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CVO Social => In The News => Topic started by: mark on September 12, 2019, 07:15:51 PM

Title: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: mark on September 12, 2019, 07:15:51 PM
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-harley-davidson-layoffs/harley-davidson-to-lay-off-40-employees-in-wisconsin-idUSKCN1VW2WT
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: muddypaws on September 12, 2019, 07:52:33 PM
I stopped buying their overpriced cloths years ago
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: OBB on September 12, 2019, 08:15:31 PM
I stopped buying their overpriced cloths years ago
X2

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Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: scottt on September 12, 2019, 08:32:29 PM
Sad. Most i know don't buy unless dealer has a big sale. Wish some of the motorclothes could be USA made.

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Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: mark on September 12, 2019, 10:17:04 PM
Sad. Most i know don't buy unless dealer has a big sale. Wish some of the motorclothes could be USA made.

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Could you imagine what they'd charge if their clothes were made here? 
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: iski on September 12, 2019, 10:29:24 PM
I stopped buying their overpriced cloths years ago

x3.

Overpriced for what you get.  Wife & I both stopped buying years ago.  We also do not go out of our way to visit HD stores when we travel anymore with the rare exception. No reason to.
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: Eqcons on September 13, 2019, 07:19:06 AM
x3.

Overpriced for what you get.  Wife & I both stopped buying years ago.  We also do not go out of our way to visit HD stores when we travel anymore with the rare exception. No reason to.

^^^ That - describes us entirely.
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: JCZ on September 13, 2019, 09:27:31 AM
x3.

Overpriced for what you get.  Wife & I both stopped buying years ago.  We also do not go out of our way to visit HD stores when we travel anymore with the rare exception. No reason to.

I agree totally.  Harley was no longer listening to their customers and started listening to some fashion designer and that's not where the Harley base was at so they spoke with their wallets.  And now.......they reap what the sow.   :nixweiss:
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: Ironhorse on September 13, 2019, 09:35:06 AM
Could you imagine what they'd charge if their clothes were made here?

Kinda what I was thinking too,...

I buy the shirts if I like them. I buy the parts if I need them. But for service, I go to Jim at Metal Dragon.
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: iski on September 13, 2019, 11:00:24 AM
I agree totally.  Harley was no longer listening to their customers and started listening to some fashion designer and that's not where the Harley base was at so they spoke with their wallets.  And now.......they reap what the sow.   :nixweiss:

Yes they do & the harvest is getting weaker by the year. $30-40 for a t shirt when we both have more t shirts than we know what to do with already?  We have so many free t shirts from events & charities & such that we give some away already. 

Was talking to an investment guy years back & he said if Harley ever stops making bikes they could survive as a brand because of clothing, jackets, etc. At the time could not imagine HD not making bikes, now am not so sure.  HD clothing living on as a merchandise item?  Can see that one continuing on for a lot longer.
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: Eqcons on September 13, 2019, 11:27:33 AM
HD clothing living on as a merchandise item?  Can see that one continuing on for a lot longer.

Can certainly happen Iski - Lambretta made motor scooters in the 40's, 50's and 60's but eventually went out of business. Now Lambretta clothing and shoes is a designer label.....
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: iski on September 13, 2019, 11:34:21 AM
Can certainly happen Iski - Lambretta made motor scooters in the 40's, 50's and 60's but eventually went out of business. Now Lambretta clothing and shoes is a designer label.....

Right Equons!  Designer nostalgia has a longer life than the actual main product in some cases.
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: RivRaptor on September 13, 2019, 11:40:07 AM
I guess the Cracks everyone but HD is seeing are starting to open up!  My closesest dealer just closed Mondays & another dealer not far away has half their showroom full of BMW's!  Sad....but expected. (We do have a BMW sport bike in the stable....so maybe not so bad?)
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: scottt on September 13, 2019, 12:04:11 PM
I guess the Cracks everyone but HD is seeing are starting to open up!  My closesest dealer just closed Mondays & another dealer not far away has half their showroom full of BMW's!  Sad....but expected. (We do have a BMW sport bike in the stable....so maybe not so bad?)
If you test ride a BMW K1600B or Bagger you will understand. Nothing like a 160 hp 6cyl.

Not knocking Harley's, still really like them, just open to options. I can understand why a Harley dealership is hedging it's bets, they are in business to make money, not to simply support Harley. While BMW has a small market share in the USA, they are doing well world wide.

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Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: Phantom309 on September 15, 2019, 09:03:07 AM
I can proudly say I don't own one stitch of any of their clothing ... except for my leather which I got a deal on years ago.
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: HiDrag on October 04, 2019, 02:23:48 AM
x3.
We also do not go out of our way to visit HD stores when we travel anymore with the rare exception. No reason to.

Never did.  Why would I?



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Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: iski on October 04, 2019, 06:09:21 AM
Never did.  Why would I?



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The people we rode with on trips 15-20 years ago collected dealer pogs & t shirts.  We never did collect pogs, now a lot of these folks collect poker chips & we do not collect those either.
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: Ironhorse on October 04, 2019, 09:45:36 AM
The people we rode with on trips 15-20 years ago collected dealer pogs & t shirts.  We never did collect pogs, now a lot of these folks collect poker chips & we do not collect those either.

Now days, unless you need something right away there is no need to go to the dealer. You can order it all on line and have it delivered in just a few days.
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: iski on October 04, 2019, 11:24:25 AM
Now days, unless you need something right away there is no need to go to the dealer. You can order it all on line and have it delivered in just a few days.

True.  Internet changed the world.

We have changed around on groups we ride with since the start of "our Harley years."  Used to ride with a group that could not pass a HD dealership without stopping.  Had to allow a couple of hours extra bike time on trips because they had to have a pog & a shirt, then it was a poker chip & a t shirt.  At first we were pleasant about it.  After a couple of years of being bored & after hours & hours wasted at dealers watching folks point at stuff & say "Lookit!" , we quit stopping at Every Freaking Dealership on the road.  Instead that time is now better spent riding or drinking an icy cold beverage at a destination
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: OBB on October 04, 2019, 11:29:44 AM
Well, kinda. Back then. At least one bike would break down along the way.

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Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: OBB on October 04, 2019, 11:30:48 AM
Now days, unless you need something right away there is no need to go to the dealer. You can order it all on line and have it delivered in just a few days.
And yet we wonder why mom and pop shops regardless of the type of business keep closing up.....

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Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: J.D. on October 04, 2019, 11:44:02 AM
What I've experienced recently is most dealers stock very few parts except for the most common stuff, and most parts requests end up in prepaying (full price) for the part then another return trip to pick up the item when it arrives.  Since I have the parts books and an internet connection, I can get my part cheaper and faster without leaving the house.  Unless I call the dealer and confirm they have the part in stock AND it is an urgent same-day need I don't bother with the local dealers anymore.
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: Ironhorse on October 04, 2019, 12:05:28 PM
Since I have the parts books and an internet connection, I can get my part cheaper and faster without leaving the house.  Unless I call the dealer and confirm they have the part in stock AND it is an urgent same-day need I don't bother with the local dealers anymore.

Bingo!

And this ties into the other thread that the "Mom N Pop" Harley dealerships are few and far between. Most are part of that auto conglomeration.
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: Cat Eye on October 04, 2019, 12:53:39 PM
And Harley offers Slim-Shirts.....well that just eliminated about 90% the HD cliental, me included.
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: Fired00d on October 04, 2019, 02:31:41 PM
And yet we wonder why mom and pop shops regardless of the type of business keep closing up.....

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Not truly the case when it comes to H-D.... Corporate doesn't want "Mom & Pop" stores anymore... they want the "Mega/Super Walmart" dealership/stores. As Mom/Pop retired or where sold new owners were required to build dealerships the way corporate wanted them (Super Walmart). However I think this business models is backfiring on them since many have stated it's not only about getting parts online (easier/cheaper) it's about the attitude and in some cases lack of knowledge of the product that has been/is found at these super stores. :(

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: Fired00d on October 04, 2019, 02:35:34 PM
And Harley offers Slim-Shirts.....well that just eliminated about 90% the HD cliental, me included.
Yea... WTF!!!! I know a lot of the P&A we purchase are more about style/looks along w/some of the motorclothes… but hell they are contradicting one of the core motto's of riders... "Ride to Eat". Can't do that and fit in nothing "slim". :D :D

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: scottt on October 04, 2019, 03:17:06 PM
Not truly the case when it comes to H-D.... Corporate doesn't want "Mom & Pop" stores anymore... they want the "Mega/Super Walmart" dealership/stores. As Mom/Pop retired or where sold new owners were required to build dealerships the way corporate wanted them (Super Walmart). However I think this business models is backfiring on them since many have stated it's not only about getting parts online (easier/cheaper) it's about the attitude and in some cases lack of knowledge of the product that has been/is found at these super stores. :(

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:
I think Harley see's it's self as a premium brand, like Lexus or Mercedes Benz. At the same time they want to maintain a little of the bad boy image, good for business.

In reality I don't think it works. Every Harley enthusiast I know liked it better before. When the dealerships were like a second home. A place to hang, have a cup of coffee, talk with the parts guy, check out bikes, see riding buddies. The focus was on American motorcycles and riding.

Now they might as well be Hyundi dealers. No need explaining, we all know what Im talking about. It's all about one thing $$$. Nothing more or less. Sad really!

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Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: J.D. on October 04, 2019, 03:31:33 PM
Yes the lack of intimate product knowledge throughout the staff and attitude to boot.  Starting to beat a dead horse but the taste is still in my mouth.
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: scottt on October 04, 2019, 05:47:57 PM
Yes the lack of intimate product knowledge throughout the staff and attitude to boot.  Starting to beat a dead horse but the taste is still in my mouth.
Guess it's only a issue to those of us that have enjoyed the past. Those that started riding Harleys within the last 10 to 15 years have only known the big fancy car dealership like stores. Designed to be family friendly and upscale. Harley wants clean cut professionals to feel comfortable walking into a Harley dealership. More interested in a status symbol than riding.

At the same time, dealership owners went from true enthusiast that rode, joined customers on rides to auto dealership chains.

Sorry, I'm getting back in the weeds. I will say this, without Harleys past, Harleys hard core supporters, clubs, you would not have Harley today. Harley is to a large degree living off it's past, off it's image.



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Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: TN on October 04, 2019, 08:56:19 PM
I’ve been a motorcycle enthusiast since the late 60’s, wanted a HD for years but could never justify one. Bought my first HD in 1995, a Fatboy. In 1996 bought my first HD bagger, road king. Over the years I bought 7 new HD's from one dealer and 1 from my home state, horse traded a few here and there. I’ve got the one I like now and while I do have money burning a hole in my pocket for another I’ve refrained.

Chrome won’t get ya home, but it will get ya laid
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: iski on October 04, 2019, 10:20:36 PM
Well, kinda. Back the. At least one bike would break down along the way.

Sent from my boring Droid phone.

I try to forget that, is too true.  Have at least a dozen HD shirts from waiting on a friend's bike to get fixed on trips. 
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: charles05663 on October 05, 2019, 11:53:47 AM
The Harley dealer in central Vermont,  Wilkins Harley-Davidson (https://www.wilkinsharley.com/), is still run by the original owner's family after 73 years.  It is a small dealership off the beaten path.  When I went there looking for my 2009 SERG, I was greeted by the owner who started the business with her husband.  She was still working and must of been 80+ years old at the time.

They are Platinum Bar and Shield Award winners and hold numerous other B&S awards; they simply don't dish out BS.  Same long time employees.  I wish they had been closer as they would have been my dealer.

I now live in El Paso and it seems Barnett HD is the only HD store around for 100's of miles.  Not interested in dealing with them.

 :oops: :nixweiss:

Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: FLSTFI Dave on October 08, 2019, 09:05:26 AM
I think Harley see's it's self as a premium brand, like Lexus or Mercedes Benz. At the same time they want to maintain a little of the bad boy image, good for business.

In reality I don't think it works. Every Harley enthusiast I know liked it better before. When the dealerships were like a second home. A place to hang, have a cup of coffee, talk with the parts guy, check out bikes, see riding buddies. The focus was on American motorcycles and riding.

Now they might as well be Hyundi dealers. No need explaining, we all know what Im talking about. It's all about one thing $$$. Nothing more or less. Sad really!

Sent from my SM-J327T using Tapatalk

Not all the dealers are like this.  Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson (SMHD) is what most would call one of the New Mega stores.  SMHD opened Sept of 2004 in an old Lowes.  The owner, Scott is an avid rider.  He leads rides once and a while, most people can not keep up with him in the curves.  It is a very friendly store, with knowledgeable staff, be it sales floor or parts or service.  Most all ride.

SMHD has something they call project Ridemore.  Its a store sponsored ride, with Staff leading the ride, and staff as tail gunner.  Its a 200 to 300 mile ride on obscure back roads, to some place interesting and lunch.  This is done every week.  It's not a HOG ride, as it is a a skilled rider level ride moving at a good clip though the curves.    Some times there are two Ridemore rides in a week.

There is also a weekly HOG lunch ride, usually close to 200 miles.

There are concerts every Saturday night through out the riding season, some free, some with cover charge depending on the band.  If there is a charge, its 5 dollars off if you ride.  Some times they have Friday concerts.  During riding season they have a Thursday bike night.

They also sponcer other rides, and they have bike shows.  They always try to have something fun, riding related.

They have a on site bar, and BBQ restaurant. 

I'm sure a lot of this and has friendly Staff is why he has won Best Dealer.  The owner is very active in his store. 

Lots of people like to hang out there.  We often stop by after a ride for a beer and cigar. 
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: BigLock on October 09, 2019, 10:01:02 PM
Yep I  been to SMHD several times over the years really enjoy that place. Each time I go up to the Maggie Valley because I'm from eastern NC. I like most like the mom & pop dealers the dealership I use has been family owned for 47 yrs. Most people in NC know the name Don Tilley this dealership is 140 miles from me.There dealer closer 4 one as close as 40 miles but as most said owed by auto dealer. Long as mom & pop r around I try to do my business with them.
Title: Re: More Bad News...HD Lays Off 40
Post by: bigsixman on October 10, 2019, 01:36:21 PM
Not all the dealers are like this.  Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson (SMHD) is what most would call one of the New Mega stores.  SMHD opened Sept of 2004 in an old Lowes.  The owner, Scott is an avid rider.  He leads rides once and a while, most people can not keep up with him in the curves.  It is a very friendly store, with knowledgeable staff, be it sales floor or parts or service.  Most all ride.

SMHD has something they call project Ridemore.  Its a store sponsored ride, with Staff leading the ride, and staff as tail gunner.  Its a 200 to 300 mile ride on obscure back roads, to some place interesting and lunch.  This is done every week.  It's not a HOG ride, as it is a a skilled rider level ride moving at a good clip though the curves.    Some times there are two Ridemore rides in a week.

There is also a weekly HOG lunch ride, usually close to 200 miles.

There are concerts every Saturday night through out the riding season, some free, some with cover charge depending on the band.  If there is a charge, its 5 dollars off if you ride.  Some times they have Friday concerts.  During riding season they have a Thursday bike night.

They also sponcer other rides, and they have bike shows.  They always try to have something fun, riding related.

They have a on site bar, and BBQ restaurant. 

I'm sure a lot of this and has friendly Staff is why he has won Best Dealer.  The owner is very active in his store. 

Lots of people like to hang out there.  We often stop by after a ride for a beer and cigar.

We were there last May by accident while riding the Dragon and staying at the Iron Horse Lodge. It is a first class dealership.