Maybe HD isn't completely clueless.  Maybe they can start to attract younger buyers with less expensive "bikes" and build a future market...

https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/video-first-test-rides-of-harleys-small...

"During his test ride, Mitrani noted that “everywhere I went, people were stopping and taking photos.” Isn’t that what these electric bikes are all about? Reaching new riders with new technologies and designs? Always good to see people excited about getting on two wheels. Time will tell how this strategy plays out for Harley-Davidson."

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Yes they are.

Those things are nothing more than gadgets for the X games crowd. If Harley actually tries to market such things as that, the Chinese or S. Koreans will grab one, copy it, and put their version on the market for half the price. If the geniuses running the MoCo think that those contraptions are going to be the salvation of the brand they might as well throw in the towel right now.

They need to face facts, tighten their belt, make the most of what they've got, and concentrate on doing what they know how to do well. Will their market contract, sales be fewer? Sure. But demand isn't going to go away completely. Focus on what makes the BIKES different and Unique.  And force their dealers to make first- class customer service a priority.  Market that. Forget about the lifestyle bullsh*t that they push so hard, and focus on being a premium brand.  

And fire everyone who ever thought that an Electric Harley Davidson,of any size, was a good idea.

jcstokes wrote on 01/29/19 at 19:49:22:


A lot of their appeal is legend......and the cultural acceptance of owning an American motorcycle.  Folks buy them for the same reason they buy Polo and Izod shirts......it is a cultural fashion statement and fulfills their inner desire to be a "biker" and fit in with the other bikers.

Not all Harley's are bad, and Serowbot, Lancer, MMRanch, MPescatori and other forum members can tell you - they can be reliable and fun bikes to own and ride.  My Harley experience is pretty limited - I rented a Softail Classic for 24 hours while vacationing in Florida, and I have ridden MMRanch's 883 Sportster several times.  They both were fun to ride, the softail was big and heavy and challenged my physical strength at traffic lights and in parking lots - and it certainly was not overpowered.....but on the highway it just loafed along at 70mph like it was no big deal.  MM's Sportster was a hoot to accelerate and listen to the sound of the engine going potato, potato, potato - it has the sound of "manliness".

I am not sure how Harley can keep their icon status - I don't know if there are going to be enough "new" motorcycle sales to keep the massive overhead that the dealers and corporation require.....around here the Harley dealers are massive and located in high rent districts.  There are so many used bikes for sale at prices so far below dealer prices for new bikes - I just don't see how they can keep so many expensive dealers operating.

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Probably more because I don't pay much attention to that particular market niche. If the Harley prototypes really are derivatives of stuff that's already out there, well, that's even worse for HD's future IMO. I don't see many folks that want an electric mountain bike going to the local Harley Dealership  looking for one.