I have always loved the sound of my bikes and the low end torque, a small part was also keeping the simple tractor motor relevant. Sadly between the EPA and the motor company's direction it's doubtful I will continue with supporting the brand.
I'll say it again, it's not just harley that's struggling in this purposeful train-wreck economy. Everyone, (corps/companies), is trying to figure out what to do next and most are way behind the curve. Many people in the consumer base no longer have disposable cash, (by design),. I was looking at a small aftermarket company that makes sportster upgrades when it dawned on me, what are they planning to do for the long haul since the idiots at harley have dropped their entry-level bike? If I were in their place, yeah, I'd be looking at other brands. I'd have no choice other than to fold up. And many have. Then the rip-offs that aren't made well flood the market from the pacific rim. None of this had to happen. That's the worst part of it all. Harley needs a reboot, (fire those who've been at the helm),.
@@GixxerFoo for us it was a romantic lifestyle. H-D was the cool of all cools. It’s was a bike you could work on yourself and customize. Most other brands didn’t have that.
Riding a Harley Davidson has always brought me immense pleasure. The bikes styling, ride qualities, and the history of the motor company was all part of the enjoyable Harley-Davidson riding experience. The camaraderie found with like-minded Harley riders made it even more enjoyable and gratifying. Nevertheless, Harley-Davidson is now, and has been, compromising its rich history and customers due to poor management. HD is evolving into a non-descript motorcycle which no longer stands out as unique. Sure, some HD's may still look good but progressively are losing originality, character, and retro styling. Harley-Davidsons are now becoming hybrid clones of what they once used to be. Moreover, with Harley-Davidson issues why would anybody pay top prices for a bike that really isn't any different than others, except with HD's they are unreliable until you spend lots of time and money to rid the new bike of the gremlin issues. Government mandates are also a convenient excuse for Harley-Davidson. HD can choose to manufacture a line of models which would sell like hotcakes at competitive prices. But they won't. Why? There are better bike values in the motorcycle marketplace at a fraction of the cost, while Harley-Davidson prices keep going higher and higher and no longer offering anything special. The aftermarket companies now expanding their line of products to other bike manufacturers can see the future. The future will not include Harley-Davidson as a dominant player. Goodbye to Harley-Davidson as we have known it. Another American icon who lost sight of its values and ignored its core customers and inevitably bite the dust unless current manager is replaced sooner than later. I will hold on to my Road King Classic for as long as I can and cling to my fond memories of Harley-Davidson.
S & S has been barely a Company in existance for the last 10yrs. With just barely a skeleton crew working in the Vompany. I know 2 long time employees of over 20yrs employment at S & S who were let go from their. The expansion of the Company will hopefully let it survive. I personally prefer S & S aftermarket parts for my 88fxr and 15 flhtk over any other brand. But in my book HD will never see me buy another nee bike from them. Appreciate your chanmel, keep up the good work Okie!!! LOL
What always kept me coming back to Harley is the sound of those bikes, it's 100 percent muscle and that classic look they had, nobody could compete with. Indian is alright but they never got my juices flowing like a Harley. I have no desire to own a new Harley, I'm happy with my 05 dyna, will ride it until I'm unable to.
Been riding Harleys for over 40 years My first Harley was in1980 a 1976 FLH today I have a 78FLH and a 1954 FL and my last new bike was a 2012 FLHTCI only rode Harleys all my life definitely customer loyalty but Harley-Davidson don't care about that anymore
Harley stopped caring when they went global and realized how much more money they can make threw stocks rather than making quality bike. Well Harley has never really been about quality, more so popularity than anything.
As a tiny kid, my next door neighbor was VP of a club. (The Highway Gladiators, absorbed by the HA long ago.) He ran a 1960 Pan, and from the time I was about five years old I'd help him shine it and he'd explain it to me. (Years later, he advised me not to get a motorcycle, because in those days people thought less of you when you rode one. Didn't stop me for a minute.) My first H-D was a barely used 1973 FLH, and it helped make me a mechanic and about half a machinist. (Taught patience, as well.) I owned a couple of other brands (Yamaha and Suzuki), and had several non-riding years. Meanwhile my dad also had a couple of big Glides, one of which was a fire-breathing sleeper custom. Ten years ago somebody gave me an old twin-cam 88 Road King, built to Stage II. Got me back into the sport, and now I have three bikes. I plan to keep the H-D until death, as I do my own work and aftermarket parts are easy to get. (It's also not worth enough to go through the aggravation of selling it.) Unlike the younger days, I'm no longer a "proud Harley rider" by any means. I wouldn't wear their logo, because I don't want to be mistaken for a leather-clad dentist or a CPA. But frankly, if you refused to do business with any corporation that's been taken over by fuckheads, you wouldn't be able to buy anything whatsoever. It's an unfortunate fact of modern life. The only thing I go to the H-D dealer for are state inspections, because you can just roll in and they do it. This year I even brought my BMW to them and told them they could consider doing the inspection a personal favor for Jochen Zeitz. Twenty years ago I heard from an old master mechanic buddy who was lifelong HA, and lived the life. He told me he didn't work on Harleys anymore because he didn't like the kind of people the sport had attracted.
Here's my beef. CEO still there. BoD still there. Not interested in Harley until they're gone. Next beef is I'm retired. Limited income. What can I actually afford? Everything not American made. Harley hasn't produced a performance bike other than the V-Rod. Water cooled bikes? Are you kidding? Harley has major issues when it comes to customers in general. One is older and sees the brand as it was back in the day. One is younger and has no ties to that era. The rest in the middle are connected by clubs, orgs, and friends. Their involvement in the brand leans toward the social aspect. Harley damaged its reputation with all 3 groups through its DEI policies. Instead of pushing agendas, maybe they should push the executive management out and begin developing innovations and motorcycles we can all afford.
@callumsmith338 yeah. Never owned one myself and have been around long before the V-Rod was an idea. Buell was ahead of Harley long before the V-Rod as well. Turning ideas into advancements was my job for nearly 40 years and I think Harley pissrd down my back and offered to sell me a raincoat. I think unless all the employees go on strike to remove the CEO, it's more rain ahead...
Oh, they do. They just buy old Dynas and turn them into stunt bikes. They take pride in not giving the MoCo a dime. As soon as they pulled the Bud Light nonsense, they completely lost both their traditional customer base and the younger generations. And the whole incident shows they have weak leadership. They backpedaled on the stance that would get young people buying their bikes to pander to a bunch of bigoted old farts who are never gonna buy another Harley anyway.
It’s interesting that S&S is making stuff for Royal Enfield bikes. They are a fast growing brand in Europe and the UK, with an almost cult like following. Relatively affordable, classic styling, simple and easy to work on. A bike for the working man. Sound familiar? Sound like another brand from years ago?
Relatively affordable, sub par bike in ever respect. Cult following fits that brand perfectly. When even 500cc cruisers ass fuck your 650cc vintage sport bike, you are the laughing stock. I'd sooner take one of the Chinese brands making 1930 lookalike bikes with Honda clone 2 cylinder engines😂😂😂
Harley-Davidson used to have sportsters for $3995 and if you traded it in a year later they would give the $3995 back if you traded up to a big twin. I thought that was a good deal
@@beaurex4756 Eh, i'd beg to differ at least they were back in the 1960's my dad had a 1963 corvette stingray split window. I never saw it, (he sold it to make some money a couple years later), but the 1966 427, yeh thats a thing, and collector wize/value its a "big thing". Even Ford, I had a few 60's mustangs back in the day, quality top notch/plastic whats that? everything was metal built like a tank, and still (fast) after a few mods, Holly carbs, Edelbrock manifolds, Hooker headers on and on. Yes, the corvette, camaro, mustangs are still here today, but there not even close, "in name only", unless you can get your hands on a Chrysler with a hemi, gona go with there gona be collector items. -Cheers
Chevy was a back example the Corvette and there Trucks are some of the best vehicles in the world . Try stick to motorcycles something you may no about .
would generally agree but the dealership took a Royal Enfield with add ons and additional dealer profit doubled the price. Bought a used Ducati instead. Bought my first Harley last week from an independent shop and see what I had been missing.
Ummmmmm........... you pay the lowest, and get an extremely sub par bike😂😂😂😂😂 it has zero bang for buck. For the price of one of those pos you can get a Honda shadow or rebel that's better in literally every metric. Einfields are the lowest of the low and ill never be able to take the owners seriously as riders. I see them the same as the queens in biker clubs
What got me into Harleys? I think it was the "bad boy" reputation plus the fact they hold their resale value better than all other bikes, except maybe the Goldwing. I like the look and feel of the bike as I am riding down the road whether it's my Sportster or my Electra Glide. Sadly, the writing is on the wall for Harley unless they reverse course, and reverse course hard. We don't need a soy boy Eurocrat running an American Muscle company. It has tarnished Harley's reputation and unless they get rid of the CEO and BoD they are doomed. Put a guy who came up through the ranks in charge and go back to what made Harley great. I'll give you a great example, AC/DC. AC/DC has been playing the same music for over 50 years and is still packing out stadiums. Why? Because they stuck to their roots and their core principles. Screw change, stick to what works!
Difference between motorcycle motors and music is that AC/DC doesn’t have something called the EPA on their asses so not the best comparison. Air cooled is coming, so I guess folks will have to decide whether they really love riding or just want to stick themselves in a cage all the time. Can bitch and moan all we want but it’s coming.
@@mickeygaines007 the point was AC/DC has never changed, Harley is continuously changing to reach a small group of new riders while leaving the rest of us behind. BTW do you remember the PMRC? AC/DC along with every other rock group had Tipper Gore up their backside for over a decade. I hated that woman!
@@xlr8r3VA and my point is that while HD is making a lot of missteps that are their own fault, as far as some of the changes in motors and tech that affect the “soul” of the bikes, that’s all being forced on them. Certain changes are coming whether we like it or not. A lot of the commenters aren’t getting that. And that comes down to use voting for candidates that want to end stupid government overreach in everything. Do they need to reverse course on a lot of things, yes. I would love for them to fire the CEO and board. But that isn’t going to change that they can only stay ahead of regulations with air cooled for so long. I guess if you don’t like it, stay in a cage.
I bought my '05 Dyna purely because it was the closest I could get to a vintage motorcycle while having modern reliability. With their current lineup, I'm skipping the Harley dealer and going straight to Honda for my touring bike. I never thought I'd say a Goldwing has more character than an Electra Glide but here we are. The 2025 EG is less of a bagger than the stripped down sport version of the Goldwing.
@@xlr8r3VA and I don’t hear this bellyaching about Indians and a couple of their big touring bikes are liquid cooled. They get praise because they perform. The new sportsters are ugly but the Evo can’t hold a candle to them in how they perform and all the geezers can seem to do is bellyache about their beloved Evo being gone. The RevMax is 50x the motor the Evo was. This is what Harley is dealing with, that what’s good for the goose isn’t good for the gander in that regard. They won’t be able to win no matter what they do
100% man, I been riding legally on the road for 52yrs, the factory crap coming from Harley and there boutique stores instead of a bike shop for a regular joe blow, is actually killing the real sense of riding
I'm 71 years old, I've been riding Harleys since I was 16. Never had a new one. The current bike is a 97 heritage. When. It's time to rebuild I'm putting an S&S engine in it.
I've been riding for nearly 60 years, never owned a Harley. Never needed after market stuff, and don't think much of the HD owners nonsense. I ride because I like motorcycles. The social aspect is way down the list.
The social aspect is nonexistent for me. I own a Harley and I have zero interest in the Harley community. You meet the nicest people on a Honda. You meet the trashiest people on a Harley.
I bought my last new Harley in 2020 and that one doesn’t even sound good. I did do a 131 kit on it and it’s a bit better but it doesn’t hold a candle to my 2003 cvo deuce. I’m just going to keep what I got and even though I’m getting up there in years maybe after I’m gone they will go to someone else that appreciates them as much as I do. But the dealer has seen me for the last time.
You and me both man . I only go to the Stealership to get a black coffee and see some friends that still work there . Otherwise it's me working on my own stuff, Mom and Pop or aftermarket 🤙🇬🇧🇺🇸😎
I was born in 67 and my parents were bikers. I loved the old shovel head bikes because, they would all build the bikes out and they were all unique. Even the rat rods were awesome. They could not afford the paint jobs and body work but, most were mechanics and body men and they swapped labor to help each other out.
I'm not that old and the closest my parents got to being bikers was when my dad owned a Suzuki T350 in college. I love the Twin Cam 88 but only because I did a lot of work on my Dyna and learned to love it. It was as close as I could get to those classic Harleys I grew up dreaming about. Still the only Harley I've ever seen that made it 20 years without leaking a single drop of oil. My first ride was on an Evo EG the ex of one of my mom's friends owned (I miss those classic plush seats; just like a La-z-boy). There was at least 3 ounces of oil on the concrete underneath it and topping off the oil was part of the preflight. He even maneuvered the front wheel around the oil spot as he backed out of the garage. It has always been true that a Harley is really only complete when the rider finishes building it. Some take it farther than others but there is nothing sadder than a stock hog. I like to keep my modding performance oriented (actually shaved off the forward peg mounts and I would move the mid mounts a bit farther back if I could. I beat a Kawasaki Z1000 up a mountain a couple years ago on my Dyna. But I was shifting around on the seat like a deranged monkey the whole time. I even tapped the road with a knee a time or two. People who say cruisers can't handle just haven't tried hard enough.
At sturgis this year, I was bored one day and rode EVERY model Indian makes. The engineering on them is night and day ahead of HD. I dont love the way they look but they ride great!
My local Mom and Pop dealer just got sold to a corporation that owns a bunch of dealerships. The old dealership owned by the same family for 75 years, when you walked in you felt everybody knew you. Now you go in it feels like Macy's! With out the mannequins. SAD.....
Agree wholeheartedly. Ever since the M8 came out, the aftermarket has just not put out what they did for the Twin Cams or Evos. The first 3 years I thought they just needed time to get going. We're now 7 years into M8 production and the aftermarket still seems pretty damn scarce compared to previous generation bikes. Then the Revmax engine, the Pan America, the Nightstar and Sportster S.... that's been out for nearly 4 years and there is basically 0 aftermarket for any of them..
I think that is mostly because people buying those M8 brand new are NOT the ones wrenching on them. It is the second, third, fifth owner who will be wrenching on it.
Personally I choose to go with the older Harley’s as there is still a vast amount of aftermarket parts and anything that’s 92 and older you can literally find anything for and customize to your needs vs the newer bikes.
The Best “important “ Harley Tech info on RUclips. Thank you for all the important facts and information you so generously provide us on your channel. If you want to understand a Harley your channel is THE AUTHORITY on RUclips! Thanks and best regards, W Hollywood Florida
Great content as usual. I’m glad that at my age I won’t be purchasing another bike. I don’t like being pushed out the door by H-D but we are a fading generation and they need to roll with the times and keep up with the future’s needs and desires. The younger generations don’t think the way we do. We’ll have to stick with our older ways and our wonderful after market. You can’t blame S&S for expanding their horizons. Thanks again
Harley screwed themselves like Bud Light. Backpedaled on the approach that would have brought in young buyers in order to pander to a bunch of bigoted old farts who will never buy another Harley anyway.
Have ridden Harley and Limeys (one forlorn Honda years ago), but never actually owned one until about 20 years ago -- `96 Evo... Been riding since mid-60s and rode that Evo a little over 110K miles and a like-vintage Kawa Nomad -- also nearly same mileage until a deer cut the Kawa's life short... never was much into the Harley mystique, I rode what I rode for reliability and fixability... bought one item in a Harley shop all those years; a closed end rivet... now have a `07 Softail, good bike but I think I really should have gone back to an Evo... I don't need eightytwo-gazillion horsepower (still have a ZG1400 if I need to scare myself). I think the best bike was those 50hp+/- Evos -- CV40 carb and nothing much to break, just ride...
I've owned 3 HDs. Road King, VROD, and currently a Street Glide and a Triumph. Not a day goes by that I dont worry about ANOTHER costly repair on my bike. That has never crossed my mind when I'm riding my Triumph. Dont get ne wrong, absolutely LOVE my SG and have enjoyed installing all of my aftermarket modifications myself, but if we're being honest here and you own a HD, you know there are other manufacturers that make a less expensive bike with far less maintenance/repairs. So why do I ride my HD? Like the OP said, its a lifestyle. Ive met FAR more people and made great friends and even greater memories with my SG than I ever have on my Triumph. Ride safe.
I have been keeping my 2006 FLHR carbureted Road King simply for the rumbling and the irregular pulsating that gives Harley Davidson the right to live. It gives me lots of pleasure in customising while maintaining the soul of the bike that lives breathing literally. The nowadays aesthetically sound bikes lack the rhythms that resonate with my heart when riding on the highway…
You've nailed this dissertation. HD motorcycles - in their current configuration, are a differentiator. I've travelled outside the USA and it's that difference that makes people from other countries want an HD. Once HD starts looking and feeling like everything else, then owning an HD isn't anything special. That aside, I've met more solid people and made more friends owning a Harley than I ever did riding a Kawasaki. I hate that the dealerships are stuck in the middle of this issue. However, they are my only voice to the MoCo. That's where the consumer can apply pressure. So, until changes are made at the top, my purchases will all be aftermarket and I surely won't be sitting on any of the newer bikes.
I have owned many types of Harleys, flathead, pan, Evo, 103, VR1… enjoyed them all! Still have a Evo, and Pan. Personally I think water cooled is the road then must go down! Cooler running engines equal better running engines. EPA standards are forcing all manufacturers to make the changes. It can’t be stopped…
I've stuck with Harleys all of these years because I'm a natural born gearhead. I like to tinker, modify, and customize everything. Harleys are made for that, and the aftermarket makes it easy. The aftermarket companies are diversifying due to Harley's lack of sales and gloomy future. I don't know what the answer is. In the current marketplace and the regulatory environment, it will be tough for Harley to survive with morons in charge. I do believe that an entry-level bike would be a good start. BTW, my local dealer that I liked is gone. So there goes another one.
S&S has their roots in Harley and will always be the go too for parts , personaly i would sooner dump 10 grand to buy a older Harley a put another 10 into it than buy a new one ..
In the early 70s, my old man was a hang around with the Red & White. He bought Easyriders magazine & the centrefold were plastered all over my bedroom walls. My old man had the iconic Easy Rider poster with Billy & Wyatt in the desert. But what really made me love Harvey Danielsons when I was a kid was watching Chino ride into Hollister on his Panhead. Lee Marvin stole that scene, & I was sold
South East Harley Davidson... family owned for 75years. My Dad bought his first bike from them when I was 2yrs old ... I'm 60 now and own 9 bikes from them.
My first Harley was a1981 shovel head sturgis which I still own today since 1982. It is a connection and life style, owned a 05 ultra now a 2019 ultra limited. Most likely will be the last Harley I’ll own, took a little to get used to the M8. But after putting a S&S cam in it’s a pretty awesome bike now. And you’re right about the dealership, not personable anymore I try to avoid them as much as possible. I rather go to the independent shop if I can’t do the work myself.
Good Day 🌅, GixxerFoo, great content as always, I have only owned one Japanese bike, That was in 1969, only for 3 months, until I passed my test, then sold it and I purchased a Norton 750, I had 3 in total, then in early 90s some friends were riding HD and the sound brought back memories from the 60s and 70s, so I was hooked, I’ve had four of them, one I’ve just purchased just recently, as you know, deuce, If I was a millionaire, I still would not go out and purchase a new one , they’ve lost the character the soul and interest in keeping their name alive, and you are never too old to ride, I’m now in my 70s, and I still enjoy going out for a ride, apart from the bad weather, which I’ve had for the last four weeks, 😮😢, I still believe that there is nothing compares to a Harley Davidson in the old school, It is now got to a point where they do not look like anything that resembles a Harley Davidson, apart from the badge, and we all know what’s been happening to those lately, Great content , look forward to next weeks, stay safe on the road boys and girls, Ride free and ride safe, with wind in your hair if you still got it,😂 , from France, Ps, when I was in my teens to wear late 20s I had very very long hair, When I was approaching 40 divorced, I shaved all my hair off, I’m still bored, but since Christmas time of this year, I’ve now grown a goatee it’s probably 3 inches long, The best thing is, there is nobody about telling me what I can do when I can do it and how I do it, as I said ride free,
@@Hog-g2z enjoyed your story, Thanks for sharing, Been there done that , twice. Now enjoying my Home, My 4 legged buddies, And Riding my Dynwg.keep the bugs in your teeth.lol
Bought a new 883 in 1988. It was made of metal. Had a '95 evo FX0L,still metal. Now have a '99 FXDL,still don't like plastic. Getting harder to find parts already in the UK. I'd look for a well cared for any model pre 2003 Harley without efi.
In1986 after a year on a Honda, a guy let me ride his Sportster around the block. Next day the Honda was for sale. I bought a 1978 FXE Shovel Head, rode it for 4 years and traded it in for an FXR. I have no desire for anything else from Harley or any other manufacturer. I've replaced everything possible with aftermarket parts.
I ride Harley because of the soul it has. Feel like she's alive.. parts availability and dealer network.. the brotherhood. I haven't owned anything newer than my evo heritage so I can't speak for the new bikes
After owning two HD I recently bought my first Indian. I test rode both a 24 Road Glide and Challenger. These are the reasons I went with a Challenger Limited. 1) lower center of gravity. I’m 5’7” so stopping and being able to flatfoot is key. To me HD are top heavy and only the balls of my feet reach. 2) Fox inverted front forks and Fox rear adjustable mono shock. 3) more torque and hp as stock with Indian Power Plus engine. 4) Power wind screen. 5) simple to learn and use Ride Command with Apple Car Play included. 6) All features come stock on Limited that would cost 3-5K more on HD. Things I’ve learned since owning for a month. 1) sport mode is awesome. 2. 47 MPG. 3. No need to replace seat. 4) wind protection is superb with power wind screen. 5) replacing air filter will be more work than HD bc it requires removing the tank.
i believe that in the future all that'll be left of Harley is aftermarket frankenstein bikes. S&S engines, aftermarket frames, top of the line suspension components, and a maybe bunch of spare parts from either Harley-Davidson itself or aftermarket companies entirely.
What keeps me on a Harley is the sound, look, and feel of the ride. I also like the customization capabilities. Great reporting on everything HD my friend.
....in the next ten-fifteen years, I don't see the Motor Company alive by then. They've committed suicide with the decisions made starting from the top of the company all they way down to the design changes/models dropped, and very high prices.
To me the thing about H.D. Is the old style pushrod air cool motors. The sound and making them look the way you want. Every company needs to stay alive so I can see the aftermarket companies adding more bike parts to their lineup. What makes me nervous is what happens to us when there isn’t enough profit in making parts for our older bikes? For me , I’m starting to build up a even larger collection of parts to keep my bikes on the road
Why? For all the old timers who are never gonna buy another Harley anyway? They need to cater to a younger market but when they pulled their Bud Lite nonsense, they threw all that away to pander to a bunch of bigoted old farts. They're basically getting canceled by the people who should be their prime market.
Good morning I've been riding for more years than I like to admit I'm74 and made a lot of trips from NY to Daytona on my 59 pan wonderful times I recently bought bought a bike from my bro who passed from his widow 1991heritage s&s motor baker tranny' chain drive and lots of aftermarket parts when I talk to HD parts guys they say we don't carry that to old that's why I deal with J&P they have everything I might want or need l guess what I m saying is HD doesn't care about the people that made them through the lean years
Harley is out of their fucking mind if I am going to spend 17k on a Sportster S when I can buy a Yamaha MT10SP or a Kawasaki ZH2 for similar money. Fuck HD.
I’m just 3 years into riding and my first “upgrade bike” was a 2009 Softail Deluxe. I researched ALL cruisers before picking this beauty. Removed bags to create that classic, stripped down look that no other bike has. Old HDs will be always hold that look and feel.
After riding sport bikes for years, I walked away from riding altogether for a few years. Then in 2004-2005 I started watching the biker build off shows. That got me interested in a different style of motorcycle, although not necessarily what was being built on those shows. There was a Harley dealership by where I worked that rented motorcycles so I thought I would try one out. I just loved that old retro look some of them had like the Heritage Classic & the springers. I knew almost nothing about them but I lined one up for a day. Arriving to pick up my ride and not knowing what it was supposed to look like, I noticed about 20 bikes parked out front. One in particular really caught my eye. It was a burgundy colored Softail Deluxe. I just loved that old school look it had and it turned out to be my rental. I ended up renting several of them trying them out but then my wife talked me into an getting an Ultra classic. That one changed the way I looked at motorcycles. We got one of those and we would hit the road for days. I just fell in love with them. Fast forward to today and that retro style seems to be fading away. The Heritage Classic, that I thought was super cool looking is now one of their ugliest bikes. And to top that off, their prices just went crazy. Their greed closed many dealerships across the country. To me Harley has changed and not for the better but then, maybe their buyers have too.
Harley Davidson more or less always had a dedicated base of customers in the past. It's safe to say this base is shrinking quickly. The company has failed to generate a new loyal base. The aftermarket will do what is needed to stay profitable, expanding to other brands.
I worked at 3 HD dealers, ONE was still family owned, one was sold to a Nissan dealer, and the other was just plain failing. Real sad. HD has turned into a luxury brand, so sad.
changed their direction from the average working man to a wannabe ,Porsche, Mercedes etc ''Brand '' with upmarket cashed up clientele ,for whom $$$ are no object
I recently bought my first HD, a 2005 FLHRCI Road King for the simplicity, engine sound, vibration, heritage and folklore of the "American Biker". I bought it because it does not have navigation, drive modes and all the modern stuff that has nothing to do with riding a machine.
HD is like a lot of computer companies now. They are pulling support for anything older than 10 years and not allowing aftermarket to make the parts. Kinda like if you loved XP the company that made it wont support it at all, same with HD . They want you to buy new so they wont support the older bikes. The problem is most of the bikes are way out of reach for anyone under 40 years old, no midsize or starter bikes
All bike manufacturers are like that. I would say, Harley probably had the best overall aftermarket and product support and availability, until they put a stop to that.
For me it’s the looks, sound, feel and vibration of a Harley. I love the looks of the pushrod air cooled motor with that beautiful primary and shift linkage. Plus the customization and aftermarket parts are through the roof.
I was sold on Harley first time a friend of mine talked his mother into buying him a a 65 chopper . This thing was so cool we would just sit and stare at it. I was 16 , the bike was a 10 over jock shift with 38 degree rake. Im 71 now and never looked back.
I was at one of the local Harley dealerships in town (we have two here) and I saw a 2024 nightster marked down to $10k! The place was so packed with new motorcycles that they had about 10-15 bikes over in the clothing section! They literally didn't have enough room in the motorcycle showroom to hold all the 2024 bikes they still have in stock! And they have a big showroom! If Harley doesn't make drastic changes soon, they won't be able to give their bikes away. I live in Harley country, and people aren't buying them!
Still like the community and haven't had a bad experience meeting harley riders. Although, I've had people that don't ride Harleys tell me that they've had bad experiences with the Harley community. I have an Indian now (and a Harley still), I will see if I get treated different.
The physics is against an air cooled, pushrod, under square, 45 degree V twin engine. Harley maxed out with the twin cam. The only place left to go is a liquid cooled, overhead cam, over square engine with a wider V angle and that market left them behind years ago.
I only use aftermarket parts on my 2011 SG I’ve replace the entire camchest with new S&S parts way better quality bike runs stronger. The aftermarket parts should diversify spread the wealth parts wise.
I never had a goal of riding a Honda. I am of the Easy Rider era. Besides that I love the sound of the HD Vtwin. Nothing compares for me. I am an audio engineer and sound is everything to me.
The aftermarket was born out of the manufacturer's lack of covering everything. For example, it is tools in the adventure class because it practically does it all out of the chute. I have a 2016 Night Rod Special, that runs and looks as good the day it rolled out of the showroom. And it performs like a modern motorcycle. It says Harley Davidson on it.
Hey GixxerFoo, nice video...makes a lot of sense. It is too bad about the Sportster. That was the bike I started on because I could afford it. And by the time I upgraded to Stage Two, nimble as it was, really rocked in the canyons! S & S, in my opinion, always ruled for the aftermarket. Still miss the Evo's though!
I will never be caught dead swinging a leg over one. People who think these are premium machines have no concept of value for money. It’s not about motorcycle it’s about an image. That image is driving down the road way too slow with a scowl on your face wearing absolutely no gear. Check out all these brothers, brother.
You are one DELUSIONAL INDIVIDUAL WHO JUST DONT GET IT Ride a HARLEY UP IN THE MOUNTAINS and get Lost on a back road GET INTO THE THROTTLE AND DRAG THE FLOOR BOARDS on THE TWISTIE black top in front of you Then tell me you feel the same WAY 🤔👍
Living in Southeast Wisconsin it's pretty much law to have at least one Harley in your Garage lol!!! Still running my 2011 Dyna Street Bob (bought new) but also have a 2020 z900 parked next to it as my actual fast bike!!!!
2022 heritage is the last new Harley I bought , I’m done with Harley , that being said I also own 95 heritage evo, and 2008 heritage tc, last year I’ve had nothing but bad experiences at dealerships,
I never thought I would buy a Harley but when it was time to upgrade from my little 500cc Honda, I was hoping to get a sub 5 grand used gixxer or something along those lines, maybe a shadow, BUT it was spring of 2021 and the pandemic supply chain issues were still prevalent and everyone who was selling those used bikes knew that everyone wanted one and could name their price. I always thought Sportsters were dope with the air cooled engine, low maintenance drive belt, gear driven cams and pushrod actuated valves (i.e. long service intervals and fewer parts to break down) so I called up my dealer put a deposit down before it was even in the country! 3 years later I still love the character of the bike, and the EFI engine holds up just fine on the (Canadian) highways where the speed limit is at most 75 miles/hour, and that is only a short stretch of the trans Canada highway, typically it is 70. I rode down to El Paso and back the winter of 21/22 and found that a sixth gear would be greatly appreciated in the States. But all in all, I am really happy with the purchase and wouldn't really consider getting another modern Harley given the price and now lack of heritage. The aftermarket support was another really big selling point; being able to buy every part of an air cooled Sportster that isn't made by Harley is pretty dope!
I prefer the older simpler machines as there’s less to go wrong. Electronic ignition and digital odometer ok, but computers and motorbikes really don’t mix. I’m sure “they” can lean a bikes mixture enough to pass modern regs without the tech. I got into Harleys because the older ones with character are still relatively cheap and most parts are still accessible for them.
Well I’m 68, been biking 54 plus years. Just bought my first Harley, a 2019 Road King Standard, black with chrome added. 1300 miles on it. 3 things about this bike. I paid less for it than a new FJR1300 20 years ago. 2nd: The M8 107 is more powerful and smoother than I anticipated. 3rd: Elvis would have loved it it is so old school to look at. That’s all I have to say about that bike. I own 6 bikes now and would never buy a metric cruiser. Rest of my bikes are Japanese.
Today's motorcycles are collection of government regulations on two wheels. A parts for Harley-Davidson will sell x number of parts parts for after for other manufacturers will sell 10 times as many. Simple numbers.
I have asked this in numerous sights and NO ONE HAS EVER ANSWERED. What does it take to get rid of the ceo and board. I don't expect to get an answer here either.
Here's your answer: Financial Pain. Unfortunately, it has to start at the Dealerships - the true customer of MoCo. So, if you're buying a new motorcycle, then it ain't gonna get fixed.
Growing up the cool guys rode Harleys and they were all different. The catalog and aftermarket parts allowed to make each bike their own. That is why i ride a Harley. With such a rich aftermarket, i can make my bike my own. The Harley is a great jump off point to a personal ride all my own. No other brand can match that. The new stuff seem boring, I will stick with my twin cam.
In the early 70's, AMF/Harley Davidson had a marketing slogan that read: Things are different on a Harley. And unlike most marketing slogans, this one was actually true. Things were different on a Harley. Now, they aren't. Harley Davidson has become just another recreational vehicle manufacturer.
Harley-Davidson always did things their own way and no one else built bikes like they did. If that's good or bad that's up to everyone's own opinion. Now Harley-Davidson is getting more like all the other manufacturers out there.
What attracted me to Harley-Davidson was the simplicity and infinite ability to rebuild. Now Harley-Davidson lost its soul and became a bad imitation of itself. Looking at the current lineup there are WAY better choices at better prices out there. I am currently looking at other brands and I don't think I'll be returning to Harley-Davidson.
I got interested in H.D. in 1971,bc they were American made. I still love and ride a Harley no matter what. People that don't like Harley Davidson should shut up,quit crying about them,and buy what they like.
Harleys have appealed to customers through their senses (feel, sound, and smell). The M8 still have that but for how long? They can’t replicate that with “modern” motors(water cooled).
Harley is what I grew up around. It is in my blood. I have had four Harleys since 1979.Three new, one used. My current bike is a 01' FLSTS I got 14 years ago. All that being said I can't see myself buying another new one the way things are these days.
I started with a 05 softail, bought used owned for 5 years. Then a 14 ultra, bought new still own. Overall I stayed with HD because I could fix and maintain it myself and the ride feels mechanical. The newer bikes are much harder to fix in my garage and does feel like riding a machine.
My evo softail, has a soul to it!! Yes gotta get up few minutes early, for work, in morning, gotta let bike warm up. It’s not as fast as modern Harleys. Hell, it’s only a 4 speed transmission!! But I love the mechanical, soul, feel of my 84 softail. Plus zero payments!!
in one of the build offs or maybe it was a documentary on Indian Larry that he describes the attraction to the rolling art he created was the "mechanicalness of it". And that is exactly my definition too.
Don't forget to top off the oil because leaking oil is something the Evo does best. I know it is tough because you're a Harley rider with poor riding skills but try not to drag your front wheel through the oil when you back it out of the garage.
In my area, NE Ohio, you can literally save 10k on a new harley going to my local mom and pop dealership, Stinger vs the one owned by a ownership group. ITS NIGHT AND DAY difference in the service you receive between the two dealerships.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
What has kept you riding Harley-Davidson all these years? Why do you think aftermarket companies are expanding their business beyond Harley-Davidson?
I have always loved the sound of my bikes and the low end torque, a small part was also keeping the simple tractor motor relevant. Sadly between the EPA and the motor company's direction it's doubtful I will continue with supporting the brand.
I'll say it again, it's not just harley that's struggling in this purposeful train-wreck economy. Everyone, (corps/companies), is trying to figure out what to do next and most are way behind the curve. Many people in the consumer base no longer have disposable cash, (by design),. I was looking at a small aftermarket company that makes sportster upgrades when it dawned on me, what are they planning to do for the long haul since the idiots at harley have dropped their entry-level bike? If I were in their place, yeah, I'd be looking at other brands. I'd have no choice other than to fold up. And many have. Then the rip-offs that aren't made well flood the market from the pacific rim. None of this had to happen. That's the worst part of it all. Harley needs a reboot, (fire those who've been at the helm),.
@@GixxerFoo for us it was a romantic lifestyle. H-D was the cool of all cools. It’s was a bike you could work on yourself and customize. Most other brands didn’t have that.
Riding a Harley Davidson has always brought me immense pleasure. The bikes styling, ride qualities, and the history of the motor company was all part of the enjoyable Harley-Davidson riding experience. The camaraderie found with like-minded Harley riders made it even more enjoyable and gratifying.
Nevertheless, Harley-Davidson is now, and has been, compromising its rich history and customers due to poor management. HD is evolving into a non-descript motorcycle which no longer stands out as unique.
Sure, some HD's may still look good but progressively are losing originality, character, and retro styling. Harley-Davidsons are now becoming hybrid clones of what they once used to be.
Moreover, with Harley-Davidson issues why would anybody pay top prices for a bike that really isn't any different than others, except with HD's they are unreliable until you spend lots of time and money to rid the new bike of the gremlin issues.
Government mandates are also a convenient excuse for Harley-Davidson. HD can choose to manufacture a line of models which would sell like hotcakes at competitive prices. But they won't. Why?
There are better bike values in the motorcycle marketplace at a fraction of the cost, while Harley-Davidson prices keep going higher and higher and no longer offering anything special.
The aftermarket companies now expanding their line of products to other bike manufacturers can see the future. The future will not include Harley-Davidson as a dominant player.
Goodbye to Harley-Davidson as we have known it. Another American icon who lost sight of its values and ignored its core customers and inevitably bite the dust unless current manager is replaced sooner than later.
I will hold on to my Road King Classic for as long as I can and cling to my fond memories of Harley-Davidson.
S & S has been barely a Company in existance for the last 10yrs. With just barely a skeleton crew working in the Vompany. I know 2 long time employees of over 20yrs employment at S & S who were let go from their. The expansion of the Company will hopefully let it survive. I personally prefer S & S aftermarket parts for my 88fxr and 15 flhtk over any other brand. But in my book HD will never see me buy another nee bike from them. Appreciate your chanmel, keep up the good work Okie!!! LOL
The CEO needs to go I'm not going to buy a new HD while he's running the company!
What always kept me coming back to Harley is the sound of those bikes, it's 100 percent muscle and that classic look they had, nobody could compete with. Indian is alright but they never got my juices flowing like a Harley. I have no desire to own a new Harley, I'm happy with my 05 dyna, will ride it until I'm unable to.
Been riding Harleys for over 40 years My first Harley was in1980 a 1976 FLH today I have a 78FLH and a 1954 FL and my last new bike was a 2012 FLHTCI only rode Harleys all my life definitely customer loyalty but Harley-Davidson don't care about that anymore
Harley stopped caring when they went global and realized how much more money they can make threw stocks rather than making quality bike. Well Harley has never really been about quality, more so popularity than anything.
As a tiny kid, my next door neighbor was VP of a club. (The Highway Gladiators, absorbed by the HA long ago.) He ran a 1960 Pan, and from the time I was about five years old I'd help him shine it and he'd explain it to me. (Years later, he advised me not to get a motorcycle, because in those days people thought less of you when you rode one. Didn't stop me for a minute.) My first H-D was a barely used 1973 FLH, and it helped make me a mechanic and about half a machinist. (Taught patience, as well.) I owned a couple of other brands (Yamaha and Suzuki), and had several non-riding years. Meanwhile my dad also had a couple of big Glides, one of which was a fire-breathing sleeper custom.
Ten years ago somebody gave me an old twin-cam 88 Road King, built to Stage II. Got me back into the sport, and now I have three bikes. I plan to keep the H-D until death, as I do my own work and aftermarket parts are easy to get. (It's also not worth enough to go through the aggravation of selling it.) Unlike the younger days, I'm no longer a "proud Harley rider" by any means. I wouldn't wear their logo, because I don't want to be mistaken for a leather-clad dentist or a CPA. But frankly, if you refused to do business with any corporation that's been taken over by fuckheads, you wouldn't be able to buy anything whatsoever. It's an unfortunate fact of modern life.
The only thing I go to the H-D dealer for are state inspections, because you can just roll in and they do it. This year I even brought my BMW to them and told them they could consider doing the inspection a personal favor for Jochen Zeitz.
Twenty years ago I heard from an old master mechanic buddy who was lifelong HA, and lived the life. He told me he didn't work on Harleys anymore because he didn't like the kind of people the sport had attracted.
Everything Woke turns to sh^t.
Here's my beef. CEO still there. BoD still there. Not interested in Harley until they're gone. Next beef is I'm retired. Limited income. What can I actually afford? Everything not American made. Harley hasn't produced a performance bike other than the V-Rod. Water cooled bikes? Are you kidding? Harley has major issues when it comes to customers in general. One is older and sees the brand as it was back in the day. One is younger and has no ties to that era. The rest in the middle are connected by clubs, orgs, and friends. Their involvement in the brand leans toward the social aspect. Harley damaged its reputation with all 3 groups through its DEI policies. Instead of pushing agendas, maybe they should push the executive management out and begin developing innovations and motorcycles we can all afford.
Wait til you learn that the vrod was water cooled…..
@callumsmith338 yeah. Never owned one myself and have been around long before the V-Rod was an idea. Buell was ahead of Harley long before the V-Rod as well. Turning ideas into advancements was my job for nearly 40 years and I think Harley pissrd down my back and offered to sell me a raincoat. I think unless all the employees go on strike to remove the CEO, it's more rain ahead...
@@mikaldene7146well said 💯
I never understood the issue with dei, old people need jobs too
Old and Gay will get you in.
Tik tok generation ain't gonna be riding Harleys that's for sure
Screw tiktok generation, that whole community is a big problem anyway.
Oh, they do. They just buy old Dynas and turn them into stunt bikes. They take pride in not giving the MoCo a dime. As soon as they pulled the Bud Light nonsense, they completely lost both their traditional customer base and the younger generations. And the whole incident shows they have weak leadership. They backpedaled on the stance that would get young people buying their bikes to pander to a bunch of bigoted old farts who are never gonna buy another Harley anyway.
Checks phone;
Yep, there’s your mom.😂
It’s interesting that S&S is making stuff for Royal Enfield bikes. They are a fast growing brand in Europe and the UK, with an almost cult like following. Relatively affordable, classic styling, simple and easy to work on. A bike for the working man. Sound familiar? Sound like another brand from years ago?
Relatively affordable, sub par bike in ever respect. Cult following fits that brand perfectly. When even 500cc cruisers ass fuck your 650cc vintage sport bike, you are the laughing stock.
I'd sooner take one of the Chinese brands making 1930 lookalike bikes with Honda clone 2 cylinder engines😂😂😂
@@rattyratstuff7125 Nothing wrong with Chinese bikes.
Why are you talking bad about them?
Harley-Davidson used to have sportsters for $3995 and if you traded it in a year later they would give the $3995 back if you traded up to a big twin.
I thought that was a good deal
Too bad you can't travel back in time to the 1980s.
It was a good Deal !!
The Harley Davidson Tri-Glides cost way too much money for me, so I had my 2007 Fatboy converted into a Frankenstein trike. I love it so very much.
Harley in the future will be like Chevy today. Still around but not the same or even that special.
Chevys were never "that special". Neither was HD.
I agree
@@beaurex4756 Eh, i'd beg to differ at least they were back in the 1960's my dad had a 1963 corvette stingray split window. I never saw it, (he sold it to make some money a couple years later), but the 1966 427, yeh thats a thing, and collector wize/value its a "big thing". Even Ford, I had a few 60's mustangs back in the day, quality top notch/plastic whats that? everything was metal built like a tank, and still (fast) after a few mods, Holly carbs, Edelbrock manifolds, Hooker headers on and on. Yes, the corvette, camaro, mustangs are still here today, but there not even close, "in name only", unless you can get your hands on a Chrysler with a hemi, gona go with there gona be collector items.
-Cheers
Chevy was a back example the Corvette and there Trucks are some of the best vehicles in the world . Try stick to motorcycles something you may no about .
I feel like Royal Enfield is the only motorcycle company making real motorcycles at a price point a working man can afford.
and they look great!!
The new 450's are very nice. Soon as they revamp the 650's where they should be making decent HP (65-70) I'll have to take a good look
would generally agree but the dealership took a Royal Enfield with add ons and additional dealer profit doubled the price. Bought a used Ducati instead. Bought my first Harley last week from an independent shop and see what I had been missing.
Ummmmmm........... you pay the lowest, and get an extremely sub par bike😂😂😂😂😂 it has zero bang for buck. For the price of one of those pos you can get a Honda shadow or rebel that's better in literally every metric. Einfields are the lowest of the low and ill never be able to take the owners seriously as riders. I see them the same as the queens in biker clubs
@@rattyratstuff7125 queens in biker clubs???LOL Your right Honda Rebels and Shadows are what real men ride GTFOH!!!!!
What got me into Harleys? I think it was the "bad boy" reputation plus the fact they hold their resale value better than all other bikes, except maybe the Goldwing. I like the look and feel of the bike as I am riding down the road whether it's my Sportster or my Electra Glide. Sadly, the writing is on the wall for Harley unless they reverse course, and reverse course hard. We don't need a soy boy Eurocrat running an American Muscle company. It has tarnished Harley's reputation and unless they get rid of the CEO and BoD they are doomed. Put a guy who came up through the ranks in charge and go back to what made Harley great. I'll give you a great example, AC/DC. AC/DC has been playing the same music for over 50 years and is still packing out stadiums. Why? Because they stuck to their roots and their core principles. Screw change, stick to what works!
Difference between motorcycle motors and music is that AC/DC doesn’t have something called the EPA on their asses so not the best comparison. Air cooled is coming, so I guess folks will have to decide whether they really love riding or just want to stick themselves in a cage all the time. Can bitch and moan all we want but it’s coming.
@@mickeygaines007 the point was AC/DC has never changed, Harley is continuously changing to reach a small group of new riders while leaving the rest of us behind. BTW do you remember the PMRC? AC/DC along with every other rock group had Tipper Gore up their backside for over a decade. I hated that woman!
@@xlr8r3VA and my point is that while HD is making a lot of missteps that are their own fault, as far as some of the changes in motors and tech that affect the “soul” of the bikes, that’s all being forced on them. Certain changes are coming whether we like it or not. A lot of the commenters aren’t getting that. And that comes down to use voting for candidates that want to end stupid government overreach in everything. Do they need to reverse course on a lot of things, yes. I would love for them to fire the CEO and board. But that isn’t going to change that they can only stay ahead of regulations with air cooled for so long. I guess if you don’t like it, stay in a cage.
I bought my '05 Dyna purely because it was the closest I could get to a vintage motorcycle while having modern reliability. With their current lineup, I'm skipping the Harley dealer and going straight to Honda for my touring bike. I never thought I'd say a Goldwing has more character than an Electra Glide but here we are. The 2025 EG is less of a bagger than the stripped down sport version of the Goldwing.
@@xlr8r3VA and I don’t hear this bellyaching about Indians and a couple of their big touring bikes are liquid cooled. They get praise because they perform. The new sportsters are ugly but the Evo can’t hold a candle to them in how they perform and all the geezers can seem to do is bellyache about their beloved Evo being gone. The RevMax is 50x the motor the Evo was. This is what Harley is dealing with, that what’s good for the goose isn’t good for the gander in that regard. They won’t be able to win no matter what they do
100% man, I been riding legally on the road for 52yrs, the factory crap coming from Harley and there boutique stores instead of a bike shop for a regular joe blow, is actually killing the real sense of riding
My last new harley was a carburator EVO, I love and will stick with the old iron that I can work on myself. Have a blessed week my friend
I'm 71 years old, I've been riding Harleys since I was 16. Never had a new one. The current bike is a 97 heritage. When. It's time to rebuild I'm putting an S&S engine in it.
Good move. When my engine finally dies, just gonna put a crate engine in. NO new bike, too much $.
I've been riding for nearly 60 years, never owned a Harley. Never needed after market stuff, and don't think much of the HD owners nonsense. I ride because I like motorcycles. The social aspect is way down the list.
Who cares
@@aquahombre a true believer, no doubt
@@marcomalo02 Enjoy your E-bike
The social aspect is nonexistent for me. I own a Harley and I have zero interest in the Harley community. You meet the nicest people on a Honda. You meet the trashiest people on a Harley.
@@Lurch-Bot I ride one because I want to and couldnt care less about the BS ''Culture'' ,and image people expect you to fit into
I bought my last new Harley in 2020 and that one doesn’t even sound good. I did do a 131 kit on it and it’s a bit better but it doesn’t hold a candle to my 2003 cvo deuce. I’m just going to keep what I got and even though I’m getting up there in years maybe after I’m gone they will go to someone else that appreciates them as much as I do. But the dealer has seen me for the last time.
many are saying the same thing, i'm on my 10th one over 45 years but i'm on the brink of moving to another brand
Twin cam last good motor, evo better , shovel head just hard to get parts for
You and me both man . I only go to the Stealership to get a black coffee and see some friends that still work there . Otherwise it's me working on my own stuff, Mom and Pop or aftermarket 🤙🇬🇧🇺🇸😎
@@williamjohnson6517 I just had my coffee in the Stealership yesterday..
these MEGA dealers DON'T PUT PRICES ON THE BIKES.......would never buy a HARLEY FROM A DEALER WHO CAN'T PUT PRICES ON THEIR BIKES.......
Yup...and right out the door I go....down the street to the Honda dealer.
Yup
Never a price online either
Stealerships!
I was born in 67 and my parents were bikers. I loved the old shovel head bikes because, they would all build the bikes out and they were all unique. Even the rat rods were awesome. They could not afford the paint jobs and body work but, most were mechanics and body men and they swapped labor to help each other out.
I'm not that old and the closest my parents got to being bikers was when my dad owned a Suzuki T350 in college. I love the Twin Cam 88 but only because I did a lot of work on my Dyna and learned to love it. It was as close as I could get to those classic Harleys I grew up dreaming about. Still the only Harley I've ever seen that made it 20 years without leaking a single drop of oil. My first ride was on an Evo EG the ex of one of my mom's friends owned (I miss those classic plush seats; just like a La-z-boy). There was at least 3 ounces of oil on the concrete underneath it and topping off the oil was part of the preflight. He even maneuvered the front wheel around the oil spot as he backed out of the garage.
It has always been true that a Harley is really only complete when the rider finishes building it. Some take it farther than others but there is nothing sadder than a stock hog.
I like to keep my modding performance oriented (actually shaved off the forward peg mounts and I would move the mid mounts a bit farther back if I could.
I beat a Kawasaki Z1000 up a mountain a couple years ago on my Dyna. But I was shifting around on the seat like a deranged monkey the whole time. I even tapped the road with a knee a time or two. People who say cruisers can't handle just haven't tried hard enough.
At sturgis this year, I was bored one day and rode EVERY model Indian makes. The engineering on them is night and day ahead of HD. I dont love the way they look but they ride great!
Eventually, both my bikes will only be HD by the serial numbers on the frame.
My local Mom and Pop dealer just got sold to a corporation that owns a bunch of dealerships.
The old dealership owned by the same family for 75 years, when you walked in you felt everybody knew you. Now you go in it feels like Macy's! With out the mannequins. SAD.....
Agree wholeheartedly. Ever since the M8 came out, the aftermarket has just not put out what they did for the Twin Cams or Evos. The first 3 years I thought they just needed time to get going. We're now 7 years into M8 production and the aftermarket still seems pretty damn scarce compared to previous generation bikes. Then the Revmax engine, the Pan America, the Nightstar and Sportster S.... that's been out for nearly 4 years and there is basically 0 aftermarket for any of them..
I think that is mostly because people buying those M8 brand new are NOT the ones wrenching on them. It is the second, third, fifth owner who will be wrenching on it.
Personally I choose to go with the older Harley’s as there is still a vast amount of aftermarket parts and anything that’s 92 and older you can literally find anything for and customize to your needs vs the newer bikes.
I always look forward to Fridays...
And a new video...
😎👍
That's awesome! It's good to be back this week!
The Best “important “ Harley Tech info on RUclips.
Thank you for all the important facts and information you so generously provide us on your channel. If you want to understand a Harley your channel is THE AUTHORITY on RUclips!
Thanks and best regards,
W
Hollywood Florida
Great content as usual. I’m glad that at my age I won’t be purchasing another bike. I don’t like being pushed out the door by H-D but we are a fading generation and they need to roll with the times and keep up with the future’s needs and desires. The younger generations don’t think the way we do. We’ll have to stick with our older ways and our wonderful after market. You can’t blame S&S for expanding their horizons. Thanks again
Can't blame S&S what so ever but it's for sure a sign of the times.
Harley screwed themselves like Bud Light. Backpedaled on the approach that would have brought in young buyers in order to pander to a bunch of bigoted old farts who will never buy another Harley anyway.
Have ridden Harley and Limeys (one forlorn Honda years ago), but never actually owned one until about 20 years ago -- `96 Evo... Been riding since mid-60s and rode that Evo a little over 110K miles and a like-vintage Kawa Nomad -- also nearly same mileage until a deer cut the Kawa's life short... never was much into the Harley mystique, I rode what I rode for reliability and fixability... bought one item in a Harley shop all those years; a closed end rivet... now have a `07 Softail, good bike but I think I really should have gone back to an Evo... I don't need eightytwo-gazillion horsepower (still have a ZG1400 if I need to scare myself). I think the best bike was those 50hp+/- Evos -- CV40 carb and nothing much to break, just ride...
Absolutely agree!
Still got my 1996 evo bought it new heavily modified. Love it never part with it. Beat twin cams all day long with no problem
I’ve bought Harleys for 31 years and will do so forever if there here! Bring back the Sportster and Dyna!!
I've owned 3 HDs. Road King, VROD, and currently a Street Glide and a Triumph.
Not a day goes by that I dont worry about ANOTHER costly repair on my bike.
That has never crossed my mind when I'm riding my Triumph.
Dont get ne wrong, absolutely LOVE my SG and have enjoyed installing all of my aftermarket modifications myself, but if we're being honest here and you own a HD, you know there are other manufacturers that make a less expensive bike with far less maintenance/repairs.
So why do I ride my HD? Like the OP said, its a lifestyle.
Ive met FAR more people and made great friends and even greater memories with my SG than I ever have on my Triumph.
Ride safe.
I have been keeping my 2006 FLHR carbureted Road King simply for the rumbling and the irregular pulsating that gives Harley Davidson the right to live. It gives me lots of pleasure in customising while maintaining the soul of the bike that lives breathing literally. The nowadays aesthetically sound bikes lack the rhythms that resonate with my heart when riding on the highway…
Hope all is well, GixxerFoo! Good to see ya back
You've nailed this dissertation.
HD motorcycles - in their current configuration, are a differentiator. I've travelled outside the USA and it's that difference that makes people from other countries want an HD. Once HD starts looking and feeling like everything else, then owning an HD isn't anything special.
That aside, I've met more solid people and made more friends owning a Harley than I ever did riding a Kawasaki. I hate that the dealerships are stuck in the middle of this issue. However, they are my only voice to the MoCo. That's where the consumer can apply pressure.
So, until changes are made at the top, my purchases will all be aftermarket and I surely won't be sitting on any of the newer bikes.
I have owned many types of Harleys, flathead, pan, Evo, 103, VR1… enjoyed them all! Still have a Evo, and Pan. Personally I think water cooled is the road then must go down! Cooler running engines equal better running engines. EPA standards are forcing all manufacturers to make the changes. It can’t be stopped…
I've stuck with Harleys all of these years because I'm a natural born gearhead. I like to tinker, modify, and customize everything. Harleys are made for that, and the aftermarket makes it easy. The aftermarket companies are diversifying due to Harley's lack of sales and gloomy future. I don't know what the answer is. In the current marketplace and the regulatory environment, it will be tough for Harley to survive with morons in charge. I do believe that an entry-level bike would be a good start. BTW, my local dealer that I liked is gone. So there goes another one.
S&S has their roots in Harley and will always be the go too for parts , personaly i would sooner dump 10 grand to buy a older Harley a put another 10 into it than buy a new one ..
In the early 70s, my old man was a hang around with the Red & White. He bought Easyriders magazine & the centrefold were plastered all over my bedroom walls. My old man had the iconic Easy Rider poster with Billy & Wyatt in the desert. But what really made me love Harvey Danielsons when I was a kid was watching Chino ride into Hollister on his Panhead. Lee Marvin stole that scene, & I was sold
Harley is in self-destruct mode….
The President and the board are bent on destroying the brand. Just my opinion.
"Things are going to plan. " - CEO
South East Harley Davidson... family owned for 75years. My Dad bought his first bike from them when I was 2yrs old ... I'm 60 now and own 9 bikes from them.
My first Harley was a1981 shovel head sturgis which I still own today since 1982. It is a connection and life style, owned a 05 ultra now a 2019 ultra limited. Most likely will be the last Harley I’ll own, took a little to get used to the M8. But after putting a S&S cam in it’s a pretty awesome bike now. And you’re right about the dealership, not personable anymore I try to avoid them as much as possible. I rather go to the independent shop if I can’t do the work myself.
The more I watch and hear on these new bikes,the more I appreciate my 02 E.G. classic.
Those older bikes are so much better in so many ways!
Good Day 🌅, GixxerFoo, great content as always, I have only owned one Japanese bike, That was in 1969, only for 3 months, until I passed my test, then sold it and I purchased a Norton 750, I had 3 in total, then in early 90s some friends were riding HD and the sound brought back memories from the 60s and 70s, so I was hooked, I’ve had four of them, one I’ve just purchased just recently, as you know, deuce,
If I was a millionaire, I still would not go out and purchase a new one , they’ve lost the character the soul and interest in keeping their name alive, and you are never too old to ride, I’m now in my 70s, and I still enjoy going out for a ride, apart from the bad weather, which I’ve had for the last four weeks, 😮😢, I still believe that there is nothing compares to a Harley Davidson in the old school, It is now got to a point where they do not look like anything that resembles a Harley Davidson, apart from the badge, and we all know what’s been happening to those lately,
Great content , look forward to next weeks, stay safe on the road boys and girls, Ride free and ride safe, with wind in your hair if you still got it,😂 , from France, Ps, when I was in my teens to wear late 20s I had very very long hair, When I was approaching 40 divorced, I shaved all my hair off, I’m still bored, but since Christmas time of this year, I’ve now grown a goatee it’s probably 3 inches long, The best thing is, there is nobody about telling me what I can do when I can do it and how I do it, as I said ride free,
@@Hog-g2z enjoyed your story, Thanks for sharing, Been there done that , twice. Now enjoying my Home, My 4 legged buddies, And Riding my Dynwg.keep the bugs in your teeth.lol
Bought a new 883 in 1988.
It was made of metal.
Had a '95 evo FX0L,still metal.
Now have a '99 FXDL,still don't like plastic.
Getting harder to find parts already in the UK.
I'd look for a well cared for any model pre 2003 Harley without efi.
In1986 after a year on a Honda, a guy let me ride his Sportster around the block. Next day the Honda was for sale. I bought a 1978 FXE Shovel Head, rode it for 4 years and traded it in for an FXR. I have no desire for anything else from Harley or any other manufacturer. I've replaced everything possible with aftermarket parts.
I ride Harley because of the soul it has. Feel like she's alive.. parts availability and dealer network.. the brotherhood. I haven't owned anything newer than my evo heritage so I can't speak for the new bikes
After owning two HD I recently bought my first Indian. I test rode both a 24 Road Glide and Challenger. These are the reasons I went with a Challenger Limited. 1) lower center of gravity. I’m 5’7” so stopping and being able to flatfoot is key. To me HD are top heavy and only the balls of my feet reach. 2) Fox inverted front forks and Fox rear adjustable mono shock. 3) more torque and hp as stock with Indian Power Plus engine. 4) Power wind screen. 5) simple to learn and use Ride Command with Apple Car Play included. 6) All features come stock on Limited that would cost 3-5K more on HD.
Things I’ve learned since owning for a month. 1) sport mode is awesome. 2. 47 MPG. 3. No need to replace seat. 4) wind protection is superb with power wind screen. 5) replacing air filter will be more work than HD bc it requires removing the tank.
i believe that in the future all that'll be left of Harley is aftermarket frankenstein bikes. S&S engines, aftermarket frames, top of the line suspension components, and a maybe bunch of spare parts from either Harley-Davidson itself or aftermarket companies entirely.
What keeps me on a Harley is the sound, look, and feel of the ride.
I also like the customization capabilities.
Great reporting on everything HD my friend.
....in the next ten-fifteen years, I don't see the Motor Company alive by then. They've committed suicide with the decisions made starting from the top of the company all they way down to the design changes/models dropped, and very high prices.
Talked to local dealer guys, I think these guys are realizing the error of their ways, no hard sell, building relationships, maybe there's hope
To me the thing about H.D. Is the old style pushrod air cool motors. The sound and making them look the way you want. Every company needs to stay alive so I can see the aftermarket companies adding more bike parts to their lineup. What makes me nervous is what happens to us when there isn’t enough profit in making parts for our older bikes? For me , I’m starting to build up a even larger collection of parts to keep my bikes on the road
Harley needs to recapture the styling and basic feel that made them unique .
Why? For all the old timers who are never gonna buy another Harley anyway? They need to cater to a younger market but when they pulled their Bud Lite nonsense, they threw all that away to pander to a bunch of bigoted old farts. They're basically getting canceled by the people who should be their prime market.
Huh? They never left that old, 850 lb. antique model that made them irrelevant.
I just told the Stealership yesterday in their face that if they bring back the TC103 or the CVO110, I would definitely consider buying my next HD…
Good morning I've been riding for more years than I like to admit I'm74 and made a lot of trips from NY to Daytona on my 59 pan wonderful times I recently bought bought a bike from my bro who passed from his widow 1991heritage s&s motor baker tranny' chain drive and lots of aftermarket parts when I talk to HD parts guys they say we don't carry that to old that's why I deal with J&P they have everything I might want or need l guess what I m saying is HD doesn't care about the people that made them through the lean years
Harley is out of their fucking mind if I am going to spend 17k on a Sportster S when I can buy a Yamaha MT10SP or a Kawasaki ZH2 for similar money. Fuck HD.
I’m just 3 years into riding and my first “upgrade bike” was a 2009 Softail Deluxe. I researched ALL cruisers before picking this beauty. Removed bags to create that classic, stripped down look that no other bike has. Old HDs will be always hold that look and feel.
Welcome back!!
Hope everything worked out for you!!
Great video as always!!
Thank you!
After riding sport bikes for years, I walked away from riding altogether for a few years. Then in 2004-2005 I started watching the biker build off shows. That got me interested in a different style of motorcycle, although not necessarily what was being built on those shows. There was a Harley dealership by where I worked that rented motorcycles so I thought I would try one out. I just loved that old retro look some of them had like the Heritage Classic & the springers. I knew almost nothing about them but I lined one up for a day. Arriving to pick up my ride and not knowing what it was supposed to look like, I noticed about 20 bikes parked out front. One in particular really caught my eye. It was a burgundy colored Softail Deluxe. I just loved that old school look it had and it turned out to be my rental. I ended up renting several of them trying them out but then my wife talked me into an getting an Ultra classic. That one changed the way I looked at motorcycles. We got one of those and we would hit the road for days. I just fell in love with them. Fast forward to today and that retro style seems to be fading away. The Heritage Classic, that I thought was super cool looking is now one of their ugliest bikes. And to top that off, their prices just went crazy. Their greed closed many dealerships across the country. To me Harley has changed and not for the better but then, maybe their buyers have too.
Harley Davidson more or less always had a dedicated base of customers in the past. It's safe to say this base is shrinking quickly. The company has failed to generate a new loyal base. The aftermarket will do what is needed to stay profitable, expanding to other brands.
I worked at 3 HD dealers, ONE was still family owned, one was sold to a Nissan dealer, and the other was just plain failing. Real sad. HD has turned into a luxury brand, so sad.
changed their direction from the average working man to a wannabe ,Porsche, Mercedes etc ''Brand '' with upmarket cashed up clientele ,for whom $$$ are no object
I recently bought my first HD, a 2005 FLHRCI Road King for the simplicity, engine sound, vibration, heritage and folklore of the "American Biker". I bought it because it does not have navigation, drive modes and all the modern stuff that has nothing to do with riding a machine.
HD is like a lot of computer companies now. They are pulling support for anything older than 10 years and not allowing aftermarket to make the parts. Kinda like if you loved XP the company that made it wont support it at all, same with HD . They want you to buy new so they wont support the older bikes. The problem is most of the bikes are way out of reach for anyone under 40 years old, no midsize or starter bikes
Harley really needs a foot hold in entry level bikes, they've really not been able to do that.
@@GixxerFoo they dont want too with new CEO, the snobbery is costing them, even local HD dealer has lost sales due to this attitude
@@GixxerFoo They had one , the Sportster 883 !
I heard San Diego Harley-Davidson is up for sale
All bike manufacturers are like that. I would say, Harley probably had the best overall aftermarket and product support and availability, until they put a stop to that.
For me it’s the looks, sound, feel and vibration of a Harley. I love the looks of the pushrod air cooled motor with that beautiful primary and shift linkage. Plus the customization and aftermarket parts are through the roof.
I was sold on Harley first time a friend of mine talked his mother into buying him a a 65 chopper . This thing was so cool we would just sit and stare at it. I was 16 , the bike was a 10 over jock shift with 38 degree rake. Im 71 now and never looked back.
Because HD flooded the market they no longer maintain their resale value
I was at one of the local Harley dealerships in town (we have two here) and I saw a 2024 nightster marked down to $10k! The place was so packed with new motorcycles that they had about 10-15 bikes over in the clothing section! They literally didn't have enough room in the motorcycle showroom to hold all the 2024 bikes they still have in stock! And they have a big showroom! If Harley doesn't make drastic changes soon, they won't be able to give their bikes away. I live in Harley country, and people aren't buying them!
Nothing like the sound an feel of an 08 twin cam😊
Still like the community and haven't had a bad experience meeting harley riders. Although, I've had people that don't ride Harleys tell me that they've had bad experiences with the Harley community.
I have an Indian now (and a Harley still), I will see if I get treated different.
The physics is against an air cooled, pushrod, under square, 45 degree V twin engine. Harley maxed out with the twin cam. The only place left to go is a liquid cooled, overhead cam, over square engine with a wider V angle and that market left them behind years ago.
I only use aftermarket parts on my 2011 SG I’ve replace the entire camchest with new S&S parts way better quality bike runs stronger. The aftermarket parts should diversify spread the wealth parts wise.
I never had a goal of riding a Honda. I am of the Easy Rider era. Besides that I love the sound of the HD Vtwin. Nothing compares for me. I am an audio engineer and sound is everything to me.
It will be interesting to see if Harley-Davidson can still sell if they become water cooled v twins in the future!
@@GixxerFoo Selling to a different crowd that doesn't have the history. It'll take a generation if at all.
HD lost the cool sound 25 years ago.. if you want the easy rider sound you have to go a ways back.. newer ones just don’t sound good.
@@ldeanmason1788 I have to admit the Shovel has the best sound.
Stick to audio engineering because you wouldn't make a good mechanical engineer. Harleys sound broken.
The aftermarket was born out of the manufacturer's lack of covering everything. For example, it is tools in the adventure class because it practically does it all out of the chute. I have a 2016 Night Rod Special, that runs and looks as good the day it rolled out of the showroom. And it performs like a modern motorcycle. It says Harley Davidson on it.
Hey GixxerFoo, nice video...makes a lot of sense. It is too bad about the Sportster. That was the bike I started on because I could afford it. And by the time I upgraded to Stage Two, nimble as it was, really rocked in the canyons! S & S, in my opinion, always ruled for the aftermarket. Still miss the Evo's though!
I will never be caught dead swinging a leg over one. People who think these are premium machines have no concept of value for money. It’s not about motorcycle it’s about an image. That image is driving down the road way too slow with a scowl on your face wearing absolutely no gear. Check out all these brothers, brother.
You are one DELUSIONAL INDIVIDUAL WHO JUST DONT GET IT Ride a HARLEY UP IN THE MOUNTAINS and get Lost on a back road GET INTO THE THROTTLE AND DRAG THE FLOOR BOARDS on THE TWISTIE black top in front of you Then tell me you feel the same WAY 🤔👍
Harley Davidson . The tshirt company that also makes motorcycles
Living in Southeast Wisconsin it's pretty much law to have at least one Harley in your Garage lol!!! Still running my 2011 Dyna Street Bob (bought new) but also have a 2020 z900 parked next to it as my actual fast bike!!!!
2022 heritage is the last new Harley I bought , I’m done with Harley , that being said I also own 95 heritage evo, and 2008 heritage tc, last year I’ve had nothing but bad experiences at dealerships,
You pay 5-8k more for the harley name then you have to after market it because its under powered then you have maintenance issues
I’ve had my bike 4 yrs now. I went to a Dealership 1 time to buy a rain suit out of town.
I never thought I would buy a Harley but when it was time to upgrade from my little 500cc Honda, I was hoping to get a sub 5 grand used gixxer or something along those lines, maybe a shadow, BUT it was spring of 2021 and the pandemic supply chain issues were still prevalent and everyone who was selling those used bikes knew that everyone wanted one and could name their price. I always thought Sportsters were dope with the air cooled engine, low maintenance drive belt, gear driven cams and pushrod actuated valves (i.e. long service intervals and fewer parts to break down) so I called up my dealer put a deposit down before it was even in the country! 3 years later I still love the character of the bike, and the EFI engine holds up just fine on the (Canadian) highways where the speed limit is at most 75 miles/hour, and that is only a short stretch of the trans Canada highway, typically it is 70. I rode down to El Paso and back the winter of 21/22 and found that a sixth gear would be greatly appreciated in the States. But all in all, I am really happy with the purchase and wouldn't really consider getting another modern Harley given the price and now lack of heritage. The aftermarket support was another really big selling point; being able to buy every part of an air cooled Sportster that isn't made by Harley is pretty dope!
I prefer the older simpler machines as there’s less to go wrong. Electronic ignition and digital odometer ok, but computers and motorbikes really don’t mix. I’m sure “they” can lean a bikes mixture enough to pass modern regs without the tech. I got into Harleys because the older ones with character are still relatively cheap and most parts are still accessible for them.
Well I’m 68, been biking 54 plus years. Just bought my first Harley, a 2019 Road King Standard, black with chrome added. 1300 miles on it. 3 things about this bike. I paid less for it than a new FJR1300 20 years ago. 2nd: The M8 107 is more powerful and smoother than I anticipated. 3rd: Elvis would have loved it it is so old school to look at. That’s all I have to say about that bike. I own 6 bikes now and would never buy a metric cruiser. Rest of my bikes are Japanese.
word on the street from a retired harley dealer the motor co is moving engine and transmission manufacturing is moving to india!
Today's motorcycles are collection of government regulations on two wheels. A parts for Harley-Davidson will sell x number of parts parts for after for other manufacturers will sell 10 times as many. Simple numbers.
I have asked this in numerous sights and NO ONE HAS EVER ANSWERED. What does it take to get rid of the ceo and board. I don't expect to get an answer here either.
Here's your answer: Financial Pain. Unfortunately, it has to start at the Dealerships - the true customer of MoCo. So, if you're buying a new motorcycle, then it ain't gonna get fixed.
Growing up the cool guys rode Harleys and they were all different. The catalog and aftermarket parts allowed to make each bike their own. That is why i ride a Harley. With such a rich aftermarket, i can make my bike my own. The Harley is a great jump off point to a personal ride all my own. No other brand can match that. The new stuff seem boring, I will stick with my twin cam.
It's just an America thing. Growing up (in France) the cool kids rode 2-stroke dirt bikes and Honda (also 2-stroke) NSRs.
I actually like some of the custom Pan AM's done in a touring look. It does look better without the fairing.
In the early 70's, AMF/Harley Davidson had a marketing slogan that read: Things are different on a Harley. And unlike most marketing slogans, this one was actually true. Things were different on a Harley. Now, they aren't. Harley Davidson has become just another recreational vehicle manufacturer.
Harley-Davidson always did things their own way and no one else built bikes like they did. If that's good or bad that's up to everyone's own opinion. Now Harley-Davidson is getting more like all the other manufacturers out there.
What attracted me to Harley-Davidson was the simplicity and infinite ability to rebuild. Now Harley-Davidson lost its soul and became a bad imitation of itself.
Looking at the current lineup there are WAY better choices at better prices out there. I am currently looking at other brands and I don't think I'll be returning to Harley-Davidson.
I got interested in H.D. in 1971,bc they were American made. I still love and ride a Harley no matter what. People that don't like Harley Davidson should shut up,quit crying about them,and buy what they like.
Harleys have appealed to customers through their senses (feel, sound, and smell). The M8 still have that but for how long? They can’t replicate that with “modern” motors(water cooled).
Harley is what I grew up around. It is in my blood. I have had four Harleys since 1979.Three new, one used. My current bike is a 01' FLSTS I got 14 years ago. All that being said I can't see myself buying another new one the way things are these days.
Not "starting" to lose their heritage, they lost it years ago. Not only are we losing our country, but we've lost the best motorcycle ever!!!!
The good old iron 883 got me on the Harley platform. Dyna followed and currently on a 2022 Road Glide ST. Wouldn’t be here without that Iron first
I started with a 05 softail, bought used owned for 5 years. Then a 14 ultra, bought new still own. Overall I stayed with HD because I could fix and maintain it myself and the ride feels mechanical. The newer bikes are much harder to fix in my garage and does feel like riding a machine.
I don’t need another bike . My 2006 softtail standard will suit me just fine .
My evo softail, has a soul to it!!
Yes gotta get up few minutes early, for work, in morning, gotta let bike warm up.
It’s not as fast as modern Harleys. Hell, it’s only a 4 speed transmission!!
But I love the mechanical, soul, feel of my 84 softail.
Plus zero payments!!
This is what it's about.
in one of the build offs or maybe it was a documentary on Indian Larry that he describes the attraction to the rolling art he created was the "mechanicalness of it". And that is exactly my definition too.
Don't forget to top off the oil because leaking oil is something the Evo does best. I know it is tough because you're a Harley rider with poor riding skills but try not to drag your front wheel through the oil when you back it out of the garage.
In my area, NE Ohio, you can literally save 10k on a new harley going to my local mom and pop dealership, Stinger vs the one owned by a ownership group. ITS NIGHT AND DAY difference in the service you receive between the two dealerships.
Just a thought, but I think some people just wanted a reason not to buy an expensive HD, just a thought.
Whats going on we lost Zepka, Hot Metal, Cerini and Zanotti HD in the past few years...