Since I live in Las Vegas I typically ride down to the Laughlin River Run on the first or second day and do demo rides. Harley is always there plus at least a couple others. Last year I spent the morning riding new HD's and the new Goldwing. This year only Indian was there. I was super surprised that Harley wasn't as this event, like most others, is like 99.9% Harley. I'm not sure if it's because this event has lost it's pull or if the MoCo is saving money but it was odd and disappointing.

 

Years ago I had a friend that owned a Texaco gas station. One day he was complaining that his business has been dropping off, so I asked him how much advertising he does. He said advertising was expensive and he couldn't afford to advertise. When I said to him you know everybody knows about and has heard of Mcdonald's, but they still advertise. His reply was "They have more money then me". I said, exactly. But he didn't get the point I was trying to make. Well it wasn't much after that when he had to shut it down. If Harley has any real hope of getting back in the motorcycle business they need to be at every mom and pop event, showing off what they make and reinvent themselves. Just hoping one day everything will be better, lets your competition get a better position in a shrinking market.,,

 

I have a similar conversation with business owners in my industry, many of them don't get it at all.

HD not coming to Laughlin was a big surprise...and it's not a tiny event either, unless you're using Sturgis or Daytona as a comparison.

 

I don't know the rallies compare across the country, but I attend The Lone Star Rally in Galveston, TX every year. It doesn't compare to Sturgis or Daytona, but it's pretty big. Anyway, H-D has been a no-show for the past couple of years, which I thought was a little disappointing. I have been noticing more TV advertising as of late, though.

 

I think they were a no show at IMS as well.
http://www.motorcycleshows.com/

 

When you're bleeding profusely, you must prioritize.

 

I have not seen them at Laconia for a while.

One year they set up at a dealer in Concord NH rather than come up to the beach

Drag Specialties has been a no show for a while too,

Cripes most bike /biker vendors are no shows at Laconia

But if you want "support wear", cell phones, beef jerky, massage chairs, magic sunglass cleaners, or event tee shirts and pins.... those you can find

And now you know why I don't go anymore.

I see more motorcycle related vendors including dealerships at Cape Coral bike night, Fort Myers Bike Night, and Motorcycle Night in Lowell MA.

Face it guys.. we are no longer the MoCo's preferred customer.

 

I am surprised that they do not offer incentives to nearby dealers to attend and support these shows. It is a common practice in many industries. Usually it is a good situation for both the dealer and manufactured. Dealer gets support for space and hiring/paying extras or overtime and closes sales. Manufacturer gets exposure, can run special deals to move inventory, and does not have costs associated with shipping display and stock, manning the booth except for perhaps sending a factory rep, and strengthens relationship with dealership.

So the gas station story makes sense. Many of us who care wonder what the fu(k the current leadership is doing. It is like they have no strategic plan.

 

"Face it guys.. we are no longer the MoCo's preferred customer."

Agreed. But I can't figure out who the preferred customer is nowadays. I don't see the design appeal or price point or advertising targeting any specific customer group.

 

Exactly right. Harley should be applying tourniquets not band-aids. Fix the problems that really matter don't just keep coming out with new models after new models which are nothing more than new versions of the old scene. Or taking a motorcycle that runs moderately well enough to sell then offering the customer progressively higher upgrade modifications to make it run marginally better. That pretty much shows what the company thinks the average customers gullibility level is.