5 Interesting Facts from Harley-Davidson’s Annual Report

Gas Man · 02-26-2011, 03:10 PM

Many of the things above are stated and from me being a HD insider (one who owns), is still off base and obviously stated from somebody that doesn't own one. I don't mean that as an insult.

As far as the jap cruisers... I tell ya, even when compared to a Victory. They all come up short on many things. Honestly. Overall quality feel, cheaper componants, lack of factory aftermarket support, lack of options, less than great paint (I honestly don't know any MC company that does better paint than HD, hell not even cars), lack of dealership support/network... and I can list exact examples if needed. Remember I work on all of them, and have rode most. The overall feel isn't there on many other brands. You can honestly tell that my HD was designed/built by people who ride. I'm just saying there is more to it than just the sticker price.

Per Willie G, the head designer and family of HD. There will be nothing done with the vrod platform other than how it stands now. No touring, no crossing the motor over to other frames, nothing. I read that somewhere... don't remember where.

And honestly, Tommy, they haven't been pushing the 25k bikes. They been pushing sportsters and softtails... $7k-$17k.

You will never see HD stray far from it's current setup. They don't have to. Many, myself included, like the constant, the stability, and the heritage of it's designs.

Further, I honestly think that HD is similar to BMW in many ways. Trip and I discussed this before. Their markets are obviously different, but their price points are similar as well as their brand loyality. They both have a great factory aftermarket, and when you purchase one of their aftermarket pieces you know you bought quality. Both have a solid feel of quality and re-assurance that the bike was designed well. But both are priced slightly higher than their competition, and for good reason IMO.

Really, what point did the article make? Sales are down and keep on decreasing? Of course, the economy is as well. I bet HD downturn matches the economies downturn.

Brandon · 03-04-2011, 12:03 PM

you'd look good on a Harley Geoff.

Hydrant · 03-04-2011, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandon

you'd look good on a Harley Geoff.

Thanks.

I won't lie, it has crossed my mind to get a cruiser (probably wouldn't be a HD) of some sort just for cruising around. I'd keep the TL.

Trip · 03-04-2011, 12:31 PM

HD will find itself in a different market in a few decades. Sorry GM, you live in a bubble. The rest of the country doesn't care about the "American" brand like you Michigan people do. That's ya'll shit. In Tennessee, we build VWs, Toyotas, and a lot of other "imports." These are more American to us than your Michigan built Fords, because they put food on our tables and our region benefits from them.

I doubt the cult will ever put HD in a spot where they have to close, but I see it shrinking as the boomers start dying off.

goof2 · 03-04-2011, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trip

HD will find itself in a different market in a few decades. Sorry GM, you live in a bubble. The rest of the country doesn't care about the "American" brand like you Michigan people do. That's ya'll shit. In Tennessee, we build VWs, Toyotas, and a lot of other "imports." These are more American to us than your Michigan built Fords, because they put food on our tables and our region benefits from them.

I doubt the cult will ever put HD in a spot where they have to close, but I see it shrinking as the boomers start dying off.

That is also why you will continue to see HD doing things like building that factory in, if I'm remembering correctly, India. There is a lot of uncertainty about the American market while in places like India and China there seems to be more sustained interest in American nostalgia combined with a steadily increasing number of people over there who can afford it.

Trip · 03-04-2011, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goof2

That is also why you will continue to see HD doing things like building that factory in, if I'm remembering correctly, India. There is a lot of uncertainty about the American market while in places like India and China there seems to be more sustained interest in American nostalgia combined with a steadily increasing number of people over there who can afford it.

Yeah, HD will definitely need to go outside the US to keep it's market share.

Dave · 03-04-2011, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trip

Yeah, HD will definitely need to go outside the US to keep it's market share.

As would any potential new american motorcycle company.

Trip · 03-04-2011, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

As would any potential new american motorcycle company.

Do we really need one. I am fine with what we have to choose from in the foreign market.

marko138 · 03-04-2011, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trip

Do we really need one. I am fine with what we have to choose from in the foreign market.

Not everyone wants a foreign bike.

02-26-2011, 03:10 PM	#1
Gas Man Trip's Assistant Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Imported from Detroit Moto: 2009 HD Street Classic Posts: 12,149	Many of the things above are stated and from me being a HD insider (one who owns), is still off base and obviously stated from somebody that doesn't own one. I don't mean that as an insult. As far as the jap cruisers... I tell ya, even when compared to a Victory. They all come up short on many things. Honestly. Overall quality feel, cheaper componants, lack of factory aftermarket support, lack of options, less than great paint (I honestly don't know any MC company that does better paint than HD, hell not even cars), lack of dealership support/network... and I can list exact examples if needed. Remember I work on all of them, and have rode most. The overall feel isn't there on many other brands. You can honestly tell that my HD was designed/built by people who ride. I'm just saying there is more to it than just the sticker price. Per Willie G, the head designer and family of HD. There will be nothing done with the vrod platform other than how it stands now. No touring, no crossing the motor over to other frames, nothing. I read that somewhere... don't remember where. And honestly, Tommy, they haven't been pushing the 25k bikes. They been pushing sportsters and softtails... $7k-$17k. You will never see HD stray far from it's current setup. They don't have to. Many, myself included, like the constant, the stability, and the heritage of it's designs. Further, I honestly think that HD is similar to BMW in many ways. Trip and I discussed this before. Their markets are obviously different, but their price points are similar as well as their brand loyality. They both have a great factory aftermarket, and when you purchase one of their aftermarket pieces you know you bought quality. Both have a solid feel of quality and re-assurance that the bike was designed well. But both are priced slightly higher than their competition, and for good reason IMO. Really, what point did the article make? Sales are down and keep on decreasing? Of course, the economy is as well. I bet HD downturn matches the economies downturn. __________________ -Chris "Why pay somebody else to fuck up your bike?" Run Amsoil Product

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03-04-2011, 12:03 PM	#2
Brandon 1 up 5 down Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Allegany NY Moto: 08 1098s Posts: 58	you'd look good on a Harley Geoff.

03-04-2011, 12:31 PM	#4
Trip Hold mah beer! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: 80 Miles South of Moto Heaven Moto: 08 R1200GS Posts: 23,269	HD will find itself in a different market in a few decades. Sorry GM, you live in a bubble. The rest of the country doesn't care about the "American" brand like you Michigan people do. That's ya'll shit. In Tennessee, we build VWs, Toyotas, and a lot of other "imports." These are more American to us than your Michigan built Fords, because they put food on our tables and our region benefits from them. I doubt the cult will ever put HD in a spot where they have to close, but I see it shrinking as the boomers start dying off.