Just read an article about what Harley is planning to fix the company. Looks like they might be heading in the right direction.

https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/news/2020/april/harley-davidson-rethinks-its-new-model-plans

 

Link did not work for me.

 

Here's Harley's own investor page with more details. (Have not read myself yet.)

https://investor.harley-davidson.com...sults-covid-19

 

Yeah

No they are reverting back in their old ways while pushing more of the same old crap. Sounds like they are back catering to the old farts and their CORE customers.

But yeah they'll manage

 

So, reading this, and, maybe I am misinterpreting it, but it looks like they will reduce their overseas outlook significantly. I know that was one of the major pushes of the previous CEO, but it looks like they will be refocusing on the American market. I was not riding post AMF days, but, this looks like it is an attempt to recapture that timeframe, through closer partnerships with dealers, focusing on American riders, and reinventing the brand/customer partnership. Which, in my opinion, is/was one of the strong points for the MoCo.
Time will tell if this works. I think reducing the amount of models is a good idea. We dont really need 15 different touring bikes. A few models, and (and this was mentioned by another member here) optional upgrades to each, would likely satisfy the lions share of the market. Although, I do hope they are releasing the pan America. That actually seemed to have a decent potential. The Livewire, well, they already released it, no idea on what the sales on it are, or will be, but my guess is there was a whole lot of R&D expenses put into something that doesnt have a market. Although, patenting the tech early, was likely a good move (and probably where they will make their money back)

 

The link works if you copy it and paste it into your browser. Nice summary article. I hope Harley gives the watercooled 'robohead' models a go. Some interesting things may come from that. Particularly in markets that are less traditional in their expectation of a Harley motorcycle. I'm hoping the UK is seen as one of their core markets, not just the US. Although HD never figured in top selling bikes here, there is an established dealer network. I'd guess 'Rewire' will be a bit of a compromise, because there are commitments from the previous strategy that will be more expensive to get out of than to continue.

Will be an interesting few years ahead. I hope they make a success of it.

 

I think it will be better management, but the board still needs more bikers, and less tree huggers.

https://advrider.com/harley-davidson...lvation-ahead/

 

Yep, if they are happy to lose touch with the next generation.

 

It sounds good, only time will tell though. Hopefully the realized that they got in over their heads, trying to compete and putting a shatload of ugly bikes into their line up, when what they need to do is go back to what they’re good at, simple cruising bikes, a Sportster, a couple of FX’s and a couple of FL’s is all they need.

 

They about lost their *** betting on the young folks. They talk a lot and loud about all the changes they want but when it came to putting their money where their mouth was they fell short. They weren't buying.

Older folks were buying bikes and keeping the company going before they got cast aside. There isn't going to be a shortage of old people, everyone gets older everyday if they wake up. To completely drop the classic bikes that made them what they were was pretty short sighted (imo) I have nothing against them trying the new styles but it only makes sense to keep the old favorites that still sell well.