No surprise here. Harley was big with the boomers and that generation is shrinking. Harley hasn't grown their market like other brands because their appeal has mainly been with just one generation (boomers). I never understood the rebel thing but it wasn't aimed at my generation.

 

Yeah enough of the charging over MSRP for the "Harley" experience. What a crock of dung that is.

 

Why is it they can build a top rated touring bike in Germany or Italy like say the Multistrada or 1200 GS with all the bells and whistles and a much higher level of components, like brakes and dynamic electronic suspension, and import it here with the associated duties and tariffs and still sell it for less than many HD models. There is obviously a huge markup on HD bikes so money is still being made.

 

UpFlying hit the nail on the head...it's demographics and HD knows it. The baby boomers (the largest generation) are aging away and there are not enough Gen X or Gen Y's to replace them. Couple that with HD's resurgence in the 80s happening to coincide with the financial sweetspot of the boomers and you have why HD has been so successful. Unless the MoCo can figure out a way to appeal to the X and Y generations, women, or foreign markets, they are going to experience some tight times ahead.

I'd recommend they revisit a crotch rocket platform, with a modern engine, that's affordable, and can compete performance-wise Asian bikes. I don't see the hipster crowd in leathers riding a Fatboy.

 

Because they aren't UNION made.

 

That's about it. We love 'em and for the most part forgive Harley it's failings. But there a reason that the big BMW and Honda Goldwing owners wouldn't touch a Harley at half the price.

Harley's sales are off (in both the first and second quarters of 2015,) and all I see at a Dealership anymore are gray haired riders (like me.) They'd better get on the technology bandwagon quick, and forget the 'band aid' upgrades to 1930's technology.

 

love em, or hate em, Indian hit it out of the park with their new Scout. That's more in line with the younger generation. The sportster just isn't gonna cut it anymore.

 

..Young whippersnapper .. bet you can still read fine print. But then I checked. Guess you were talking about both of us. That's OK. But you're still wrong. Time is still making old. Could it be another made in the USA Indian? Ha Never see one yet.

Around here, there has been a surge in Harleys. Mostly from the Sport bike fans going into them. Rash of bad crashes made them realize doing 100+ is silly. Sitting on a pretty Harley under a tree in front of a nice steak joint is a whole lot better then a feeding tube.

 

Bingo!

 

You guys need to get updated. CEO Wandell took care of that 6 years ago. Now it goes to "StockHolder Equity." not wages.

Employer: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Hourly Rate Range by Job

Check salary info for your own job »

Years Experience
National Hourly Rate Data
1-4 years
$11.68 - $20.78

10-19 years
$14.01 - $23.39

Country: United States | Currency: USD | Updated: 17 Jul 2015 |