OUCH! The fighht is on at the MoCo
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
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From:
OUCH! The fighht is on at the MoCo
It appears as though it's now GAME ON!
Quote, "... severe value destruction and the cultural depletion..."
Battle For The Boardroom / Harley-Davidson And H Partners Begin Sparring - Adventure Rider
Quote, "... severe value destruction and the cultural depletion..."
Battle For The Boardroom / Harley-Davidson And H Partners Begin Sparring - Adventure Rider
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 805
From: Washington
"Cultural depletion" what kind of nonsense is that? I went to the local HD dealership today. They must of been moving some bikes because inventory was down. One of the local 'biker' clubs was there, looking all badass. One guy looked right out of the 1950's back when we called them 'hoods', walking around with a pistol on his hip, open carry. It might of been his right, but what's the point? Does he think he will be in an old west shoot out? He looked like a target to me. If I was bent on mayhem he's the first guy I would walk up behind and shoot in the back of the head. Don't get me wrong, no one was causing any problems. But I've always been proud to be a motorcyclist, and this place was just embarassing to be at. I've had that vibe before at other big Harley dealerships. Earlier in the day I stopped by the Indian dealership to check out a new bike. Low key, easy to talk to. The salesman split his time between me and delivering two new bikes to a couple. I wasn't embarrased to be there. Harley may continue to be profitable if they continue down the 'billy biker' trail, but on a much smaller scale. Maybe that works out for everyone.
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,713
Likes: 647
From: San Ramon, Ca
I can only imagine how bad it was in the early 70's as AMF was taking over.
They totally cleaned house. BIG lay offs. With all the disgruntled workers
literally sabotaging the new bikes. It's a wonder Harley survived that.
They totally cleaned house. BIG lay offs. With all the disgruntled workers
literally sabotaging the new bikes. It's a wonder Harley survived that.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,121
Likes: 3,636
From: backwoods
Not saying it is not true. But look at the source, which is supplying not source. They just hate harley over there. I have seem cheer on the death of harley rider.
Be nice to have so real quotes. All the articles they supply is about stuff they read or heard. Again not saying not true, but like some more info, and I sure don't trust those guys
Be nice to have so real quotes. All the articles they supply is about stuff they read or heard. Again not saying not true, but like some more info, and I sure don't trust those guys
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 805
From: Washington
Help me understand....you think Adventure Rider spends its time hating on Harleys? Really? I mean, really? If I was a bit younger guy and had a big ol' ADV to ride, the last thing I would do is spend my time sitting around hating on Harleys.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,280
Likes: 3,411
From: Idaho Panhandle
Somebody needs to do something. I lost my trust in Harley as a company with the M8. They failed to take care of my riding buddy on obvious factory defects. I don’t have much use for CEOs as in my business life, I’ve rarely seen one who wanted to grow the business, all focused on growing profit. Whether this came from downsizing, eliminating less profitable items like the road king or sportster, of cheapening existing lines, like the heritage. Chrome costs more than black, trim adds Pennie’s, cut trim, sell naked as an upsell. Close factories, lay-off workers, change to less costly vendors and brutalize those that remain. This is what Jochen is very good at. I gave up on Harley when Jochen was made CEO. I’ve seen too many spreadsheet wizards gut companies while making huge bonuses and paying dividends short term.
I don’t see a path forward without lots of pain. They no longer have the in-house capabilities to recover. I hope this battle is brutal, bloody and changes the core values. The best profits are those made by growing the business, not manipulating assets. But growing a business takes time, planning, endurance, a toughness not seen at Harley for a long time. Manipulating assets shows immediate profits. It robs the future to make today look great. Jochen is a master and will leave to his ranch in Santa Fe a very happy man and never look back. There is only a future, no history.
I don’t see a path forward without lots of pain. They no longer have the in-house capabilities to recover. I hope this battle is brutal, bloody and changes the core values. The best profits are those made by growing the business, not manipulating assets. But growing a business takes time, planning, endurance, a toughness not seen at Harley for a long time. Manipulating assets shows immediate profits. It robs the future to make today look great. Jochen is a master and will leave to his ranch in Santa Fe a very happy man and never look back. There is only a future, no history.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
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From: backwoods
I spent time on ADV before going to AK. You don't learn much about riding AK on harley forums.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,121
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From: backwoods
A little bit true. But it is still more than a jap bike. Maybe more common last 20 years, since used bikes became affordable. But I am ok with that. Maybe not as snobby as they were. When I bought my first one, I went without so I could have it.