Custom ordering system?
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Joined: Aug 2006
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Custom ordering system?
I would like to suggest that Harley Davidson begin to implement a special ordering system where a purchaser can go down a check list and pick out their choices of various items to be put on their custom assembled bike. Having seen how their assembly line works, it would seem reasonable that it could be accomodated.
The way I would envision this working is that basic bike would be one component and then there would be a long menu of items to choose from grouped in different categories, such as wheels, handlebars, seats, types of lights, types of turn signals, etc., so that each bike rolls off the assembly line in a pseudo-custom build for a particular individual. While some may think this would cut profits for HD, in that they wouldn't be able to sell you all these parts TWICE (the original ones plus the ones you REALLY WANT), I think the company would actually SAVE money by not having to create a lot of extra inventory that sits for months and months waiting to be peddled to somebody in that particular configuration. Plus, they could get their money up front when the order is placed and maybe even charge a bit more for the special service. They could still sell extra accessories but by cutting down on the glut of 'used' stuff out there the prices would probably be easier to get. Think outside the box?
The way I would envision this working is that basic bike would be one component and then there would be a long menu of items to choose from grouped in different categories, such as wheels, handlebars, seats, types of lights, types of turn signals, etc., so that each bike rolls off the assembly line in a pseudo-custom build for a particular individual. While some may think this would cut profits for HD, in that they wouldn't be able to sell you all these parts TWICE (the original ones plus the ones you REALLY WANT), I think the company would actually SAVE money by not having to create a lot of extra inventory that sits for months and months waiting to be peddled to somebody in that particular configuration. Plus, they could get their money up front when the order is placed and maybe even charge a bit more for the special service. They could still sell extra accessories but by cutting down on the glut of 'used' stuff out there the prices would probably be easier to get. Think outside the box?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,542
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From: In your head rent free
Not sure the dealers would think it is such a good idea.
They make lots of money on parts. Also, parts puchases brings people into the dealerships where they see new bikes, clothing and other shiny do-dads.
They also sell installation of parts at a fairly nice rate.
It would cut them right out of that money.
They make lots of money on parts. Also, parts puchases brings people into the dealerships where they see new bikes, clothing and other shiny do-dads.
They also sell installation of parts at a fairly nice rate.
It would cut them right out of that money.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
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From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Yeah, I remember the year long waiting lists for bikes in the 90's. I would be against anything that slows down their production even a little bit. Changing out handlebars doesn't sound like a huge deal. Until the production line has to come to a halt so the tech can go find the right length of cables for it. And that's just one example.
And like said, the dealers would lose a ton of money on parts and labor costs.
And like said, the dealers would lose a ton of money on parts and labor costs.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
They would need to have a huge inventory of parts on the assembly line. Alos a huge potential for screw ups, wrong parts installed on a bike. Many accessories even require different screws than the stock parts.
They could and do build factory bikes loaded with popular accessories. Bikes made like you suggest would cost more than the CVO models.
They could and do build factory bikes loaded with popular accessories. Bikes made like you suggest would cost more than the CVO models.
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Zac Strayer
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Jan 17, 2011 06:43 PM
