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[WYD OPN]

Solve for "X", and make everyone happy.  What's your business model for a 7-year rollout of must-have CVOs going forward from 2012?

Please be specific for each year, rather than simple general preferences.  Do H-Ds product planning.  :-)

[Rhetor]

2013 110th Anniversary FLHRSE5 SERK IN Kryptonite and Vivid Black with a 120ci engine (no silly watercooling allowed, and no skulls!)

[WYD OPN]

2013 110th Anniversary FLHRSE5 SERK IN Kryptonite and Vivid Black with a 120ci engine (no silly watercooling allowed, and no skulls!)

I was thinking of a more comprehensive overall plan than a wish list.  Any feedback on other models for the foregoing 7 years?  :-)

[VaEagle]

My comprehensive overall plan : would be for H-D to expand their program for custom building Sportsters by altering a few set bikes now into all lines and have the customer set down and plan each part of the bike from paint & chrome to motor selection etc at the dealership.
I wouldn't mind some lead time if I could get a bike truly custom made for me not one of 2,000 and to be able to accept delivery and just turn a key and ride without a garage full of spare parts. Seems to me it would allow H-D to order inventory parts based on demand and maybe have less unused parts or to have to stock so many accessory parts.
I don't like it when H-D only does something halfway such as blacking out a bike and they leave a bunch of chrome on it or just bump up a motor by a few cubic inches when the competition has bigger motors.
Just my .02 but if you want a blacked out bike then really black it out or if you want a high performance bike then make it a monster.
I know the dealerships make money on the mods made to a new bike but is it causing long lead times for those who just need a tuneup or serious mechanical work? If you had a problem wouldn't it be nice to bring a bike in and get it fixed ASAP and not have the mechanics tied up bolting on chrome etc.?
They should work on good quick customer service. They should make the customer feel important and appreciated.

[miceracs]

 
As a general thing I would like to see improvements to some accessories as starters.

1. Heated screens (we have them on cars why not bikes) needed in cold areas when they get foggy.
2. Better seats. (we all don't want heated), improve comfort by adding air cushion, etc
3. Provide a TRUE bluetooth system for all coms. Get rid of the cable!!
4. Factory install of recording cameras (front and Rear), linked to GPS recording time, location and speed, record last 30mins of travel.
    This facility will assist when taking that driver to court.
5. Factory installed fairy lights for those that want them.
6. Better radio system, full GPS access for auto time updates and auto station selection when moving between station transmitters
7. Improved CB radio, more power

2013: Road King - Back to basics 40's design theme
2014: Sportster deluxe - produce a top of the range model
2015: Ultra Glide with the above accessories
2016: Road Glide Ultra with the above
2017: Fat Boy, (LOW) ultra wide rear wheel, short fender close to tyre,
2018: Super Street Glide

That will do for starters. Don't care about engine size as 103/110 are adequate. Don't want water systems thou.

Lets see what happens then! 

[WYD OPN]

Nice response.  Others are welcome.

I propose something similar to the following:
• Expand the CVO line to 5 models with 4 colors, giving the FLHTCUSE a regular slot and still leaving room for 4 other models.
• One model and its colors/design would be chosen specifically from cvoharley.com feedback via polls, etc., with advance reservation availability to forum members.
• The 4th color of each model would be a theme color/design specifically from cvoharley.com feedback via polls, etc., with advance reservation availability to forum members.
• The remaining 3 models would be model-family-based; one FL-Touring, one FL/FX Softail/Dyna, one alternating between Touring and Softail/Dyna/VRSC.

• 2013
FLHTCUSE8
FLHXSE4
FLTRXSE2
FLHRSE5
FLSTFSE3

• 2014
FLHTCUSE9
FLHXSE5
FLTRUSE2
FLHRSE6
FXCWCSE

• 2015
FLHTCUSE10
FLHXSE6
FLTRXSE3
FLDSE
VRSCSE3

• 2016
FLHTCUSE11
FLHXSE7
FLTRUSE3
FLDSE2
VRSCSE4

• 2017
FLHTCUSE12
FLHTCSE3
FLTRXSE4
FXDWG4
FXSTSSE4

• 2018
FLHTCUSE13
FLHXSE8
FLTRUSE4
FXDWG5
FXSTSSE5

• 2019
FLHTCUSE14
FLHTCSE4
FLTRXSE5
FLSTNSE
FLSTFSE4

• 2020
FLHTCUSE15
FLHXSE9
FLTRUSE5
FLSTNSE2
FXCWCSE2

• 2021
FLHTCUSE16
FLHTCSE5
FLTRXSE6
FXDSE3
FLSTSCSE

• 2022
FLHTCUSE17
FLHXSE10
FLTRUSE6
FXDSE4
FLSTSCSE2
  

[2smoke]

No water
No Chinese parts
Good warranty
Factory Options (I hate ABS and Security Systems)
No leaks

[89Speedy]

Solve for "X", and make everyone happy.  What's your business model for a 7-year rollout of must-have CVOs going forward from 2012?

Please be specific for each year, rather than simple general preferences.  Do H-Ds product planning.  :-)

How 'bout a CVO Softail Deluxe?

[Jus Cruisin]

I doubt I'll live that long..........

[Dr.D]

For  true "custom" bike please deliver a CVO RG in a primer grey. Save the paint costs and let me finish the colors graphics and clear coat.

[Aussie]

No water
No Chinese parts
Good warranty
Factory Options (I hate ABS and Security Systems)
No leaks

Its inevitable water cooled will be here in the future.
Question many will ask, when?

[Aussie]

2

[CVOThunder]

They could probably side step EPA issues if they took cues from Victory...which will probably never happen. It would require recasting the block and take more tool and die work.

1. Use a one piece crankshaft with rods side by side vs forked. This would mean shifting the back jug to the left or right and get it out into cooler air.
2. Run 4 valves per cylinder but stay with the pushrods.

Might be some other tweaks they can do but those are just 2 that come to mind.

[Grizzly]

IMHO, we've seen enough SEUC's for a while.  Take a break for a couple of years and then come back with a bigger motor, power operating lower vents, wireless headsets, full pop-up/built-in GPS screen and a number of other options listed in the post above.

Limit the CVO models to 3 each year and mix it up every 2-3 years at best.
Time for a Heritage or Deluxe CVO that come standard with touring sized fiberglass bags.

[tennisman]

My dream features:
- adjustable windshield...even if just manually
- Bluetooth, dump the cable!
- hotter heated grips
- no flames or skulls
- go water-cooled head but retain Harley sound
- relocate oil filter for easier accessibility
- lower seat/improve ergos for different rider sizes (air shock to raise/lower bike on the fly)
- air temp gauge that works

[Thundering6]

How about making this one simple.....

STOP the practice of allowing just any flunkie to assemble the CVO bikes and get them back to their own assembly line,with the special care it gave them and return the CVO line to the respect they once had.

I live here in York,a stones throw away from the plant,and its a shame they are using Temp Workers(not even true plant employees) to assemble the CVO bikes in the normal assembly line here.Those same bike the MoCo wants us to shell a premium price out for when they reach the dealers floor.IMO the MoCo has ruined the CVO line with what they have done to it.

 

[skippy]

Temp workers ,thats hard to handle  you would think the unions would be all over that....

[Aussie]

WHAT? 
Temp workers,
Have they been trained?
Do they know what to look for incase something is not right when assembling?
Do they have the Passion or are they just there to collect there pay?
Makes one wonder why hey!
Cost savings would be the answer but not the solution to a premium product.

Lets hope they don't shoot them selves in the foot and ruin our CVO range.

[stratplexi]

I have a hard time believing it's temp employees assembling the CVO bikes. How in the world would someone positively know they are temps unless you work there. How have they ruined the CVO line? They are selling well and by all accounts the buyers love them. It would seem to me they are more popular than ever and this webiste would provide some evidence of that.

IMHO, if anything, Harley needs to do more premium bikes. If you compare apples to apples with the market, Harley's are priced very competitive. With the CVO line they are reaching a new market sector with new demographics. The Ultra Limited is also another example of that. I believe they need more high end choices. For example, why not offer the Ultra Limited with a 110 motor option and maybe some more goodies. But limit the number of bikes to say 5000 with these options but price them lower than the CVO Ultra but more than the normal Limited. Car companies do this all the time. I could easily see this approach in each family; softail, dyna, touring, etc.

To answer the original question, I believe they should offer a CVO version as an option on most models but limit the number built. Each year would see changes but they should be offered every year. And as I state above, there should be some other high-end options beyond the normal recreational models but occupy the price point below the CVO option. JMHO

[YELLOWBIRD]

How about making this one simple.....

STOP the practice of allowing just any flunkie to assemble the CVO bikes and get them back to their own assembly line,with the special care it gave them and return the CVO line to the respect they once had.

I live here in York,a stones throw away from the plant,and its a shame they are using Temp Workers(not even true plant employees) to assemble the CVO bikes in the normal assembly line here.Those same bike the MoCo wants us to shell a premium price out for when they reach the dealers floor.IMO the MoCo has ruined the CVO line with what they have done to it.

 

If I stand correct, The 2009 CVO's were the last year for the 3 or 4 man "Trained, Union workers" to actually build the Screaming Eagles scoots. It's said that the MoCo, does some cost cutting in all the wrong places! I think in stead of cheaping the product, they should cheaping the PAYROLL of the Managment!!!!!!


YB

[tennisman]

I wouldn't get too excited about not using the small crew to assemble CVO bikes.  My 08 was built by the small crew and the derby cover screws were so overtightened/over-Loktited that they BROKE the first time they were removed and had to be "easyouted".  There were other items which MAY have been assembly issues...but maybe not, so I won't list 'em.

[tennisman]

Lemme add one more!

- a driver seatback that can be removed and installed EASILY!!  Just copy Mustang seats, they're a breeze to remove and install.

[mark]

I agree on the "team assembly" process being a positive.  It's just one more thing that made CVOs a little special.  I'd also like to see more color matched frames, rather than black.  my 03 SERK had the gold paint and matching frame.  Again, a little something that made it stand out from other Harleys.

I always thought the MoCo was trying to same a few $ on my 2010 SESG....using a black frame, just like every other Harley and using a gloss black inner faring.  Thought the bike would have looked better with a color matched inner fairing, but that would have cost them a little more.

Can't understand why they can chrome-out the handlebars and controls....but still use non-chrome screws??  Same on the derby cover.

I'd like to see the MoCo resort back to the early 2000s and pick two models for CVOs.  Use them for two years, and then move on to another model.  I'm afraid if they're offering too many models, the CVO will lose its uniqueness.     

[Grizzly]

I agree on the "team assembly" process being a positive.  It's just one more thing that made CVOs a little special.  I'd also like to see more color matched frames, rather than black.  my 03 SERK had the gold paint and matching frame.  Again, a little something that made it stand out from other Harleys.

I always thought the MoCo was trying to same a few $ on my 2010 SESG....using a black frame, just like every other Harley and using a gloss black inner faring.  Thought the bike would have looked better with a color matched inner fairing, but that would have cost them a little more.

Can't understand why they can chrome-out the handlebars and controls....but still use non-chrome screws??  Same on the derby cover.

I'd like to see the MoCo resort back to the early 2000s and pick two models for CVOs.  Use them for two years, and then move on to another model.  I'm afraid if they're offering too many models, the CVO will lose its uniqueness.    

Some like I think it has already happened.
Way too many years of the SEUC and no doubt they will continue for a few years with the SESG, which I think is a mistake.

Mix it up a little, and if they did the demand may come back and dealers wouldn't be sitting on year old CVO's!

Have you thought about painting your inner fairing the colour you want... That would make it really unique and shouldn't cost a lot.
I never liked my lowers on my '08 Crystal Copper & Black Onyx that came painted in copper... Always thought they messed up and they should have been black.  So I had them painted and love my bike that much more now.

[mark]

Nice bike... 

Painting my inner fairing crossed my mind...but after spending $30k+, $1k on exhaust, and other odds and ends, felt I'd spent enough.   

I toured York about a year ago and was really disappointed to learn CVOs were being made on the assembly line.  Tour guide also said HD was going to start farming out some manufacturing to foreign vendors.