Website Updated with 2020 Models
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,251
Likes: 3,990
From: Windwardside, Saba N.A.
Off-topic, but yesterday while flat on my back under my motor that was up on a J&S jack, I received a courtesy phone call from my dealer saying the demo truck is at their place this weekend. Seeing Billiard Red in person is interesting.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 306
Likes: 79
From: Central Florida
I am one of those folks that cannot stand a heel shifter on my Tri Glides with floor boards. I sometimes do 700-800 miles days and want plenty of room for my left foot to wander around for comfort. I even added DK Customs floor board extenders so that I would have greater freedom of movement. For some of us, finding Neutral is no big deal and the rear shifter just seems to get in the way for my style of riding. YMMV
Banned
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 23,816
Likes: 57,355
From: Tampa, FL
Give you less and charge you more. Then make the money off the accessory for the customer to put it back on. Fui*&^^ Joke...! Someone also posted they removed the lowers and speakers on the CVO Street Glide I believe. I mean seriously. If the customer doesn't want them on then let the customer take them off, but have the option to put them back on. But take them off from the factory then charge you how much if you want to put them on with the speakers? The MoCo will continue to sink as they have been.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 6,863
Likes: 3,727
From: St. Charles, MO
A lot more room on the footboards without the heel shifter.
Still, I don't like that they no longer provide one. A $30,000 motorcycle shouldn't be nickle and dimed to death.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 413
Likes: 104
From: Detroit
They didn’t remove the heel shifter to appease the 3% of new buyers who remove them, or the 8% who replace them. They did it for the same reason they removed the rear fender light, the front fender light, and the CB...penny pinching.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,132
Likes: 773
From: Earth
Harley has taken a lot of flak over the last few years over its seeming inability to fire up potential buyers up with new designs, resulting in a lot of ink being spilt over the company's rapidly falling stock, dwindling market share, and increasingly pessimistic future. Even diehard Harley enthusiasts have taken to the Internet to lament what has seemed to be the slow-motion self-destruction of an American icon. So with all of that as a backdrop, industry observers have been watching with interest to see where Harley would go with its 2020 lineup.
And Harley didn't disappoint.
There's been significant doubt that the company still had what it takes to dominate in today's ultra competitive markets, but Harley has proven the naysayers wrong by revealing a new lineup with exciting features and all-around better designs. These designs have proven once and for all that Harley can produce bikes which are capable of going toe-to-toe with the best products from Ducati, BMW, and the other big manufacturers. Gone are the days when Harleys were lampooned as being antique technology for "old fat men" more comfortable on riding lawnmowers than motorcycles. Harley is finally starting to get it, and if its engineers are able to keep this level of design excellence going year over year, it's not difficult to imagine Harley-Davidson soaring to new heights as both millennials as well as middle-aged riders flock to the new models. In addition, Harley has combined a much-needed corporate restructuring with new manufacturing techniques to significantly reduce costs and make its bikes more competitive. So not only are the new models lighter, more powerful, and more advanced machines, they're also more affordable for the average buyer. Well done Harley!
Of course...
Not a word of that is remotely true, but what the hell. Might as well join in the denial and have some fun.
And Harley didn't disappoint.
There's been significant doubt that the company still had what it takes to dominate in today's ultra competitive markets, but Harley has proven the naysayers wrong by revealing a new lineup with exciting features and all-around better designs. These designs have proven once and for all that Harley can produce bikes which are capable of going toe-to-toe with the best products from Ducati, BMW, and the other big manufacturers. Gone are the days when Harleys were lampooned as being antique technology for "old fat men" more comfortable on riding lawnmowers than motorcycles. Harley is finally starting to get it, and if its engineers are able to keep this level of design excellence going year over year, it's not difficult to imagine Harley-Davidson soaring to new heights as both millennials as well as middle-aged riders flock to the new models. In addition, Harley has combined a much-needed corporate restructuring with new manufacturing techniques to significantly reduce costs and make its bikes more competitive. So not only are the new models lighter, more powerful, and more advanced machines, they're also more affordable for the average buyer. Well done Harley!
Of course...
Not a word of that is remotely true, but what the hell. Might as well join in the denial and have some fun.
Last edited by DM426; Aug 22, 2019 at 10:41 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,056
Likes: 251
From: Connecticut
What exactly are the "old faithful" pissed off about....is it because HD improved its design and is building better handling, faster bikes? And who are these old faithfuls.....are they the same people who complained about electric start, fuel injection and other changes as HD evolved over the years? The thing about change is that some people fight it, other people embrace it, but in the end we all accept it.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 348
Likes: 122
From: Wichita
After spending 2 years on my 17 Road King I am not sure what I would change on it. I may be naive but it's a treasure to me
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 1,494
From: Santa Barbara
I still think the brand needs to split into traditional "Harley Davidson" product (touring/cruisers) and something new. Say, "HDX". Performance, lean angles, lightweight, high technology, modern engines. Start an HDX racing program. Keep the old designs in Milwaukee and start a fresh design team in SoCal. Affiliate (again) on design with Porsche or AMG.
The MoCo can't afford a holding pattern model year like 2020. The private equity sharks are starting to circle.
The MoCo can't afford a holding pattern model year like 2020. The private equity sharks are starting to circle.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,960
Likes: 6,716
From: WI
I still think the brand needs to split into traditional "Harley Davidson" product (touring/cruisers) and something new. Say, "HDX". Performance, lean angles, lightweight, high technology, modern engines. Start an HDX racing program. Keep the old designs in Milwaukee and start a fresh design team in SoCal. Affiliate (again) on design with Porsche or AMG.
The MoCo can't afford a holding pattern model year like 2020. The private equity sharks are starting to circle.
The MoCo can't afford a holding pattern model year like 2020. The private equity sharks are starting to circle.
Last edited by jamala00; Aug 22, 2019 at 12:13 PM.