Some of the comments remind me of something, from the past. Not motorcycle related, but similar in a way.
In the 1980s I worked for the recognized US leader - quality, products, service, innovation, the whole package - to a segment of the food industry. We had the highest prices, the biggest market share in our segment, and the best perceived quality. An American success story. In less than 5 years, that plant was closed due to lost sales and a portion of that remaining business was run as a sideline for another plant operation out of another city. Reputation was no longer good, quality slipped, prices and profits fell like a rock. Innovation was lost along the way, and service was terrible.
What happened? Several competitors upped their games. They had always been competitive on price, but they became more competitive on quality and gave better service and offered good new innovative ideas. Older customers - the basis for my company's business - began to retire. The new younger buyers were open to newer ideas. The results were disastrous for the company I was with, and very good for their competitors. I know, I went to work for one of them as the wheels came off my old company.
My point is: Harley is not immune to competition. HD buyers are older. Their competition has always been less expensive at least as far back as my memory goes - 1970. What is continuing to happen is others are leading in MC innovation and HD is perceived as lagging by many. Service for me is good locally, know of others who have not received good service elsewhere. Since 2001 have only owned HD. No plans to buy another brand at present, am very happy with my 2017 M8. But at 62 years old, I know I am not the "future" for HD as a buyer. That future market has to be younger, affluent enough to afford a luxury MC, and willing to spend on the HD brand. HD has maintained that "future" buyer throughout it's history, otherwise it would not be here today. HD has real competition, not just the bikes mentioned here recently. I wish them well, and hope they never end up like my old 1980s company. Not knocking Harley here, but as others step up their games, HD would be better off ahead of them than playing catch up.
Hold on a sec while I get out my HD (branded) Pom-Poms...
I agree HD has been doing something right for almost 115 years,,, They've been to the "brink" more than once...
I also agree that over the years HD has seemed to lag behind on Technology,,,
But remember that HD is a lot like the Porsche 911, evolutionary rather than revolutionary or stuffing revolutionary Tech in an evolutionary platform?
What technology do you think HD is lacking in their current offerings?? (aside from a Compensator that is not a wear item LOL! (One of my buds had 110+k mi. before he replaced the Comp in his '11 SESG and it was still pretty quiet!)
What do you think should be there that your '17 doesn't have??
Delphi Engine Management
Brembo Linked Antilock Brakes
Bluetooth Infotainment Center that locates Gas Stations when you run low
Big Rims / Tires with Drilled Floating Rotors
Maintenance free / good handling / long lasting Belt Drive
And talk about leading technology,,, The M8 is the only Non-Liquid Cooled Powerplant in its class to meet Future EU Emissions,,,Something that neither the Japanese or the Germans could do,,, Before someone brings up the new Yamaha RG Clone,,, who was first to launch??
Yea, that 160 HP Beemer gotta be fast,,, But even my Bone Stock '05 SEEG is fast enough to get you "Cuffed & Stuffed" in any State of the Union...
2 things come to mind that HD doesn't have;
1) An Electronically Adjustable Windscreen,, One of my Indian buds has one and tells me its a superfluous accessory, adds weight / complexity and once it's set to his liking he never adjusts it...
2) Electronic Suspension a la BMW,,, Ask BMW how well that worked for them,,, Had to Buy Back all the Bikes a few years back... would be surprised if HD doesn't have it in the future,,, possibly leveraging the Delphi MagRide? or maybe use the Showa stuff?
Thinking that HD has done a great job operating within / keeping the Legacy alive,,, the DNA is there all the way from the Knuckles to the M8,,, The Visceral Feel,,, The Soul if you will... and that's what people want...
Add that our beloved CVOs are rolling works of art,, At an International Destination such as Yellowstone, Miami, Orlando, Las Vegas, San Francisco etc... folks from all over the World are constantly taking pictures of the CVOs. Have never seen them take pictures of any other brand,,,
I'm West of you near Destin & Eglin AFB, and have been surprised at the younger folks 20s-30s on HDs,, mostly SGs, RGs and bobbers of sorts... not many metric cruisers at all,,, a few sport bikes... mainly a large percentage of HDs.. surely a lot here are Military / former Military... Just wondering if any other parts of the country are seeing the same trend??
Whew! All this cheerleading is enough to give a man a thirst