Younger Riders...
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 824
Likes: 3
RE: Younger Riders...
ORIGINAL: Fred00
Not sure I agree. Harley sales are dropping, stock down more than 30% this year. From what I have heard the dealers still have heaps of 07s left, so why would the dealers order 08s? Harley has to do something, that's for sure. Otherwise it will be the end for them. 2008 will be a very interesting year...
ORIGINAL: Rebel Ryder
harley doesn't need to do anything to "cater to you or your generation". last time I checked the moco was doing exceptionally well without subcoming to your "market".
harley doesn't need to do anything to "cater to you or your generation". last time I checked the moco was doing exceptionally well without subcoming to your "market".
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 8
From: Dogtown, Oakland, CA
RE: Younger Riders...
ORIGINAL: powdercoater
...
When AMF took over the company the emphasis was on mass production and flooding the market with their bikes to pull the company out of bankruptcy. In doing so, quality was a very low priority, but that's how they made enough of a profit to accomplish their mission. I've ridden a '76 FLH since '94 and have ridden other Harleys for the past 20+ years so I know first-hand about that AMF quality remark.
...
...
When AMF took over the company the emphasis was on mass production and flooding the market with their bikes to pull the company out of bankruptcy. In doing so, quality was a very low priority, but that's how they made enough of a profit to accomplish their mission. I've ridden a '76 FLH since '94 and have ridden other Harleys for the past 20+ years so I know first-hand about that AMF quality remark.
...
it was the _tariff_ that "accomplished their mission", not AMF.
to AMF's credit though, i believe they took this time to develop the Evolution engine, which astutely capitalized on the breathing room that the tariff provided, and was enough of an improvement in quality that the business became viable again.
well, that and the change in management that followed.
feel free to correct me if im wrong on any of this, as im going by memory here.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,909
Likes: 6
From: Livingston, Texas
RE: Younger Riders...
Been in I think it is Independence H-D harley in College station several times. Bought my helment there. Nice dealership. Also been to Cowboy in Austin.
When you've had yer bike for 10 years, see if you can git anything for it, if its still running. Check yer insurance rates for yer sport bike against a H-D. Seems like the insurance is higher on a sport bike.
Mabe one day you will see the light on the other side after you ride for a while.
Right now yer life style is probaly too fast for a Harley. Anyway if I had to explain it any farther you probaly wouldn't explain it. My son don't. He rides a Honda 1100 shadow because of the price.
When you've had yer bike for 10 years, see if you can git anything for it, if its still running. Check yer insurance rates for yer sport bike against a H-D. Seems like the insurance is higher on a sport bike.
Mabe one day you will see the light on the other side after you ride for a while.
Right now yer life style is probaly too fast for a Harley. Anyway if I had to explain it any farther you probaly wouldn't explain it. My son don't. He rides a Honda 1100 shadow because of the price.
Stage I
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
hey well for starters im 19 and i just started getting into the cycling world and when i saw the HD's i was thought they're cool ive was always a fan, just spot bike dont really make me jump out of my seat i'd rather ride slow and enjoy than die fast on sportbikes but just one question pops in mind maybe cuz im still unmature but what do u guys think about asian's in a HD? because im asian and i want an HD nighsters 09 with the wide rear tire i think its so sexy
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 727
Likes: 0
From: A Boston Yankee in Surrey, England
Part of it, I think, is in how you answered your own question. You got a Ninja for $3,600. You can't get a Harley for that kind of money, certainly not a new one. As well as younger guys generally being more into speed and new technology, I just think most people can't afford a Harley until they've had a real job for a few years. That kind of leaves most people out until they're into their late 20s generally.
Guys that buy old bikes and fix them up aren't included in the above argument.
Guys that buy old bikes and fix them up aren't included in the above argument.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Yeah, my 1980 Low Rider was $5,995.00 brand new.
I saw one in a Bargain Post around 1998. The guy wanted $5,995.00 for it.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Not sure I agree. Harley sales are dropping, stock down more than 30% this year. From what I have heard the dealers still have heaps of 07s left, so why would the dealers order 08s? Harley has to do something, that's for sure. Otherwise it will be the end for them. 2008 will be a very interesting year...
If Harley, or the dealerships, were smart, they'd start giving those held-over bikes away. Charity raffles, promotions, etc. They wouldn't really lose that much on them, especially after tax write-offs. And it would draw people in by the droves, who would then spend their money on items where the dealerships really make their money. T-shirts, and accessories. Who would care if it was an '07. It's still brand new.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 547
Likes: 1
From: Republic Of Texas
>>>>
Why is it that Harley is not advertising to the younger generations? I got my ninja 250 b/c it cost only $3,600, looks great, gets 70 mpg, and still goes 0-60 in 5.75 seconds. I looked at the Harleys, and the best I could find was a Buell blast for 5k.
<<<<
Why doesn't Harley advertise more to younger riders?
Why is it that Harley is not advertising to the younger generations? I got my ninja 250 b/c it cost only $3,600, looks great, gets 70 mpg, and still goes 0-60 in 5.75 seconds. I looked at the Harleys, and the best I could find was a Buell blast for 5k.
<<<<
Why doesn't Harley advertise more to younger riders?
2. if they did it would alienate all the fat bald headed middle age guys wearing doo rags and 2 and 1/2 piece patches that you saw
3. HD had/has the chance to tap this market years ago but in my opinion they failed (ie. Buell?)
I'll ask you a question Im curious about as you seem to be representative in terms of intelligence and riding interest of the better young bikers, why doesnt the Buell sell better? Ive assumed it was performance or maybe they dont "just look like other sport bikes".
Good question hang in there ride what you like.
ps: you wont be young forever, if youre lucky that is, trust me on that one...
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 771
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, Alberta
My ninja vs your Harley any day on the twisties, see what happens
But really, I think harley is kind of trying to advertise to the younger crowd. The Buell Blast is a great example of that.
They don't need to necessarily advertise Harley Davidson, but they do need to get the younger crowd, b/c otherwise they will start seeing sales drops. Hell they're already seeing that.
What Harley should do is come out with a really good motorcycle to compete directly with the ninja 250/500. This way they can get the younger generation in.
But really, I think harley is kind of trying to advertise to the younger crowd. The Buell Blast is a great example of that.
They don't need to necessarily advertise Harley Davidson, but they do need to get the younger crowd, b/c otherwise they will start seeing sales drops. Hell they're already seeing that.
What Harley should do is come out with a really good motorcycle to compete directly with the ninja 250/500. This way they can get the younger generation in.
EVERYONE is seeing sales drop. Including the Japanese manufacturers. If you don't believe me, go look at their posted stats.