Some feedback please..
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,729
Likes: 29
From: IA
The youngest age a person can take the Riders Edge program is 12 with parental consent. Look at who you are leaving out!! Every kid 12 up that wants to ride a legend. I agree the Buell was a piece of crap. It was unpredictable, never knew where the clutch was going to release, how much throttle to give etc... a very hard bike to train a person that had never ridden/driven a bike. As far as engine size goes, this is a comfortable range for beginners. Ask yourself how many are actually going to be on the highway at highway speed. Most of these will be inter city transportation. Look at the popularity of the "scooter". That's the market you want to put a dent in. This bike will need to represent the Harley image well enough for the younger kids to want and be proud enough to say, "yeah, I had one of those when I was a kid just learning to ride".
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Glen Burnie, MD
I'm sorry I think it would be a stupid idea. Look at the resale value of a 883, Do you really think that Harley wants that again. I know that you can get 883s all day long around here for between 3 to 4 grand. Just imagine what a smaller bike would bring you at resale. You would be giving it away.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,729
Likes: 29
From: IA
I'm sorry I think it would be a stupid idea. Look at the resale value of a 883, Do you really think that Harley wants that again. I know that you can get 883s all day long around here for between 3 to 4 grand. Just imagine what a smaller bike would bring you at resale. You would be giving it away.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 527
Likes: 1
From: TEOC, MS
Thanks for the info. While I don't agree about the Blast, the rest something to think about. The Blast clutch is a challenge but easily overcome. When a student is done they can get on any bike and most have better clutch control than a lot of "experienced" riders. The higher CCs and power are also much more "real world" than most training bikes so they are better equipped to handle a bigger bike.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: IA
We trained more females it seems and a lot of 40 -60 year olds of both sexes. Wheelies were common due to the clutch/throttle scenario. A few even to the hospital. It's almost like training a kid on a bronco. Friction Zone is a trick animal on the blast. That is my opinion and thats my final answer. However, a training bike should be 250-350cc in my opinion as well. Harley could do a guaranteed trade in like they did with the 883 for those wanting to upgrade to a larger bike and thats my final answer on that
Last edited by FLTR08; Mar 5, 2010 at 11:30 AM.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: IA
I have a friend who is a Dealer in OH that has a Riders's Edge Program and he is on the Dealer Advisory Council. They have been asked to submit their requirements for a small training bike to the Motor Company by the end of March. The Blast is phased out only a few are left and they need a training Bike within the next two years. If you read my post above that bike has to meet certain requirements that Harley doesn't have now.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 89
From: Tampa, FL
I think there would be a market. My ex-girlfriend took a riding class and although she loves Harley's wants to start with something smaller. She was looking at the Suzuki S40 and S50. Now these bikes are a little bigger than 500cc, but they are the right size and weight for her handling.
If you make a 500cc at a relatively low weight and in the price range of an S40 I think it would sell well as an entry level bike for Women and some younger riders. Also you could sell an upgrade on the 'for sale' models to a 650cc to give it enough highway power.
just my $.02
If you make a 500cc at a relatively low weight and in the price range of an S40 I think it would sell well as an entry level bike for Women and some younger riders. Also you could sell an upgrade on the 'for sale' models to a 650cc to give it enough highway power.
just my $.02
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Advanced
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 75
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From: Birmingham, AL.
Harley will not use a non Harley product at their own dealerships to train on, again, period, not for discussion. That decision is made.
The Harley dealership here in Alabama that does the Riders Edge Program does not use Harley bikes. They use Honda Rebels. My Wife took the course, so they will use other bikes.
The Harley dealership here in Alabama that does the Riders Edge Program does not use Harley bikes. They use Honda Rebels. My Wife took the course, so they will use other bikes.
Last edited by zoom-zoom; Mar 5, 2010 at 03:37 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 157
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We trained more females it seems and a lot of 40 -60 year olds of both sexes. Wheelies were common due to the clutch/throttle scenario. A few even to the hospital. It's almost like training a kid on a bronco. Friction Zone is a trick animal on the blast. That is my opinion and thats my final answer. However, a training bike should be 250-350cc in my opinion as well. Harley could do a guaranteed trade in like they did with the 883 for those wanting to upgrade to a larger bike and thats my final answer on that