HD needs younger riders?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 5
From: So California
A buddy's 20 yr old son just got a 09 Sportster. A friend of his in his 20s after seeing his bike got a Harley, (haven't heard which model yet).
The younger riders still like HD, they get them when they can afford them.
Maybe it's because I'm goofy, but I've never considered my bikes as toys.
Even when I got my FXSTC when 29 yrs old.
The younger riders still like HD, they get them when they can afford them.
Maybe it's because I'm goofy, but I've never considered my bikes as toys.
Even when I got my FXSTC when 29 yrs old.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 824
Likes: 3
News flash! In terms of sales and production, Harley has already downsized about 50% since 2006, and can probably go further if the US market continues to shrink. It is no doubt a wise business strategy to continue to increase their focus on the more affordable Sportster and Dyna variants. With the real US unemployment and underemployment numbers (including those who have given up entirely) sitting at around 45% of the workforce, it's becoming more of a challenge to sell motorcycles that cost as much as a new small car or truck.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,420
Likes: 1
From: W. CENT. IL
The prices of the bike is the obvious factor. The INS reason kept me off a Harley for awhile , The combined cost is the killer. High rates with higher payments make a guy pick and choose to stay on a cheeper bike and still ride.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,199
From: Oxford, Nc
News flash! In terms of sales and production, Harley has already downsized about 50% since 2006, and can probably go further if the US market continues to shrink. It is no doubt a wise business strategy to continue to increase their focus on the more affordable Sportster and Dyna variants. With the real US unemployment and underemployment numbers (including those who have given up entirely) sitting at around 45% of the workforce, it's becoming more of a challenge to sell motorcycles that cost as much as a new small car or truck.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
Oh I forgot to mention in my previous thread re: demographics and such...When we opened our Indy shop in 1996, HD produced 112,000 units that year. At the 2004 Dealer Meeting in Florida, the CEO announced plans for 400,000 units by 2006, ( which caused one huge groan from the audience.) I don't know if that figure would have been sustainable without a recession. So 50% shrinkage is a relative number.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 471
Likes: 1
From: St Louis Mo
Who would have guessed during the AMF years that there would ever be a waiting line to buy a Harley? Like any good business, the moco will adjust and survive. If not, I don't think its going to matter much to me when I'm planted 6 foot down.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,847
From: Western South Dakota
I don't think that most of the younger generation really care abut the "HD mystique."
It is ol' school and most of the guys that ride are getting older, and I don't think that they want to be associated with the ol' school thing.
They are more into technology type stuff, cell phones, crotch rockets, etc., not too mention the prices that HD charges for their bikes.
It turns the younger generation off and away.
It is ol' school and most of the guys that ride are getting older, and I don't think that they want to be associated with the ol' school thing.
They are more into technology type stuff, cell phones, crotch rockets, etc., not too mention the prices that HD charges for their bikes.
It turns the younger generation off and away.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,199
From: Oxford, Nc
It'll survive by being more like GM, who because of their worldwide sales is already knocking on Toyota's door to become the biggest auto maker in the world again. ( They sold more cars in China last year that they did in the U.S.)
HD has had an assembly plant in Brazil for about 10 years, and just opened up a new assembly plant in India this year, to serve that HUGE Indian population.
HD has had an assembly plant in Brazil for about 10 years, and just opened up a new assembly plant in India this year, to serve that HUGE Indian population.