Erik Buell's revenge?

[Ram Jet]

http://www.bikebandit.com/blog/post/...ycles_dying_us

Who's sorry now? Erik's probably reading this with a big smile on his face. Mr. Levatich go fire-up your golf cart.

Bill

[Snake]

Oh no, say it and not so!

[VaFish]

If Buells were selling well Harley would still be building them. But the were never more than a niche market.

Now part of that is that I don't think Harley, and especially many Harley dealerships marketed the Buell's very well.

But I think Harley learned something from the Buell exercise. I go into Harley dealerships now the new "Street" bikes are right up front and center.

While Harley's sales are down, they have been around a long time and weather much worse storms. I wouldn't write them off yet.

[Ram Jet]

Originally Posted by VaFish

If Buells were selling well Harley would still be building them. But the were never more than a niche market.

Now part of that is that I don't think Harley, and especially many Harley dealerships marketed the Buell's very well.

But I think Harley learned something from the Buell exercise. I go into Harley dealerships now the new "Street" bikes are right up front and center.

While Harley's sales are down, they have been around a long time and weather much worse storms. I wouldn't write them off yet.

In the 70s AMF did literally.

Bill

[A.J.]

Problem is that people my age are completely turned off by HD and the culture surrounding it. We see men and women ages 50+ who are completely closed-minded. My dad raced bikes for many years. He was a Honda/Kawi guy. He used to make comments about HD owners and how very little they actually rode. Anyway my dad won a HD in a raffle about 5yrs ago. I don't remember what kind it was but it was more along the lines of a touring bike. Had everything. He gave it an honest shot. He hated it and sold it a few months later and owning one verified everything he already knew. Loud, overpriced pieces of **** he would tell me. People are buying a name, a brotherhood, a culture. Something my generation really cares nothing about. Give me a brand new R6 or an old 1979 Honda CB 750FOUR and I'll be the happiest lady in the world. Love my ninjette's. If HD riders want to look down on me for my choice in bikes then I look down on them for being THAT closed-minded and maybe that generation ruined the HD sales for my generation. HD has no one to blame but themselves and their not so friendly customer base. As far as Buell's go it's funny that they ended up with HD. Can't stand a Buell either, thanks Dad.

[Apex]

I've met several really awesome HD riders. One of my friends is a former CHP rider, and he is amazingly great. Will help you work on any bike, no matter....will ride along side you even if you had a Kawi 125. Really awesome guy. His Harley is his baby, and rain or shine, cold or hot, he is out riding.

I've met a few bad apples on both sides of the fence. I've been on a Harley and really enjoyed riding it. I'm not so much into sportbikes anymore. If I get another, it will be a standard or adventure/touring ride. You know, KLR, Triumph Bonnie, Triumph Scrambler, Versys, etc. I'm done with sportbikes, and cruisers aren't me. I'd get an older bike like a good old FZR, CBRF3, you know, the oldies. However, any newer sportbike, nah. It would have to be something special.

Back on topic. I think Harley will last. I think they may try to market a little differently, or put out something kind of weird. I think they will be around for a while longer.

[Brother Michigan]

Polaris didn't roll Victory into Indian because the classic big cruiser segment is dying. Harley needs to make some changes, but they're already on their way with bikes like the Street series and the Roadster. They'll be just fine, much to your chagrin.

[taz]

Originally Posted by brother michigan

polaris didn't roll victory into indian because the classic big cruiser segment is dying. Harley needs to make some changes, but they're already on their way with bikes like the street series and the roadster. They'll be just fine, much to your chagrin.

so you think harley is starting to get the younger market?
Maybe you didn't see this vid

Link to original page on YouTube.

[Brother Michigan]

Originally Posted by taz

so you think harley is starting to get the younger market?
Maybe you didn't see this vid

Link to original page on YouTube.

I'm not sure what your point is, because the big knock against the bike in that video is how the bike isn't "traditional Harley." Isn't that what everyone thinks is going to kill it? "Starting to" is the key phrase here. The Street series and the Roadster are Harley's first real efforts at targeting a different demographic, at least since the Buell days, and the approach is much different from what it was back then.

[Ram Jet]

Originally Posted by Brother Michigan

I'm not sure what your point is, because the big knock against the bike in that video is how the bike isn't "traditional Harley." Isn't that what everyone thinks is going to kill it? "Starting to" is the key phrase here. The Street series and the Roadster are Harley's first real efforts at targeting a different demographic, at least since the Buell days, and the approach is much different from what it was back then.

My point being that it's the same old broad in a mini skirt. So what's new? Too little, too late. But it beats the snot out of this:


Bill

[snot]

How about DucDavidson?
https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/201...on-interested/

[Ram Jet]

Originally Posted by snot

How about DucDavidson?
https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/201...on-interested/

They coulda had Buellidson, but - noooooo.

Bill

[VaFish]

Originally Posted by A.J.

Problem is that people my age are completely turned off by HD and the culture surrounding it. We see men and women ages 50+ who are completely closed-minded. My dad raced bikes for many years. He was a Honda/Kawi guy. He used to make comments about HD owners and how very little they actually rode. Anyway my dad won a HD in a raffle about 5yrs ago. I don't remember what kind it was but it was more along the lines of a touring bike. Had everything. He gave it an honest shot. He hated it and sold it a few months later and owning one verified everything he already knew. Loud, overpriced pieces of **** he would tell me. People are buying a name, a brotherhood, a culture. Something my generation really cares nothing about. Give me a brand new R6 or an old 1979 Honda CB 750FOUR and I'll be the happiest lady in the world. Love my ninjette's. If HD riders want to look down on me for my choice in bikes then I look down on them for being THAT closed-minded and maybe that generation ruined the HD sales for my generation. HD has no one to blame but themselves and their not so friendly customer base. As far as Buell's go it's funny that they ended up with HD. Can't stand a Buell either, thanks Dad.

I'm seeing a much different attitude at dealerships with the Street and Street Rods compared to the Buell days.

[bob706]

Didn't EBR just die for the second time? I doubt Mr. Buell is smiling much

[MLR]

I'm noticing alot less water pumps, I mean Harleys around.

At one stage after a "working holiday" all the boys would hit the shops and buy a Harley, now, it's more big jap bikes.

There's still a few boys with them, but they are rarely seen.

The bike spots at work now might have 1 Harley to 20 other brands.

The guy's with the Harley at work, well IMO, have them as a image thing as appossed to transport or fun.

Plus living in Australia the price of them, for what you get, is ridiculous.

Remember to covert from AUD.

http://www.bikesales.com.au/bikes/?Q...le%5D%29%29%29

I remember being on a sandy holiday and seeing the prices that the US boys could pick them up for, same same for cars and trucks, made me sad.

[Ram Jet]

Originally Posted by MLR

I'm noticing alot less water pumps, I mean Harleys around.

At one stage after a "working holiday" all the boys would hit the shops and buy a Harley, now, it's more big jap bikes.

There's still a few boys with them, but they are rarely seen.

The bike spots at work now might have 1 Harley to 20 other brands.

The guy's with the Harley at work, well IMO, have them as a image thing as appossed to transport or fun.

Plus living in Australia the price of them, for what you get, is ridiculous.

Remember to covert from AUD.

http://www.bikesales.com.au/bikes/?Q...le%5D%29%29%29

I remember being on a sandy holiday and seeing the prices that the US boys could pick them up for, same same for cars and trucks, made me sad.

If you live near these guys go and visit. Very nice folks. You'd think their shop is located in Los Angeles.

http://www.armadaleautoparts.com.au/

Cheers

Bill

[MLR]

Originally Posted by Ram Jet

If you live near these guys go and visit. Very nice folks. You'd think their shop is located in Los Angeles.

http://www.armadaleautoparts.com.au/

Cheers

Bill

Looks good but >

[Brother Michigan]

Hey, you can shave almost three hours off with that alternate route!

[Ram Jet]

Originally Posted by MLR

Looks good but >

Ouch, that would be like a drive from Michigan to California. Well, if you're into Hot Rods at least you can visit the website. Hey, why are Aussies so enthralled with American Detroit auto junk? You guys love Offenhauser engines also. Pretty cool but unexpected.

And . . . why does your postal service charge sooooo much to ship to the U.S.?

Ah well, throw another shrimp on the barby Mate.

Cheers,

Bill

[MLR]

Originally Posted by Ram Jet

Ouch, that would be like a drive from Michigan to California. Well, if you're into Hot Rods at least you can visit the website. Hey, why are Aussies so enthralled with American Detroit auto junk? You guys love Offenhauser engines also. Pretty cool but unexpected.

And . . . why does your postal service charge sooooo much to ship to the U.S.?

Ah well, throw another shrimp on the barby Mate.

Cheers,

Bill

Some Neanderthals like big heavy things, the big slow V8's are no exception.

Our postal service is a joke, I prefer to use a courier.

We don't call them Shrimps, we call them Prawns.

Paul Hogan has got alot to answer for....

[Ram Jet]

Originally Posted by MLR

Some Neanderthals like big heavy things, the big slow V8's are no exception.

Our postal service is a joke, I prefer to use a courier.

We don't call them Shrimps, we call them Prawns.

Paul Hogan has got alot to answer for....

Aw, Mr. Hogan, that's not a knife, this is a knife . . .


http://www.budk.com/Gil-Hibben-Old-W...ontent=Email+1

I have one. Eat you heart out Paul.

Bill

[VaFish]

Originally Posted by MLR

I'm noticing alot less water pumps, I mean Harleys around.

At one stage after a "working holiday" all the boys would hit the shops and buy a Harley, now, it's more big jap bikes.

There's still a few boys with them, but they are rarely seen.

The bike spots at work now might have 1 Harley to 20 other brands.

The guy's with the Harley at work, well IMO, have them as a image thing as appossed to transport or fun.

Plus living in Australia the price of them, for what you get, is ridiculous.

Remember to covert from AUD.

http://www.bikesales.com.au/bikes/?Q...le%5D%29%29%29

I remember being on a sandy holiday and seeing the prices that the US boys could pick them up for, same same for cars and trucks, made me sad.

I lived in Australia from 1995 to 2001. I couldn't believe the prices on vehicles. IIRC there was a 35% import duty on motor vehicles.

Harleys are pretty expensive for what you get even here in the states. They have held a premium image for a while, which worked with their core riders, but it's not working on the younger generations.

But,

Just noticed this article:

http://www.motorcycle.com/mini-featu...worldwide.html

Even Yamaha's sales are down in the US, so it isn't just the Harley's not fitting in with Millennials, it is all motorcycles. The video game kids don't want to get off the couch. Many of my kids friends don't have drivers licenses at age 18.

[DEFY]

Originally Posted by VaFish

The video game kids don't want to get off the couch. Many of my kids friends don't have drivers licenses at age 18.

"We are, We are, the youth of the nation"

Oooo those wonderful days of kicking them out as soon as they turn 18 and letting the world bite them in their a$s.

[VaFish]

Originally Posted by DEFY

"We are, We are, the youth of the nation"

Oooo those wonderful days of kicking them out as soon as they turn 18 and letting the world bite them in their a$s.

Ask my kids about that.

I started telling them when they were little that I reserved the right to kick them out of the house the day they turned 18. The deal was as long as they were going to college or a trade school they could continue to live at home.

My four kids are 26, 25, 21, and 18.

Only the 18 year old is still at home and she starts community college in a little over a week. The requirements for her living at home are that she goes to school full time, and works a part time job paying for her own cell phone and vehicle insurance, she rides a motorcycle she paid for herself and pays for gas and maintenance on our old jeep.

The 26 and 25 year old got jobs with the same company, about an hour away, after graduating college and are sharing an apartment to save money.

The 21 year old started college, dropped out and joined the Army. He is stationed about 2 1/2 hrs away.

My kids are not typical millenials.

[Ram Jet]

Originally Posted by VaFish

Ask my kids about that.

I started telling them when they were little that I reserved the right to kick them out of the house the day they turned 18. The deal was as long as they were going to college or a trade school they could continue to live at home.

My four kids are 26, 25, 21, and 18.

Only the 18 year old is still at home and she starts community college in a little over a week. The requirements for her living at home are that she goes to school full time, and works a part time job paying for her own cell phone and vehicle insurance, she rides a motorcycle she paid for herself and pays for gas and maintenance on our old jeep.

The 26 and 25 year old got jobs with the same company, about an hour away, after graduating college and are sharing an apartment to save money.

The 21 year old started college, dropped out and joined the Army. He is stationed about 2 1/2 hrs away.

My kids are not typical millenials.

Tom, I'm proud of you and your children. You've raised self reliant children who have grown to be independent, respected adults. Good job Dad! It will come back to you and yours 10 fold.

Bill