Why doesn't HD....?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Nomad
Why doesn't HD....?
Why doesn't HD reduce costs by only offering one model of each line?
(those *true* statements on the discontinued models thread just got me wondering...)
Why not offer:
1 XL 1200
1 XL883
1 Dyna
1 FX Softail
1 FL Softail
1 Touring
1 VSRC
People could then simply order the bolt-on options and paint-job from the factory, or just buy what dealers ordered and have on the showroom floor. You know, like a car dealer.
Wouldn't that bring costs down, for everybody?
Or why wouldn't it?
(those *true* statements on the discontinued models thread just got me wondering...)
Why not offer:
1 XL 1200
1 XL883
1 Dyna
1 FX Softail
1 FL Softail
1 Touring
1 VSRC
People could then simply order the bolt-on options and paint-job from the factory, or just buy what dealers ordered and have on the showroom floor. You know, like a car dealer.
Wouldn't that bring costs down, for everybody?
Or why wouldn't it?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From:
Why should they? I like having choices.
How would that "bring costs down, for everybody"? By the time we bought all the extras it would probably cost us more.
Harley is doing alright. It's the economy right now that is the problem. Relax, it will all get better soon.
How would that "bring costs down, for everybody"? By the time we bought all the extras it would probably cost us more.
Harley is doing alright. It's the economy right now that is the problem. Relax, it will all get better soon.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,625
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From: Blairsville GA
Thats exactly the way HD used to sell bikes. They had one big twin, and a Sportster with and without electric start. Not counting the Italian stuff of course.
Harley marketing has decided that multiple models leveraged from the same platforms is what works for their buyer. Although HD has taken some strong hits in the down economy, they are much more successful with their marketing than their competition.
Harley marketing has decided that multiple models leveraged from the same platforms is what works for their buyer. Although HD has taken some strong hits in the down economy, they are much more successful with their marketing than their competition.
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Thread Starter
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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Likes: 15
From: Nomad
Thats exactly the way HD used to sell bikes. They had one big twin, and a Sportster with and without electric start. Not counting the Italian stuff of course.
Harley marketing has decided that multiple models leveraged from the same platforms is what works for their buyer. Although HD has taken some strong hits in the down economy, they are much more successful with their marketing than their competition.
Harley marketing has decided that multiple models leveraged from the same platforms is what works for their buyer. Although HD has taken some strong hits in the down economy, they are much more successful with their marketing than their competition.
And they probably don't have the volume to make a production/retail model like that pay off for them.
Plus, I'm guessing that having a showroom full of 20+ models will draw in the first-time buyer more than four bare-bones bikes, which the seasoned HD rider would know exactly how to customize.
Just a thought. Other industries do it.