HOW has Harley-Davidson sold MILLIONS of MOTORCYCLES?
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- Опубликовано: 2 июл 2024
- What is the secret to Harley-Davidson's mass-market success and why has Indian been the only brand to make a dent and lodge itself in the mind of the American rider? Technical Editor Kevin Cameron and Editor-in-Chief Mark Hoyer talk about Harley-Davidson and Indian and what makes these bikes so successful here and around the world. Bring the thunder...
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I am 57 years old and own 4 EVO powered harleys (two baskets - an 89 springer and 91 fatboy, an 93 FLTSC - evo softail cruiser and a 92 FLHS - electraglide tourer). I have ridden Hondas and Ducatis. They are great bikes. Traditionally the fit and finish on Harley's are better, and the RIDING EXPERIENCE - even on the rubber glides - are VISCERAL. Just the right amount of vibe, gobs of torque, and predicatable reliable handling. Not world beating, but predictable. And the product line has enough variance (at least in the softail, dyna, touring frame days) to please everyone. And if you can't get what you want, you can make it your own. This is a close to "lean customization" (I am an engineer) running as close to an open source architecture as we have seen in mass market transportation. Please note that I am not a "biker" - I ride all motorcycles, and I would LOVE to have a Moto Guzzi. I think my favorite HD product was my 2013 Dyna Fatbob - great handling, relatively light weight for a "sport cruiser" - with a stage two kit, and a seat and bars and floorboards added after. It was my "modern FLH" - beautiful to look at and fun to ride. Thanks for covering this topic.
I think the huge aftermarket choices are one of Harley's draws.
Anything Evo (84) and up are "Big Boy Legos". Almost anyone can build a "custom" motorcycle with no fabrication skills. And people want to "personalize" their bikes. Even though a million owners are building slight variations of the same thing.
Is that a bad thing? I don't think so. It powers a large industry that feeds thousands of peoples families, and gives riders a sense of kinship with their machine.
Personally I prefer nearly stock bikes or full fabricated choppers. Lucky for me, I can show up at an event with either and no one is going to berate me for my choices.
It's a wonderful world.
I disagree because the fit and finish on any Harley is very low. Heck for they fell apart so often I literally met Harley riders in Home Depot looking for and getting the same basic low scale nuts and bolts. Dealers tell owners to go to HD. Visited a HD during Daytona Bike week and meet many Harley riders there in the hardware section.
Harley relied on the sales pitch of. "Buy American sicne the World Wars." Which they have not been now for years.
Of course a Guzzi is your other desire. These are two of the “loosest” brands when it comes to connection to the road. They feel like my 85 suburban with 90 degrees of play in the steering, floating along on marshmallow suspension components. How you could have ridden any Ducati with crisp precise feedback and prefer a 90’s Hog I cannot fathom. But you are not alone, so please help me understand what I’m missing…
"make it your own"...ah yes, the marketing gimmick that allows HD to put out incredibly expensive bikes with sub-par components (suspension, power, etc.), so riders can then spend $thousands more trying to get it up somewhat near to average standards from other manufacturers.
Thank you guys for acknowledging Sugar Bear. For too many people don’t know about his contributions to the motorcycle industry.
I love my four Evos. I like my three beemers, a Ducati, a GasGas, a Husky, and a KTM. New Harleys? Nah, the older stuff for me. All time favorite bike -- FXR.
FXRS here!
I’m far from an HD fan, but I’m a fan of HD riders who acknowledge the virtues of other bikes as well. Well done!
sounds like a great collection
I am relatively new to the biking scene. I’ve wanted a Harley ever since i can remember. I bought my first Harley 2 years ago at 58 years old. And now i see. Yes it is a lifestyle! I’ve put over 30k miles on in about a year
I put about the same mileage on my first Harley when I started riding at 43 years old. I’m now 50 and haven’t looked back.
You’re not a motorcyclist, you’re a Harley rider - see South Park so you see what people really think of you.
@@gtestastretta1 wow. Harley riders own other bikes. Stop being a douchebag and let riders enjoy what they want to ride. It doesn’t impact you. If I ever see you on my channel, I’ll block you.
30k? It's just about time to get it rebuilt. Sorry about your luck, but it's just reality.
Bought my first Harley in 1978. It was a ‘72 Sportster 1000 kick start only. I ride daily. I have owned Harley’s ever since. Every now and then I consider other makes and go test ride them. I even bought a BMW S1000RR and rode it for a while but kept a Road King and sold the Beemer. Harleys seem to be in my blood.
I love and still own the only bike I ever bought new, an 1987 1/2 FLST-Special. I love all bikes cause it just so fun to see how all the manufacturers put there ideas out to market and get the 2 wheeled job done. Singles, twins, triples etc... Each bike gets the job done but each in so much a different way. It's fun. In short, I hope the bike you own & ride puts a smile on your face everytime you throw a leg over it. Mine does, hope yours does too.
Well said!
Thank you for the kind reply. On my "To do" list is to ride a foot clutch/tank shift Harley and ride my late uncles' 2018 Ural 2-WD. With both I want to experience the most memorable yet terrifying 45 MPH of my life. 😃
@@mattmattes3913 OMG! Love it!
Thank You Kevin and Mark for another wonderful podcast. Would really love to hear you guys do a show on John Britten and his V1000.
Hey, great idea and we are working on a Britten podcast now.
A rabid MotoGP fan with a fleet of superbikes - I've never owned an HD. But seeing Kyle Wyman beat Tyler Ohara in that incredibly close final lap of the 2023 King of Baggers race at Road America, with the intensity of screaming at the big screen monitor with the throng of beer toting pirates going ape shit behind me in the grandstand was overwhelming. If you watch the official video of that race you'll see Kyle lean his bike against the wall and run along the turn-5 fence high-fiving fans until he was was completely out of breath. Mine was the first hand he slapped and it was seriously one of the most moving experiences of my life. Made me sure I'll own a Harley some day, just to be a member of that camp.
I have two bikes, 2019 HD Ultra, and a 2008 Suzuki Bandit 1250SA, which is highly upgraded. I ride 15k - 20k miles a year. at the end of the day we must ride what emotionally attracts us.
I had a test ride experience on a 2023 BMW K1600 GT. I was test riding with my wife, the dealership test tide leader was a retired CHP motor Sgt., Im a retired Stockton PD motor officer. After talking a little about our careers and riding he says "I'm going to take you on a real test ride". A short distance later we accessed a 25 mph corkscrew on ramp to I-80 at about 60+ mph, then rolled up to 120 entering the freeway. My wife later commented, " I thought my head was going to scrape the road". All on a bike I had ridden for two blocks, and with a passenger.
The point being the bike was incredible at doing its job, almost without me. It didn't need me, it was "soulless"
As great as the K1600 GT was I still don't have a strong desire to own one.
I enjoy tiding the HD because it reminds me of being on the police Road King. I enjoy riding the Bandit because it reminds me of my dad's GS1100, also highly upgraded.
The only other bike that really attracts me is the Triumph Bonneville. Why? as a kid I remember my dad and uncle street racing Triumph's and BSA's
Yamaha RoadStar was a great attempt at a “traditional” Vtwin.
It was ...so much so that Harley sued Yamaha because it too was using a single pin air cooled V-Twin. I had a 2006, which blew away the similar softail platform because they had the 88ci twin cam, compared to the Star's much bigger 1700cc power plant. Mine had V&H Longshots and sounded great!
During the AMF days a friend on his CB750 struck up a conversation with a Gold Wing Rider at a gas station. My friend couldn't help but notice the large Harley Davidson Logo on the back of the Goldwing riders jacket and asked why.
"I own a Harley Dealership but today i want to just ride and not work on a bike."
I still ride my 43 + year old AMFs daily without issues and never once had a desire to own a CB750 or a Goldwing.
Nonsense story if I ever heard one.
The amount of “profoundnesses” that sprang forth from you guys’ discussion in this episode was astounding - Bravo!!! 👍👍
From Southern California ~ Ride Forever! 🦅
I have owned and still own many different motorcycles, off road and street for the past 45 years. One of my favorite current bikes is a 2010 Road King, that bike hustles faster on back roads than it should, glides for hours at 85mph and never wears me out....As a bonus I get to take all of my crap with me and have the choice of windshield or not, sissy bar or not, rear rack or not.
I've been a rider for over 50 years and have considered buy a Harley on several occasions. What stops me each time from pulling the trigger is the image of the "typical" Harley rider. Or as my wife puts it, "You're just not a Harley type of guy." As much as I like Harleys and I would love to be able to tap into their massive dealer network as well as the huge aftermarket support, I would more likely buy an Indian because of the different image I would project as an Indian owner. So yes, image does so much to motivate buyers.
I have never owned a Harley and possibly never will but I appreciate their place in our motorcycle history and hope they continue to be a significant player.
There are people who like Harleys, and people who like motorcycles.
100% correct
Is this why the most popular bike in jap is Harley Davidson .. there is a company in Japan called Trijya that buys new Harley's from Milwaukee , rebadged them with the name Trijya and sells them back to americans for double the money .... There are already Trijya dealerships on the west coast
This is exactly the reason why Ive owned probably 2 dozen bikes in my 55 years and not one of them was a harley. Im just too into the engineering aspect and the capability of bikes. I took my brother's harley for a ride one day after he forced me to and I was shocked at how heavy, lethargic and awkward it was. Far worse then I expected. I was so paranoid at slow speeds that id drop it, felt like I was trying to maneuver a drunk elephant. Having said that, I do really like the way those sporter bikes look. Im guessing theyd handle far better as well.
@@user-xj5xp6qz5g Harleys have their place. I find low-speed manouvers on an FLH (with the steep head angle) are easy and intuitive. If you rode one of the more raked-out models I’m sure it was different experience. So yeah, I like motorcycles. Harley is a brand of motorcycle. But it’s not the only brand, and there are other brands far better in certain ways.
@@BillLaBrie correct... im not sure the model but it was a long low heavy pig of a bike. Even tho Im in my 50s now I still like to ride to my limit here and there so Im still buying sport bikes and motocross bikes for my local track. Maybe when Im even older Ill get a harely of some kind.
The older gentleman speaking about the Indian with the light green paint job reminded me of a couple years ago I was heading back from TOTD and pulled into a hotel and checked in. I went back out front for a smoke and that color Indian pulled up with light brown seat with matching saddlebags. I swear I sat out there for 3 hours staring at it. It was beautiful.
Great episode!!!
my last great scoot was a 1999 standard bagger only engine work was a timing chain at 200,000 km , my son rides it now.
Sold my Road King, bought a BMW K1600 GT, put it up for sale within a month and bought a new Road King. HD forever!
I bought the first r18 my local dealer received. I tried everything to make it work for me and gave up. Traded it in on a Harley at a huge loss but was thrilled not to own it .
Nothing else has the unique character and power delivery of a Harley Davidson.. and this is from someone who has never actually owned one. Ridden and worked on many. It's like no other. I get a similar feeling style from my Guzzi. But there's nothing like the click n roll of an HD. My favorite Harley engine (controversial) was the XB9R engine of course derived from the sportster line of things. 92hp light but had the best hustle and delivery and rumbles and shook in a way that made it feel like it was a living breathing animal. The 1200 version was not as good to me. Long live Eric Buell 😊
That 984cc Buell engine was my favorite the company ever made.
It's more than a machine. You don't ride specifications, but you do ride for the experience of it and Harley has evolved it's machines into a unique riding experience.
It's your roads, from my visits I can see how a lazy v twin would be really good. Europe's roads are very different, there are some US roads that are similar, but they're far rarer than the large, mostly straight ones.
Harley has been criticized for not advancing technically, but when they did with the V-Rod, they didn't sell.
Because the dumbasses put the motor in a drag bike frame. And it would drag in corners.
Folks were still into that mindset that a real Harley was strictly an air cooled V-Twin. Not only that, it was a Porsche designed engine, so no self-respecting harley rider would ride a German bike. Nowadays, H-D uses parts from around the world and the M8 has liquid cooled heads...go figure!
The “muscle cruiser” has always been a hard sell besides.
V Rod is a fun bike, but lacked the character that most want out of an HD. HD is the only one doing it, like it or not.
@freebehindbars8654 You want character? Ride a Moto Guzzi, plus they stop and handle better than anything HD ever made. Also, you won't see one at every stop sign.
The first time I rode my 2021 Road Glide Special I could not believe the torque and smoothness of the ride. The lower center of gravity made handling a breeze. I purchased a slightly taller windscreen and the riding experience got better. I added a Tall Boy Seat and Tall Boy handlebars and the riding experience got even better. I got some TAB Performance Bam Sticks and the riding experience improved even more. Now my riding time is a pure joy; the look, sound and feel of my bike as I go down beautiful country roads reminds me of all the other riders that have enjoyed their Harley’s for over a hundred years.
"It's a life style"-my friend said that 30 years ago. Perfect. Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.
I love my Softail Heritage 114. Just put on some TAB chrome slip on exhausts. I skipped the bogus Screaming Eagle Street Tuner. The ECM on my bike adjusts for the aftermarket pipes. It runs a bit richer is all. The O2 sensors can handle the mod. Saved me $400.
Now I do think the EPA is trying to kill the HD market with choking the M8 on emissions rules. The EPA is determined to kill the motorcycle market for cruisers.
One of the best discussions ever. Only thing missing was the influence of the outlaw motorcyclist phenomenon, which through Hollywood and TV has had a huge impact on Harley-Davidson's success once they embraced it instead of fighting it. But that's understandable since Cameron is more of a tech guy than a social studies teacher. 😅
That's an important area of analysis; the "Outlaw image". In 60 years of motorcycling, I've never been attracted to Harley because I've always thought they were too heavy, too slow and too outdated. Retro styling is fine, I own a Triumph Bonneville 1200 T120 after all (along with two vintage Yamahas, a BMW sport tourer and a KLR). However, retro styling with Triumph does not mean obsolete technology. A Harley barrier is the Outlaw image. I simply don't identify with them and none of my rich boomer cycle buddies do either. The Harley image is repugnant for many of us older riders and so yesterday for younger riders. Harley has a real problem with it's aging fan base and it's unaffordable offerings for younger riders.
The outlaw MC thing was more prevalent in the 70s biker culture than it is now. Nobody I know spends 1 second thinking they are an outlaw because they own a Harley. We ride them because we like the V-twin, push-rod, loping experience. And whether you think it's a marketing gimmick or not, Harley's do have soul that you feel when riding. As far as all the other usual complaints regarding outdated technology and being mechanically unreliable...well it's simply not been true for at least 20 years. I'm still putting miles on my 14 Limited that hasn't had any problems other than normal wear and tear. The technology is "outdated" because that's the bike we want, and even with that they are upping their tech game w/ VVT, liquid cooling and onboard electronics. But nobody buys a Harley to red line at the track on weekends. Also I see a whole lot of young guys riding or wanting to ride HD, but they do have a pricing problem. $35k for a new bagger out the door is pushing the envelope.
What a load of B.S.
I have an 06 Springer Classic, it's a work of art but a good motorcycle it is not! The front brake is so bad it's bordering on lethal. I also have an XR1200 Sportster, it's powerful and fast (with the usual caveat of "for a Harley") but the suspension is complete crap.
For me it's unacceptable that "premium" motorcycles need money spent on them to make them usable but still mediocre compared to other brands.
I bought into the Harley dream/ lifestyle and regret it. I will never buy another Harley even though there are a couple of current models I like.
My next motorcycle will be a Royal Enfield.
Sportster is a Sportster, then they ruined with the Sportster S and then even did themselves more damage by discontinuing the Sportster. Huge Mistake, makes them seem very out of touch with what people want or love. They are sinking all their efforts into these stupid electric and off road bikes, oh and baggers, all they sell is baggers. No more choppers, or Sportsters, it's all geezer gliders and saddle sofas. Sad really. I'll love HD till I die, but they need to stop thinking social credit score and think about what built them and that's old fashioned motorcycles that people LOVE.
KC has always been my favorite part of Cycle World! I have only owned Japanese motorcycles until a month ago. I bought an 07 Dyna with a 120R engine and it is a real beast! I like all bikes.
Great show gentlemen
As a life long Harley-Davidson owner, rider & enthusiasts, I was pleased to hear your insight on this sometime misunderstood subject.
I think you hit this elusive nail squarely & fairly on the head 🤔
I learned to ride on an Electra Glide classic. An 08. Then I bought a 22 RG. I did stage 1&2. It’s never given me a single problem, it’s 101 hp on the dyno and 119 torque and me and my wife have a blast together on it. For a short time I had a tuono. I don’t miss it. Once I left the dealership I have never needed anything. I love it and I am going to ride it as long as I can. I will never understand the hate. I am always smiling and having fun on it, and I don’t know how that could be a problem.
i never really wanted a harley till they came out with theM8.
All of what was said is true but the appeal of Harley (older HDs) for me is different. Simplicity, power/torque at RPMs most people cruise, great mpg, aftermarket support, low maintenance (air cooled, one carb or throttle body, hydraulic lifters, belt drive, etc)
Until you go around a corner.
@Scott-sb1xi We have a couple of those in Nebraska...we just slow down a little then so no worries.😊
@@Scott-sb1xi
None of you guy's who think you're Valintino Rossi are, you're just wannabes that dress up in a costume.
@dukecraig2402 Wearing something to protect you in a crash so you can go home to your family afterward is my costume. Nuff said.
You guys are so right how design, color and texture is a major factor on resonating with a potential customer. I wasn't shopping for a new bike, but when i got a look at the 2020 1050XT V-Strom where the styling tied in design details from their '83-'85 GS1100/GS1150's, as well as their Dr. Big 800 rally- winning bike, and finally in the pearl brilliant white/glass blaze orange, which connects back to the Marlboro and McClaren F1 team colors, I got really interested. I've had a lot of Suzukis and had some of my best racing and riding experiences on them, so getting interested wasn't too hard, but it was the emotion of the design and color that brought me in, and all the technical and performance aspects sealed the deal. The same bike offered in RM-yellow with gold rims nearly makes me gag. Thanks!
The past 2 CEO's at Harley have not been motorcycle people...
KOTB Racing is uniquely American with Indian and Harley. Some have called for other manufacturers to be included but I am not one of them. I love the fact that it is distinctly American and we own it! Ride American Ride Indian!
Fantastic discussion, my passion started with the Triumph Bonneville 750 air cooled twin, I was 18, finally decided to get a sportster 48 after 30 years in the Ducati saddle, but was looked down upon, sold that bike, went for broke, called Combat Motors formally Confederate, now everyone wants to know if I built it and how much.
Thank you worth a watch.
Very debatable
Never forget walking around Berlin and seeing a Ducati Diavel. Bike had a Mosco licence plate.
HD4LIFE
@@irishguyjg_2ndchancerecovery😂
HD makes a lot of money on Financing.. They sell their bikes on payment plans..
Not the first big manufacturing corporation to make more money off financing than product. But then look how some of them have failed, spacifically General Motors and General Electric. Most motorcycles are sold as a luxury item, not a transportation item. As such no one should ever buy one on time. If you cant afford to pay cash for a bike, you can't afford a bike. Harley Davidson is one economic downturn away from crisis. With Harley an economy in resessioin would mean slower sales compounded with defaults on $30,000 bike loans.
@@jerryandnancywertzbaugher7778 Since the Plandemic there has been a shortage of Repo Men.. so HD Corporate is forcing Dealers to Repo Bikes that the owners are behind on the payments.
Lop n e dealership uses this model
They didn’t make so much interest off me, I paid mine off three years early. Just today I got an interest refund check from mother harley!
@@jonnycando I got a loan for my 79 Z-28 Camaro $7,190.00 new $2,500 down paid it off in 2.5 years it was a 3 year loan. I paid cash for my 2016 Yamaha FZ-07 $7,400.00 out the door.. I got a low Interest Loan from Yamaha on my 2006 Yamaha Attack $9,500.00 Snowmobile. I used a low Interest Credit card to purchase a new 2014 Skidoo Rev 800 $11,000.00 but I out I guess $500 down on snow check on both sleds for the purchase price would have been plus the $500 Deposit.
At 50k miles my 2019 HD Ultra Limited destroyed its engine due to an inadequate oiling system . warranty is putting a brand new engine in. even at that I'm still 50/50 if ill keep it. Great motorcycles if you upgrade everything
Fantastic....
The Indian brand was popular even when there were no new bikes.
Tee shirts for miles.
I went through my Harley stage, never again!
In 1979 General Motors made 288,000 Camaros.. that's just one Model of car.. Not even Firebirds and Trans Ams...
How’s that Camaro doing now? Meanwhile the topic of the video keeps going. Cars have always outsold motorcycles in the the US.
@@freebehindbars8654 Only 3% of Drivers License Holders have a motorcycle Endorsement. My Camaro has 54,000 miles on it and it's in to storage.. I would like to do an LS swap .. put in a 4 ling Dana 60 rear axle .. bigger 4 wheel disc brakes rool cage and an LS engine swap set up to run on E-85
Kind of. I think you're putting too much emphasis on the company as a whole, they still sell plenty of bikes and discontinuing Sportsters was a huge mistake.
[non-Harley] Suggestion - Could you review the Best Open Class UJM of All Time, the GSF1200S? I have owned three Gen 1's, have raced them, built them, and toured Coast-to-Coast on them. Clark Kent in Stock configuration, the bike becomes Superman when slightly modified. What's the design history?
Its the sound, fell in love with Harley's over 4 decades ago and I love throwing a leg over on my Harley Davidson today ...
I've been around probably more Harleys than any other bike. I've never for a second wanted to own one. It's probably because I don't like noise and it seems like noise is mainly what they're good for. I love a quiet bike and even stock Harleys are not quiet.
What does it tell you when your podcast about KoB has the highest number of views?
I would love to hear more about Victory.
Great discussion. Prior to buying my first motorcycle, I always saw myself as a sport bike rider...that was until I sat on a used Harley-Davidson motorcycle for the first time at a small Harley dealer in 1999. The moment I sat on that Harley, I knew the Harley was the motorcycle for me. Since that time, I've owned six Harley-Davidson motorcycles (1 Evo, 3 TC88s, 1 TC96 and a M8). I've also owned a 2002 Suzuki GSX-R1000 and a 2002 Yamaha YZF-R1. The sport bikes rode well and I liked the sporty look, but they just pale in comparison to the beauty of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. I currently own a 2006 FXSTSI Springer that I've owned for 17 years and a 2022 FLHR Road King. While the Road King is clearly more advanced than the Springer, and I love the Road King, there is something about riding that Springer that is special. The Springer is more bare bones motorcycling and impossible to replicate.
Brotherrrrrr! I’ll stick with bikes that can perform.
The R18 in my opinion did not sell very well because they designed a bike nobody over 6ft could truly be comfortable on, I know this because I tried for 6 months after getting one for a bargain. It was a bargain because BMW's other mistake was trying to sell a base trim cruiser for $17k you could not customize without taking out a loan. A true shame!
Hd was big in my family, dad bought the first year sportster and only sold it when I was born(I wouldn’t have). My first was an sx125 that was technically road leagal even if I wasn’t allowing me to get my first job out of walking distance. 74 440 snowmobile which was a TrueType fine beast. 81 flt frame mounted fairing crazy reliable even the chain ran in an oil bath that if oil changed at the enigine lasted till I sold it in the middle nineties for the same price I paid for it in the first place. Bought the first evo sportster which I still have to this day(favorite bike)
Eric Buell , Project Nova ,, HD spent $116 Million to shut down the new Buell Factory .. Now they are losing Millions on the Livewire..
Most of it is probably "monkey see monkey do." I've ridden my whole life and didn't get into cruisers until my late 40s. I like the looks, though they're so common it doesn't excite me. My first Victory was all about the ride and practicality. While HD at the time was put together with better parts like switchgear and hidden wiring harnesses, the Vic was a way better riding bike at the time IMO. Move forward to HD's M8 and now they got a 4 valve head that runs cool and strong thru the rev range. They also improved the suspension braking and frame along the way. But on top of being able to travel in comfort two up and handling well enough for a street bike, one of their best features that no one talks about is simplicity. It's so bloody easy to do anything to them. Change the airfilter with one bolt. I used to have an FJR and while it was fast (and buzzy), it required removing about 40 fasteners to get the stinkin Tupperware off it to do anything. And the Michelin Commander tires out now are sticky enough for as far as they can be leaned and last about 20k miles.
If you actually ride a lot and don't feel the need to demonstrate how brave you are to have the most powerful bike on the Cycle World tech spec page, one could do a whole lot worse than a modern HD.
The sound of a heartbeat.... Thump thump....thump thump...?it does sound alive!
Interested to know percentage of foreign parts in Harley. I’ve heard by folx in the know say it’s upwards of 35 percent.
regarding Fueling, good ideas always become personal battles
99% of fishing lures catch fishermen, 1% catch fish. Motorcycles are no different.
What kind of fish do you catch with your motorcycle ?
So you know, Sportsters first received rubber mounts for the engine in 2004, not ‘03. My current bike is a 2023 FLHRXS Road King Special in billiard blue and it is amazingly comfortable!
Demand has remained high with a few dips due to the economy.
Sold millions of bikes.
Sold billions in accessories.
Sold billions of dollars in clothing and other merchandising.
So. HOW CAN PEOPLE KEEP SAYING HD IS GOING BANKRUPT?
Are there figures on how many motorcycles of 250cc and above are registered on American roads?
How about an episode on the race/escalation of the big Japanese 4 cylinder bikes in the early 1970's? CB750, Z1, Suzuki GS, Yamaha XS1100, GoldWing, etc?
I have been waiting for Harley to produce an XR 750 for the street since the early 70s , i think it would have sold well .
I also thought that would’ve been the way to go, especially when the „then“ new 500/750 twins were introduced (and recently shelved)
Yea, like the XR 1200 did. Haa, ha,ha
@@Scott-sb1xithe people that wanted one got one and then it was dropped
Well, every time H-D DID produce a truly different or Sporty model, like the XR-1000, the XL 1200 Sport, or the XR1200, they didn't SELL..
You can always buy the XR 750 kit & put it on a 1,000 or a 1,200.
thats why this time I bought the 2024 low rider st my baggers were too heavy mine cost 30k from maui with zero options payed cash. love it. big island been riding since the 70s my first true love was a XLCH I was a 14 kid riding on the back of the galloping gooses mc being friends from my best friends older brother. c ya
You're talking about Metric Cruisers not capturing sales. This is true, but I bought my 2008 Suzuki M 109R Boulevard about 12 years ago. I ride with many Harley riders, they all spent between $4,000 & $5,000 on their engines to hop them up. That's after spending $15,000 - $20,000 for their bikes, they still could not out perform my $8,000 suzuki! Things are finally changing with Harley, mostly to meet emissions, but this has also allowed them to get the performance they have badly needed to keep up and surpass the competition! They almost waited too long to make these changes in my opinion, as their sales were really waning in the past 5 to 10 years, they have came out with some really nice and powerful bike.
The other brands are always trying to muscle in on market share by copying Harley-Davidson.
It doesn't work.
For years the Japanese bought & paid for motorcycle magazines compared and mocked anything HD.
It was never about the better widget!
Till recently Harley-Davidson motorcycles did not change just for the sake of changing.
Most changes were for safety, government compliance, or to improve on an existing component.
A simple air cooled SOLID stylish machine.
With the retirement of Willie G.
Style has clearly taken a hit in favor of trying to attract younger or more trendy types of riders.
I doubt nationalism plays as much a part as simply having the genuine article over a quickly designed machine out to grab market share.
There is decades of customisation of Harley-Davidson motorcycles with aftermarket manufacturers parts and skilled craftsmanship applied.
Never ending stashes of used, and takeoff parts for HD motorcycles.
With little research anyone can see what fits what and interchange parts from one machine to another.
Theres multiple reasons why Harley-davidsons sell.
Japanese cars sell well because they came on the scene in America when the average American car was large and not very fuel efficient.
I remember the early Toyota corolla 1200 being a flimsy POS for the most part.
Quality improved fast and the Japanese automobiles really took off.
Lets face it, they took American and German ideas and in many cases improved upon them.
Different story with motorcycles though because knowone REALLY needs a motorcycle.
As much as I & anyone loves 2 wheels its not a necessity like a car or pickup truck.
Personally, I like UJM's and Goldwings.
Knowone does it like the Japanese!
But when they build a cruzer it will sit in dealers showroom till some rational minded chap finally buys it.
I've always bought Cycle world for the TDC.
Learned alot of interesting mechanical factoids over the years.
I will ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles until I can't ride anymore.
Tant no sense in trying to analyze why people like what they like.
I've owned many a Japanese scrambler and a buncha dirt bikes over the years because they do that better than most at a working mans price.
What are those headphones.
Can you please discuss Britten Motorcycle?
A channel called bart has that.
I asked my wife if my 50 year obsession with motorcycles had anything to do with love. She said I was fooling myself if I thought it was anything else.
200 hp Revolution Max engine in an updated VR1000 frame! I'll buy it!
I have a theory about Harley’s appeal: dopamine. We return again and again to any stimulus that causes the release of dopamine. My Electra Glide is heavy, hot, noisy, shakes, has lousy suspension, is relatively top heavy, but I’ll be damned if I can get rid of it for, say, a new Gold Wing DCT or BMW R1250RT which I KNOW are more advanced motorcycles. My Harley produces feelings I can’t put my finger on except to say that riding the beast releases dopamine. What say you and your viewers? Nutty theory?
Be interesting to see how the buyers respond (in the long term) with the tv screen virtual speedo/tacho setup
Couple that with the supposed ongoing expense to access the navigation, etc.
RUB's will be the only riders left cosplaying weekend badasses.
HD is the disloyal partner - it's basically saying stuff the traditional buyer - We want the luxury buyer.
I knew from a young age I wanted a motorcycle that runs like a tractor and uses a Ski-doo belt.
Tendy people buy em. " Ya I got a Harley". Now you think I'm cool.
I think your just mad because you don't have one
I've had 4 of em. Back when I was young and stupid. Wanna bee's ride Harleys today for the most part. Experience showed me how poorly engineered they were compared to any other bike I've owned. The damn things are as plentiful as F150's.
@@Scott-sb1xi I agree, you get very little performance for the money. Mostly an image brand. They do have some performance bikes but cost 2x what the competition does.
@irishguyjg_2ndchancerecovery
Envy is not always the case.
Traded my KTM for two up comfort.
I guess I have another comment that I don't really hear that often. I think Harley was very keen on connecting to. What a man wants and needs. They produced a product that was much like a canvas. Just appealing enough that could be improved. That could be better if I would just bolt this on it or for I would just change this or that I can make it better and then they sold you that.
Walking around a motorcycle show it's difficult to spot enthusiasts of Italian sport bikes, German ADV bikes or Japanese motocross bikes. Riding a dual sport is something you do but it's not part of an identity. Harley folks are different. They can be spotted from across the conference room floor. They embrace the lifestyle and it shows. It must be nice for Harley to evoke that kind of loyalty and commitment from their customers. I'm much more fickle about my purchases. The only time I remember buying the same brand of bike twice in a row was moving from a Can-Am TNT 125 to an MX4 370 in the 1970s. And I don't buy merch because my tee shirts now come from large tables at Costco.
Sooo..... Harley riders put on costumes for identity. Other brands just ride their bikes for the ride....not the look. Gotcha.
For your next live stream.
Question: off topic.
I learned it to be a windscreen.
There are two words used.
Windscreen
Windshield
Which is correct?
Is there a difference?
Richie, lives in Virginia Beach, VA
Bronx Bros Motorcycles youtube Channel.
A plug would be nice 😊😊
Harley Davidson is the worlds largest Cosplay business.
If Chevy made big block Monte Carlos they would sell out
Nice for cruising, shit for fast riding. Different tools for different jobs
2 harleys’ and they are great. Love to ride them. Love to hang out with them. Great quality. Great Dealer service. Most other dealers have motorcycles to sell. I also have honda. I love some of the things they do, but it is just a purchase. No ever ask me what I ride when I wear a honda hat. Everyone ask me when they see my Harley hat.
I own a KTM1290S, but I'm getting close to retirement (comes to us all) and all of a sudden cruisers look like something I might actually want to own... maybe it's just the onset of early dementia.
Ditto here. 1290GT and 390 ADV gone for a 2024 Street Glide.
It's important to keep your brain active. Some people reckon sage (the herb) can help as well. Keep up with news, do puzzles and crosswords, etc.
I can buy transmissions, cylinders, cams, heads, entire engines. From multiple aftermarket sources. Can you say that about any other manufacturer on the scale of harley. You can keep them running forever. So yea 20 grand is alot. But it can last for generations. And that has been proven. Mic drop.
Imagine being able to afford a new Harley from bagging groceries.
Been driving Harleys for 14 years. Mostly because they are great cruisers. Their big bikes lend itself themselves to long distance touring. Done it! Rewarding and frustrating .
I have no idea. They will never sell me one. I usually love these videos but not this one,
Royal Enfield, in 2023 sold 920,000 units(!)
800,000 of them in India, where they're built.
Victory was some great bikes... Really really good bikes... Their Vision still is amazing. Bummer they got flushed down the toilet...
They didnt get flushed, Polaris pulled the plug cuz it cross-competed with their legacy brand, Indian. The same reason that Ford no longer needs Mercury, and GM no longer needs Olds and Pontiac.
@@JeffKopis Turn of phrase. They killed it, nixed it, closed down the production. Yes, the reason is pretty obvious since the Indian name has so much more history, but "I" secretly wish Victory didn' thave to go away.
Have you ever seen a Honda tattoo...me neither.
The Nicest People don't get tattoos.
There are no Harley rallies in IOWA lol.
EVO for ever
Thanks for mentioning the Ducati Diavel - and your befuddlement with it. I share that view.
Get your motor running, get out on the highway. Born to be wild. HD is still a thing. They are even still running the XR-750 on flat tracks but Indians are winning the supertwins class. All I hear from my house are the loudest throttle blipping Harleys ever made. They are still a thing.
I hoping enough riders will listen to what you boys have to say. Unfortunately I'm afraid most will let your words go in one ear and out the other without thinking about two seconds about those words.
They have already made up their minds uttering the same old clichés I've heard for the past 50 years. Many discount the message because of the age of the messengers.
And today they’re not american anymore. so I bought a Polaris Indian. Simple. It’s better, too. HD5 bikes are not serviced here and not build in USA. Not that it’s better technically made in USA, but if I want a indian manufactured bike or a thai, I buy such a bike, not a Harley. The PanAm got excellent reviews by paid influencers, the bikes are sheit, international dealers have them standing flat in their shop. And you don’t see them on the street like any other chinese-italian, german, austrian, english big trailer. They might sell in the US, thx to the Brand, but the technical market in Europe has technical customers, not fools.
The rider of that harley is looking for parts in that old defunct factory, unless he’s wasted all his money on parts and now needs to sleep on the floor protected by a defunct factory.
How is it that you people know all about technology but you are still eating bugs & shitting over a hole in the floor ?
Didnt the japanese cruisers die because of the tariffs? Isnt the only reason harley stood the test of time and indian didnt was becase of the government?
Absolutely wrong. The tariffs were on 700 cc bikes and above. The Japanese just made 699cc bikes and below to get around the tariffs. And that was in the 1980's. Meanwhile, the Japanese had tariffs on all American products not just motorcycles, and they still have those tariffs on Harley's to this day. Indian went out of business in the 1950's. It had nothing to do with Tariff's.
@@JP-dw1fp cut and paste from Wikipedia
Harley-Davidson was the sole surviving American motorcycle manufacturer.[3] All of the companies models in production were heavyweight motorcycles.[4] Before the imposition of the tariff, Harley-Davidson was facing a sharp sales decline, mainly due to the competition of Japanese motorcycle companies. Less than a decade before, Harley-Davidson had a 100% market share of 1000cc or larger motorcycles within the US.[4] A decade later, its market share had fallen to less than 15%. Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki undercut Harley Davidson by 1500-2000 USD per vehicle.[3] In 1980 Harley-Davidson did 289 million USD in sales, which slumped to around 200 million USD in just two years. Employees also saw a harsh decline in wages and hours worked. The unsold inventory of bikes doubled during the time period, again due to the undercutting of Japanese counterparts.
@JP-dw1fp In March 1987, Harley Davidson made an "unprecedented action", and requested the removal of the tariff. "We no longer need tariff relief to compete," said Vaughn L. Beals Jr., Harley-Davidson's chairman and CEO.The tariff was removed by Ronald Regan on October 9, 1987, where he claimed the action would not harm the domestic industry.
The Japanese versions didn’t last because they were junk!
@@Elkslaya1 What absolute and utter nonsense 🙄