Is it time Harley Davidson moved with the times?

  • Thread starter Thread starter HI
  • Start date Start date
H

HI

Guest
I know that if it aint broke dont fix it. keep the the old school models rolling out, that's great!

But what's I'm trying to say is that you guy's put the man on the moon for christ's sake

Gimmie some technology !
 
I saw an article the other day bringing up this very point... now I can't find the link :(
Basically, HD's core market is older and grayer. They either need to shift their marketing strategy to a younger audience, or develop special add-ons for their current core market. If they opt for the latter, I'd suggest accessories to accommodate oxygen tanks and walkers and big shields that magnify like "reading" glasses, maybe even bifocal bug shields. Yeah, I'm liking this idea! :)
<edit>
But oldbiker above has the best answer
 
Nope!

In 1978, the Japanese motorcycle industry made this claim;
"If (AMF owned) Harley Davidson is to Survive, then they must get with the Times"

In 1979, the Japanese began making "Cruisers", "V-Twins", and "Real Touring bikes", with engine sizes larger then 900cc's.

In 1980, they began Flooding the market with cruisers (Yamaha XS, Kaw, KZ, Honda CB, Suzuki GS). So many of these bikes were sent here that in 1985 I could buy a brand new 1980 Yamaha XS1100 special, off the showroom floor 65% of original sticker.

One of the good things Reagan did was to put a tariff on all Japanese bikes over 700cc's to combat this Flooding of the market.

It should also be noted that Honda tried very Hard to Buy Harley in 1981.

Harley Davidson became Employee Owned in 1982.
Since it's stock has hit the market in 1986, it has split or divided 12 times. I'll let you do the math on what a $1,000 investment then would be worth today.

The best thing about a Harley is if you like the power and looks of the stock bike, cool. But if you want some bling?

I once saw a old (1946) FL that was owned by a jeweler. He gold plated and etched almost the whole bike.

By 1983, Japanese V-Twin Cruiser were doing everything they could to "Look" like a Harley.

I hope I have explained it adequately.
And just look at all the Copy cats now!
 
Back
Top