| Author |
Message |
    
Xl1200r
| | Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 04:47 pm: | 
|
And to really mess with demographics, I'm 25 years old and I own a Harley-Davidson that's nearly twice my age.
Did the universe just collapse? |
Alii1959
| | Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 05:12 pm: |
|
While I am not sure we are looking at the same catalogue of motorcycles, I have never denied that Harley makes high quality machines. I have never denied that they do appeal to quite a few people, if they didn't they probably wouldn't be in business. And, if they appeal to you great!! But, other than their beauty, they are quickly losing their appeal to me. I have ridden quite a few bikes over quite a few years, and I always longed for "that" Harley, unfortunately they don't seem to be building it. If they don't want me as a customer that is fine. And, my frustration isn't just with Harley. Look at BMW, I don't want to buy a house just a motorcycle....geez. I even have found great fault with Kawasaki. I rode a MeanStreak a few weeks ago. I thought that it was one of the coolest looking cruisers ever.....it seemed to be little more than noise, vibration, and extremely poor ergonomics. I was very disappointed. I guess I just don't understand the cruiser mentality. But, now I do understand Buell's efforts. I really like the 1125r...it just makes sense. It is on the short list of 2nd bikes that I am considering. I respect tradition. I respect the fact that Harley is playing to their base and I hope that it expands. I was just kinda hoping that they'd build the bike I really wanted. Well, I guess that's Ok 'cause Ducati saw fit to cancel the ST4 and replace it with the Multistrada???? Yes, some of the Sportsters have dual disks, but the 883 one was canceled. Try getting steel braided lines....it'll cost ya. Further, I was not attempting to give you a completely detailed description of my complaints just merely generalities. And, I don't feel picked apart. But, my concern over Harley is genuine. I traveled across country last summer, stopped by many of the Harley dealers and what I reported above seemed to me to be the case in most places. Few of the dealers were embracing the Buells or V-Rods. Few seemed to have much of a liking for the Sportsters either. I just hope that my experiences are not the norm and I hope that many people look to Harley for their next bike.....I know that I will continue to stop by the dealers hoping that something will appeal to me......so, until then the search continues. |
99savage
| | Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 05:33 pm: |
|
HD is a bit between a rock & a hard spot.
If they change it much they lose the nostalgia freaks, such as moi, but if they fail to change they are going to miss out on future generations.
They really should be looking at additional engine concepts for the future + doing some variations on the Blast for now.
Being a "Buy American" guy went Buell but paid a bunch to get a tall saddle, good ground clearance & pegs I can stand on (picked up way too many QA prob's in the process).
They are clever to hell tho-. Fell in love w/ the retro look of the "Nightster".- Would have bought one if the saddle was not so low. - Replace chrome w/ powder coat, remove parts, charge more & make the customer like it. - Clever to hell.
The Ulysses being my "Next To My Bucket Ride" anybody ever done a side car Sportster for my Bucket Ride? |
Tom_b
| | Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 06:17 pm: |
|
Harley realized a few years ago they needed to do more to reach a younger crowd. Hence the "Dark Custom" approach to garner a younger crowd. While i think that approach is a bit cheesey. Some of the bikes coming out of that marketing are cool. When my 11 yr. old and 17 yr.old never cared for chromed out bikes like some of the new bikes. Also I ride with people from 24 to 70 and some of the younger are actually thinking about new harleys and getting rid of their crotch rockets. Both things tell me they are not over the hill..
(Message edited by tom_b on April 06, 2009) |
Brumbear
| | Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 06:44 pm: |
|
if it aint broke well you guys know the rest I would like if anyone can post fact of how many bikes were sold acroos the boards by the big guys and their respective shares . Sorry I am not smart enough to figure that one out without help. |
Cityxslicker
| | Posted on Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 09:19 pm: |
|
Yes, they are just resting on their laurels, robbing their history and redredging icons from their glory days.
Aint it cool ?  |
Atoms
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - 01:34 pm: |
|
quote:Harley realized a few years ago they needed to do more to reach a younger crowd. Hence the "Dark Custom" approach to garner a younger crowd. While i think that approach is a bit cheesey. Some of the bikes coming out of that marketing are cool.
Yes exactly! I am somewhat coveting the Iron 883 although I'm sure it would ride like a tired dog compared to my Uly. |
|
