Rode with a large group of folks starting in 1989. Most of us purchased new HD'S on a regular basis. Today the vast majority have either passed on, moved on, generally stopped buying bikes and/or stopped riding. Nothing Harley can do about this, things happen when people age.
If I were in charge of HD, I would go all out with upgrading product. Make the 114" eight valve the standard big twin. Would cost very little to make this upgrade. Advertise "Largest most powerful standard V-TWIN Available". Next I would make sure everything built was of the highest quality. Third I would reduce production to one less bike than demand.
The last step would be to increase the R&D budget. Make sure Harley is building the best bike available for it's segment.
This would be the secret to success. When Harley buyers felt lucky to secure a new bike the company and dealers did well. Now the dealers are more like a car dealership. Trying anything to sell you a bike.
Just my humble opinion.
.......and DOUBLE THE WARRANTY PERIOD.
If you make good products and stand behind them the customers wiil come!
-- Make the M8 117" the standard motor platform for large and sport bikes.
-- Drop all of the Sportster Motors and replace with a M8 base motor.
-- Provide the ability to order the largest SE upgraded motor direct from the factory with all of the necessary clutch and tuning components required already installed.
-- Provide the ability to order a bike online right after new model rollout and have it delivered to your residence within 30 days after order. This will significantly improve the HD supply chain and inventory issues. Customers can continue to go to their local dealer as an option.
-- Provide the ability to lease new bikes like cars.