Interesting article in the WSJ today...
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Far (FAR) West Texas
Interesting article in the WSJ today...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,547
Likes: 7,153
From: Oxford, Nc
The buying block of HD seems to be represented pretty well by the membership here on the forum. It seems the vast percentage of us seem to be in that over 55 (perhaps 60 ish?) block.
At 62, I'm not planing on buying any time soon. (I've finally got the old girl right where she wants me
)
When I was 22, it was everything I could do to get the $3500 '75 Superglide, but younger folk seem to be less interested in Harley vs anything else out there.
I think Harley will ultimately downsize (both in production and dealerships,) yet again within the next decade.
At 62, I'm not planing on buying any time soon. (I've finally got the old girl right where she wants me
) When I was 22, it was everything I could do to get the $3500 '75 Superglide, but younger folk seem to be less interested in Harley vs anything else out there.
I think Harley will ultimately downsize (both in production and dealerships,) yet again within the next decade.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9,705
Likes: 18,482
From: Displaced Texan
As much as I hat to say it, I think the Livewire will be the savior of the brand. Think of Tesla... The first MoCo that markets an actual viable electric bike will make a killing. Same goes for the hydrogen fuel cell, which will replace ALL electric vehicles in another 10-15 years.
Lets face it, were dinosaurs. A dying breed. Men that ride noisy, bad for the environment, dangerous machines. Men that worked hard all of their lives to feed their families. Men that know how to get their hands dirty and fix things. Heaven forbid those of us that hunt, fish, and eat red meat. Men that depend on hard work and sacrifice, and not sucked the government boob for most of their lives. Most of us want to live our lives legally and peacefully the way we want, and not be told to do every 37 seconds.
"Most" of the new generation will be taking public transportation, riding Uber, a 50cc scooter, or a bicycle. Yes, there will be the exception, but the new norm is to do as they do in Europe. The new way is the way of the sheep. An adult won't be able to ride a bicycle even on the sidewalk without a helmet in another 20 years (example Australia). The wussification of the United Stated is nearing completion. Most of everything that HD stands for is going away quietly.
Lets face it, were dinosaurs. A dying breed. Men that ride noisy, bad for the environment, dangerous machines. Men that worked hard all of their lives to feed their families. Men that know how to get their hands dirty and fix things. Heaven forbid those of us that hunt, fish, and eat red meat. Men that depend on hard work and sacrifice, and not sucked the government boob for most of their lives. Most of us want to live our lives legally and peacefully the way we want, and not be told to do every 37 seconds.
"Most" of the new generation will be taking public transportation, riding Uber, a 50cc scooter, or a bicycle. Yes, there will be the exception, but the new norm is to do as they do in Europe. The new way is the way of the sheep. An adult won't be able to ride a bicycle even on the sidewalk without a helmet in another 20 years (example Australia). The wussification of the United Stated is nearing completion. Most of everything that HD stands for is going away quietly.
Last edited by Piloto; Jun 20, 2015 at 03:36 PM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,547
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From: Oxford, Nc
This article is about millenials and car driving, but I think it bodes ill for motorcycling too:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/michelin...arent-driving/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/michelin...arent-driving/
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 47
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From: Madison, WI
Piloto, I agree, the first mainstream motorcycle company to produce an electric bike will make a killing. Any of the companies that make electric bikes already have next to no dealer network set up. That alone will determine the success of a mainstream electric bike.
Back to the main topic, I just bought my first Harley at 28. Before this, I was more into sport bikes, as most young people are around here. There still seems to be that stigma that Harleys are for old guys.
I considered buying a used Buell instead of my street bob, but ended up going this route.
Axing Buell was a huge mistake in my opinion. I think the bean counters didn't like the fact that the Buell division actually put $ into R&D. Making sport bikes is probably the best way to attract young riders to your brand.
Back to the main topic, I just bought my first Harley at 28. Before this, I was more into sport bikes, as most young people are around here. There still seems to be that stigma that Harleys are for old guys.
I considered buying a used Buell instead of my street bob, but ended up going this route.
Axing Buell was a huge mistake in my opinion. I think the bean counters didn't like the fact that the Buell division actually put $ into R&D. Making sport bikes is probably the best way to attract young riders to your brand.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 10,788
Likes: 2,222
From: Texas
As much as I hat to say it, I think the Livewire will be the savior of the brand. Think of Tesla... The first MoCo that markets an actual viable electric bike will make a killing. Same goes for the hydrogen fuel cell, which will replace ALL electric vehicles in another 10-15 years.
Lets face it, were dinosaurs. A dying breed. Men that ride noisy, bad for the environment, dangerous machines. Men that worked hard all of their lives to feed their families. Men that know how to get their hands dirty and fix things. Heaven forbid those of us that hunt, fish, and eat red meat. Men that depend on hard work and sacrifice, and not sucked the government boob for most of their lives. Most of us want to live our lives legally and peacefully the way we want, and not be told to do every 37 seconds.
"Most" of the new generation will be taking public transportation, riding Uber, a 50cc scooter, or a bicycle. Yes, there will be the exception, but the new norm is to do as they do in Europe. The new way is the way of the sheep. An adult won't be able to ride a bicycle even on the sidewalk without a helmet in another 20 years (example Australia). The wussification of the United Stated is nearing completion. Most of everything that HD stands for is going away quietly.
Lets face it, were dinosaurs. A dying breed. Men that ride noisy, bad for the environment, dangerous machines. Men that worked hard all of their lives to feed their families. Men that know how to get their hands dirty and fix things. Heaven forbid those of us that hunt, fish, and eat red meat. Men that depend on hard work and sacrifice, and not sucked the government boob for most of their lives. Most of us want to live our lives legally and peacefully the way we want, and not be told to do every 37 seconds.
"Most" of the new generation will be taking public transportation, riding Uber, a 50cc scooter, or a bicycle. Yes, there will be the exception, but the new norm is to do as they do in Europe. The new way is the way of the sheep. An adult won't be able to ride a bicycle even on the sidewalk without a helmet in another 20 years (example Australia). The wussification of the United Stated is nearing completion. Most of everything that HD stands for is going away quietly.
