With Harley trying to sell more softails......
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 79
With Harley trying to sell more softails......
If that's the theory behind the new design....well, they're failing miserably.
I was at a dealership, they had 3 softails....Heritage, fatboy, fatbob. That's it. The fatboy was sold, but, they had 8-9 touring bikes. You tell me, what are they more concerned with selling? 3 softails and a "we do t know when we're getting g anymore". Not a very good marketing plan....strike while the irons hot, while its new and fresh, before anyone has a chance to let it soak in, and people sober up.
I was at a dealership, they had 3 softails....Heritage, fatboy, fatbob. That's it. The fatboy was sold, but, they had 8-9 touring bikes. You tell me, what are they more concerned with selling? 3 softails and a "we do t know when we're getting g anymore". Not a very good marketing plan....strike while the irons hot, while its new and fresh, before anyone has a chance to let it soak in, and people sober up.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,003
Likes: 11,441
Those of us that buy Touring bikes ar not about to chnage until we can no longer hod one up. Many of us own a softail as a second bike. HD rules the touring market and will for some time to come.
No plot behind what HD has done. It was time to change , time to update . They did a fantastic job.
No madder what market is slow for all motorcycles now. Inventory will be more controlled this year.
Local dealer is a small one, they have 8 .
The heritage IMO is a sharp bike.
No plot behind what HD has done. It was time to change , time to update . They did a fantastic job.
No madder what market is slow for all motorcycles now. Inventory will be more controlled this year.
Local dealer is a small one, they have 8 .
The heritage IMO is a sharp bike.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,062
Likes: 153
From: Midlands of SC
My dealer only has 3 2018 's sitting on the floor, but says there are more in the back that needs assembling. I told them that if they were heavily in demand, they should get em out there as quick as they can. Not much responce to my remark since there are about 35 or so 2017's siting around. Heck even a 2016 sportster that I fell in love with that has been deeply discounted. I dont think much is happening in my neck of the woods.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,878
Likes: 164
From: Northern California
I think Harley learned a lesson with the Rushmore models. When you overbuild you shoot yourself in the foot, values drop making it difficult for customers to trade up. Your financial arm takes big losses on repo's and dealers become more cautious when ordering.
It's not uncommon for new products to roll out slowly. That said, sales of the Milwaukee Eight Softail will far exceed sales of the Twin Cam Softail.
Hopefully my purchase this winter will add to their success. My only concern is securing a 114 Heritage Classic in either Twisted Cherry Hill or possibly Silver. Have not made up my mind.
It's not uncommon for new products to roll out slowly. That said, sales of the Milwaukee Eight Softail will far exceed sales of the Twin Cam Softail.
Hopefully my purchase this winter will add to their success. My only concern is securing a 114 Heritage Classic in either Twisted Cherry Hill or possibly Silver. Have not made up my mind.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 79
I think Harley learned a lesson with the Rushmore models. When you overbuild you shoot yourself in the foot, values drop making it difficult for customers to trade up. Your financial arm takes big losses on repo's and dealers become more cautious when ordering.
It's not uncommon for new products to roll out slowly. That said, sales of the Milwaukee Eight Softail will far exceed sales of the Twin Cam Softail.
Hopefully my purchase this winter will add to their success. My only concern is securing a 114 Heritage Classic in either Twisted Cherry Hill or possibly Silver. Have not made up my mind.
It's not uncommon for new products to roll out slowly. That said, sales of the Milwaukee Eight Softail will far exceed sales of the Twin Cam Softail.
Hopefully my purchase this winter will add to their success. My only concern is securing a 114 Heritage Classic in either Twisted Cherry Hill or possibly Silver. Have not made up my mind.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,927
Likes: 962
From: Texas
I'm actually wondering if they plan to utilize this new frame into an upcoming touring redesign. They're now 4 years deep into rushmore and I don't think even that had any frame changes. Seems with a simple swing arm change, the new shock could strip some excess side hardware and improve the touring ride. They're already practically using a mono shock since only one side adjusts.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,878
Likes: 164
From: Northern California
It's my bet that Harley switches to a mono shock frame similar to the softtail for the touring line within 1 to 2 years. In my opinion, it will be similar, not exactly the same. It probably will be counter balanced and rubber mounted, that will be the only thing similar. Harley will improve the frame and suspension.
Time will tell
Time will tell
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
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From: Centennial, CO
I was at my local dealer yeaterday and they had 3 on the floor. A Black Fatboy, a primer red Heritage and a Twisted Cherry Breakout. The Fatboy is great looking, the Heritage, while not my style, is actually well done. IMO, it needs a springer to complete the look. The Breakout looks great, but they missed it completely on the size of the tank. It doesn't fit at all. Completely out of proportion. The seat was off the Breakout to show the shock set-up, which is actually a nice design. How someone accesses the battery, well.......
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