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Black
| | Posted on Friday, October 30, 2009 - 06:34 am: | 
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What's next?
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1 304373.html |
Sparky
| | Posted on Friday, October 30, 2009 - 01:26 pm: |
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More news on Harley moving Testing to Chrysler's Yucca Proving Ground. |
Court
| | Posted on Friday, October 30, 2009 - 02:05 pm: |
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http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/oct/28/harley- davidson-closing-testing-operations-naples-/ |
Mmmi_grad
| | Posted on Friday, October 30, 2009 - 05:04 pm: |
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HD is done for. While always in love in my big twin for 20 some years...I have always wanted a Buell ever since I first demoed a S1 in 97. Damn near wound up on my ass with too much willy. Now 3 years on an x1... Ill never sell it. Ill own a Dyna wide glide too when the fire sale begins at hd.
(Message edited by mmmi_grad on October 30, 2009) |
Rbbiggs
| | Posted on Sunday, November 01, 2009 - 03:45 pm: |
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While it's true there are a lot of grey beards riding Harley's, I rode x-country this last summer, and saw a whole heck of a lot of younger people on Big Twin HD's.
To say Younger Folks are not buying and riding HD's, is BS. Ok, teenagers and 20 year olds are not, but... |
Mmmi_grad
| | Posted on Sunday, November 01, 2009 - 04:56 pm: |
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Yeah but...... there are news storys after news storys about people getting out of collage who are in debt up to their eye brows and cant see the end of the tunnel. Those are the lucky ones who can FIND A JOB! Educations cost more, its not the 90's anymore, etc etc. hd's plan exists in a fantasy land of rich retards who have failed to read the economy, or make any actions to protect the customer and lower prices. |
Black
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 - 08:08 pm: |
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Hmmmmm.....
Harley is setting things up in India..
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/harley -davidson-announces-top-management-for-india/37540 6/ |
Buell2001b
| | Posted on Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 01:25 pm: |
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HD keeps gettign dumber and dumber.
HD is going to compete with their local brands, HD won't be able to compete pricewise unless they hire 8 year old kids to assemble them.
http://www.bajajauto.com/vehicle_2wheeler.asp |
Firstbuell
| | Posted on Thursday, November 05, 2009 - 01:50 pm: |
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dude,
that Bajaj site is too much !
didja check out the "Biker Lingo" & "Road Safety" pages?
(Message edited by firstbuell on November 05, 2009) |
S0dhi
| | Posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 10:58 am: |
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I wonder what products HD is planning to develop for India? In a sea of 150-180cc Bajaj bikes and 350cc monster power bikes, what will HD offer a country where fuel quality is questionable, and traveling by road favours the most nimble scooters?
I've been back to India - you can't walk down the street without bumping into people and jostling about. Driving and riding are a battle with gridlock and road quality turns a 200km stretch into an 8h ordeal. |
Hughlysses
| | Posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 11:13 am: |
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That's ironic isn't it. Seems like the Blast would do pretty well over there; it's got to be vastly more advanced that a Royal Enfield. |
Reepicheep
| | Posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 12:18 pm: |
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I'm sure the real plan is for t-shirts, trinkets, and trash.
Somewhere, deep in Harley Davidson, there is a great motorcycle company trying to get out. God help it. |
Sparky
| | Posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 02:34 pm: |
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That new Bajaj 220 Pulsar DTS-i has the tagline: THE FASTEST INDIAN.
What's Harley's got: THERE'S A REASON THEY CALL IT REVOLUTIONS PER MINUTE.
Not a good idea to be promoting over there, IMO. LOL! |
Black
| | Posted on Friday, December 18, 2009 - 06:23 am: |
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Things are not looking good.....
http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news--general- news/harley-recall-will-affect-sales-says-us-finan cial-expert/9056.html |
Steveford
| | Posted on Friday, December 18, 2009 - 07:57 am: |
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My, that is distressing news. Poor Harley. |
Court
| | Posted on Friday, December 18, 2009 - 08:33 am: |
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Part of the problem is well . . not just the "problem" but the fact that Harley-Davidson, beyond the "we'll try harder" and the silly "focus on our core market" (which by the way . . moved on about the time Elton left the stage) silliness . . simply seems to have no concrete PLAN.
The folks, about 11 of them, that I talk to at Juneau are all so thoroughly entrenched in the "cover your ass" mode hoping to avoid the next series of "releases" that they are blinded.
I'm finding that most folks are concerned ONLY about staying out of trouble and keeping their head low.
It's a HUGE challenge and Wandell's 3 year clock is ticking. He was brought in to lead and so far all he's done is follow poor advise.
Let's see if he wakes up.
I hope they do . . . I could see another Harley down the road. |
Jschwartz
| | Posted on Friday, December 18, 2009 - 09:16 am: |
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And now their sales strategy is to limit harley production, make them scarce in the showroom, in hopes of creating the demand they once had. What a bunch of idiots running that company. Also Willy G needs to step down and let some new, young blood try their hand at styling. That V rod has some technology, but always looked like a confused piece of crap. And the real problem with the success of Buell was the majority of the HD dealership personnel didnt like the bikes. I cant tell you how many times I walked into dealers, interested in buying a buell, only to be turned off by the sales guy that said "oh, you want to look at a buell, they're over there in the corner" never to see the guy again.
They shoulda had separate dealers from HD or demanded separate showrooms. IMO.
RIP, Buell. HD may not be far behind. I'm gonna pick up a CR next week. |
Court
| | Posted on Friday, December 18, 2009 - 11:16 pm: |
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quote:Is Harley-Davidson Doomed?
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2009/12/18/i s-harley-davidson-doomed.aspx
Rich Smith (TMF Ditty)
December 18, 2009
Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) bankers go with Harley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG) riders like ... well, considering the size of Goldman bonuses and the gold-plated sticker prices on Harley bikes, they probably go together a whole lot better than you might think. But not this week.
No ribbons for Harley
On Thursday, Goldman got down on the Hog, revealing an uber-bearish sentiment as it added the stock to its "Conviction Sell" list. Citing channel checks, Goldman warned that Harley's gotten a cold reception this Christmas selling season. Hog sales look to be down 35% to 40% in October and November, and future "demand remains uncertain." If correct, this would be truly disastrous. Last quarter, as you may recall, Harley's sales decline was barely half this big – despite its contending then with Cash for Clunkers-inspired sales competition from the likes of Ford (NYSE: F), Honda (NYSE: HMC), Toyota (NYSE: TM), and their Big Brother backers. How could that be? How could this quarter be worse than last?
Gazing into its crystal ball, Goldman sees "a still-worsening demand environment" as the fourth quarter winds down. And while Citigroup (NYSE: C) saw some sales strength a few months ago, Goldman contends that: "sales will hit their lows within the next year." If they're right, then not only is the turnaround not yet in Harley's rearview mirror, we could be as much as 12 months away from a true turnaround.
Goldman adds that Harley's recent recall of 110,000 touring and custom bikes is going to further depress sales. But if you ask me (and not just me), this is where Goldman may be getting it wrong.
Get 'em through the door
In response to my column on the recall last week, more than one reader pointed out how Harley dealers will likely use this as an opportunity to upsell. Once a Hog owner wheels his ride into the shop to brace its faulty fuel tank, Fool argues that's a chance to pitch 'em a more expensive bike. And maybe a jacket and t-shirt. And as edhans adds (tongue planted firmly in cheek): "if any part of the brace is visible externally, HD will sell 'Screaming Eagle' braces to consumers for upgrades and turn this into a profit." (Yes, Fools. If you post a pithy comment on our site, you can bet we're going to call you out and compliment you for it.)
Seems to me, there's logic in our readers' reasoning -- and that Goldman has got this part of its analysis, at least, 180 degrees backward.
Now, Goldman's got a reputation as an ace investment banker, but what do you think?
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Elvis
| | Posted on Saturday, December 19, 2009 - 08:16 am: |
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With the bleak fourth quarter report almost certain to be coming in the middle of January, it would be a nice opportunity to blunt that blow slightly with the announcement of some found cash in the form of the sale of some "worthless" assets.
While the short-term economic situation is tough, its survivable for a brand as strong as Harley. My concern is 5 years from now. How long can management that has no understanding of the product they're selling continue to thrive?
In the past 100 years, has there ever been a management that seemed more clueless (yeah, maybe around the AMF years when they nearly went belly up) about what Harley was about?
Harley customers are loyal, proud, patriotic, idealistic, individualistic . . . how long will they buy a product made by a company whose management has absolutely no understanding of those concepts?
Investors seem focused on the short-term, but I think the long-term prospects are more frightening.
(Message edited by elvis on December 19, 2009) |
Mmmi_grad
| | Posted on Saturday, December 19, 2009 - 09:18 pm: |
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The fundamental bullishness of hd has been totally destroyed. Not completey by them but its just the way things are. Actually the rv industry has been picking back up... ( i know a couple players ) its even been reported. More Americans are vacationing here insted of the uk or somewhere. Large RVS and camping trailers have been becoming more and more popular after last years decline in sales or interest esp due to gas prices. Where are the long term commitments getting everyones money right now? To the squanderers of money...ok gone to the people who continue to fleece Americans..thats it...not this time!
(Message edited by mmmi_grad on December 19, 2009) |
Squintz
| | Posted on Sunday, December 20, 2009 - 05:35 am: |
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Hopefully HD management will become desperate enough to sell Buell to somebody when they need the extra cash. |
Court
| | Posted on Sunday, December 20, 2009 - 10:01 am: |
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The cash wouldn't hurt. Harley-davidson showed up on Thursday's biggest loosers with a 4.83% single day drop.
Wandell could release about half a dozen folks and commence some positive change.
Harley Is struggling to find a leader and someone to put a real plan in place.
Presently the firms direction changes from day to day.
When they get that next 2,200 folks "released" they will be on their way. |
Conchop
| | Posted on Monday, December 21, 2009 - 08:25 am: |
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The dollar is voting.
Wandell needs to go.
Unsustainable business practices and lifestyles rule! But not for long.
Go vote with your dollars. Precious few that are left. |
Black
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 - 06:26 am: |
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http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults /New-bikes/2010/january/jan0810-Buell-1125CR-is-bi ggest-selling-1000cc-motorcycle-in-December/?R=EPI -121370 |
Mndwgz
| | Posted on Thursday, January 14, 2010 - 08:08 am: |
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It would be interesting to see comparable U.S. figures. |
Mr_keys
| | Posted on Thursday, January 14, 2010 - 06:25 pm: |
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According to the representative in Brazil, outside of the USA Brazil is the largest market for Buells! |
Black
| | Posted on Friday, January 15, 2010 - 06:22 pm: |
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http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2010 /01/15/buell-makes-a-sale |
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