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[Rkw]

In light of this Forum exposing the  Pros/Cons of various HD models, and some owners who have had paint issues on their 2015 CVOs, I think this link lends some insight/thoughts to the discussion. Scroll down the link for discussion on recalls/quality. "Harley Davidson Up on Blocks -Again"

https://nwhog.wordpress.com/category/2015-models/

[2 ROSE]

 And speaking of, these are the same automakers which just 4-years ago Mr. Keith E. Wandell (Harley-Davidson CEO and President) stated; “Look in a mirror – Harley was already so far down that same (GM) path it wasn’t even funny.”   Basically warning Harley-Davidson employees that it was turning into a GM… and the credibility issue that becomes being associated!

The above taken from the article is an interesting statement by Mr.Wandell four years ago. Apparently he knew something four years ago that most on this site has known long before.

[charles05663]

And speaking of, these are the same automakers which just 4-years ago Mr. Keith E. Wandell (Harley-Davidson CEO and President) stated; “Look in a mirror – Harley was already so far down that same (GM) path it wasn’t even funny.”   Basically warning Harley-Davidson employees that it was turning into a GM… and the credibility issue that becomes being associated!

The above taken from the article is an interesting statement by Mr.Wandell four years ago. Apparently he knew something four years ago that most on this site has known long before.

Maybe he likes looking in the mirror.  It is interesting how he blames the employees for the problems and not management.  I am pretty sure the employees did not change the part suppliers, or change parts for lower quality parts, not fully test new parts (okay, HD does do massive field testing on new parts with the customers to find defects), etc.

The way that I see it, the one at the top is ultimately responsible.  To pass the buck is utter cowardliness.

 

[Ridgerunr]

"To pass the buck is utter cowardliness arrogance."
 Fixed it.   

[grc]

Wandell is typical of many CEO's in that anything good that happens is due to his brilliant leadership, and anything bad is due to the employee's or factors beyond his control.  I knew exactly what kind of leader he was going to be when they announced hiring him; I predicted he would follow the automotive industry playbook and of course he did.  Now that he has alienated the employee's, suppliers, and dealers, and the results haven't been all rosy, he is blaming those he screwed over and announcing his retirement so he won't be around when the stuff hits the fan.  I've seen it many times in my old industry, like an endless loop of a movie.  Investors should take heed, and it looks like some already have found a new horse.

Previous management sucked, but the latest group took sucking to a new level. 

JMHO - Jerry

[phato1]

To quote the final paragraph of the "up on blocks" segment

"Is Harley-Davidson re-testing the customers reputation of shoddy workmanship (and raising the ghost of Harley’s past)?  It would do well to get a tighter grip on these issues and instill the pride of craftsmanship that should be the motorcycle maker’s hallmark."

I think instead of the word choice I highlighted it should have been -- Customers Tolerance

[20 gauge]

So sad yet so profound as to how American industry continues to sacrifice tomorrows future for today's profit.

[popsracing]

And the sad truth is even after all this not a damn one of us would ride anything else...I guess we're gluttons for punishment.

[2 ROSE]

Maybe we the customers need to look in the mirror.
Like they say who's the asshole here???   

[Beak Boater]

As said, wouldn't ride anything else. Pretty sad commentary on HD's part. Guess in the end we are the ones who suffer.
I looked at BMW K1600, nice if you like that, had all the bells and whistles, could run circles around my Ultra, in the end, they have their own problems too, water pumps leak, multiswitch control malfunctions, and the back tires last about 6-8000 miles. Looked at Indian, couldn't get past the styling, hell my buddy rides a Victory, I even looked at the Vision, too much plastic and didn't like the spaceship looks.
I guess if you plan on riding a Harley, you need to be able to turn a wrench, or find an Indy that you trust because it doesn't seem as though the Motor Company wants to fix the problems. They would rather put us all through a recall of some sort.

[grc]

Maybe we the customers need to look in the mirror.
Like they say who's the asshole here???   

Many of us already did, and then did something about it.  You might notice I haven't bought another new Harley since 2005, and there are many more on this site alone.  I've made my feelings known both on this site and in general conversations in my local area; I intend to spend no more money with the MoCo until they provide a top quality product they actually stand behind with excellent customer service.  I think I'm getting to the age where it's unlikely they will improve enough for me to consider a new one before I'm too old to ride it.  And I don't have any confidence they will do anything different until forced to do so, similar to the GM example someone mentioned earlier.

Jerry