Here's the thing. The 20-30yr old still living with mom and dad because they have too much student loan debt and no degree related job isn't buying a motorcycle that costs as much as a car or a down payment on a house. It just isn't going to happen.
The younger crowd also isn't interested in the big touring bikes. Nor are they interested in the same old stuff all the time.

Wanna boost some new bike sales? Do something truly cool (aka CVO) with a model that isn't a $40K bagger. Put a radical sportster in the mix. I feel that every year should have 1 CVO from each line.

 

Here you go:



January, 2020 Put contracts are going for about $1.60/share. Each contract is worth 100 shares, so lets say you've got $500 to put on this: Buy three contracts. With commissions, you'll still get change back from your $500.

Lets say you're right and the MoCo goes bankrupt over the next year. Where do you expect the stock to end up? Suppose it goes to $10/share. Your $500 will be worth $4,500, giving you an 800% profit on the trade.

Or, you could be wrong, HOG never drops below $25/share over the next couple of years, and you're out $500.

Any gambler will tell you, it's always more fun when you have actual skin in the game.

 

Between Panheads riding coast to coast in 1930 and Harley going bankrupt within a year, I'm not sure who is making the most ridiculous statements. Anyone that wants to bet Harley is bankrupt before 2/9/19 send me a PM. I have $10K that says you're wrong.

 

You think HD is struggling? It was just announced that Tesla lost almost $2 billion last year.
kk

 

That's why Elon Musk sent one into space hoping the Martians will be interested.

 

It's gonna bite them in the *** though if they don't factor in the loss of consumer confidence these problems are causing.

Case in point, me - I'm a potential M8 customer, but there's no way I'm buying until H-D finds a fix for these sumping and trans fluid transfer problems. I know these problems don't affect all bikes, but there's enough bad ones out there to make me feel like I'd be playing a very expensive lottery by buying one.

And I don't get the "what's the big deal, any problems will be warrantied" argument either. Nobody wants a bike that spends a good part of its life sitting in a dealer's service department waiting to be fixed. Or should I say "attempting to be fixed", because as of now there is no known fix for the problems I mentioned.

 

^^^^^
"And I don't get the "what's the big deal, any problems will be warrantied"

Yep, not everyone lives in a town with a dealer either.

 

I believe I think like:


A supporter...but not a blind one...of HDMC.
An educated and interested consumer.
A person who spent about $35,000 with HDMC last year.
A glass half-full (or more) person.
A reasonable person who doesn't make wild predictions.


I haven't yet marked my calendar for the HD Apocalypse. 364 and counting.

 

The number one reason when I ran into woman riders who skipped Harley was weight of the bikes. The low seat height encouraged them to come in and then they end up on another brands bike. The Street line is ugly/boring as hell. It needs to capture some of the style of the softtail line if its going to bring new riders in HDs fold. It is far easier to do that than get the prices down and weight down. Seems there is some perverse contest in big twins to be the heaviest bike

 

I going to weigh in in regards to the original post. I see myself as that kid on the bigwheel to this day. I'm 50 now. Moved to the woods about 3 yrs ago. Its always where I wanted to be. I'm a contractor and the wifes a teacher. Not broke. Not setting the world on fire. Quad, dirt bikes and ,yes, my Harley. I've had 8 or 9 bikes since '87. On my 4th Harley. It's who I am, its what I do. I love and respect my wife but I lead her. She doesn't lead me. We have pussified the men in our society. Everyone's afraid to own the job of husband and leader of a family. I cant tell you how many guys go around with the collar on their neck. Some hate it, some are ok with it because they're lazy. Yeah, it took me a while to find the balance. I needed to mature and learn what a servant leader looks like. You want a bike? Buy one. Can't afford it? Look at your budget and save if finances allow. For me I'll remain that kid on the bigwheel flying off the ramp! When you're 25 and living in the basement it's tough to see that bigwheel. Get a job. Get 2 jobs like I did. Make it work. Break free!