CVO doesn't go far enough
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Road Master
Joined: May 2010
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CVO doesn't go far enough
Anyone else think Harley doesn't really go far enough with their CVO department? Honestly, I think they have so much more potential to do some very creative and unique things, and they really just limit themselves.
When you think about it, the CVO is just a paint & chrome package, along with performance options. I don't believe they are limited production (Harley will sell every one of them they can), nor are they truly unique. HD seems content to leave any possible customizations to the dealer and customer. You can't even say your bike is "number XXX out of XXX", because they neither tell you how many are being produced of that model, nor tell you your CVO build number.
Some manufacturers, like Porsche, have SVO departments that will build a truly unique vehicle for the customer willing to pay. You choose the paint, interior colors, wheels, special body options... whatever you can imagine. They truly go overboard for the customer.
Harley could definately "wow" both their premium buyers and the public by setting up a few talented guys in a shop somewhere and having them hand assemble bikes on an "as ordered" basis. I think the cost would be extremely small compared to the exposure generated.
There's some truly amazing independent shops out there that are building rolling art. Considering the options available to the buyer, how many do you think would be interested in a true factory 1-off custom?
When you think about it, the CVO is just a paint & chrome package, along with performance options. I don't believe they are limited production (Harley will sell every one of them they can), nor are they truly unique. HD seems content to leave any possible customizations to the dealer and customer. You can't even say your bike is "number XXX out of XXX", because they neither tell you how many are being produced of that model, nor tell you your CVO build number.
Some manufacturers, like Porsche, have SVO departments that will build a truly unique vehicle for the customer willing to pay. You choose the paint, interior colors, wheels, special body options... whatever you can imagine. They truly go overboard for the customer.
Harley could definately "wow" both their premium buyers and the public by setting up a few talented guys in a shop somewhere and having them hand assemble bikes on an "as ordered" basis. I think the cost would be extremely small compared to the exposure generated.
There's some truly amazing independent shops out there that are building rolling art. Considering the options available to the buyer, how many do you think would be interested in a true factory 1-off custom?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
Likes: 283
From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
I agree the CVO should have more Extras than presently offered ... Are many things harley offers theirselves aftermarket, that should come with a CVO package standard ..
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Road Master
Joined: May 2010
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no no.. you're missing the point.
They could go further by not offering packages, but instead doing a true "made-to-order" bike for the customer. I'm sure there are at least a few hundred buyers each year who would pay 2-3 times the normal costs to have HD build them a unique and handbuilt ride.
Something like Porsche's special customer order division, adding factory slantnose conversions, 1-off paint, or upgraded performance options... anything you want for a price.
Even Chevy has the "build your own motor" option for the Z06 Corvette. Pay them an extra $5,800 and YOU can build the motor going into your new 'Vette!
http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-...r-z51-corvette
They could go further by not offering packages, but instead doing a true "made-to-order" bike for the customer. I'm sure there are at least a few hundred buyers each year who would pay 2-3 times the normal costs to have HD build them a unique and handbuilt ride.
Something like Porsche's special customer order division, adding factory slantnose conversions, 1-off paint, or upgraded performance options... anything you want for a price.
Even Chevy has the "build your own motor" option for the Z06 Corvette. Pay them an extra $5,800 and YOU can build the motor going into your new 'Vette!
http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-...r-z51-corvette
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,960
Likes: 1,988
From: CA
While there may be a market for a custom ordered, built by request factory bike, I'd rather buy a basic model and modify it myself.
When I bought my 2000 SERG, I got it mostly because the motor was already a 95" stage II. I could have done without the extra chrome and special paint. If they had offered, as an option, just that motor in an otherwise basic bike, I would have gone that way. Of course, the 2000 SERG was a true limited edition, only 750 made in the orange/white/black paint and another 750 in the triple red color. I'm glad I got it, but I would never spend that much money on a factory custom again.
When I bought my 2000 SERG, I got it mostly because the motor was already a 95" stage II. I could have done without the extra chrome and special paint. If they had offered, as an option, just that motor in an otherwise basic bike, I would have gone that way. Of course, the 2000 SERG was a true limited edition, only 750 made in the orange/white/black paint and another 750 in the triple red color. I'm glad I got it, but I would never spend that much money on a factory custom again.
Last edited by deadhawg; Jan 28, 2011 at 06:43 PM.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
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From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
970 of these made and glad I found it .. Is one sweet ride ... While have made a few minor changes got everything needed to put it back OEM except the AC , and Pipes which who wants them anyway ...
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Club Member
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From: Georgia
Anyone else think Harley doesn't really go far enough with their CVO department? Honestly, I think they have so much more potential to do some very creative and unique things, and they really just limit themselves.
When you think about it, the CVO is just a paint & chrome package, along with performance options. I don't believe they are limited production (Harley will sell every one of them they can), nor are they truly unique. HD seems content to leave any possible customizations to the dealer and customer. You can't even say your bike is "number XXX out of XXX", because they neither tell you how many are being produced of that model, nor tell you your CVO build number.
Some manufacturers, like Porsche, have SVO departments that will build a truly unique vehicle for the customer willing to pay. You choose the paint, interior colors, wheels, special body options... whatever you can imagine. They truly go overboard for the customer.
Harley could definately "wow" both their premium buyers and the public by setting up a few talented guys in a shop somewhere and having them hand assemble bikes on an "as ordered" basis. I think the cost would be extremely small compared to the exposure generated.
There's some truly amazing independent shops out there that are building rolling art. Considering the options available to the buyer, how many do you think would be interested in a true factory 1-off custom?
When you think about it, the CVO is just a paint & chrome package, along with performance options. I don't believe they are limited production (Harley will sell every one of them they can), nor are they truly unique. HD seems content to leave any possible customizations to the dealer and customer. You can't even say your bike is "number XXX out of XXX", because they neither tell you how many are being produced of that model, nor tell you your CVO build number.
Some manufacturers, like Porsche, have SVO departments that will build a truly unique vehicle for the customer willing to pay. You choose the paint, interior colors, wheels, special body options... whatever you can imagine. They truly go overboard for the customer.
Harley could definately "wow" both their premium buyers and the public by setting up a few talented guys in a shop somewhere and having them hand assemble bikes on an "as ordered" basis. I think the cost would be extremely small compared to the exposure generated.
There's some truly amazing independent shops out there that are building rolling art. Considering the options available to the buyer, how many do you think would be interested in a true factory 1-off custom?
I consider a ground up vehicle manufacturer quite different than a body work - paint shop. Harley makes the whole chassis and drive train AND does the finish which is close enough to perfect for me. While I do admire one-off customs, they are aftermarket and not really a manufactured item, imho. I like the fact that the manufacturer H-D offers an up scale model that I can aim for. And I am.
