[sm=biker.gif]
Harley-Davidson Acquires Both MV Agusta & Cagiva!
Novice
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Harley-Davidson Acquires Both MV Agusta & Cagiva!
ORIGINAL: domenicp7
Your going to have to make room for the squids at the dealership get togethers now. \\\\\\\\\\\\\\; [sm=nxsmile.gif]
Your going to have to make room for the squids at the dealership get togethers now. \\\\\\\\\\\\\\; [sm=nxsmile.gif]
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 817
From: Nevada
RE: Harley-Davidson Acquires Both MV Agusta & Cagiva!
I expect Harley to run MV as a standalone operation. The target markets for cruisers are sportbikes are too diverse. MV is cutting-edge and extremely expensive. Harley and Buell are modern antiques, although the Buell 1125 is a step in the right direction.
As a marketing weenie, I'm surprised Harley didn't acquire Aprilia, Ducati or some other more penetrated brandone that can serve as a bridge to attract sportbike riders. MV makes great bikes, but the average joe cannot afford one.
 \\;
Here's \\;the first product to be released under the Harley/MV name. \\;
 \\;
As a marketing weenie, I'm surprised Harley didn't acquire Aprilia, Ducati or some other more penetrated brandone that can serve as a bridge to attract sportbike riders. MV makes great bikes, but the average joe cannot afford one.
 \\;
Here's \\;the first product to be released under the Harley/MV name. \\;
 \\;
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,831
Likes: 15
From: Nomad
RE: Harley-Davidson Acquires Both MV Agusta & Cagiva!
Maybe what HD is trying to do is align themselves with luxury brands to raise their own brand image. That would coincide with recent production cuts, etc.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 817
From: Nevada
RE: Harley-Davidson Acquires Both MV Agusta & Cagiva!
Production cuts were prompted \\;\\\\\\;by lower \\;\\\\\\;demand and the slowing U.S. economy. The MV Agusta acquisition strikes me as a fast track to the lucrative sportbike market. The move \\;\\\\\\;also provides Harley additional channels of distribution \\;\\\\\\;in Europe.  \\;\\\\\\;
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,831
Likes: 15
From: Nomad
RE: Harley-Davidson Acquires Both MV Agusta & Cagiva!
Production cuts came from lower demand and the crappy economy? Ya think? The MV acquisition just seems like the best way to try to move forward. MV Agustas are very €€€€€€€€€€ and not exactly flying out of the factory. Very limited production runs, actually. They are rare, *very* high-end and exclusive. If HD wanted to get into sportbikes, there are cheaper ways. This is a luxury brand. MV will benefit from distribution, not HD.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Harley-Davidson Acquires Both MV Agusta & Cagiva!
I hope they don't lose focus of tradition. I know they need to keep up with the times to survive, but some of us prefer more traditional.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,762
Likes: 22
From: right down from the FloraBama
RE: Harley-Davidson Acquires Both MV Agusta & Cagiva!
ORIGINAL: Geoff
I expect Harley to run MV as a standalone operation. The target markets for cruisers are sportbikes are too diverse. MV is cutting-edge and extremely expensive. Harley and Buell are modern antiques, although the Buell 1125 is a step in the right direction.
As a marketing weenie, I'm surprised Harley didn't acquire Aprilia, Ducati or some other more penetrated brandone that can serve as a bridge to attract sportbike riders. MV makes great bikes, but the average joe cannot afford one.
 \\;\\\\\\;
Here's \\;\\\\\\;the first product to be released under the Harley/MV name. \\;\\\\\\;
 \\;\\\\\\;
I expect Harley to run MV as a standalone operation. The target markets for cruisers are sportbikes are too diverse. MV is cutting-edge and extremely expensive. Harley and Buell are modern antiques, although the Buell 1125 is a step in the right direction.
As a marketing weenie, I'm surprised Harley didn't acquire Aprilia, Ducati or some other more penetrated brandone that can serve as a bridge to attract sportbike riders. MV makes great bikes, but the average joe cannot afford one.
 \\;\\\\\\;
Here's \\;\\\\\\;the first product to be released under the Harley/MV name. \\;\\\\\\;
 \\;\\\\\\;
Funny everyone's pissed (pun intended) about the Budweiser takeover but it's OK in reverse. (Harley acquiring an Italian company)
I wonder what the Italian sportbike blogs are saying about this?
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Harley-Davidson Acquires Both MV Agusta & Cagiva!
MV Agusta has basically three motorcycles. \\; One is $120k, one is $25k and the least expensive is $15K to $16,500. \\;
 \\;
MV sold about 300 motorcycles in the US in 2007 and about 5500 in Europe. \\; MV is a very small niche company that operates at a loss. \\; \\;Their stock price has dropped 4% as a result of HD's purchase.
 \\;
I've read the move is designed to increase HD's presence in Europe. \\; Doubtful if it will have any effect in the US.
 \\;
At least the timing is right. \\; The new Batman rides the $120k MV superbike.
 \\;
 \\;
 \\;
MV sold about 300 motorcycles in the US in 2007 and about 5500 in Europe. \\; MV is a very small niche company that operates at a loss. \\; \\;Their stock price has dropped 4% as a result of HD's purchase.
 \\;
I've read the move is designed to increase HD's presence in Europe. \\; Doubtful if it will have any effect in the US.
 \\;
At least the timing is right. \\; The new Batman rides the $120k MV superbike.
 \\;
 \\;