus making it a 20k+ bike) for a new model when it's already faster and PAID FOR and the fact that my dyna is worth next to nothing in terms of trade in value...smh
I am a huge fan of Honda. My first dirt bike and street bike were both Hondas. My first brand new vehicle, of any type, was a Honda. I still have a soft spot for H-D. I’m hoping to get an early 2000’s Nightster. There’s something about that bike that warms my heart. I do love almost all things two wheels, so there’s that. Thanks for the video. Your straightforward and honest in your content. We really need that today.
Iam 63 yrs old, Iam madly in love with my 2014 soft tail heritage. It's not about performance, it's all about a notalgic experience that no one dose better than HD. It took a long time to get there , but my bike is a premium highly reliable machine, that being Said l will never buy another bike of any kind. What dose harley need to thrive in the future? A high quality high volume reasonably priced entry level bike that connects to the next generation of riders. Will they build it? I doubt it. They will most likely buy it and put there name on it. Meanwhile Indian builds the 60 and Royal Enfield ? Well someone will even if HD doesn't.
I am in the market for a smaller bike.. Say under 1000cc. I was shocked when I found out the discontinued the 883. So I'll buy a Honda or Royal Enfield.
Worse company- I don’t see the attraction for very expensive sub par bikes? Throw in arrogant dealers and I’d never buy one. I’ll stick with my Yamaha Stryker
Nice video, once again! I completely agree with your analysis. I would love it if you did a similar video on Triumph (my favorite), Ducati, KTM and BMW. I am sure that the contrast with HD would be interesting. How Triumph dies and was reborn, how KTM has grown, or how BMW always seems to get it right. No pressure, just an idea. I love your content. Dave
Well said. I was just gonna write something similar to request a Triumph story but you beat me to it. Let's hope we get a roasting on Triumph's shady business tactics to read and watch on Different Spokes..
I think BMW kinda mist the mark on the R18. They make a cruiser and then they put those huge ass cylinders were the floor boards are supposed to go. So you sit like an adventure bike.Then they topped it off with a pair god awful looking pipes. To me that's as bad as making a V-Rod that you sit like a cruiser. Just what group are they shooting for. We know how the V-Rod turned out. I am not a BMW hater but I don't think they got it right with the R18. But those cylinders do make good crash guards so maybe they were thinking about safety, maybe. What are your thoughts.
This is why I ride a RE Interceptor, fun to ride, inexpensive to buy, maintain & modify. Well done video, time will tell how good your fortune telling is. Thanks for your content, I always enjoy.
I'm thinking king of swapping my sporty 883 for an interceptor, something with 6 gears and more comfort. Would you do many miles on your interceptor? I'm thinking of taking it around Europe. Thanks
@@rorydoyle3251 I have done several hundred kilometres a day several times with no issue with comfort, I have changed the seat, front & rear shocks as well as the tires and mufflers. All have made the bike more fun to ride, was fine stock, now is just better (for me). I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend an Interceptor to anyone.
@Mbo 348 I've had the bobber and cruiser style bikes before, im looking to try something a bit different. The super meteors a fantastic looking bike though.
Harley went WOKE - demanded 1800 White-men go into sensitivity training to "not be white" Harley backs LGBT-crap and "pride ride" and flys rainbow flags and BLM/EMI I got RID of my Heritage and bought a Kawasaki Vulcan Kawasaki engines are made in Missouri and frames are manufactured in Minnesota My Vulcan is a smoother ride, more reliable than my Heritage and does not support my enemies! the HELL with Harley!
Harley Davidson will continue to be a premium and desirable brand,in a way no other ever has or will.l dont believe that HD has betrayed its customer base,its just recognized that it is getting smaller as consumers have less to spend.Reducing the model line in times of economic hardship is good business
You know those fixed income retiree's you spoke about.... that's me. I had a tube frame Buell a few years ago and loved it but I moto camp now so an ADV style bike suits me better and my needs and purse like the look of but not the price and size of the Pan Am. Current rides are a custom Honda CG125 I built for my son and rattle round town on, a 1974 Triumph T140 flat tracker which I am determined to finish building this year and my trusty 2015 Suzuki VStrom 650 which I have no plans to change.
You totally nailed it but forgot to mention many riders jumping ship over to Indian. I’m like many riders out there, riding my old bike and enjoying it even more as it’s been paid off many years ago 👍
I agree , riders were jumping to Indian , now however Indian has gone down the same path as Harley way overpriced and underbuilt expensive normal care and God if service is needed . No more wrenching in your garage and Parts (only through dealership ) . I am one of the older Boomers ,I will keep riding my Harley ( Trike ) and when or if I buy another it will be Trustworthy Metric .
as an older (conservative) millennial can I just say that I have no interest in a Harley. They don't make motorcycles that interest me. I want innovation and performance, and yes I like cruisers. But value is important to me and Harley isn't innovative and Harley certainly isn't value driven. Worst of all, I don't like Harley people because I don't value "image" and in truth, I'm a little bitter I couldn't afford a Harley as a 20-something. I've owned a kawa vn900, Honda shadow 1100 and a kawa vaquero 1700. I might consider an Enfield but Harley? Nope! My generation isn't as much into status symbols and that's why Harley is screwed in the future. (and the market on large homes, sorry mom and dad)
I tried to trade in my mint 05 vtx1800 few years back on a used high mileage heritage soft tail 1999 model .. they laughed at me... never again would I step into a harley dealership .
It can happen. Every pharmacy, newspaper stand, tourist shop, you name it, sold Kodak film. Ask a sub 20 year old if they've even *heard* of a company called Kodak today.
All of HD’s customers are getting older, so what should HD do? They should focus on at least ONE entry level bike to get new/younger riders into the brand. But instead they did exactly the opposite. Doesn’t make any sense.
a buddy of mine told me (he's a Harley Guy) the "HD" in Harley - Davidson stands for "Hundred Dollars",,,, on each/everything you buy is gonna cost aleast that.
A really good video that HD corporate should take heed of. I love a couple of models of the HD range.. Breakout and the Sport Glide, but they are out of my price range for a motorcycle. I ride a Yamaha FJR 1300 Gen 3 2014. I previously had a Gen 1 2004. Fast, reliable, high mileage quality bikes that can commute or tour in all weathers without going rusty and costing thousands to maintain each year. I would love a HD but the huge cost and our UK roads and weather conditions which erode most finishes on HD's, make owning one as a regular ride covering 14-18k miles a year a no go for me. I hope the brand survives and they bring out new designs and models before the net zero green hypocrites get their way and put working class folk on the streets, unemployed and just queueing for crap public transport while watching the wealthy carry on with their lives as normal.
I started riding when I was 15 (60 now) and in that time I have been fortunate enough to ride a huge variety of bikes. I've always loved the road bikes though. I took my wife on tour with me on the Ultra Classic. She fell in love with it. Sadly around 2006, I watched as wages stagnated and prices sored on everything including the beloved HD. I began to tell my friends that HD was going to price themselves right out of the market. Shortly after that there were dealerships closing left and right. Then 2008 hit and the bottom fell out for a lot of people including myself. I sold a lot of what I had just trying to survive. After about 5 years I got back on my feet but to get another motorcycle was just too much money. To me it seems like HD is just targeting the wealthy, which is a much smaller pool and many of them just aren't into motorcycles. To get a younger crowd (and a larger pool of customers), HD needs to think like the younger crowd and maybe even take a look at the younger ones from the past and what they rode. I can guarantee you it wasn't an 800 lb motorcycle. Baggers are cool, if you're 50+ but if you're in your 20's to 30's, you're more likely into those bikes that HD are cutting. The full size very customizable Softail is definitely a bike of interest and you shouldn't have to pay a fortune for it. To keep them hooked, keep the prices of the bikes and gear affordable. That way they will continue to purchase more accessories for their bikes as well as riding gear. And the more they purchase the more hooked they will get and the longer they'll stick with it. You'll then have a (younger) customer for life.
When I was young I had a Ninja, loved it, dangerous but loved it. Got older and got myself a Harley. Love the thunderous sound and the slow moving lifestyle more about having friends and going places. Problem is.....name it. Oil leaks, tranny leaks, battery cables no matter how I tightened them would slowly loosen while driving, battery located in a sh#t spot that is hard to get to. Never broke 10k in Mileage soo why the f' did it keep leaking even after repairs? Had it fixed over and over. Got nothing but attitude about how busy they are having to fit me in for repairs. Took their time......every time and spent most of it trying to upsale me. I didn't like the style of most harleys but I loved the sportster blacked out in matt black, I didn't like the look of the other bikes. The shocks were garbage, the mirrors bearly peak past my shoulders, zero gas gauge .....oh but you bought the cheap Harley...Yeah but it's as expensive as the top end Jap bikes and they have all the bells and whistles. What I didn't spend enough for you so your answer is I deserve it? Followed by another attempt at upsale. I don't like the look of the other bikes Harley had.....still hadn't changed my mind on that. Then I had to deal with other Harley owners comments about the "sportster". Which I never understood because with my vance and heinz exhaust and chip they could never leave me in the dust....my short throws sounded better than any of the bikes like touring who had bigger engines but longer tail pipes didn't sound as good. Used to crack me up how they think their Harley is faster or fast to begin with. I used to have a Ninja.....dude your not fast. Now Tesla's ........those are fast. But who gives a ratz when the highways are so crowded no anyhow. I had fun riding with the boys from work and were going somewhere but when we hooked up with other riders all they wanted to do was drive to a Harley Dealership which one time I was thankful for becuase my bike died as we pulled in.
You nailed it. I’m a new Gen X HD customer but with prices skyrocketing I can see purchasing another brand of bike in the future. One of the things I don’t like about HD is their lack of innovation and n their bikes. They need to step it up or else they will get left behind. I keep running into older HD riders who have opted to purchase Japanese bikes over HD.
Gen X myself. Selling my HD StreetGlide. Looking at a BMW K 1600 Grand America. Looks like a Croch Cruiser. Very modern look. The Harley is too loud and vibrates too much for me. I want a quiet and smooth ride.
The problem with Harley and innovations is their fanbase. They want the 1950's technology, they don't want something modern, that's what killed the V-rod and the Revo (and the revo x) engine. "That's not a Harley"
@darkiee69 Harley also gives up way to easy the VRod is a prime example of this people love the Vrod now if they had stuck with it,it might be one of it's biggest sellers.The 1200 iron was here and gone so fast it will make your head spin I have friends who would have bought the 1200 iron but had no clue HD was making it ...they literally passed up on 883 for being to small and passed on the 48 as being overpriced.The iron was that perfect bike but was gone in less then 3 seasons...Harley killed the Dyna in the middle of it's Renaissance...the Dyna was actually growing in popularity and HD was like "no don't need that!!!" HD literally their own worst enemy.
@@darkiee69 Change is difficult but often required. They can continue to manufacture a range of products that capture the 1950, but like everything else advances have to be made to keep up with the competition. Simple advances like reverse mode, cruise control, led lighting, and different riding modes on all their production bikes would be appreciated. While they have made some in the past, HD still has a long way to go.
Wait till it hits 50.00 a share then unload it. I bought 10 shares in 1984 for 80.00 now worth over 20,000 grand. I’ll keep my 84 Shovelhead, the new bikes are too much money.
I sadly agree with you. Their lowest priced bike is 13,500 dollars. That's a very competitive price point. As for me my bikes in order 2004 Buel Blast, 2018 RE Himilayan and now a 2020 Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone. The Italians can sell that bike for under 10K. Why can't HD build something similar? It's air cooled Vtwin with ABS and traction control. Nothing fancy.
Recently, I saw a leftover 2021 v7 stone 850 for 7k at my nearest moto guzzi dealership. That's a lot of bike for that price!!! Btw, I have a 2018 moto guzzi v7 III carbon shine (added oem fork gators) and it's been flawless. Did you see the new stone special edition? I think it looks pretty sweet.
I predict that HD will go the way of Moto Guzzi. They will produce a couple of base engines and package them in a number of different models. (They already do this.) The Harley brand will have value just like Guzzi has a niche.
Due to Harley & Indian going Woke, I’m going to go the custom route and get a bobber bike built. It’s going to end up costing cheaper than what the current 2023 prices are from both companies.
