What's so "Premium" about Harley?
#11
04-09-2019, 09:36 AM
Elite HDF Member
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#12
04-09-2019, 09:47 AM
That's easy, there are three premium motorcycle brands out there - HD, BMW, and Ducatti. Everything else is just plain and ordinary, or a boutique brand.
Premium involves ability of the manufacturer to charge a premium price for similar product over competition. That affords said company means to not penny-pinch, and usually results in better part/paint quality, extras, small touches, and entire buying/ownership experience being better. Doesn't necessarily translate into a better or more reliable motorcycle though...
Premium involves ability of the manufacturer to charge a premium price for similar product over competition. That affords said company means to not penny-pinch, and usually results in better part/paint quality, extras, small touches, and entire buying/ownership experience being better. Doesn't necessarily translate into a better or more reliable motorcycle though...
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Long lonesome highwayman (04-10-2019)
#13
04-09-2019, 09:49 AM
Road Warrior
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#14
04-09-2019, 09:54 AM
The premium comes from salesmanship.
They get folks to pay much more for a product that they are convinced isn't good enough unless they pay another premium to upgrade it (pipes, stage x, tuning). Then pay a further premium to buy clothing and accessories to advertise for the company.
It's funny when you think about it.
They get folks to pay much more for a product that they are convinced isn't good enough unless they pay another premium to upgrade it (pipes, stage x, tuning). Then pay a further premium to buy clothing and accessories to advertise for the company.
It's funny when you think about it.
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#15
04-09-2019, 10:07 AM
Extreme HDF Member
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#16
04-09-2019, 10:15 AM
If you put a Harley side by side with any other manufacture and spent 5 minutes looking at, sitting on and touching stuff on the bike you would realize why its a premium brand. All the parts are high quality, from the paint and metalwork down to the smallest switches and buttons, everything feels and looks better on a harley. Most manufactures cut costs by using cheap switches, plastic everywhere, plain paint etc etc. I'm not saying they perform better or are more reliable, but I think there is no question they are nicer than all of their competition. Thats why I own one, but from the looks of all the complaining on this forum about harley taking their money half the members here should strongly consider getting rid of theirs and going to a different brand. Harley doesn't make you buy any of their products, parts and accessories, but I am glad that they have anything I could ever want to customize my bike, no other manufacture can come close to competing with that.
In 2011 when the Vaquero came out the RG was not what it is today. Unfortunately for the Vaquero, nothing's changed except for paint, and ABS standard in 2015. Even still, for a new 2018 Vaquero going OTD for $15.2K, it's hard to pass up for what you get.
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pgrchaplain (04-10-2019)
#18
04-09-2019, 10:32 AM
Stellar HDF Member
If you put a Harley side by side with any other manufacture and spent 5 minutes looking at, sitting on and touching stuff on the bike you would realize why its a premium brand. All the parts are high quality, from the paint and metalwork down to the smallest switches and buttons, everything feels and looks better on a harley. Most manufactures cut costs by using cheap switches, plastic everywhere, plain paint etc etc. I'm not saying they perform better or are more reliable, but I think there is no question they are nicer than all of their competition. Thats why I own one, but from the looks of all the complaining on this forum about harley taking their money half the members here should strongly consider getting rid of theirs and going to a different brand. Harley doesn't make you buy any of their products, parts and accessories, but I am glad that they have anything I could ever want to customize my bike, no other manufacture can come close to competing with that.
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Long lonesome highwayman (04-10-2019)
#19
04-09-2019, 10:44 AM
Road Master
Remember when Cadillac was a "premium" brand? 502 cubic inch V-8s that put out 190 HP? Boat-like suspensions? Vinyl roofs? Tufted velour bench seats?
HD is fast becoming the next Cadillac. Let's hope they can break free with the new line of bikes.
HD is a premium brand? Not if performance counts, nope.
HD is fast becoming the next Cadillac. Let's hope they can break free with the new line of bikes.
HD is a premium brand? Not if performance counts, nope.
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