many have experienced less than desirable quality and product shortfalls. Two, competitors have not rested. There are many great bikes available. Motorcycles that perform, handle, ride and deliver better features at competitive prices to say the least. Granted, they are not Harleys but you cannot depend on brand loyalty forever nor can that be your primary reason to buy.
If I were buying another bike today I'd buy a used Harley. You can buy a low mile touring bike for under ten grand. My days of buying $30,000 bikes that need thousands more in upgrades are over.
All of these issues are driven by Harleys focusing more on there stock prices than product and customers.
Harley's ace in the hole is there huge dealer network, name recognition and customer base. All they need to do is build class leading motorcycles that customers want to buy. Might need to accept a lower margin. Investors would benifit in the long run.
Pretty much agree with what your saying. I'm at 7 CVO since 2009, and have a good 10 to 15 years riding left in me, not retired yet. Growing up Harley and Corvette were the American dream. Now, there are other bikes that offer more power, better Handling and more features for less money. Harley lost sight of what they were. Corvette on the other hand continuers to be the best buy in the high performance sports car segment, you cant buy more for less from their competitors.
The biggest thing pushing me away from a new CVO is Price climbing very fast, while features and items are being removed. Blacked out is less expensive to make, mono chromatic paint is cheaper to do, removing vents closings, and shift pegs and so on. Then top that with the poor quality. 6 of my 7 CVO's have required a new speedometer due to the runs on the inside of the glass. Current CVO, a 2019 with 19300 miles on it is on its 3rd set of front brake rotors. 3 of my CVO's have required new compensates, one has required a new engine for lifter failure. Left side hand module for head unit has failed on my last three CVO's.
My 14 Corvette had zero warranty work done on it. My 18 Grand Sport has had zero warranty work done on it. My 17 F-150 has had the frozen lock issue only.
Dealer network is what keeps me on a Harley. I do tour on mine. I rode 25,941 miles in 2019