CVO doesn't go far enough
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Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 4
Porsche mass produces their vehicles, and has both "entry level" vehicles and more high-end ones. Then they also have the ultimate option in the true custom order vehicles.
Economics aside, many manufacturers will produce a high-end produce at a loss, such as the Bugatti Veyron, VW Phaeton, Porsche 959, Ferrari Enzo, etc.. Ofetn its done for the same reason that they race competitively, which isn't to make money with the race team. Its about pushing their technology and doing something to show that they CAN do it.
I still think that HD could hire a handful of guys, set them up in a small shop, give them access to the company's resources, and turn them loose. And I guarantee that there would be ultra-rich customers out there who would pay $100,000 for a 1-off factory HD. Don't think so? How many people would have stepped up to by that Dodge viper-powered bike if they had said they were building a handful for customer sales?
Economics aside, many manufacturers will produce a high-end produce at a loss, such as the Bugatti Veyron, VW Phaeton, Porsche 959, Ferrari Enzo, etc.. Ofetn its done for the same reason that they race competitively, which isn't to make money with the race team. Its about pushing their technology and doing something to show that they CAN do it.
I still think that HD could hire a handful of guys, set them up in a small shop, give them access to the company's resources, and turn them loose. And I guarantee that there would be ultra-rich customers out there who would pay $100,000 for a 1-off factory HD. Don't think so? How many people would have stepped up to by that Dodge viper-powered bike if they had said they were building a handful for customer sales?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,173
Likes: 177
From: East Coast
This bike is so beautiful it hurts! What year is it, and are you switching out the seat?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
McLaren/Harley Davidson?
Porsche mass produces their vehicles, and has both "entry level" vehicles and more high-end ones. Then they also have the ultimate option in the true custom order vehicles.
Economics aside, many manufacturers will produce a high-end produce at a loss, such as the Bugatti Veyron, VW Phaeton, Porsche 959, Ferrari Enzo, etc.. Ofetn its done for the same reason that they race competitively, which isn't to make money with the race team. Its about pushing their technology and doing something to show that they CAN do it.
I still think that HD could hire a handful of guys, set them up in a small shop, give them access to the company's resources, and turn them loose. And I guarantee that there would be ultra-rich customers out there who would pay $100,000 for a 1-off factory HD. Don't think so? How many people would have stepped up to by that Dodge viper-powered bike if they had said they were building a handful for customer sales?
Economics aside, many manufacturers will produce a high-end produce at a loss, such as the Bugatti Veyron, VW Phaeton, Porsche 959, Ferrari Enzo, etc.. Ofetn its done for the same reason that they race competitively, which isn't to make money with the race team. Its about pushing their technology and doing something to show that they CAN do it.
I still think that HD could hire a handful of guys, set them up in a small shop, give them access to the company's resources, and turn them loose. And I guarantee that there would be ultra-rich customers out there who would pay $100,000 for a 1-off factory HD. Don't think so? How many people would have stepped up to by that Dodge viper-powered bike if they had said they were building a handful for customer sales?
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 173
Likes: 6
Let's be real, here. Harley is not cutting edge in any aspect of it's business. The MoCo sells mid-20th Century technology and specializes in nostalgic designs. What in heavens name could they offer? More bling, another chopper?
H-D does not need a loss-leader to promote sales or build image. Harley is one of the strongest brands in the world and an expert at marketing.
Right now, Harley needs customers. Problem is the Harley fan base is getting old and dying off. Now if you say, this new "boutique" will be building rad or cutting edge designs like the Ducati Diavel or a sportbike, you may have a point.
But Harley killed Buell and keeps looking backward instead of into the future.
H-D does not need a loss-leader to promote sales or build image. Harley is one of the strongest brands in the world and an expert at marketing.
Right now, Harley needs customers. Problem is the Harley fan base is getting old and dying off. Now if you say, this new "boutique" will be building rad or cutting edge designs like the Ducati Diavel or a sportbike, you may have a point.
But Harley killed Buell and keeps looking backward instead of into the future.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 75
Likes: 1
From: the beach
Let's be real, here. Harley is not cutting edge in any aspect of it's business. The MoCo sells mid-20th Century technology and specializes in nostalgic designs. What in heavens name could they offer? More bling, another chopper?
H-D does not need a loss-leader to promote sales or build image. Harley is one of the strongest brands in the world and an expert at marketing.
Right now, Harley needs customers. Problem is the Harley fan base is getting old and dying off. Now if you say, this new "boutique" will be building rad or cutting edge designs like the Ducati Diavel or a sportbike, you may have a point.
But Harley killed Buell and keeps looking backward instead of into the future.
H-D does not need a loss-leader to promote sales or build image. Harley is one of the strongest brands in the world and an expert at marketing.
Right now, Harley needs customers. Problem is the Harley fan base is getting old and dying off. Now if you say, this new "boutique" will be building rad or cutting edge designs like the Ducati Diavel or a sportbike, you may have a point.
But Harley killed Buell and keeps looking backward instead of into the future.
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Fortson
I am inclinde to agree with you. I have owned a number of Harley's but when I saw the 2011 Road Glide Ultra CVO, I knew it was not just another Harley with a different paint. Then once I rode it I knew that there was nothing else like it that would come off the production line. I know that everyone that looks at me when I am going down the road must think I have lost it because I can't keep from smiling from ear to ear!! Anyone who says that the only difference is some chrome, paint and a little engine work has never been close to one.
Ride Safe,
Pat
2003 Road King
2009 Ultra Classic
2011 Road Glide Ultra CVO
Ride Safe,
Pat
2003 Road King
2009 Ultra Classic
2011 Road Glide Ultra CVO
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Eads, TN
I've had a few CVO bikes and I'm always disappointed when Harley offers CVOs that are not obviously CVO bikes. Too many of the bikes just don't stand out. I hope to pick up one of the 2011.5 CVO Ultra Classics soon and it is one of those that is a little more obvious as a CVO bike.
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