Sportster vs. Other Models; Why such a big price jump?

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Mar 25, 2010 | 09:37 PM

#11

faber

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

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From: Nomad

Really? Do you guys really think a Sportster costs *that* much less to produce than other Harleys? (Remember: 2/3 of the HD model line costs twice as much as a Sporty)

If you do........

read this.

Mar 25, 2010 | 09:43 PM

#12

travroc

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Joined: May 2008

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From: Inland Empire, So Cal

Same reason a Ford Mustang costs more than Ford Focus.

Mar 25, 2010 | 09:44 PM

#13

Mr. Lucky

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 2,134

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From: Delaware

Quote:

Originally Posted by MATUCHI

The Sportster is just cheaper to produce.

Yep... and the reason for that is because of the Sportster's unit construction. The motor, primary and tranny are a single unit with shared lubrication (one hole vs. three on big twins).

Mar 25, 2010 | 09:54 PM

#14

Intrepid175

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 1,383

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From: Texas City, TX

Harley charges what it charges for the bikes it makes because "we" will pay the price. Obviously, they need to make a reasonable profit, whatever that "really" is, but I don't think I'm alone in thinking that they make quite a bit more than that, more often than not. I don't really begrudge them that as we do seem to really enjoy our rides and that's what it's all about in the end.

Ride Safe,
Steve R.

Mar 25, 2010 | 09:59 PM

#15

2kids3pets

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 4,473

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From: River City Western Canada

One is a chicks bike and the others are not...men will over pay just to look kool

Mar 25, 2010 | 10:29 PM

#16

lh4x4

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 13,402

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From: Illinois

There is not big jump. A Sportster XR1200 runs about $13K out the door and the Super Glide is about $1K more.

Mar 25, 2010 | 10:48 PM

#17

mrmarklin

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 1,426

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From: People's Republik of Kalifornia

Quote:

Originally Posted by trademarked

Now, I should mention that I haven't ridden other models, only the Nightster that I recently bought, but I was wondering why there is such a big price jump when you leave the sportster line.

It doesn't seem like there is that much more to some of these other bikes, at least not in comparison with the price increase. However, this is just my perception, and I'm interested in understanding what I might be missing out on!

Bigger engine, 6 speed, and in general better over all components such as shocks, seat etc.

Remember also that the Sporty is made in higher volume so there are some economies of scale, and I also suspect that it's also somewhat of a "loss leader" to get someone in the Harley world.

Many Sporty owners aspire to "Big Twin" status, and good trade in deals feed that need..

Mar 25, 2010 | 10:58 PM

#18

faber

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Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 8,831

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From: Nomad

You guys are clearly not pricing managers in your day jobs.

I'm not either, but I am a data guy (and so are pricing managers).

The pricing guys at HD know exactly what they're doing, and are glad that most of us don't