Excellent video, speaking as a UK chopper rider I love your thoughts of mounting the new engines in old style Harleys but I think the frames are not up to it. HD’s have always looked cool but the new models look plastic and then of course the home mechanic can’t touch them. Gimme “Old Skool” every time.
Agree. I think Harley should start changing their name to "Harley -Euro -Davidson". When you stop making the tried & thru Road King standard, something stinks.
Harley was ALMOST onto something with the Pan America and Sportster S. Then they made the Pan America cost more than a freakin Africa Twin or any other world class ADV bike. There goes that. Then they make the sportster S, and it’s finally fast, but now has ergonomics for toddlers. Anyone over 5’7 looks like an elephant on a unicycle on a S. They can’t live off of ‘glides’ forever. Something has to change or they’ll be a very small exclusive customer base company in the future. They’re not a motorcycle for the blue collar man or woman anymore.
I completely agree with one of your statements. I bought a 23 Honda Rebel 1100. Looked at a few HD's, and instantly thought, why would I spend twice the money for half the features. Love the look and sound of HD's, but too much money for what you get. Especially if it's your first bike. Even if I end up buying a HD cause I need something bigger for a passenger, still not gonna get rid of my REBEL. TOO MUCH FUN TO RIDE!
You're right on both accounts. Without the traditional HD look it's just another metric bike. Without an entry bike HD is closing off new riders from joining the brand. 😢
One of the reasons I dislike H-D is because of the Government involvement in the 80's, the consumer should choose winners and losers NOT the Government. Additionally, Trump will put tariffs on all goods manufactured outside the U.S. including H-d.
I had a 2022 Nightster with rev max 975 engine rode more like a metric bike I owned, rode it for a year. Traded it in for a 2023 Low rider S. Nightster just did not look or feel like a Harley, I tried to like the bike the performance it has was great but again like a metric bike felted more like the Yamaha I owned rather than a Harley. I had to take it in 4 different times for electrical issues, dealer fixed them under warranty but the issue was having to take it in. I really enjoy the Low Rider S I would say best bike I owned.
In terms of entry-level classic style bikes, Royal Enfield is also a force to be reckoned with. They make gorgeous classic style bikes at approachable power and price levels, without the "Harley culture" that turns a fair amount of young people away from the brand. I was able to get a fantastic 650cc/47HP cruiser for 7.3k MSRP that came with a simple but effective GPS navigation pod and a fancy paint scheme. HD offers nothing close to that value!
Small displacement with more power. Put those Harley's on a diet. They can make an engine half the size and more power. Cut cost in good ways. I like the fast x Harley. I think the digital sportster gauge would be nice in a road king. I don't like the Rebel look or The Buell super cruiser. They both could use like a Bott frame. It would be cheaper and easier to make. The 500 cc and less is the biggest seller in Europe.
I don’t Harley has any interest in making affordable bikes. Honda and the other manufactures want more customers so they price reasonable. Even the Indian Scouts are way better than the Rev Max bikes. I have a Nightster Special and as good as it is, I just won’t keep it.
Harley employs over 6,000 people according to Google. I won't not buy and hurt all their workers just because a few of the top people made a decision I disagree with.
It all starts at the top, and the board definitely don't know Harley Davidson. Harley Davidson is pulling to far from thier roots. Look at what made Harley different, American made, distinctive look and sound, plus easy to own and customize or maintain. I get there is a need to keep with the times, but don't Shun your current owner and don't make these bikes overseas! I do love my 24 Roadglide, but I've been tempted to crossover to Indian a couple times.
The average Harley rider is over 50 years old. New riders aren't coming. The Sportster and Nightster S aren't selling because riders over 50 don't want them. Other manufacturers do the Nightster thing better for far less. The beginner Harley is a used Harley. New Harley's should be luxury bikes aimed at wealthy riders in their 50's. Focus on that.
Well, if they make those rev max bikes over sea, and sell them in America, President Trump will put a tariff on them. No help for companies building outside the US.
