HD needs younger riders?
I'm going to post some facts from the latest HOG Magazine that I received this week. This might help silence some and will probably create arguments because no one can admit they've been defeated. But here we go;
HOG Issue 009 2011
Page 10 by Matt King
"To some uninformed observers, we're just a bunch of middle-aged white guys getting even older and grayer, but would it surprise you to learn that Harley-Davidson actually sells more motorcycles in the U.S. to people under the age of 35 than any other motorcycle company?
I have to admit it surprised me a bit when I saw the data from automotive research firm R.L. Polk, which reviewed the registrations of all motorcycles sold in the U.S. and found that beginning in 2008 H-D became the top-selling brand of sales of new on-road motorcycles to young adults aged 18-34, popularly known as Generation Y. In 2009, we extended that lead (the numbers aren't in yet for 2010). And that's for all displacement motorcycles, not just heavyweight bikes. If we only measure heavyweight bikes over 650 cc, we've been number 1 for some time.
You might also be interested to know that today we sell more new Harley-Davidson motorcycles to this general of young adults than we did to Baby Boomers when they were the same age. By total sales, we can say that Harley-Davidson is more popular now with Gen Y than it was for young Boomers back then.
Whether you're old, young, or in the middle, this is all good news - not just for Harley-Davidson but for everyone who loves motorcycles. So the next time you are at a big rally or other motorcycle event, take a look at the people around you. Maybe some of the faces will surprise you."
HOG Issue 009 2011
Page 10 by Matt King
"To some uninformed observers, we're just a bunch of middle-aged white guys getting even older and grayer, but would it surprise you to learn that Harley-Davidson actually sells more motorcycles in the U.S. to people under the age of 35 than any other motorcycle company?
I have to admit it surprised me a bit when I saw the data from automotive research firm R.L. Polk, which reviewed the registrations of all motorcycles sold in the U.S. and found that beginning in 2008 H-D became the top-selling brand of sales of new on-road motorcycles to young adults aged 18-34, popularly known as Generation Y. In 2009, we extended that lead (the numbers aren't in yet for 2010). And that's for all displacement motorcycles, not just heavyweight bikes. If we only measure heavyweight bikes over 650 cc, we've been number 1 for some time.
You might also be interested to know that today we sell more new Harley-Davidson motorcycles to this general of young adults than we did to Baby Boomers when they were the same age. By total sales, we can say that Harley-Davidson is more popular now with Gen Y than it was for young Boomers back then.
Whether you're old, young, or in the middle, this is all good news - not just for Harley-Davidson but for everyone who loves motorcycles. So the next time you are at a big rally or other motorcycle event, take a look at the people around you. Maybe some of the faces will surprise you."
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 816
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina, US
Well I'm 25 so I'm generation Y, I've wanted a Harley since maybe 14. Reason I don't right now is of course the money issue. I've just never had enough extra money to spend on getting a Harley since it's not necessary, not even for a used $1000 Harley. My first Harley will be used but it will also be a Harley, I'm not going to settle for a metric just to ride. I guess I'm to stubborn for that, it's either a Harley or nothing.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,671
Likes: 11
From: sequim, wa
There are plenty of motorcycles of differant sizes, made in the world, to learn to ride on. When they want to upgrade to the best large motorcycle... "Harley Davidson" , they will buy one no matter what age they are. Just like all of us they will find a way. I myself learned on a 38, (1938 knucklehead) at 9 YO. Yep it was big, yep I went over the handlebars trying to start it, yep I fell down, yep I had help picking it up.
I see one of the biggest problems is, people THINK they need the newest, shiniest, to be one up on everyone else. I dont think there interest will last very long anyway.
Im just going to keep riding and not worry. I will see ya on the road or not.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 168
From: Potsdam, NY
HD only make heavy cruiser style bikes. A market area in which they have excelled. This is a lucrative market segment in North America, but as long as they continue on this path they are solely dependent on the continued popularity of this segment. IMHO they should have kept Buell and supported it better. Sometimes I feel HD's past success in the cruiser market segment has kept them from evolving and planning for the future, this could potentially be their downfall if the cruiser market starts to shrink with changing trends.
I know this is a HD forum, but not everyone wants a cruiser and the non cruiser market is not just kids on sport bikes. Look around next time you are out riding, there is a huge diversity in the types of bikes people are riding.
There are a large motorcycle market segments for adventure tour bikes (BMW GS, Triumph 800XC, VSTROM, KTM, etc.), cross over bikes (fast growing market segment with the Honda CrossOver, Versys, KTM SMT, Ducatti Multistrada, Triumph Tiger, etc., nakeds (Speed Triple, etc.), sport tour bikes (too many to list) and sport bikes. Nearly every motorcycle manufacturer has models in each of these categories except HD. The problem HD faces is cruisers, as a market segment, have only have significant popularity in North America. Cruisers remain a small niche category of motorcycles in the rest of the world and this market segment does not appear to be growing as fast as others.
I know this is a HD forum, but not everyone wants a cruiser and the non cruiser market is not just kids on sport bikes. Look around next time you are out riding, there is a huge diversity in the types of bikes people are riding.
There are a large motorcycle market segments for adventure tour bikes (BMW GS, Triumph 800XC, VSTROM, KTM, etc.), cross over bikes (fast growing market segment with the Honda CrossOver, Versys, KTM SMT, Ducatti Multistrada, Triumph Tiger, etc., nakeds (Speed Triple, etc.), sport tour bikes (too many to list) and sport bikes. Nearly every motorcycle manufacturer has models in each of these categories except HD. The problem HD faces is cruisers, as a market segment, have only have significant popularity in North America. Cruisers remain a small niche category of motorcycles in the rest of the world and this market segment does not appear to be growing as fast as others.
Last edited by fat_tony; Feb 19, 2011 at 04:26 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 5
From: So California
They will never please everyone. Buy what you want. They don't have one? Buy elsewhere.
Thanks for posting that CopperFXSTC08. Kind of in the face of those claiming HD is doomed not attempted to go after every type of rider.
Thanks for posting that CopperFXSTC08. Kind of in the face of those claiming HD is doomed not attempted to go after every type of rider.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 824
Likes: 3
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.
Novice
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
I think you are right about the dark custom. I am getting my first ever bike soon, and its a Nightster. I was never a fan of the huge chromed out beasts. I'm 22 btw.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 168
From: Potsdam, NY
I'm not sure dark paint and changing out some accessories (Dark Custom) will bring new buyers into show rooms. I think these statements are made mostly to reassure stock holders that yes management is concerned about attracting new, younger buyers as the current group of HD owners is getting older. While figuring out what to really do. Developing a new model with new frame and new engine design is expensive and HDs last two attemps at change have not sold well. (VROD, XR1200). Safer to hold the course until the market decides.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 521
Likes: 5
From: Port St Lucie, FL
the reason i dont own a harley is simply because of performance...thats what the younger generation is looking for...the best engine, the best handling, and the best braking for the money...im young and enjoy hitting up the twisties every now and then...ill always own some sort of sport bike whether it is a sport tourer or a full out sport bike...but one day when i can afford to have more than one bike ill most likely own a harley...i think thats what it mainly boils down to