Harley Cost
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 824
Likes: 3
RE: Harley Cost
It's called 'branding'. Thanks to Hollywood, a fantastic marketing machine, and good old fashioned luck, the word 'Harley' is synonymous with the word 'motorcycle'in the cruiser and touring markets world-wide. It's a position Cadillac once enjoyed, and companies like Ferrari and Rolls Royce still enjoy in their market segments. Do they make technically better motorcycles? No, there are equal or better machines forless money. But those machinesdon't give you the 'image', the 'family', or the supposed lifestyle, all products of carefully crafted marketing. If these things aren't important to you, buy something else. If they are, and there's something special to you about getting to say, "I ride a Harley," pay the price and don't complain.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
RE: Harley Cost
"I agree. What gets me are the people who buy a Harley and then whine about the cost. If you don't like the cost don't buy it. It is simple IMO. I wanted a Harley and I bought one plain and simple. I would love a fatboy or night train but refuse to pay that kind of money for it.
I guess if you do not like the price do not pay it. "
My original question - and I guess I said it in correctly, was meant with the intent of why do they cost so much, is it the better engineering, quality of materials, the overall build of the bike etc. Like I said I should of given more detail to my question and the thoughts behnd it. I did take into consideration the cost of manufacturing - as in the Big 4 - can produce parts overseas cheaper and send to the USA for assembly and thus the bikes are cheaper, however thier quality remains very high, due in most part to the asian mindset of hard work, dedication and loyalty to the company. I saw this first hand while living in Japan while in the US Navy. Thier culture is far different - I won't go into detail explaining it, but you do learn to respect it.
The above quotation - pisses me off. It was NOT a money thing, in my decision process at all. In fact I did not really care, I did not even haggle nor ask the price. I just "assumed" I was buying a quality bike as they had been pulled out of the dumpster days of AMF and completey restructured utilizing the Dr. Demming methodology of Total Quality Leadership (in manufacturing). Harleys now are akin to the the reliability of a Japanese bike, never before did they have this reputation. But since the introduction of quality manufacturing processes, they are now wonderful, reliable bikes. United States manufacturing labor costs, taxes and Unions drive the price up, that and supply and demand - which has been all said.
But don't smartass me with you don't wana pay it - don't buy it. That type of rheoric exemplifies the typical HD rider of which I am not nor ever will be. I don't play Billy Bad ***, I am a rider, and indeed I click well over 6 digits a year in income as a retired Naval Officer and an employedaeronautical engineer.
I guess if you do not like the price do not pay it. "
My original question - and I guess I said it in correctly, was meant with the intent of why do they cost so much, is it the better engineering, quality of materials, the overall build of the bike etc. Like I said I should of given more detail to my question and the thoughts behnd it. I did take into consideration the cost of manufacturing - as in the Big 4 - can produce parts overseas cheaper and send to the USA for assembly and thus the bikes are cheaper, however thier quality remains very high, due in most part to the asian mindset of hard work, dedication and loyalty to the company. I saw this first hand while living in Japan while in the US Navy. Thier culture is far different - I won't go into detail explaining it, but you do learn to respect it.
The above quotation - pisses me off. It was NOT a money thing, in my decision process at all. In fact I did not really care, I did not even haggle nor ask the price. I just "assumed" I was buying a quality bike as they had been pulled out of the dumpster days of AMF and completey restructured utilizing the Dr. Demming methodology of Total Quality Leadership (in manufacturing). Harleys now are akin to the the reliability of a Japanese bike, never before did they have this reputation. But since the introduction of quality manufacturing processes, they are now wonderful, reliable bikes. United States manufacturing labor costs, taxes and Unions drive the price up, that and supply and demand - which has been all said.
But don't smartass me with you don't wana pay it - don't buy it. That type of rheoric exemplifies the typical HD rider of which I am not nor ever will be. I don't play Billy Bad ***, I am a rider, and indeed I click well over 6 digits a year in income as a retired Naval Officer and an employedaeronautical engineer.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Montgomery
RE: Harley Cost
But the price of a Harley has nothing to do with what it costs to make it, or the quality of it. It is what the market will bear. In other words, it is what people will who want one will pay for it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,281
Likes: 2
From: Northern NJ
RE: Harley Cost
ORIGINAL: Motosportman
"I agree. What gets me are the people who buy a Harley and then whine about the cost. If you don't like the cost don't buy it. It is simple IMO. I wanted a Harley and I bought one plain and simple. I would love a fatboy or night train but refuse to pay that kind of money for it.
I guess if you do not like the price do not pay it. "
My original question - and I guess I said it in correctly, was meant with the intent of why do they cost so much, is it the better engineering, quality of materials, the overall build of the bike etc. Like I said I should of given more detail to my question and the thoughts behnd it. I did take into consideration the cost of manufacturing - as in the Big 4 - can produce parts overseas cheaper and send to the USA for assembly and thus the bikes are cheaper, however thier quality remains very high, due in most part to the asian mindset of hard work, dedication and loyalty to the company. I saw this first hand while living in Japan while in the US Navy. Thier culture is far different - I won't go into detail explaining it, but you do learn to respect it.
The above quotation - pisses me off. It was NOT a money thing, in my decision process at all. In fact I did not really care, I did not even haggle nor ask the price. I just "assumed" I was buying a quality bike as they had been pulled out of the dumpster days of AMF and completey restructured utilizing the Dr. Demming methodology of Total Quality Leadership (in manufacturing). Harleys now are akin to the the reliability of a Japanese bike, never before did they have this reputation. But since the introduction of quality manufacturing processes, they are now wonderful, reliable bikes. United States manufacturing labor costs, taxes and Unions drive the price up, that and supply and demand - which has been all said.
But don't smartass me with you don't wana pay it - don't buy it. That type of rheoric exemplifies the typical HD rider of which I am not nor ever will be. I don't play Billy Bad ***, I am a rider, and indeed I click well over 6 digits a year in income as a retired Naval Officer and an employedaeronautical engineer.
"I agree. What gets me are the people who buy a Harley and then whine about the cost. If you don't like the cost don't buy it. It is simple IMO. I wanted a Harley and I bought one plain and simple. I would love a fatboy or night train but refuse to pay that kind of money for it.
I guess if you do not like the price do not pay it. "
My original question - and I guess I said it in correctly, was meant with the intent of why do they cost so much, is it the better engineering, quality of materials, the overall build of the bike etc. Like I said I should of given more detail to my question and the thoughts behnd it. I did take into consideration the cost of manufacturing - as in the Big 4 - can produce parts overseas cheaper and send to the USA for assembly and thus the bikes are cheaper, however thier quality remains very high, due in most part to the asian mindset of hard work, dedication and loyalty to the company. I saw this first hand while living in Japan while in the US Navy. Thier culture is far different - I won't go into detail explaining it, but you do learn to respect it.
The above quotation - pisses me off. It was NOT a money thing, in my decision process at all. In fact I did not really care, I did not even haggle nor ask the price. I just "assumed" I was buying a quality bike as they had been pulled out of the dumpster days of AMF and completey restructured utilizing the Dr. Demming methodology of Total Quality Leadership (in manufacturing). Harleys now are akin to the the reliability of a Japanese bike, never before did they have this reputation. But since the introduction of quality manufacturing processes, they are now wonderful, reliable bikes. United States manufacturing labor costs, taxes and Unions drive the price up, that and supply and demand - which has been all said.
But don't smartass me with you don't wana pay it - don't buy it. That type of rheoric exemplifies the typical HD rider of which I am not nor ever will be. I don't play Billy Bad ***, I am a rider, and indeed I click well over 6 digits a year in income as a retired Naval Officer and an employedaeronautical engineer.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Harley Cost
Harley price used to be higher because of the limited production. With produciton #'s steadily rising and the increased availability you can expect to see the over all costs diminish slightly in teh next few years. Although - with the metrics cost going up, Harley may well cling to their high$ tags. And we'll probably keep paying it.
I know I couldn't afford new and could barely afford (depends on the month hehehe) the used one I purchased a year ago.
I compared it to a new vtx 1800 to vulcan/vstar 1300. I liked the Harley better. Came with a nice custom seat, some chrome shineys, nearly all metal parts (was a big factor) and some stage 1 work.
Slapped a warranty on it for peace of mind and got it. Couldn't be happier.
I know I couldn't afford new and could barely afford (depends on the month hehehe) the used one I purchased a year ago.
I compared it to a new vtx 1800 to vulcan/vstar 1300. I liked the Harley better. Came with a nice custom seat, some chrome shineys, nearly all metal parts (was a big factor) and some stage 1 work.
Slapped a warranty on it for peace of mind and got it. Couldn't be happier.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 824
Likes: 3
RE: Harley Cost
To continue mine above, for whatever reason, big Harleys have now reached the price point where they are just not justifiable to me. I don't ride enough, have never been part of, or enjoyed, the 'Harley lifestyle', and have no need own anything just to be able to brag about it, be it large screen TVs or motorcycles. With Harleys now at a price point equal to some pretty nice sports cars, my Harley is on the block and I'm switching to 4 wheels.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Harley Cost
I think you need to check your facts. I bought a new '06 Vulcan 2000 Classic OTD for $11500. I got a good deal, but it wasn't a spectacularly low price. They can be had for that price just about anywhere. The H-D equivilent would be a Fatboy. Both are single crankpin V-twins, both are EFI, both are softtails, both are belt drive, both have cast wheels, both weigh about 750 lbs, both are excellent motorcycles. There are only two real differences between the two bikes:
1. One is watercooled, the other is not
2.One costs about $6000 less than the other one
Nothing wrong with the Fatboy or the Vulcan, but there can bea significant price differential between comparable metric and S.A.E. bikes.
1. One is watercooled, the other is not
2.One costs about $6000 less than the other one
Nothing wrong with the Fatboy or the Vulcan, but there can bea significant price differential between comparable metric and S.A.E. bikes.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,823
Likes: 2
From: THE MARITIMES Canada
RE: Harley Cost
It's all relative, in the U.S. you look at$20,000 as steep, up here in Canada we think it's great. Back in 2003 a Road King Classic cost $28,099 before taxes. A new 2008 Road King Classic is now $20,909.......down almost $7200 in 5 yrs. It's a combination of things, the Canadian dollar is way up, more inventory, etc.
So yep................give me a 20 grand Harley any day
So yep................give me a 20 grand Harley any day
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Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 952
Likes: 0
From: Great State of NC
RE: Harley Cost
ORIGINAL: Marblemania
Price is EXACTLY why I buy "used". Get a WHOLE lot of Harley for half the new price. You also get the "extra" buck items the previous owner paid cash for, practically free.
Price is EXACTLY why I buy "used". Get a WHOLE lot of Harley for half the new price. You also get the "extra" buck items the previous owner paid cash for, practically free.
BTW, you know it ios Bush's fault, everything wrong in the US is Bush's fault lol!