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[muddypaws]

https://www.businessinsider.com/the-rise-and-fall-of-harley-davidson-motorcycle-company-2020-2

[rayson56]

Good overview.

Thanx for posting.

[iski]

Good view from a business perspective. 

Harley's biggest problem is getting younger riders to ride HD MCs when younger riders for the most part aren't interested in riding MCs.

[dayne66]

Good view from a business perspective. 

Harley's biggest problem is getting younger riders to ride HD MCs when younger riders for the most part aren't interested in riding MCs.

I am also finding that the newer generation does not like to work on their own stuff.......and HDs require either you, the shop, or both way too often!

[J.D.]

I think that is correct to a certain extent.  A big part of the old Harley culture was wrenching.  If you bought a Harley at one time it was sort of common knowledge that you were agreeing to be a shadetree Harley mechanic.  Not so much these days.  At the premium price, people expect the reliability of a modern automobile.  Sumping engines for example is the kiss of death.

[mark]

I think that is correct to a certain extent.  A big part of the old Harley culture was wrenching.  If you bought a Harley at one time it was sort of common knowledge that you were agreeing to be a shadetree Harley mechanic.  Not so much these days.  At the premium price, people expect the reliability of a modern automobile.  Sumping engines for example is the kiss of death.

Also, the time of being able to work on your own bike is about over.  Sure, you can tackle a tire change, fluids, etc., but “problems” have to sorted out by a dealer...at $100+ an hour.  Sometimes you can afford the toy, but not the upkeep.

[Ironhorse]

There are young people out there who are interested in riding, we just don’t see them. And when we do we call the Squids, Punks, and all that. Furthermore the bikes they are riding are better and more dependable than the Hondas and Kawasaki’s I rode in the 70s.

And the “kids these days” are wrenching on their bikes, go surf YouTube, you’ll find them. What will happen to them is what happened to us. Natural selection will bring the dedicated riders to age 48-52 where they get tired of sport bike ergonomics and want something more comfortable. Their riding desires will stretch beyond their local streets and out to Yellowstone and Yosemite.

HD with the “Bronx” is a step in the right direction of trying to lure these riders over. As long as the bike is dependable and priced accordingly it should all work out. Otherwise today’s “Squid Kids” will be on Goldwings, ZX14 Concours and Yamaha FJs. 

[iski]

You have a valid point.  As a young whippersnapper I could not afford a Harley.  1970s.  More importantly I did not really want a Harley even if I could have afforded one.  Those big HD cruisers were expensive, heavy, slow, & leaky.  I rode Japanese bikes that were cheap, lightweight, reliable, and fast.  Loved to pull up next to a Harley at a stop light especially when I got "the look".  If I felt like it I could blip the throttle and all they saw was tail light.  Lots of fun.  In my area Harleys were an old guy's ride - folks over 30. 

Fast forward 20 years & I wasn't looking to be Evel Knievel anymore. Touring bike was what I wanted.   HD made sense as a ride, plus I had the money to afford one.  Japanese bikes & European bikes were quicker but did not have the appeal that HD had.  For me they still don't.  I have friends that ride them & they like them - all good for them. 

What HD has to continually create is that desire or appeal from those who ride.  If the Bronx is competitive with the market it would be a pleasant surprise.  Shows HD is listening to today with an eye toward the future.  If it's as grossly overpriced as the LiveWire it will just be another slow selling bike that becomes an afterthought. We shall see.

[mark]

I did not find the Bronx to be visually appealing for a naked sport bike.  Looked bulky and the lines didn’t flow...  reminded me more of an adventure bike.  On the other hand, the concept drawing looked on the money.

[J.D.]

President and CEO Matthew Levatich Steps Down; Board of Directors Appoints Board Member Jochen Zeitz as Acting President and CEO