Down 20% for the year
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 822
From: Nevada
The economy is one thing. Harley's product lineup is another. The company needs something new and exciting. And not another Rushmore project as much as something lower priced and attractive to younger buyers and current customers who don't want an 900 pound touring bike. Harley should entice Willie G. to come out of retirement and consult. He helped save the company from the dismal AMF years. He could do it again.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
Believe the biggest impediment to new bike sales is the delta between the price of a 4 year old bike and a new one. It is a big check to write to step up to a newer bike.
Not only do you need to pay the difference in price, but also all those dealership add ons and Govt fees, which seem to be going up every year.
Not only do you need to pay the difference in price, but also all those dealership add ons and Govt fees, which seem to be going up every year.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 35,809
Likes: 38,647
From: Post Falls, ID
I think part of the problem is much of the younger generation is afraid of motorcycles..caused by being raised by "helicopter parents". Kids have been sissified and are afraid of getting hurt and killed when its safer to open up a video game for the same thrill.
Last edited by upflying; Dec 13, 2015 at 02:08 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 124
Likes: 33
From: Reno
There are a lot of factors combining now that I think will put HD on the ropes.
Used market is absolutely flooded with bikes, also I am not seeing many used 16s yet, usually more even by this time of year tells me new model sales are way down.
The Street is an absolute failure, loads of them for sale used with hardly a bid, lots of overpriced used stuff in all models just sits on CL and eBay, if it is priced super aggressive it may sell...
We could be getting into a market very soon where HD's will be like the chopper craze...you seen people try to sell those things lately?
Used market is absolutely flooded with bikes, also I am not seeing many used 16s yet, usually more even by this time of year tells me new model sales are way down.
The Street is an absolute failure, loads of them for sale used with hardly a bid, lots of overpriced used stuff in all models just sits on CL and eBay, if it is priced super aggressive it may sell...
We could be getting into a market very soon where HD's will be like the chopper craze...you seen people try to sell those things lately?
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 800
Likes: 39
From: Lafayette, La
My dealer has his annual 25% off sale this Fri., Sat., and Sunday. Long lines at the parts counter and motorclothes area. Folks walking out the door with many boxes and packages including the shadow box with examples of past gas tank designs that you get when you spend over $300.
I walked out with a new springer and the related parts to convert my Softail with. Bought everything needed for a grand less than a old used one on Ebay sells for.
This dealer has had one of their best years. Oh! They sold their $40,299 RGC CVO Ultra and the 11 RGC CVO Ultra that was traded in on it. This may be the cold snow belt but folks here in **** hole Illinois still have jobs even if the state is broke.
I walked out with a new springer and the related parts to convert my Softail with. Bought everything needed for a grand less than a old used one on Ebay sells for.
This dealer has had one of their best years. Oh! They sold their $40,299 RGC CVO Ultra and the 11 RGC CVO Ultra that was traded in on it. This may be the cold snow belt but folks here in **** hole Illinois still have jobs even if the state is broke.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 800
Likes: 39
From: Lafayette, La
Glad to see posts here about Harley's issues. Not so many "true believer's" here. Good. I love my bike. I've considered trading it for something else, but why???
What I've seen of Harley's marketing, the way they talk to Wall Street, the Periscope thing they did to reveal the new bikes, some blurbs I saw from the show in Vegas when they introduced the new bikes, they are lost. The VP I think it was got so excited about a freakin' key fob. Really???
How about something innovative? How about some of the things you guys have posted in these forums about improvements to be made? Harley has the input from those who love the company and the bikes. Will they listen?
What I've seen of Harley's marketing, the way they talk to Wall Street, the Periscope thing they did to reveal the new bikes, some blurbs I saw from the show in Vegas when they introduced the new bikes, they are lost. The VP I think it was got so excited about a freakin' key fob. Really???
How about something innovative? How about some of the things you guys have posted in these forums about improvements to be made? Harley has the input from those who love the company and the bikes. Will they listen?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 822
From: Nevada
Harley does a good job selling big heavy classic styled touring bikes to an aging customer base. On the other hand, they have a disconnect with young buyers. As someone noted above, the Street is a flop. V-Rod sales are poor, too. Polaris is on the right track with the new Indian Scout. This bike is going to steal sales from Harley.
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Banned
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,492
Likes: 10
When other brands are selling bikes as fast as they can build them Harley needs to look at the lineup. You can only go so many decades building the same bikes before people loose interest and buy another brand. Triumph just updated the entire Classic line to the according to Harley folks the dreaded liquid cooling, I bet they sell every one they build and have a waiting list. Where is the Harley Scrambler XL? It would be so easy for them to build what all the custom builders are doing with XL's anyway.
Harley's issue is internal not market. The dealer in Manhattan sold 78 Ducati Scramblers in 6 months.
Harley's issue is internal not market. The dealer in Manhattan sold 78 Ducati Scramblers in 6 months.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 502
From: Northern WV
Harley does a good job selling big heavy classic styled touring bikes to an aging customer base. On the other hand, they have a disconnect with young buyers. As someone noted above, the Street is a flop. V-Rod sales are poor, too. Polaris is on the right track with the new Indian Scout. This bike is going to steal sales from Harley.
In addition Harley has completely ignored riders of any age who want a high performance standard, tourer, or sport bike. Or any light weight bike, or one with top shelf suspension. Plus the entire Adventure bike class of motorcycles. Considering the narrow focus Harley is currently catering to (tourers and cruisers) they have done pretty well.