Quote:
Originally Posted by Eleazar
The boom from the decade of the 00s is long gone, boomers and the midlife crisis buyers from the reality show fad are getting too old to ride are selling their bikes off, millennials are not embracing motorcycling as much as the previous generation, etc etc
|
Yep.
I brought up this point to some folks on my FB. and also, the fact that they're charging as much as they are for very basic tech. Hell, HD JUST NOW came out with a 4v motor; and only dable in partially cooled motors on select models.
So...$20k+ for a 2v, air cooled motorcycle (up until last year with the release of the M8 motor).
Compare that to what you could get for $20k (probably even less during) from BMW, Ducati, KTM (Duke 1290 GT).
Including/Not limited to
- ABS (to be fair, Harley does offer this on some modes...high end models IIRC
- Traction Control
- ECU Power Modes
- 5+ axis IMU
- Lean Angle ABS
- Ohlins/Sachs Suspension
- 300lb + weight savings
- 150+ HP
...this coming from a guy who owns a 09 SG.
but I'm looking hard at Ducati Multistrada, KTM 1290 Duke GT, BMWs; and to a lesser extent Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT / Yamaha FJ09.
Racing is another impact. A long time ago ,HD was a player in the racing circuit. LIke cars, much of the tech that makes it to show room floors comes from race R&D. Harley hasn't been a player in that regard for a LONG time.
IMO, Harley has rested on their laurels and legacy/history for a while now; relaying on image and branding rather than a quality & innovative product. I've personally never had an issue with any of the 3 HDs Ive owned (knock on wood), but from a tech standpoint (suspension, ABS, traction, power modes etc)...HD isn't even in the same galaxy as the other manufacturers IMO. Add a $20K + price tag.........pass.
doesn't help that the used market is absolutely flooded with great used bikes. I think the fact that there are 5 very large dealerships in a 60 mile radius of KC....that doesn't help either. I've only seen a few dealerships that are like the 'old days' - smaller, a handful of bikes on display.
The whole TV Show / American Chopper BS of the early 00's coming and going; an entire generation of young people who aren't interested in taking part in such a risky thing like riding a motorcycle; older riders hangin' it up for good or simply moving on to a different manufacturer (much like I'll likely do).....I think all of it has impacted sales.
Don't think HD is concerned about attracting new riders? -.....just check out the X Games and see who one of, if not THE main sponsor is.....you guessed, Harley Davidson. I think the 'new HD rider' (young) is a massive problem for HD and their bean counters. Young riders aren't going to be drawn to a $8k HD Street 750 or $10k for a Sportster (even though I LOVED my Sporty...it ripped with usable power). They're going to migrate towards the middle weight sport bikes most likely. Harley's marketing is targeting the metrosexual / hipster segment with these models - at least based on what I've see in their commercials.
The Workers of this plant, unfortunately, should've seen the writing on the wall a year ago when Harley announced they were going to stop producing the Sportster 72 and Vrod. Then, late fall last year they announced the end of the Dyna platforms. ....all made at KC, IIRC.
Sucks; I feel bad for them. hopefully they had a plan B developed over the course of the last year or so.