Younger Riders...
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 960
Likes: 1
From: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
That is a great question. Many of the other people's comments were right on the mark. Cost is a big factor and so is the generation gap. To younger riders, Harley's are Geezer Glides...lounge chairs on wheels you might say. Young guys want super acceleration and tight corner handling. Harleys primary customer base is not interested in these features, they (we) want the low-end torque, curser styling, touring comfort and that H-D sound and total experience that follows us when we are riding. Harley-Davidson is trying to appeal to younger buyers (though perhaps not as younger as 17) with the Buell line and the Muscle V-Rod that is new for 2009. The company is not likely to market a low cost bike just to get the younger rider in the door, but it does what to have a product that the younger riders want when they can afford to step up to a Harley. The company needs to appeal younger riders and not just make Tri-Glides for the older ones.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 771
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, Alberta
I bought my first bike brand new for $3,400. It was a 1981 Honda CB750-4. That thing would tote the mail! I'm still on a Honda, because I like performance and handling at a reasonable price. Everyone talks about how you don't need all that power. Well, all that power and excellent brakes and "flickability" can save your butt. I don't care what you guys say, if HD doesn't come up with some performance, they will never "hook" the young crowd. All you old farts can't live forever and keep buying ancient technology.
And you are on a Harley forum why?
I Don't think they need to "hook" anything, their market share is just fine.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 0
From: Ada, Michigan
my son bought his own harley at age 16. he saved for the down payment and made the monthly payments. He bought a 1 yr old 2005 Sportster 883L. We went out west twice with that bike. He does want the crotch rocket thing at times, but he likes the harley culture and the old school thing about it.
he's now 19 and rides a Deluxe when he comes home from college
he's now 19 and rides a Deluxe when he comes home from college
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 112,202
Likes: 1,316
From: On a hill among the hills, PA
I bought my first bike brand new for $3,400. It was a 1981 Honda CB750-4. That thing would tote the mail! I'm still on a Honda, because I like performance and handling at a reasonable price. Everyone talks about how you don't need all that power. Well, all that power and excellent brakes and "flickability" can save your butt. I don't care what you guys say, if HD doesn't come up with some performance, they will never "hook" the young crowd. All you old farts can't live forever and keep buying ancient technology.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: alberta, Canada
I love this question, and its got sooo many answers. First of all im 27 and pretty sure im a young rider, but im a 3rd generation harley owner. its not just a bike, its a million great memories with my dad and grandfather. As i had to explain to my wife its not a machine, its anger management,stress relief, and testosterone all in a quick fix for me.As for these other young guys worried about the old guys, there dumb.some of the best times ive had were on poker runs and at pig roast sitting around with my old mans friends. The 20 something crowd now is a bunch of dumb frat boys that im ok with not having around me when i go riding. When my unit got home from afganistan 12 of us bought bikes, 2 of us got harleys. money wasnt the issue, maturity was. They use there bikes to get girls, i use mine to unwind and get away from it all.
thats about all my ranting out.
thats about all my ranting out.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,359
Likes: 2
From: MA
I picked this 93' Sportster up for my 16 year old son this year. It had 438 miles on it (original) and other than acid on the primary (which is being replaced this winter), this bike is brand new. It even had the original pipes on it. I ordered a set of Cycle Shack slipons for it and when they came in, my wife and I installed them while he was in school. He came home and started his bike and you should have seen the smile on his face! Oh, and I paid $4,000.00 for it and he's loving every minute of it!
After I bought this bike, I found a newer 1200 on E-Bay for about $3500, but I had already committed to buying this bike. So, to say there are unaffordable HDs out there is wrong. If you really wanted one, you'd search to find what you could afford.
After I bought this bike, I found a newer 1200 on E-Bay for about $3500, but I had already committed to buying this bike. So, to say there are unaffordable HDs out there is wrong. If you really wanted one, you'd search to find what you could afford.
Last edited by JakeInMa; Dec 6, 2008 at 07:00 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 851
Likes: 1
From: Alberta, Canada
I'm 34, always wanted a Harley but I couldn't afford it until recently. I've never been into sport bikes, to me they are ugly death machines. I had a couple metric cruisers, but nothing compares to a Harley. And yeah, I'm one of the younger HD riders that I know, which is fine by me. Kids are annoying 