Harley-Davidson Motorcycles – A Company in Decline?
The problems facing Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
The main problem with Harley-Davidson comes down to cost. They are just too damn expensive!
The motorcycle cruiser market is in the same place the car market was back in the day . . . import cars were cheap but viewed as low standard and inferior to American vehicles…nobody viewed them as a threat. Then the big three got complacent and stopped innovating making crap lemons while charging top dollar. Then imports quietly crept up improving, quality, power,looks and reliability and surpassed them. Then American cars were viewed as inferior. They are making a comeback slowly.
I see Harley Davidson going throught the exact same thing.These import cruisers are serious contenders. Harley-Davidson still has the name but consumers are getting smarter. Other import brands catch loyal customers a lot younger.
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
It seems that the newer younger generation of motorcycle riders want reliability and safety at half price of a Harley. Yes, this newer generation of motorcycle riders believes that Japanese bikes are much better and far cheaper than a Harley-Davison motorcycle!
Ther truth is there are die hard lovers and haters of Harley Davidson’s. I don’t see to many 50+ year olds on sports bikes, while the young take speed over comfort the time comes where the value of comfort starts to out way the need for speed. And yes there are many big cruiser bikes out there but none that match the feeling of sitting comfortable and still feeling the rumble of power when cracking the throttle on a Harley.
In 1969, William Davidson jr. stated that “…Honda will never win the heart of the American motorcyclist…” during an interview by Cycle Magazine six months after Honda had released its breakthrough CB-750 Four, launching a new era in motorcycling. “… large and powerful…”??? Nearly all the technological advances used on a Harley are either European or Asian (starter, electronics, disc brakes, drive shaft, multi-cylinder, DOHC, water cooled, ABS, fuel injection, etc… Most world police forces have switched to Hondas, Kawasakis, BMW… for performance, comfort, safety, etc… Consumer Reports tested the Harleys and rated them as the second bike to the LAST in their ratings in 2015 – maybe Harley needs a major upgrade?
yet how you hear about okay will that’s correct that the no sorry there is employment and credit check that you okay take care
So true – I’m 62yrs old and have been riding since I was 14yrs old – first bike 50cc Harley. I own a 2015 CVO – Out the door 40K – I have 3 son’s- 42 – 37- and 33. I have owned Harley’s my entire life. My 33 year old is the only one – who owns a bike – yes Harley – but here is the catch – he never rides it – it sets in the garage collecting dust. Just different times. I blame Amazon not Harley – everybody is in there house – grocery’s tech clothes – damm phones – no one goes out or talks to anyone anymore. The I-phone has replaced Harley – It’s sad. I’m on my bike today at 62 but when I die my kids won’t even want my bike. Harley should bring back the fun of the ride – family. Thanks Rocket
So true – I’m 62yrs old and have been riding since I was 14yrs old – first bike 50cc Harley. I own a 2015 CVO – Out the door 40K – I have 3 son’s- 42 – 37- and 33. I have owned Harley’s my entire life. My 33 year old is the only one – who owns a bike – yes Harley – but here is the catch – he never rides it – it sets in the garage collecting dust. Just different times. I blame Amazon not Harley – everybody is in there house – grocery’s tech clothes – damm phones – no one goes out or talks to anyone anymore. The I-phone has replaced Harley – It’s sad. I’m on my bike today at 62 but when I die my kids won’t even want my bike. Harley should bring back the fun of the ride – family. Thanks Rocket
I have to agree with everything you said.