Will Harley go bankrupt?
#1
01-28-2020, 01:55 PM
Will Harley go bankrupt?
The last time Harley saw a sales increase in the US was 21 quarters ago which sounds like that was around the time of the redesign of the Road Glide...I was tempted to replace my 2012 EGU with one but my bike was too new and paid for so I didnt.
Then we got the introduction of the M8 and then issues with it came to light with that motor that Harley is still trying to fix 3 years later. The twin cam had issues too and most of them were worked out by 2010 plus the new frame is why I bought a 2012.
Young people buy sporsters or used big twins since the big twins are priced out of their range.
The XG500-750 series didnt resonate with young people. Old guys like me (60) wont buy a new M8 generally speaking and by the time they get the motor sorted out it will be too late...
Harley makes money on merchandise and the overseas bike market. There are a ton of used low mileage M8's here in the US for sale at dealers that few want if they know of the issues. Harley is in big trouble and I dont feel their business is sustainable without drastic change. Bankruptcy is the alternative if they dont do something quick..
Then we got the introduction of the M8 and then issues with it came to light with that motor that Harley is still trying to fix 3 years later. The twin cam had issues too and most of them were worked out by 2010 plus the new frame is why I bought a 2012.
Young people buy sporsters or used big twins since the big twins are priced out of their range.
The XG500-750 series didnt resonate with young people. Old guys like me (60) wont buy a new M8 generally speaking and by the time they get the motor sorted out it will be too late...
Harley makes money on merchandise and the overseas bike market. There are a ton of used low mileage M8's here in the US for sale at dealers that few want if they know of the issues. Harley is in big trouble and I dont feel their business is sustainable without drastic change. Bankruptcy is the alternative if they dont do something quick..
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BigDawgQC (01-29-2020)
Top Answer
01-28-2020, 01:59 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
#2
01-28-2020, 01:56 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
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Bigtwinbuilder (01-28-2020)
#3
01-28-2020, 01:58 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Harley-Davidson's stock tanks as motorcycle sales continue to slide
Harley-Davidson has a big problem. Americans aren't riding its trademark hogs nearly as much as they used to do.
Shares of Harley-Davidson (HOG) fell 3% in early trading Tuesday after the company reported sales and earnings that missed Wall Street's forecasts. The stock is now down more than 10% this year.
Most alarming: Demand for Harley's bikes continued to fall in the United States -- even as they rebounded overseas.
Harley's retail sales in America were down 3% in the fourth quarter. That's the 12th consecutive decline. US sales fell more than 5% for the full year.
Shares of Harley-Davidson (HOG) fell 3% in early trading Tuesday after the company reported sales and earnings that missed Wall Street's forecasts. The stock is now down more than 10% this year.
Most alarming: Demand for Harley's bikes continued to fall in the United States -- even as they rebounded overseas.
Harley's retail sales in America were down 3% in the fourth quarter. That's the 12th consecutive decline. US sales fell more than 5% for the full year.
#4
01-28-2020, 01:59 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
#5
01-28-2020, 02:01 PM
#6
01-28-2020, 02:02 PM
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SPRINGER (01-28-2020)
#8
01-28-2020, 02:08 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Economy is booming, stock market reaching new highs, HD stock & sales sliding....would prices be too high?
I've had the itch to trade in but the Road King special and the Fat Bob 114 are the only 2 of interest but not enough to pull the trigger. There really is no "WOW" factor for me in the current line up.
Lately I've been considering a water cooled performance cruiser like a Vmax, Ducati Xdiavel or the redesigned Triumph Rocket 3. The Vmax can be had for around $15k on sale which is a bargain compared to the HD prices.
Not in a hurry as I do like my FLSS just a little bored with it.
I've had the itch to trade in but the Road King special and the Fat Bob 114 are the only 2 of interest but not enough to pull the trigger. There really is no "WOW" factor for me in the current line up.
Lately I've been considering a water cooled performance cruiser like a Vmax, Ducati Xdiavel or the redesigned Triumph Rocket 3. The Vmax can be had for around $15k on sale which is a bargain compared to the HD prices.
Not in a hurry as I do like my FLSS just a little bored with it.
#9
01-28-2020, 02:10 PM
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Campy Roadie (01-28-2020)
#10
01-28-2020, 02:23 PM
Road Captain
...nope, Polaris will be first in line to buy.
...yeah, while this maybe a "booming" economy, it isn't the usual "babyboomers"(90% probably of the people who ride Harleys)that are spending any money on Harleys, by the look of sales is pretty obvious. Generations after boomers don't want nothing to do with Harleys, cars, boats or homes. They want iPhones, Lift & Uber and to rent places. The Harley buyers are a dying breed, 6ft under or in nursing homes. Yeah, there are some left & always will be "some", but the sales prove this. Same is happening in the antique/classic/sports car market, sales are tanking of that stuff too due to the above reasons. Rant off.