I think Harley is in an identity crisis, they rode the biker craze and put out some excellent machines in the last 10 years, Softtail, Springers,Wide Glides, Road Kings, Heritage Springers, and custom CVOs, but they have run out of gas IMHO, While I don't intentionally look down on their newer products, Rocker, Cross Bones, Vrod. Most of the people I ride with don't care for them. Not real functional and will not even consider buying one

I also think trying to compete with the crotch rocket manufacturers with a zillion types of Sportster is insane as well. If you want speed and performance they simply ain't got it.

I think the Dyna Line looks tired as well. What's the answer? Well with the chopper / custom craze somewhat dead, I think their market needs to go custom even more. Make a Springer or some other softtail nice right out of the box for under 20K. While I know most here dislike Victory, their Hammers, Vegas and Jackpot models could be an inspiration for Harley with a little imagination. I rode a new 106 CI Jackpot and it is something

Harley clearly has abandoned their senior customers at a time, when the younger crowd has their attention elsewhere. But that crotch rocket craze will end too, but Harley needs to get some nice 'NEW" fresh, practical motorcycles on the market and quickly. Please Harley get rid of that " Frost" crap, that is the cheapest insult they could do to a Rocker.

Entry level bikes are not going to get Harley back to $50 stock, but nice competition engines (stock 103-110 Harley!) on pleasant to the eye bikes should help.

Before anybody gets too upset, search the internet and see what happened to Triumph, BSA and Norton when they tried to tell the market what they would ride. They went Bankrupt and out of business.

I believe HD isn't stupid, they are going to get a new CEO, who hopefully has better vision than Jim did.

All in all I look forward to the next few years as technology and design from the competition will only make Harley better, or they will be in a whole lotta trouble.

Just my 02 worth
Yes I have HD stock

 

What he said...

 

Help me out - what is "Frost"?

 

Go take a look at the standard Rocker. It's that mat crap finish they're using on wheels, exhaust, engines and such that makes it look like a Mattel toy made in Taiwan.

 

While spending on a new idea in slim times seem's like a poor time to spend scarce $$$ , consider this: Henry Ford did during the depression and the increased capabilities helped incredibly once the economic mess was over. Also consider if they did decide todo something next week , odds are the products would actually be in the showrooms as the economy picks up. Also consider people right now that need a quick soloution to thier old gas guzzler , because the new job might be signifigantly farther than any available job close to them , while most of us on here would shudder at the thought of a 350-500 cc bike for a 40 mile each way commute a newer rider probably won't get into bikes with that predudice.

 

I agree totally on that ! Over here in Europe almost 100 % of young riders started on a 50 cc Scooter at the age of 15 or 16. Especially in this age young people tend to look more on brands than anyone else does, because they try to define themselves through the cloth and shoes they are wearing and the Scooters they are riding. Imagine a "Young HOG" program for those below 21 with special web-based offers for those kids ! Great chance to bind people to the brand !

My son, who is 15 now, already stated he doesn´t want one of this "tiny neon colored italian fancy bikers", because he waits for a black and mean HD machine.

 

They have tried it a few times over the years and it has never paid off.Who knows,sure not a good time to start something big during this finacial meltdown.

 

HD should not put there Name on any thing other then what they make and test them selfs. If it turns out to be a Bomb it hurts the Brand name and they loose on on all the other BS that go's along with warenty work. Plus it cost money for resurch and development of a new line. The small cc bike market is allready saturated. If they use the XL platform on a small cc engine the cost would not be much less then a 883L there base model. The cost of 200-350 cc bikes are around $3700-$5500 a base 883l is around $6900 I don't think it's worth it for them. Plus resale on a Xl model as long as you don't put all the after market stuff on it. You can sell For $5000 up depending on the Model and year and mileage.

 

I remember HD logo on 125cc bikes; let's not go there again.

 

Show me a brand new motorcycle anywhere for $1700! You cant buy a 50cc dirt bike for that!

I would like to see HD start producing small dirt bikes again. It would be great for the kids! A little old school 250 enduro would be cool too.