How will this affect Harley owners?
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 1
From: Alabama Gulf Coast
How will this affect Harley owners?
Was watching morning financial news. Harley-Davidson 4th quarter profits down 60%. HD plans to lay off 1100 employees and close certain facilities. Which ones were not specific. Talk about downsizing, but that's the buzz word in today's economy. Only time will tell how it will affect present Harley owners. Hopefully HD will continue to survive in some form. Good Luck HD!
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 1
From: Alabama Gulf Coast
I think its going to be way more than low inventory on bikes, my guess is HD may reduce its part and accessories offerings, I think you can look for all the slow moving items to no longer be offered. One of the posts from another thread indicated they were going to outsource their parts and accessories handling, this could be a disaster for HD owners needing parts. Could take longer for repairs because of slow parts production/delivery. I guess this would be something we could live with. Another good question would be how HD will handle their dealers, in the past they have all but dictated to them things like building size, layout, etc. If a dealer feels like he needs to sell his building and downsize to a smaller operation just to keep his head above water, will HD allow this? Just wondering.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 6
From: Simpson County Kentucky
Another good question would be how HD will handle their dealers, in the past they have all but dictated to them things like building size, layout, etc. If a dealer feels like he needs to sell his building and downsize to a smaller operation just to keep his head above water, will HD allow this? Just wondering.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 29
I doubt if it will affect me much at all. I don't plan on buying a new bike again unless they build something better than the 2002 Twin Cam. I get most accessories from the aftermarket. As far as engine parts goes, if HD stops making them, V-Twin most likely will start making them.
The Schlong Man
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,772
Likes: 4
From: Nantucket
HD will likely go through a period of building an inferior product as a result of aggressive cost cutting measures. '09 and older models will be considered treasures in the comming years.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,364
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From: So Cal The Golden State
This will not effect us at all. Realigning production and cost to demand.
In the steel industry we call it banking or hot idling.
That is what well ran companies do to be around tommorrow.
The dealer situation is a dealer situation. In my opinion the popus bastards that treated customers bad will get there just rewards. (I still remember when a sales manager would not get to shake may hand to great me or the guys at Laidlaw that would not quote a cost on a bike being delivered the next day) Funny now Laidlaw is resorting to advertising on craigslist. They all get what they asked for.
They forgot they needed a customer.
In the steel industry we call it banking or hot idling.
That is what well ran companies do to be around tommorrow.
The dealer situation is a dealer situation. In my opinion the popus bastards that treated customers bad will get there just rewards. (I still remember when a sales manager would not get to shake may hand to great me or the guys at Laidlaw that would not quote a cost on a bike being delivered the next day) Funny now Laidlaw is resorting to advertising on craigslist. They all get what they asked for.
They forgot they needed a customer.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 1
From: Alabama Gulf Coast
I'm just glad I bought my new 09 already. Sure would hate to be the guy whose bike is being built by some of the 1100 who receive their pink slips with the last day to be worked 1 week later.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,929
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From: Grayland, WA.
Was just at the dealer in Lacey (Olympia) yesterday and they say they're doing just fine. Bikes still selling at pretty much MSRP pricing, some of the used bikes have come down in price. Sold a Dyna while I was there. (Not to me) Store was pretty busy, a lot of service guys in and out with Fort Lewis nearby. Inventory looked a little less than before but not by much. It is a pretty good dealership, especially the service department.