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I wonder where the HD riders are going?
- Thread starter Scotts8826
- Start date
Bfromla
Well-known member
:agree::2thumbs:
Bob Denman
New member
https://seekingalpha.com/article/40...announces-u-s-layoffs-builds-factory-thailand
This article mentions a factory being built in Thailand... :yikes:
Harley may be going through what the dinosaurs did... Adapt: or die! nojoke
They have been catering to their core for so long, that they didn't noctice that those riders were getting older. :dontknow:
and it's not just Harley! :shocked:
This article mentions a factory being built in Thailand... :yikes:
Harley may be going through what the dinosaurs did... Adapt: or die! nojoke
They have been catering to their core for so long, that they didn't noctice that those riders were getting older. :dontknow:
and it's not just Harley! :shocked:
BLUEKNIGHT911
Sadly Passed Oct 2024 - RIP
HD OWNERS
:hun: ..... really , I can't remember the last HOG rider that waved back !!!!!!!! :lecturef_smilie:...... Mike :thumbup:
Arion
Active member
My response is basically a practical one. Even when I was young (a long time ago) I couldn't pick up 800 pounds. Now, it's a chore to pick up my wife's Suzuki TU250X. How do I know? Hmmmm. :yikes:
I'm very happy not to have to worry about picking up my Spyder - 'cause it won't fall over (unless I do something really, really bad!) And my wife rarely does anything really, really bad so I don't have to worry about picking up her Spyder either.
Then on top of it all, not long ago someone of note informed the motorcycle-buying public that Harley Davidson "was proudly bringing 1940s technology into the 21st century." Rather biased I suspect but not entirely off the mark.
And none of my comments qualify as "hate."
I'm very happy not to have to worry about picking up my Spyder - 'cause it won't fall over (unless I do something really, really bad!) And my wife rarely does anything really, really bad so I don't have to worry about picking up her Spyder either.
Then on top of it all, not long ago someone of note informed the motorcycle-buying public that Harley Davidson "was proudly bringing 1940s technology into the 21st century." Rather biased I suspect but not entirely off the mark.
And none of my comments qualify as "hate."
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Bob Denman
New member
I'm not sure that it's "hate"; it might just be folks noticing that there are some "chinks in the armor" showing... :dontknow:
Fatcycledaddy
Active member
On our trip out west we just got back from, I would say that most riders waved. We did notice that if it was not a touring bike that the odds of getting a wave from a Harley rider slipped dramatically. BMW riders seamed to be the worst in my book. We wave either way!
We also observed that in South Dakota that Harley riders didn't wave to other Harley riders.
My wife jokingly said that we have been riding for over 30 years together and that is just what we have always done and will do as a courtesy. She said that those ones who don't wave are ones who don't really ride, they trailer their bikes everywhere and then ride into town, so they don't know any better, they aren't real riders, they don't have the experience to have a good riders manners yet. I about died laughing but thought she may be onto something there.
Firefly
Active member
HD Claims the bikes made over there will not be imported to the USA.... I doubt that will last long. Most of their clothing and trinkets come from over there.
They could stop making motorcycles altogether and their bottom line would probably skyrocket. They have been marketing geniuses for decades, people who will never own a HD have all kinds of clothing with their brand.
SteveP
New member
Another article
http://a.msn.com/00/en-ca/AAoq9P5?ocid=se
seems like there is a real concern not only for Harley
http://a.msn.com/00/en-ca/AAoq9P5?ocid=se
seems like there is a real concern not only for Harley
Dmetcalf
Member
I agree with this. I am finding that only about 50% will wave back when on my Spyder. It's a bit sad that so many H-D riders are being so "snobish" about fellow riders (that happen to ride something different) from what they ride. I'll continue to wave and if they wave back great, and if they don't great ..! I'll take the high road.
HD riders - where are they going?
My personal story is that I was a dirt bike enthusiast that had to be convinced to ride on the street. My first HD was a 1965 (milestone year - last year for the 'pan', 1st year for electric start) which I sold in the '70's. Three years ago, my brother suddenly passed away and he had a 75 FX-E that he had tinkered with for years. Fast forward I ended up with the 'ol girl and have spent a huge amount of money keeping it running. As I have aged, like many I seem to be wearing out the knee of my 'landing leg' and riding has become closer to work than it used to be. My wife wanted to ride with me and her son so I purchased our first SPYDER for her. She was unable to go with us on a ride and volunteered her Spydie for me to get acquainted with (I had been on it a few times but never for very long). Long story short, we are now a 2 SPYDER family when 2 weeks ago I purchased an 'almost' twin to hers.
The Harley isn't going anywhere; it will remain in the family. BUT, it's now my secondary ride and gateway to HOG (which is really big here in Kansas City are).
I travel throughout the Midwest on business a LOT and have made some observations on the Harley Davidson situation.
First, the corporate folks seem to be taking a stance with dealers that is effectively 'go big or go home'. Not sure if this is a policy of desperation or what but it seems to be counterproductive to selling motorcycles.
Second,it was pretty easy to see that 'corporate' HD was not achieving the size and volume that they were needing/expecting when local dealers adopted the 'finance anyone' and 'bring your title, we'll trade for ANYTHING' operational models. Motorcycles are not a NEED but a luxury that we enjoy! I feel that any product sold under these circumstances will in many cases find it's way back to the dealership through recourse provisions in the finance agreement.
I have been saying for years that the HD 'bubble' was going to burst due to slow sales and pressure on dealers to build bigger and more plush facilities.
Because my HD is old, I have test ridden both the new HD and the new Indian and was impressed with neither. Mainly because of their transmission noise when first gear is engaged and lack of Asian smoothness when shifted. I recognize that both brands have become almost works of art with their fit, finish and paint but the basics have been ignored.
I'm very happy with my present situation where I can enjoy the best of both worlds by owning and old HD and a new(ish) SPYDER!
Sorry this ran so long with 'back stories' but it is necessary to give a bit of history to understand the present and future!
My personal story is that I was a dirt bike enthusiast that had to be convinced to ride on the street. My first HD was a 1965 (milestone year - last year for the 'pan', 1st year for electric start) which I sold in the '70's. Three years ago, my brother suddenly passed away and he had a 75 FX-E that he had tinkered with for years. Fast forward I ended up with the 'ol girl and have spent a huge amount of money keeping it running. As I have aged, like many I seem to be wearing out the knee of my 'landing leg' and riding has become closer to work than it used to be. My wife wanted to ride with me and her son so I purchased our first SPYDER for her. She was unable to go with us on a ride and volunteered her Spydie for me to get acquainted with (I had been on it a few times but never for very long). Long story short, we are now a 2 SPYDER family when 2 weeks ago I purchased an 'almost' twin to hers.
The Harley isn't going anywhere; it will remain in the family. BUT, it's now my secondary ride and gateway to HOG (which is really big here in Kansas City are).
I travel throughout the Midwest on business a LOT and have made some observations on the Harley Davidson situation.
First, the corporate folks seem to be taking a stance with dealers that is effectively 'go big or go home'. Not sure if this is a policy of desperation or what but it seems to be counterproductive to selling motorcycles.
Second,it was pretty easy to see that 'corporate' HD was not achieving the size and volume that they were needing/expecting when local dealers adopted the 'finance anyone' and 'bring your title, we'll trade for ANYTHING' operational models. Motorcycles are not a NEED but a luxury that we enjoy! I feel that any product sold under these circumstances will in many cases find it's way back to the dealership through recourse provisions in the finance agreement.
I have been saying for years that the HD 'bubble' was going to burst due to slow sales and pressure on dealers to build bigger and more plush facilities.
Because my HD is old, I have test ridden both the new HD and the new Indian and was impressed with neither. Mainly because of their transmission noise when first gear is engaged and lack of Asian smoothness when shifted. I recognize that both brands have become almost works of art with their fit, finish and paint but the basics have been ignored.
I'm very happy with my present situation where I can enjoy the best of both worlds by owning and old HD and a new(ish) SPYDER!
Sorry this ran so long with 'back stories' but it is necessary to give a bit of history to understand the present and future!
MRH
Active member
To some extent, I think this is a generational difference.
A lot of Harleys that are sold are more like clothing or artwork because they are all about the status of riding down the local drag and the bikes may only be ridden 25 miles a week, and then only during the summer.
Millennials don't but that way. I'm guessing that the bikes that are selling are ones where that they buyers actually intent to ride, which tips the balance away from Harleys, of which many of the sales are more about buying into the brand and the lifestyle, and less about actually riding. While people will want to post their ride on FB, they aren't going to spend $20K to do that.
It's also worth noting that Millennials are moving away from even owing cars wherever Ubers are available. Aside from their phones, they just own less stuff.
In many ways, our Spyders are the perfect opposite. We don't anywhere near the same "cool factor" as a Harley owner, instead our decision is all about wanting to actually ride and most of us put real miles on our odometers.
A lot of Harleys that are sold are more like clothing or artwork because they are all about the status of riding down the local drag and the bikes may only be ridden 25 miles a week, and then only during the summer.
Millennials don't but that way. I'm guessing that the bikes that are selling are ones where that they buyers actually intent to ride, which tips the balance away from Harleys, of which many of the sales are more about buying into the brand and the lifestyle, and less about actually riding. While people will want to post their ride on FB, they aren't going to spend $20K to do that.
It's also worth noting that Millennials are moving away from even owing cars wherever Ubers are available. Aside from their phones, they just own less stuff.
In many ways, our Spyders are the perfect opposite. We don't anywhere near the same "cool factor" as a Harley owner, instead our decision is all about wanting to actually ride and most of us put real miles on our odometers.
It is my opinion that every motorcycle manufacture is going through this slump in sales. The real reason is the new kids (milennials) aren't interested in motorcycles like we were when we were young. It also doesn't help that more and more of us old fogy's are dying off everyday.
Cheers!:doorag:
Cheers!:doorag:
SPECTACUALR SPIDERMAN
New member
all i know is i am very happy with my scout and i can see why indian has double digit growth but they are still a flea to harley.
unless you are into the whole hog thing harley truly does not have enough to offer against other brands that are more reliable.
unless you are into the whole hog thing harley truly does not have enough to offer against other brands that are more reliable.
HD just put up a brand new HUGE dealership in the city where I live. Can't imagine how all that display space for branded clothing and soft drink bar, and all that chrome and glass would eat into their profit margin. If you look at most HD dealers around here, there's a lot of expense being used to maintain a corporate image.
PaladinLV
New member
Every time I go out and ride HD riders give me a Wave.
All, no; but neither do I get waves ALL the time from all crotch rockets, Hondas, Kaws, Suzis, . . .. etc.
Must be a "locational" thing
AJ
All, no; but neither do I get waves ALL the time from all crotch rockets, Hondas, Kaws, Suzis, . . .. etc.
Must be a "locational" thing
AJ
ARtraveler
R.I.P. Dwayne
RE: The wave. Now that I ride two wheels some of the time, I get a wave from pretty much all the two wheelers. Crotch rockets, sport tourers, HD's, etc. When we are driving the :f_spider::spyder2:'s, not so much.
It does not matter, I am having way to much fun, either way, to care. :yes:
It does not matter, I am having way to much fun, either way, to care. :yes:
M
MelloYelloSpyder
Guest
Not just HD. It is an across the board decline in riders that is causing this wave through the industry. Millennials aren't buying bikes like the older generations and we are dying out or getting to old to ride every day. Nobody (industry or brand) should be on their "high horse" thinking they are exempt from this trend. I have and HD Road King that I bought this year, used 2005 custom with 24 thousand on it. I have put about 2500 miles on it so far this year. My Spyder on the other hand is sitting parked in the garage and listed for sale about every where I can think of. I have only put about 10 miles on it this year. I pull it out of the garage every month and run it around on some of the local streets to keep the fluids running through it and everything lubricated. As far as the wave thing goes I think it is more the rider on the other end of me waving that has the problem. Was in the UP of Michigan and coming home a couple of weeks ago and must have passed well over 50 BMW bikes on US2 going the opposite direction and maybe 5 of them waved back. I even have Harley guys not wave back. I think that if you wave and the other doesn't they don't know or they think you may be a poser (in the case of a Harley to Harley encounter). Whatever. I wave at everyone unless I am shifting gears, didn't see them, or it is not safe to wave for some reason.
cmbspyderrss
New member
I owned 2 HD's are rode over 40 with different motors, controls, pegs, floorboards, seats, transmissions and even one with a kick starter. Absolutely loved the way it made me feel mentally but not physically. Thousands on buy in and thousands on look at me stuff. Truly a bang myself on the head with a hammer 5 year time span. Don't hate them but don't like them at all.
All I care about whether your on a Vespa, Ducati, HD, Can Am or anything else is the bugs you have to pick from your teeth cause your smilin and having fun.
All I care about whether your on a Vespa, Ducati, HD, Can Am or anything else is the bugs you have to pick from your teeth cause your smilin and having fun.
Illinois Boy
New member
U.S. demographics will affect several businesses over the next 10-15 years. There is a drop in the population just after the last baby-boomers go into retirement.
Housing is an area that many expect to see a slow-down in sales just at about the time some baby-boomers are wanting to down-size. Some expect they may find it more difficult to sell their homes; especially larger homes as the group following them are fewer, and have less money than the boomers did at that age.
Someone mentioned Polaris Indian sales are improving. Coming from a zero baseline, they better have growth as a percentage, but when you look at the number of bikes they sell compared to HD, they are not even close. Indian sales have hurt HD some, as probably Spyders have; but the real crunch is coming from a soft buyer's market -- again due to the demographics.
Housing is an area that many expect to see a slow-down in sales just at about the time some baby-boomers are wanting to down-size. Some expect they may find it more difficult to sell their homes; especially larger homes as the group following them are fewer, and have less money than the boomers did at that age.
Someone mentioned Polaris Indian sales are improving. Coming from a zero baseline, they better have growth as a percentage, but when you look at the number of bikes they sell compared to HD, they are not even close. Indian sales have hurt HD some, as probably Spyders have; but the real crunch is coming from a soft buyer's market -- again due to the demographics.
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