Why is Harley riding on a decline?
#21
12-31-2017, 11:15 AM
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: In your head rent free
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The generation that grew up on video games, and social media, is coming of age. Motorcycles are too dangerous for many of them.
10 years ago people were wondering why they didn’t see kids playing outside anymore. It was because computers, and consoles, ate up all the non-school hours. Now those same kids are turning 20-25-30 years old, and still not changing.
This isn’t an absolute, many in the younger generation aren’t like that, but not enough to swing purchase numbers on cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc.
10 years ago people were wondering why they didn’t see kids playing outside anymore. It was because computers, and consoles, ate up all the non-school hours. Now those same kids are turning 20-25-30 years old, and still not changing.
This isn’t an absolute, many in the younger generation aren’t like that, but not enough to swing purchase numbers on cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc.
#22
12-31-2017, 11:16 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
#23
12-31-2017, 11:17 AM
Road Master
I’d never buy my first bike new as I’d know I’d outgrow it fast. For first bikes I went used and paid 3grand for an 07 883 with 7k on it a year later I grew out of it moved on to a dyna (used) All my bikes I’ve bought were used and in great condition. That’s all I care to pay for these machines I’ll let someone else feed their ego and pucker up for new model prices.
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#24
12-31-2017, 11:21 AM
I stopped buying new when I started looking at other brands and realized what I could get for the same money. I still have an old WG but stopped buying new Harley’s almost five years ago; they don’t make anything I’m interested in for the style of riding I do.
I have nothing against HD, they’re great bikes for what they’re designed for, just not my style anymore. The WG will be sold when the weather breaks.
I have nothing against HD, they’re great bikes for what they’re designed for, just not my style anymore. The WG will be sold when the weather breaks.
#25
12-31-2017, 11:24 AM
Road Master
I stopped buying new when I started looking at other brands and realized what I could get for the same money. I still have an old WG but stopped buying new Harley’s almost five years ago; they don’t make anything I’m interested in for the style of riding I do.
I have nothing against HD, they’re great bikes for what they’re designed for, just not my style anymore. The WG will be sold when the weather breaks
I have nothing against HD, they’re great bikes for what they’re designed for, just not my style anymore. The WG will be sold when the weather breaks
What kind of bike you on now?
#26
12-31-2017, 11:27 AM
Tourer
I've believed one of the factors that leads riders to other brands is the image. HD has spent years cultivating that 'bad boy' image which doesn't resonate with younger riders and those who are more pure 'motorcyclists'; pseudo-1%er, wannabe, pirate; we've all heard it when it comes to those riding HD.
HD sold its soul to that marketing image and for quite some time it worked, but as those who went in for the HD 'lifestyle' age and leave motorcycling they're not being replaced as rapidly; that image has become a weight around HD's neck and HD is viewed like a caricature of a motorcycle, it's not taken seriously. How can you actually be a 'bad ***' on a heavy, under-powered V-twin when there are state of the art, high horsepower technological marvels out there ready to roll off the showroom floor; nothing extra needed, just add rider?
The perception many hold of what an HD is will take time to die; hopefully before HD itself does...
HD sold its soul to that marketing image and for quite some time it worked, but as those who went in for the HD 'lifestyle' age and leave motorcycling they're not being replaced as rapidly; that image has become a weight around HD's neck and HD is viewed like a caricature of a motorcycle, it's not taken seriously. How can you actually be a 'bad ***' on a heavy, under-powered V-twin when there are state of the art, high horsepower technological marvels out there ready to roll off the showroom floor; nothing extra needed, just add rider?
The perception many hold of what an HD is will take time to die; hopefully before HD itself does...
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#27
12-31-2017, 11:28 AM
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#28
12-31-2017, 11:29 AM
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#29
12-31-2017, 11:31 AM
Big Kahuna HDF Member
#30
12-31-2017, 11:38 AM
People see what they want to see but the facts don't lie.
2016- Harley Davidson sold more bikes than Ducati, Triumph and BMW combined
Harley: 260,289
BMW: 145,032
Ducati: 55,451
Triumph: 56,253
http://blog.motorcycle.com/2017/01/1...ycles-in-2016/
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2...-profits-2016/
http://www.ducati.com/news/ducati_en.../4413/index.do
Harley down 2015 -> 2016
1.6%, 264,627 to 260,289
Ducati up 2015 -> 2016
1.2%, 54,809 to 55,451
Not exactly fitting the narrative OP is painting
2016- Harley Davidson sold more bikes than Ducati, Triumph and BMW combined
Harley: 260,289
BMW: 145,032
Ducati: 55,451
Triumph: 56,253
http://blog.motorcycle.com/2017/01/1...ycles-in-2016/
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2...-profits-2016/
http://www.ducati.com/news/ducati_en.../4413/index.do
Harley down 2015 -> 2016
1.6%, 264,627 to 260,289
Ducati up 2015 -> 2016
1.2%, 54,809 to 55,451
Not exactly fitting the narrative OP is painting
Last edited by ford13; 12-31-2017 at 11:41 AM.
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