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[49445CVO]

I've been hearing that in the next few years the MoCo is prolly gonna change all the motors over to the 103" (already offering it in other bikes as an option) and the Limited will get the 110" as for the CVO's have not heard but it might be an all new motor.  I was thinking that they might use the 120" but I hear that emisions is gonna be a problem with that size of motor.  I also hear that they tried a V-Rod motor in a touring frame and it was a failure, do to lack of tork for that size of bike.

Something to ponder,

Topper

[yellowhog]

Here's what I've heard...next model year (2012), you will be able to sit down with your salesman and order a bike the way you want it; seat wheels, etc. and they will have it for you in 3 weeks.  I've heard this from more than one reliable source so we'll have to see.  It's long past time for this.  We spend an awful lot of money on these bikes and we should be able to order them and not be stuck with "one size fits all" features.  How many of us spend several hundred or more just to make the bike "fit us" better?

[Fired00d]

This idea makes a lot of sense, and I for one would welcome this type of sales/marketing strategy as long as there is room for negotiating a discount. HD will reward their dealers for using this strategy, but it could also mean the mechanics and parts people have less to do.    

You're joking.... right??

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[grc]

Somewhere there is probably a workable middle ground, but the auto industry has already proved that letting customers pick and choose from a long list of individual options is not cost effective.  That's why you get packages.  The Japanese carried it to extremes when they offered 2 or 3 trim levels on a particular model, and if you wanted anything else it had to be dealer installed.  That made their production operations much more efficient.  I can't see Harley going to the opposite approach and adding tons of complexity to their production operations.  And don't forget, they and the dealers make huge amounts of money selling you all those accessories after the sale.  Do you really think they want to give all that up?

I think you are already seeing the "package" mentality at H-D, with the "Limited" models and now with the Power Pack option package.  If you want the 103, for instance, you have to pay for the security and ABS as well.

I would like to see them offer choices on wheels as a separate option, since changing after the sale gets to be really expensive and there isn't that much of a market for used stock wheels.  But I seriously doubt we will ever see the ability to pick your handlebars, mirrors, footboards, seats, etc. from a list of options and get it built that way. 


Jerry

[1sharprdkg]

Here's what I've heard...next model year (2012), you will be able to sit down with your salesman and order a bike the way you want it; seat wheels, etc. and they will have it for you in 3 weeks.  I've heard this from more than one reliable source so we'll have to see.  It's long past time for this.  We spend an awful lot of money on these bikes and we should be able to order them and not be stuck with "one size fits all" features.  How many of us spend several hundred or more just to make the bike "fit us" better?

Long over due, if true. It would be great to get a bike that fits you and has what you want on it instead of what is mass produced. Why not give customers a choice of powerplant, a seat option would be awesome. The 3 weeks order and delivery time frame sounds like a real fantasy. But would be cool if it worked out. 

[1sharprdkg]

Somewhere there is probably a workable middle ground, but the auto industry has already proved that letting customers pick and choose from a long list of individual options is not cost effective.  That's why you get packages.  The Japanese carried it to extremes when they offered 2 or 3 trim levels on a particular model, and if you wanted anything else it had to be dealer installed.  That made their production operations much more efficient.  I can't see Harley going to the opposite approach and adding tons of complexity to their production operations.  And don't forget, they and the dealers make huge amounts of money selling you all those accessories after the sale.  Do you really think they want to give all that up?

I think you are already seeing the "package" mentality at H-D, with the "Limited" models and now with the Power Pack option package.  If you want the 103, for instance, you have to pay for the security and ABS as well.

I would like to see them offer choices on wheels as a separate option, since changing after the sale gets to be really expensive and there isn't that much of a market for used stock wheels.  But I seriously doubt we will ever see the ability to pick your handlebars, mirrors, footboards, seats, etc. from a list of options and get it built that way. 


Jerry

Well said Jerry

[Fired00d]

I was sort of joking, but I was sort of serious too. Some dealers will still give 15% off new chrome/accessories when purchased with a new bike, so that's where I was coming from. If you get everything installed at the factory then there goes the discount. Some of us will remember when dealers would charge nothing (zero) for labor when doing a big bore kit, switching chrome from your trade, or installing new chrome on your new bike.

Those were the days............or were they?    

Some still do but as you mentioned if it's coming from the MoCo you can probably forget about any discount. With saying that it may be better if there wasn't any "custom packages" coming from the factory.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[SBB]

With saying that it may be better if there wasn't any "custom packages" coming from the factory.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

I thought CVO's were suppose to be "custom packages?" (Custom Vehicle Operations)
just sayin. . . .

SBB

[Fired00d]

I thought CVO's were suppose to be "custom packages?" (Custom Vehicle Operations)
just sayin. . . .

SBB

Custom package as you pick what accessories come on it... not as "Custom Vehicle Operation" where they build it (one... and only one way) and you buy it.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[skreminegul07]

It sort of makes sense.  If you figure out how many people spend a lot to change the forks to chrome and braided cables, if it was done at the factory, it would be much cheaper.  Now you pay for twice the parts and twice the labor.  Bottom line to ownership would be lower if HD could pull this off.  I think Victory can do this now.

[kb]

 I have my doubt's. You can't get a regular production bike in a 3 week time frame now. How can you expect them to deliver a custom in that time? kb

[Twolanerider]

I have my doubt's. You can't get a regular production bike in a 3 week time frame now. How can you expect them to deliver a custom in that time? kb

Trust your doubts.  When it's all "I heard"s and "someone said" and "a source" what it usually is is hooey from a sales rep or some other jock at the dealership who really never know a damn thing other than water cooler gossip anyway.

[VaEagle]

I can see the different viewpoints so far and each has valid points. I guess only the MOCO knows for sure what their grand plans and problems are.
Just my .02 but I see the economy being tight for awhile longer and customers being tight with their money for a "luxury" item like a bike. If MOCO wants to make sales they will need to make lower priced bikes that draw in younger riders that just want to get on a bike to ride right away and not have to spend tons of money to get it to run well and be dependable. Turn the key and ride types.
I do think MOCO needs to lure new riders into the show room with those type bikes or they need to work on what is probably their forte now. They sell a lot on the nostalgia or customizing aspect of the style of the H-D, the "blank canvas" idea of Willie G. etc.
I could see H-D making more sales if they had the customer order feature and continue on with the "Blank canvas" idea and at a cheaper price for the customer vs. our usual route of after purchase parts added or exchanged. Maybe not unlimited choices but maybe from a small catalog of parts? They could then advertise build your own bike way cheaper than the custom shops around the country. Most won't mind the wait if they get exactly what they want I bet. Imagine the joy of getting a call that your CVO is in and all you have to do is turn the key and ride and no garage full of parts. I agree the shops may miss the install fees though. Lighter work load for service dept.may make for happy repeat customers for repairs and tuneups too.

[VaEagle]

As far as engine changes I would guess that we won't see much bigger than 110" due to EPA regulations and the heat issues so when the pollution regulations get tighter we will see water cooled engines finally on the touring/bigger bikes. hard for MOCO to make changes when the sell themselves and us on tradition and nostalgia. Maybe recent heat issues is a way to train us into wanting a change?

[Jerry/MD]

Somewhere there is probably a workable middle ground, but the auto industry has already proved that letting customers pick and choose from a long list of individual options is not cost effective.  That's why you get packages.  The Japanese carried it to extremes when they offered 2 or 3 trim levels on a particular model, and if you wanted anything else it had to be dealer installed.  That made their production operations much more efficient.  I can't see Harley going to the opposite approach and adding tons of complexity to their production operations.  And don't forget, they and the dealers make huge amounts of money selling you all those accessories after the sale.  Do you really think they want to give all that up?

I think you are already seeing the "package" mentality at H-D, with the "Limited" models and now with the Power Pack option package.  If you want the 103, for instance, you have to pay for the security and ABS as well.

I would like to see them offer choices on wheels as a separate option, since changing after the sale gets to be really expensive and there isn't that much of a market for used stock wheels.  But I seriously doubt we will ever see the ability to pick your handlebars, mirrors, footboards, seats, etc. from a list of options and get it built that way.  


Jerry

Agreed. Setting up an assembly line for what amounts to 'custom builds' would be difficult. Sorry, don't see it happening.