Younger Riders...
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3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Younger Riders...
Hey all,
This is my first post here... Today I went to the local dealer (College Station), they had an open house today, and had some live music and such.
But the problem was, I was the youngest person there by at least 10 years (except for the sexy salesladies of course). I'm 17, and decided to check it out. I rode..... my...... 2007 kawasaki ninja 250r
to the dealership, and decided to see what's up. There were a few people there, doing whatever it is Harley riders do, and generally talking about their experiences. But there were no younger people there. None!
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.
So, my questions are... are there any younger riders here?
What do you Harley riders think of younger riders?
Why doesn't Harley advertise more to younger riders?
This is my first post here... Today I went to the local dealer (College Station), they had an open house today, and had some live music and such.
But the problem was, I was the youngest person there by at least 10 years (except for the sexy salesladies of course). I'm 17, and decided to check it out. I rode..... my...... 2007 kawasaki ninja 250r
to the dealership, and decided to see what's up. There were a few people there, doing whatever it is Harley riders do, and generally talking about their experiences. But there were no younger people there. None!
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.
So, my questions are... are there any younger riders here?
What do you Harley riders think of younger riders?
Why doesn't Harley advertise more to younger riders?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: Younger Riders...
I was riding Harley's when I was in my 'teens', and I know of a couple local kids that have purchased older Harley's.
I would imagine more 'younger riders' would purchase a new Harley if they had the available funds, but even a new Sportster can add up to $11,000+ before it is all said and done. Some of the new Big Twins are well over $20,000 with taxes, registration, etc..
As you said, you purchased a 2007 Ninja for $3,600. You would have a hard time purchasing any running Harley (no matter what the shape or condition) for less than $4,000.
Besides that, many 'younger riders' seem to be in the SuperSport bike frame of mind. Light, powerful bikes, and you can pick a new one up for a fraction of the cost of a new Harley.
Other than that, there isn't anything from keeping anyone (of any age) from purchasing a Harley.
It's all a matter of your preference in bikes, and how much money you are willing to spend.
I would imagine more 'younger riders' would purchase a new Harley if they had the available funds, but even a new Sportster can add up to $11,000+ before it is all said and done. Some of the new Big Twins are well over $20,000 with taxes, registration, etc..
As you said, you purchased a 2007 Ninja for $3,600. You would have a hard time purchasing any running Harley (no matter what the shape or condition) for less than $4,000.
Besides that, many 'younger riders' seem to be in the SuperSport bike frame of mind. Light, powerful bikes, and you can pick a new one up for a fraction of the cost of a new Harley.
Other than that, there isn't anything from keeping anyone (of any age) from purchasing a Harley.
It's all a matter of your preference in bikes, and how much money you are willing to spend.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,920
Likes: 6
From: Upstate New York
RE: Younger Riders...
Harley = NO KIDS
it aint a stinkin minivan
its only got 1 seat,,,,
we ride,,, to leave the kids behind!
now , if you got more hair on your upper lip than a chipmuncks tail,, get yourself a sporty
and let your apprenticeship begin!
it aint a stinkin minivan
its only got 1 seat,,,,
we ride,,, to leave the kids behind!
now , if you got more hair on your upper lip than a chipmuncks tail,, get yourself a sporty
and let your apprenticeship begin!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,047
Likes: 19,174
From: The Wasteland
RE: Younger Riders...
I bought my first Harley at the ripe old age of 18. It was a 1979 Sportster. I had to do a little work to get it going but it was worth it. I got it going and rode it for 4 years, then sold it for the same price I paid for it. See if you can do that with your Ninja. 
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 14,849
Likes: 7
From: Fortville, IN
RE: Younger Riders...
It's a different mindset IMO. I love seening younger kids on Harley's but most are into the sportbikes for the cost & speed of them. Most younger people (under say 25) don't want to spend the money on a Harley. The ones that do usually come from a family history of riding Harley's.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 566
Likes: 3
From:
RE: Younger Riders...
The younger generation has other preferences. Cruisers are not cool to them. I think it's hard for Harley to change that mentality with marketing.
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 663
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From:
RE: Younger Riders...
I am 26, am I still considered young for the harley crowd? 
This my my first bike and to be honest with yah I dont see myself buying anything but another harley. I love my bike and all it sounds.
This my my first bike and to be honest with yah I dont see myself buying anything but another harley. I love my bike and all it sounds.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 1
From: North Jersey
RE: Younger Riders...
ORIGINAL: Fried Chicken
What do you Harley riders think of younger riders?
I would expect younger riders to prefer sport bikes, but as far as this old man is concerened youngsters are more than welcome. A Harley has a historic gut level type of appeal to me. Younger guys don't generally feel that way. They go for the seat of the pants power and bang for the buck of crotch rockets.
Why doesn't Harley advertise more to younger riders?
Most of H-D's market is in riders over 30, andfinancially able to afford them. Not wealthy, just able. And I am just barely able. The Motor Company targets their advertising to biggest buying demographic.
What do you Harley riders think of younger riders?
I would expect younger riders to prefer sport bikes, but as far as this old man is concerened youngsters are more than welcome. A Harley has a historic gut level type of appeal to me. Younger guys don't generally feel that way. They go for the seat of the pants power and bang for the buck of crotch rockets.
Why doesn't Harley advertise more to younger riders?
Most of H-D's market is in riders over 30, andfinancially able to afford them. Not wealthy, just able. And I am just barely able. The Motor Company targets their advertising to biggest buying demographic.