5 Interesting Facts from Harley-Davidson’s Annual Report

[Particle Man]

Their business model (domestic) appears to be based more on brand loyalty than evolution. The thing is, while brand loyalty still exists to some extent, it isn't nearly the same as in years past. Hell, how many people just on this board have switched brands just because they found either a bike better suited to their needs or just a plain ol' better deal?

Riding these days is about more than just a logo and matching gear (and shirts, and pants, and underwear...etc). The message is still somewhat the same (do your own thing), it's just allowed to actually be unique to the individual.

In order to survive, HD has to evolve. True, motorcycles are really toys that are the first to go in a crunch, but they can also be a cheaper alternative to big elaborate vacations and such (snowmobile sales were up in this area in January for that reason). They need to break back into that space. They need to go back to selling (and focusing on) motorcycles, not a lifestyle; they need to stop living in the past.

Would anyone here buy an old CRT display just because it's a favorite brand name? I know I wouldn't. Why? Because there are better ones out there (and taking the parallel even further, at a cheaper or even MUCH cheaper price). The people buying TV's and stuff these days are the same ones buying motorcycles.

[tommymac]

Originally Posted by Particle Man

Their business model (domestic) appears to be based more on brand loyalty than evolution. The thing is, while brand loyalty still exists to some extent, it isn't nearly the same as in years past. Hell, how many people just on this board have switched brands just because they found either a bike better suited to their needs or just a plain ol' better deal?

Riding these days is about more than just a logo and matching gear (and shirts, and pants, and underwear...etc). The message is still somewhat the same (do your own thing), it's just allowed to actually be unique to the individual.

In order to survive, HD has to evolve. True, motorcycles are really toys that are the first to go in a crunch, but they can also be a cheaper alternative to big elaborate vacations and such (snowmobile sales were up in this area in January for that reason). They need to break back into that space. They need to go back to selling (and focusing on) motorcycles, not a lifestyle; they need to stop living in the past.

Would anyone here buy an old CRT display just because it's a favorite brand name? I know I wouldn't. Why? Because there are better ones out there (and taking the parallel even further, at a cheaper or even MUCH cheaper price). The people buying TV's and stuff these days are the same ones buying motorcycles.

i think the metric cruisers forced harley to step it up some, they def lost some sales to the jappanese on that, but it seems theyre still catering to their old market. They say they want to start attracting new customers but I just dont seem to see them doing that and still pushing the uber expensive bikes and all the accessories you need for them