Interview - A Straight-Talking Harley-Davidson Dealer
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 4,144
From: NC
Dealer's Perspective
Smart guy with broad experience and an interesting perspective. I was no fan of the new CEO but this makes me feel a little better. The dealer makes a 'Santa Claus in leathers' comment that is spot on.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,815
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From: Edmonton, Alberta
Hey Artie, you're bringing back the Sportster, and that's great. Now bring back the Road King too!
My main takeaway from the video was this - the Harley CEO doesn't necessarily need to be a "motorcycle guy", but he needs to listen to the people under him and the consumers who are motorcycle people. Something that Zeitz obviously didn't do.
My main takeaway from the video was this - the Harley CEO doesn't necessarily need to be a "motorcycle guy", but he needs to listen to the people under him and the consumers who are motorcycle people. Something that Zeitz obviously didn't do.
Last edited by Dynamick; May 12, 2026 at 04:35 PM.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 4,144
From: NC
Even worse - Levatich may have been on the right track and Zeitz turned to Board against him. Bringing Royal Enfield into H-D dealerships was an excellent idea. H-D does not like big new ideas very much.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,354
Likes: 1,967
From: PA
Interview - A Straight-Talking Harley-Davidson Dealer
I thought this was really excellent, so decided to post it here. An interview with George Gatto of Three Rivers Harley-Davidson (Pittsburgh) on the Lowdown Show.
Definitely worth my time on a Sunday morning with a cup of coffee.
Definitely worth my time on a Sunday morning with a cup of coffee.
Last edited by Bluesrider.df; May 17, 2026 at 07:42 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 941
From: Lincolnshire, IL
Thank you....so INTERESTING.
"I" as consumer, and not a business man really learn a lot from these type of "behind the curtain" interviews. It's certainly refreshing to hear (at least from one dealer) that a lot of trust and faith is being put on the new CEO of HD. We all want them to succeed and produce products for the consumer long into the future.
"I" as consumer, and not a business man really learn a lot from these type of "behind the curtain" interviews. It's certainly refreshing to hear (at least from one dealer) that a lot of trust and faith is being put on the new CEO of HD. We all want them to succeed and produce products for the consumer long into the future.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 513
Likes: 551
From: Georgia Lake Country
Yes, thanks for sharing. Interesting and hopeful. It confirms Zeitz was running the company into the ground and Arty is righting the ship. I agree you have to be careful about who you listen to.
Last edited by lowbar; May 17, 2026 at 01:01 PM.
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 46
Likes: 68
From: Knoxville, TN
Excellent interview! Thanks for posting.
One thing that was sad to hear is that most people won't pay more for American-made motorcycles- as he said, "people don't walk the talk."
Harley, if you're listening- I'll pay a premium for a US-made bike! Just don't try to screw me.
One thing that was sad to hear is that most people won't pay more for American-made motorcycles- as he said, "people don't walk the talk."
Harley, if you're listening- I'll pay a premium for a US-made bike! Just don't try to screw me.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 47
Likes: 27
I can't believe I watched it, 1 hour. Interesting. Said don't listen to the people riding 20 year old bikes. They are not your customers. Also said he is selling sportsters like crazy. Seems lots of used ones out there and I didn't think that big of seller.
He does think they need a cheap entry level bike. I have always felt harley is a brand you work up to. You don't buy a Cadillac at 16.
He really likes new CEO. Historically I have never paid attention to CEO
He does think they need a cheap entry level bike. I have always felt harley is a brand you work up to. You don't buy a Cadillac at 16.
He really likes new CEO. Historically I have never paid attention to CEO