This Will Make Harley Fans MAD... (But It Shouldn't)

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 5 авг 2024
  • GET 25% OFF EVERYTHING IN THE CARDO STORE WITH CODE SPITE10 TODAY ONLY! bit.ly/3IUZ1hM
    If you like what you saw and want to support the channel, click that subscribe and bell button. If you'd like to help out even more, you can check out / spitescorner
    It's official! The Harley - Davidson X350 and X500 are headed to Australia and New Zealand. But will it stop there? Not if H - D is smart. Surely these bikes coming to America won't make anyone mad.
    Save Some Cash and Support The Channel
    CARDO (10% off with code SPITE10): bit.ly/3IUZ1hM
    FLYING EYES (10% off with code SC10): flyingeyesoptics.com/?ref=spi...
    Ever wonder what gear I use? Find it here:
    STREET GEAR
    JACKET - S&S Savage 2.0 - imp.i104546.net/y2eVNW
    GLOVES - REV'IT! Metric: imp.i104546.net/LXnMgV
    BOOTS - Alpinestars SMX 6 V2: imp.i104546.net/JzJMRe
    DIRT GEAR
    HELMET - Bell MX9 ADV MIPS: imp.i104546.net/m5zPr7
    ARMOR - Fox Racing Titan: imp.i104546.net/NkzMeq
    GLOVES - REV'IT! Metric: imp.i104546.net/LXnMgV
    BOOTS - Alpinestars Tech3: imp.i104546.net/eKqLJ1
    Want to get in touch or get more info about the channel? direct.me/spitescorner
    00:00 - Intro
    01:55 - The News
    06:04 - The Important Part
    11:28 - Pissing More People off...
  • Авто/МотоАвто/Мото

Комментарии • 541

  • @spitescorner
    @spitescorner  11 месяцев назад +8

    GET 25% OFF EVERYTHING IN THE CARDO STORE WITH CODE SPITE10 TODAY ONLY! bit.ly/3IUZ1hM

    • @b226tj
      @b226tj 11 месяцев назад

      As a 17 year old who currently rides a Triumph Speed Twin 900, in my opinion Harley should bring back the Sportster, but with an advanced “441” engine available(~30hp higher than other Harleys, with hidden liquid or oil cooling). I walked into a HD dealer and they tried to sell me a brand new Heritage Softail(have a TINY bit of daddy’s money), however I left and got a new KLX300SM instead(then traded(not evenly) later for my new Triumph), this happened when I was 16 and had only passed the MSF a few days prior.
      Note that I’m a little “sport bike” bitch boi and not the standard Harley rider size or masculinity level(not small, just used to ONLY playing video games and RARELY having to pick Bonnie back up).

    • @mattbandfield
      @mattbandfield 11 месяцев назад

      Thanks for the discount code Spite! I needed a new cardo and 25% off pushed me to actually pick one up.

    • @Panza1965
      @Panza1965 11 месяцев назад

      I own a CFmoto 650NK (in New Zealand) and will test ride the X500 soon. I love the Chinese motorcycles. My local Ducati/Triumph/Kawasaki dealership is my CFmoto Agent and the service is excellent.
      Living in the Asia/Pacific region i prioritise quality Chinese products over items from Indonesia/Vietnam/Pakistan/India

  • @the_derpler
    @the_derpler 11 месяцев назад +39

    Nothing is more America post 2000 than having a Chinese company make a Harley.

  • @ShaunLaBouve
    @ShaunLaBouve 11 месяцев назад +14

    I took my MSF course this year through Harley Riding Academy, we were told that here in the US, the X350 is only here to replace the Street 500 for the Riding Academy. Also, Harley salesmen will tell you anything they sell is a beginner bike.

  • @jauken83
    @jauken83 11 месяцев назад +6

    IMO this is the same reason why some HD dealers are selling Royal Enfields. The most expensive RE is what, $8k out the door?
    The cheapest HD in there starts at 13k. They're missing a huge market segment.

    • @adamlanglois563
      @adamlanglois563 11 месяцев назад +2

      Those are the smart shops. If you have Enfields at 7-8k your probably selling bikes all day.

  • @1tsCh3m
    @1tsCh3m 11 месяцев назад +83

    I'm gonna say HD probably aren't interested in catering to the entry level market or new riders. They and a lot of their users seem to be convinced that Harleys are aspirational vehicles that everyone will eventually want to buy.
    I wish them a very pleasant buyout from Royal Enfield or Polaris in a few years.

    • @akilh340
      @akilh340 11 месяцев назад +3

      I'm surprised none of the big 3 US car brands tried to buy HD

    • @doylecoody1651
      @doylecoody1651 11 месяцев назад +1

      😅😅 I agree with this statement.

    • @Crosmyn
      @Crosmyn 11 месяцев назад

      I agree with you about HD's preferred focus. HD feels this is where their strengths are. And this is why I disagree with the video premise that HD offer smaller displacement cycles. Leica isn't criticized for a lack of low-end cameras. The crucial difference is that Leica is with this approach while HD's circumstances are increasingly problematic. I think HD should stay open to the idea of smaller displacement cycles. But more power to them if they pull a rabbit out of the hat and come up with a way to stay high-end only.

    • @nickmartin5803
      @nickmartin5803 11 месяцев назад +2

      Would it make any sense for Harley to buy/start up a second "minor league" brand for smaller, cheaper motorcycles? Like how GM has Chevy and Cadillac? Or Honda/Acura or VW/Audi? Could Harley introduce a second brand to serve as their Chevy/Honda/VW while keeping their flagship models all labeled as Harley and held in Cadillac/Acura/Audi-like esteem?
      The top models from their minor brand could run the full-sized Harley engine, but just be stripped down on comfort/tech stuff. Or vice-versa... include 90% of the tech but then also require buyers to step up to a "real" Harley to get the full-size engine if Harley still wants to keep the label of being the big manly man company.

    • @Motoboo_Marine
      @Motoboo_Marine 11 месяцев назад +3

      Totally agree. There's a ton of people in the millennial generation and younger that would love to own a Harley but nope out when they see the price tag. We can barely afford a place to live, don't make it any harder for us. And gtfo out of here with the financing thing, we're not all financially illiterate.

  • @peterwilson8039
    @peterwilson8039 11 месяцев назад +9

    I've said this before, but I don't think the Harley dealers will want to sell them because there isn't enough markup in them. Harley needs an alternate retail channel if they want to sell cheap motorcycles.

    • @lexwaldez
      @lexwaldez 9 месяцев назад +2

      I dunno man. It's like that BMW G 310GS. You want that gateway drug. Get the new riders in and give them a taste of something awesome. Hook them on your brand and they'll be back for more expensive stuff if they did their job. The trick there is... those entry level bikes have to be super compelling while still making those riders want to upgrade a year or two after that initial purchase. But yeah, Harley will screw this up hugely. No doubt.

    • @izaacmp
      @izaacmp 7 месяцев назад

      And those dealerships eventually will go out of business with that strategy and mindset. The majority of HD riders aren't going to want a 350cc bike, so the majority of the market will still have high markups. But if you refuse to give new customers a reason to enter your store, you will eventually run out of returning customers.

    • @peterwilson8039
      @peterwilson8039 7 месяцев назад

      @@izaacmp That’s what’s happening.

  • @punchbuggyyellow7097
    @punchbuggyyellow7097 11 месяцев назад +8

    Please don't try an Aussie accent again. 🤣 BTW Rant incoming, but not for the reasons you predicted.
    I was really excited to visit a Harley dealership for the firs time in my life (I'm 53 btw) when they arrive in December after the announcement & test ride both bikes. But then HD released the pricing & the HD tax is real, even on their Chinese models.
    Pricing in Australia is "Ride Away", which includes all fees & taxes plus 12 months registration. The X350 ride away price starts at $8,495 AUD & the X500 is $11,495 AUD. To put that in perspective, the CFMOTO 650MT Adventure bike is currently $200 cheaper than the X350 & the 700CL-X Adventure is $5 cheaper than the X500. CFMOTO has been in Australia for almost 2 decades, so they're not the new kid on the block like they are in the US. In Kawasaki money, the Ninja 400 is only $500 more than the X350 & the Z400 is just $35 more, while I have my pick of the entire Honda 500 range for less than the X500 - CL500 $10,154, CMX500 $10,513, CB500F $10,699, CBR500R $11,184 & CB500X $11,390. Even the KTM Duke 390, the best selling naked bike in Australia, is $8,195, $300 cheaper than the X350. To add to the insult, the Benelli Leoncino 500, essentially the same as the X500, is $8,990 here. WTF Harley Davidson?
    I have no doubt that the X350 & X500 will sell in Australia, but the pricing is a big misstep, especially on the X500. I can't help but think that anyone who rides away with the X500 would feel royally ripped off if they saw the Benelli price after they'd done the deal. Australia has such a competitive motorcycle market, especially in the sub 660cc learner legal market where the X350 & X500 sits, but HD's pricing is way out. While everyone else is writing their prices with a sharp pencil, HD is writing theirs in crayon. I see a future of sales targets not being met & discounts aplenty in HD's future with these models, especially wit the Triumph 400's landing here a month later in January.

    • @wizrom3046
      @wizrom3046 11 месяцев назад

      Neither bike really competes with the superb Duke 390. The 350 has way less power, the 500 has way more weight, and they both look like fugly trail bikes. And overpriced.

    • @adamlanglois563
      @adamlanglois563 11 месяцев назад

      Those new little triumph bikes also look the business. The new import Harley Davidson bikes look pretty ugly next to them.

  • @dawndamron7391
    @dawndamron7391 11 месяцев назад +6

    I watched a very interesting video from MC Rider where he topic was listed as something like "Harley riders are the worst riders". Of course I had to watch that! His theory is that so many young and new riders grew up around Harleys and that is the only brand they want. But Harley doesn't offer a "beginner" bike, mostly because they can't sell them. So this brand new rider goes out and buys an 800 pound Harley that is way too much for them to handle in anything except a straight line. It was interesting.

  • @tomoates8568
    @tomoates8568 11 месяцев назад +14

    It is a good thing! I'm happy to see these companies like HD and Triumph coming out with these smaller displacement bikes. More affordable and practical, good competition for a lot of these other companies that have been coming out with smaller displacement bikes for years now.
    Also, Harley doesn't exactly have a good choice for a beginner bike with the Nightster being their cheapest new bike for around 14 or 15 k, so these bikes would be great for them to have as an option

    • @n7sithis336
      @n7sithis336 11 месяцев назад +1

      "more affordable" and "harley" don't go in the same sentence.

    • @bulthaosen1169
      @bulthaosen1169 11 месяцев назад

      Yeah but triumph made a new bike. It was not a rebadging.

    • @RiverRat1953
      @RiverRat1953 11 месяцев назад +1

      I went to the HD dealership to pick up a part for my 2005 Sportster 1200 custom and there was not a new Sportster under 17k. The floor was loaded with bikes and no one looking except me. I believe HD days are numbered. Oh, a T shirt was $50!

    • @tomoates8568
      @tomoates8568 11 месяцев назад

      @@RiverRat1953 Geez! Didn't know it was that bad! Who in their right mind will buy a Sportster for 17k?!! The only bike from HD I'd be interested in is the Low Rider ST, but it's just too expensive for me to justify the purchase. I'll stick to my cheaper bikes that I can outfit to be able to do the exact same thing

  • @Jim-nm1en
    @Jim-nm1en 11 месяцев назад +8

    I agree with you that HD need to have a more affordable entry bike to the marque. A lot of new riders tend to stick with the brand that they started out on, so, HD will definitely missing a trick if they don't make the 500 available to beginners.

    • @goshawk4340
      @goshawk4340 11 месяцев назад

      The Buell blast 500 is a Harley engine in a naked bike frame. It's qurky but you can find a good deal on one.

  • @wittowat9131
    @wittowat9131 11 месяцев назад +5

    How the hell are they so heavy

    • @sandy99797
      @sandy99797 11 месяцев назад

      It has a harley badge so it doesn't matter

    • @spitescorner
      @spitescorner  11 месяцев назад

      Pretty sure the Benelli is heavy too. Probably just a beefy frame.

  • @spenkerdetanker9067
    @spenkerdetanker9067 11 месяцев назад +18

    as a 21 year old who got his license at the beginning this year (I'm in europe btw) and I got a 1995 softail EVO as my first bike and I absolutely love it. the issue is is that I got it second hand because even as someone who lives at home and has barely any expenses, I cannot afford a brand new harley for SURE

    • @LRangerdriver
      @LRangerdriver 11 месяцев назад

      Excellent choice

    • @colemanmorefield
      @colemanmorefield 11 месяцев назад +1

      Continue to buy bikes used
      One of the best things you can do for yourself

    • @six.....
      @six..... 11 месяцев назад

      I was in my mid 30s when I finally got my first new one

  • @SummitCoyote
    @SummitCoyote 11 месяцев назад +11

    CFMoto is doing fine with reliability.
    "youre supporting china" *posted from chinese phone after watching on a chinese laptop*

    • @spitescorner
      @spitescorner  11 месяцев назад +5

      Source: He owns one.

    • @SummitCoyote
      @SummitCoyote 11 месяцев назад +2

      @@spitescorner also the guy at the dealership that I bought mine from basically says they don't hardly ever see them come back in for anything mechanical.
      most of the repairs that aren't caused by the actual owner are electrical but Even then they don't come in with those issues more than any other brand that they sell.
      I haven't had a single issue.

    • @SubieSpecs
      @SubieSpecs 11 месяцев назад +4

      Reminds me when I was a kind in the 90's, hearing a certain.. demographic... talk about japanese cars as unreliable. "Jap Crap" was the phrase thrown round. How does that opinion land today? Aged like milk. 😆
      That same demographic happens to be harleys core audience. But here's the thing, that's not the audience these new bikes are targeting, so, it's kind of a non issue what they think. It's not like they're gonna sell up their Road Kings in disgust and never buy another full size harley is it?
      So, why don't we have both? /el paso kid

    • @hecticphusion
      @hecticphusion 11 месяцев назад

      @@SummitCoyote how long have you had your CFMoto and which model?

    • @theurbanway10
      @theurbanway10 11 месяцев назад

      Soon all bikes will be built in either China or India..

  • @LordMcKrakenVonLittleBits
    @LordMcKrakenVonLittleBits 11 месяцев назад +4

    That was my same reaction that you can learn on it but can't buy one. It would be such a streamlined process to sell those little bikes. They'd be minting money doing that. They could do one better and ditch the dealer fee or offer a discount if you go through their course.

  • @bohicagaming4462
    @bohicagaming4462 11 месяцев назад +8

    I can imagine them missing it, lol. Personally I have no idea why they didnt make a 883 adventure after seeing some of the custom built sportster adventure bikes.

    • @darkiee69
      @darkiee69 11 месяцев назад

      That lump of an engine is to big and heavy for an adventure bike. What the should do is bring back the 750 revo x and build a midsize,light, adv bike around it. Without all the trills and spills from the PanAm.

    • @mojomanmurph1925
      @mojomanmurph1925 11 месяцев назад

      BAND-MAID!!!

  • @MatthewWardFLA
    @MatthewWardFLA 11 месяцев назад +4

    Took the MSF course over the weekend at my local Harley dealer, they had the X350 as the trainer bikes, the instructors said they will be used for 3 years and then destroyed as they aren't street legal in the US. With that said it was a fun little bike, but I opted to use the street 500. this bike certainly is not a Harley, but I'm sure some will slip through the cracks and wind up on the streets

  • @SamSwanner
    @SamSwanner 11 месяцев назад +3

    The problem Harley is going to have is the same problems they had with the XG500 and XG750. They won't know how to market them and the dealers aren't going to want to sell them. Honestly, the dealerships will be they death of Harley because they are a huge part of why Harley's attempts to branch out fail.

  • @surendarmohan9878
    @surendarmohan9878 11 месяцев назад +3

    Agree on your thoughts. You should check out Harley Davidson x440 build with colab from Hero India. The motorcycle has been launched 2months back and the production unit will get rolled out by October. Many Harley owners and reputed moto journalists were pissed of initially with the idea, but the product has been well received after test rides. Now they've crossed 30k bookings in 1 month, my booking has been postponed to November.

  • @johnnykamikaze0
    @johnnykamikaze0 11 месяцев назад +1

    Everybody seems to forget that this isn't the first time Harley has tried this. They invested in Aermacchi in the 60's and offered many badge engineered/captive imports under their own name. They were reasonably successful but there was corporate mismanagement that almost killed the whole brand that did kill their captive imports.

  • @raulcarmello1163
    @raulcarmello1163 11 месяцев назад +4

    I totally agree with you Spite, sometimes less is more. I also would like to watch your comments on the Harley Davidson X 440 that's been made by Hero Motocorp in India. Cheers mate.

  • @hakankillberg6043
    @hakankillberg6043 11 месяцев назад +3

    Yes you are totally right. Maybe Harley just want to be in the higher luxuary segment just like Ducati. They are afraid that if everyone ride their bikes the hype goes away and decrease the brand. They want us to dream about their bikes and in the long run buy it. But to many seems to dream and their business model slowly dies

  • @dshall442
    @dshall442 11 месяцев назад +3

    Biggest thing with this is if they do bring it to the US, they need to follow it up with a major culture shift in the dealership. Test rode a Buell in 2003 for my second bike and was told I didn't want that thing... 5 years later went back to test ride a (sadly not well known) VRSCR Street Rod and was once again told I don't want that thing. Harley sales people only know how to sell Harley's to old guys only getting older.

    • @spartanx169x
      @spartanx169x 11 месяцев назад

      Looking at a XB9R now for $3000 with 7K miles. I can tolerate taking a hit on replacing things for that price.

  • @dasko3
    @dasko3 11 месяцев назад +16

    Honestly if they price it in accordance with the level of finish that it comes with, it should sell well and that will hopefully get the dealers on board. But weight, finish, price point, and getting dealers on side will all he hurdles to overcome.

    • @brokeandtired
      @brokeandtired 11 месяцев назад +1

      Harley better keep an eye on maintaining quality....Harley had a bad history with low cap shitty rebadges in the 70/80's.

    • @spartanx169x
      @spartanx169x 11 месяцев назад

      @@brokeandtired I will give 10 to 1 odds, they will have constant problems and be yet another Blackeye for HD.

    • @h3llb3nt
      @h3llb3nt 11 месяцев назад +1

      ​@@spartanx169xbenellis are actually good bikes though not powerful but good enough for someone like a learner

    • @bulthaosen1169
      @bulthaosen1169 11 месяцев назад

      @@h3llb3nt nah. I refuse to buy rebadged stuff. Hands on R&D on some level is absolutely necessary. For example BMW g310 is a good way to go about things. Or the triumph 400. Those aren't rebadged.

    • @h3llb3nt
      @h3llb3nt 11 месяцев назад

      @@bulthaosen1169 the r&d is already done by benelli? Im sure some plastics wont affect the bike but my fear is the manufacturing and not r&d and whether you like it or not Chinese quality is vastly improving compared to indian made bikes

  • @gregoryibbetson3951
    @gregoryibbetson3951 11 месяцев назад +4

    I think it is an excellent idea and i believe the need to do it as well. Would love for them to do the 500 and either make a scrambler version as well or at least have after market to do so, just like Triumph. This would hopefully be a good starter to then transition to ADV.

  • @michaelbrewer3777
    @michaelbrewer3777 11 месяцев назад +2

    IDK, dude. With so many smaller CC bikes on the market for so much less, I just can’t get over that Harley just doesn’t seem to care about the consumer. I can get a brand new royal enfield for $3-5k and spend another $3-5k tricking it out in whatever style I want, and still spend thousands less than getting a stock Harley.

  • @TerraMagnus
    @TerraMagnus 11 месяцев назад +1

    “Not at this price, though.”
    Amen. That’s pretty much why I don’t roll that way.

  • @davidvanameyden7629
    @davidvanameyden7629 11 месяцев назад +1

    H-D should take a page from Apple's playbook and label these entry-level bikes with, "Designed in Milwaukee".

  • @zackadams419
    @zackadams419 9 месяцев назад

    After taking the MSF course with Harley, I grew to like the Street 500 I used for 3 days. The instructor said the exact ones we used would be up for sale after fresh maintenance, and fixing any cosmetic blemishes. Each bike would be $3000. But taking the course in July, I didn’t want to wait until November for them to go on sale. Since there ain’t many of them out there, I opted for a Yamaha Vstar 650. They could’ve had my business early on if they sold them here.

  • @jburnham9109
    @jburnham9109 11 месяцев назад

    I am an MSF coach at a Harley dealer and our new training bikes are X350s. The X350s are only here in the US as training bikes.
    I will say, unless they will be offering better seat options, the X350s will not sell well. They are unbelievably uncomfortable, tall and short riders alike. I am 6'3 and put 35 miles on one for break-in.
    I could not wait to get off of it. My other shorter coaches who were also riding one felt the same, so it isn't the height issues. Its not even the more sport bike riding position. The seat is like 1/2 an inch thick and the suspension is incredibly stiff. Think unloaded heavy duty truck.
    Unless they make changes to the X350 or the X500 is different, no one will want one from a comfort standpoint.

  • @bradleyyounger8499
    @bradleyyounger8499 11 месяцев назад +4

    I think a smaller cc starter bike would be a great thing. I thought the street series was a great idea. HD use to have the hummer and sprints. Both great bikes

  • @MightyMouzMoto
    @MightyMouzMoto 11 месяцев назад +3

    I actually like the look of the Street Rod, too and totally agree, "Not at that price tho!" As far as the beginner bike thing, it seems to me that they totally rely on Honda for that. Lol I've lost count of how many Harley riders I've heard say they started on a Rebel or Shadow.

  • @MCmotoUSA
    @MCmotoUSA 11 месяцев назад

    Same boat on Harleys. I’m a late 30s dude new to motorcycling, and I love cruisers. Not once did I consider buying a Harley because they’re too expensive. I could have afforded it, just can’t justify it. Went with a used Victory and I’ve been having a blast for a fraction of the price, and more power than I know what to do with yet. My wife checked out the Iron883 and a Rebel 500, went with the Rebel for her, again because of the price.

  • @jbkerns
    @jbkerns 11 месяцев назад +2

    There will be a ton of used HDs on the market in the next decade as more Boomers dump them. However, they will be skipped because of HD dealer repair rates.

  • @UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen
    @UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen 11 месяцев назад +2

    Man, people aren't going to buy those here. They are going to get clowned riding those China Davidsons.

  • @theorthobiker
    @theorthobiker 11 месяцев назад +2

    Despite my rage I am still just a rat in a caaaaage!
    Wait, was I supposed to be angry? *Gets off sportster*
    I DO think that they need a plausible beginner friendly bike, but I just don't understand why they cannot actually make one instead of outsourcing one.

    • @spitescorner
      @spitescorner  11 месяцев назад +2

      Dude no kidding! I'd love a USA made Harley beginner bike, but with 883 gone it seems unlikely.

  • @ParrotHead1809
    @ParrotHead1809 11 месяцев назад +2

    No Rage from me: I agree that HD needs to entice the younger market. This would make sense. Also, to use it in their MSF class would make for an easy bridge-to-sale. HD needs to get those newly printed "M" endorsed drivers licenses to buy a HD bike (and not a 800+ lb., 1750cc touring beast!). Something more akin to a 500 or 650 or even 750 import. Nice Vid. Keep it up!

  • @killdozer3464
    @killdozer3464 11 месяцев назад

    we have the 350 here in the dealerships. had them for a while, but they are for Riding Academy use, not for sale. But a lot of us agreed that if HD made one of those bikes, but with the 975 motor of the nightster, we would buy one on a heartbeat.

  • @MattMills91
    @MattMills91 11 месяцев назад +2

    Agree with every word you said. I think the Rebel 500 is the ideal bike to compare to.
    When people ask me what bike they should first buy, I always say Rebel 500. It is plenty to live with, easy to learn on, and provides enough power that you will last at least a few months before getting bored. It also has enough aftermarket support so people can get into the idea of modifying.
    The fact the harley does not have adequate competition to the rebel, or the lower MTs, or *insert name of asian bike here* is a monumental fail and always has been. I think it shows in the sales numbers.
    You treat someone exceptionally well when they have no money, they will remember you when they have more.

  • @MrEiniweini
    @MrEiniweini 11 месяцев назад +4

    Australia has a pretty similar geography and demographic to the USA. Our license requirements are under 660cc for the first two years and then you need to re-test for your open class. I am pretty sure we are going to be a test market for HD with the X500. I can't see the X350 doing well though. I could be wrong on the 350 though. Sydney and Melbourne are sprawling urban areas similar to LA and the 350 might be a choice as a strict commuter bike. The other cities tend to be more suburban and have a lot of hills around them, quickly transitioning to rural areas. You need a bigger engine for that type of riding. I am excited to see how it goes even though I ride a Sportster S and am not personally looking backward.

    • @adammfharris
      @adammfharris 11 месяцев назад

      I agree with almost all of your comment, but Australia absolutely does not have a similar demographic to the states. The difference is that (35 year old from Ga) you are literally shamed by Harley riders for riding a bike that isn’t a Harley, unless you are one of the people here that ride another brand. Spite and a few others have channels that receive good views, but the market in the States is absolutely dominated by big Harley Davidsons, and we are almost programmed to only think of Harleys as motorcycles. Harley can charge so much because they are selling a lifestyle and an identity. We really don’t have any globally competitive motorcycles made here. Our entire country can’t come up with a moto GP entry. As a whole, we aren’t interested in good motorcycles. I ride a GS Boxer personally. Spite rides imports too….
      But we are a really low percent of the population. Every other country I’ve been to looks at bikes differently as a whole. America is weird.

    • @DeepBarney
      @DeepBarney 11 месяцев назад

      ​@@adammfharris nah, mate he's right. As an American who's lived/been all over in the States and spent a year riding around and working in Australia, the demographics are pretty similar. No doubt there's cultural differences, but we're more alike than not.

    • @rpivanyos5610
      @rpivanyos5610 10 месяцев назад

      Actually, there’s quite a lot of Harley bashing in the States. For myself, I see the value in all bikes and find that people typically compare apples to oranges. Spite is right about the price points. Many hardcore Harley riders, including myself, buy used bikes due to the second mortgage, indentured servitude and the act of parting with a kidney that you have to go through. I wouldn’t mind a brand spanking new Harley, but my 2003 Fat Boy is pretty darn spectacular as far as cruiser riding experiences go.

  • @gotochurchalready
    @gotochurchalready 11 месяцев назад +1

    I have owned a Chinese bike before. All the damn bolts were crap on them. Then defends sending more shit to China because "we are already doing it"

  • @vaporcaper9601
    @vaporcaper9601 11 месяцев назад +2

    I think they need to do more both small displacement and try different engine types could you imagine a sportster with a large displacement parallel twin or an inline 4 ! I can and if they do that i can almost guarantee the younger riders will definitely be on board!

  • @steveloy8273
    @steveloy8273 11 месяцев назад

    When I picked up my 2006 custom 883. I asked how much of my motorcycle, was made in the USA. I was told 0. It's a great motorcycle. I've have had sense February 2006. 0 problems. I love it. I'm older and looking for a lighter motorcycle. I'm all for it. And I don't want to spend my last 10 years working to pay for a new bike. Good job on this video.👍

  • @vikas4685
    @vikas4685 11 месяцев назад +1

    Look at Harley X440 from India. It's developed along with Hero motocorp. Costs around $4k.

  • @S.O.Gustave
    @S.O.Gustave 11 месяцев назад

    I’m interested in getting the 2023 yzf-r7, I’m 5’10 & 160lbs and mostly plan on riding daily but sometimes on the backroads. I’d be switching over from a 370z w/ 16mpg and I was wondering if you would recommend it and if so some good dealership’s in the Austin area

  • @bruggertrucking4520
    @bruggertrucking4520 10 месяцев назад

    I don’t really believe in the term “beginner bike” the first bike I rode was a 78 shovel 25 years ago. The first bike I bought after 25 years of not riding was a 2020 street glide. You can learn on anything, as long as your comfortable with it in your head. The only problem with Harley is price point. As far as Harley’s business decisions……that’s Harley’s business. Great video!

  • @MostlyInteresting
    @MostlyInteresting 11 месяцев назад +2

    I liked the 500 and 750 V twins. The china parallel twins will probably be OK bikes. But the reason I would not touch them is the HD dealers and how they treat people. And the way the HD cult fan boys will treat everyone riding one of these with derision. I don't don't need that crap in my life. HD's biggest problem is Harley owners.

  • @charlesbolin7249
    @charlesbolin7249 11 месяцев назад

    I noticed that the 3 local HD dealers in my area started selling off their Street 500's that were used in their MSF courses. So I guess weather or not they sell the new ones here in the US is yet to be seen but, they are replacing the MSF course bikes, have yet to see what the replacement ride is going to be.
    I took the Harley course on a Street 500, then bought a new XL883N in 2022, I felt the Sporty was easier to handle than the Street 500, go figure. It's nice in town, but not so nice on the highway.
    Going to learn 2 up so I can go on adventures with the old lady, so I'm thinking Heritage Classic, then Road King 114 either special or FLHP add all the touring goodies.
    I hope HD figures out how to be successful in the "entry level" market, that would benefit HD and the customer base.

  • @hunterst0989
    @hunterst0989 11 месяцев назад

    I can tell you for certain from experience the most reliable thing on the hawk is that cg230 pushrod motor. I have 60k+ gps recorded miles on my 2016 hawk. Welds have failed. Suspension has failed. Swingarm has failed. Fasteners have failed. But that motor just keeps on keeping on.

  • @jauken83
    @jauken83 11 месяцев назад +2

    All the time and money HD is putting into trikes tells you all you need to know about who they view as their customers.

  • @TrackMania753
    @TrackMania753 11 месяцев назад

    I ride a GL1100 it’s been my first bike for almost a year now, part of me wants a smaller displacement engine (EDIT:or at least a couple less cylinders) bike to try some things out on and hone skills. As long as it’s reliable and easy to wrench on the country of origin isn’t an issue.

  • @Skipshift
    @Skipshift 11 месяцев назад +1

    1000% Harley needs to bring in a more affordable option for up and coming riders.
    There's a reason when I went to my nearest Harley dealer I bought a used MT09 instead 🤣

  • @ohdirtracer
    @ohdirtracer 11 месяцев назад +1

    For sure bring the x350 to the states. It's by far the best looking HD to date.

  • @aritradas7154
    @aritradas7154 11 месяцев назад

    you're spot on regarding the sportster 975... i wanted to upgrade from my beginner rebel 500 and it was definitely in my list... i m in my mid 30s and sure i could buy that in cash... and i don't mind paying a little premium for the HD brand name... but it's just wayyy overpriced than it's competitors... plus all the accessories and HD dealer fees are over the top as well...

  • @Panda-rb7fl
    @Panda-rb7fl 11 месяцев назад

    I've lived in China since 2011 (I'm Irish), and I've been traveling here for over 20 years. When it comes to manufacturing of engines/bikes/vehicles here, the progress in the last fifteen years or so has been incredible. In the mid 2000's-early 2010s, the idea of Chinese cars and bikes being comparable to Western/Japanese brands was ludicrous, the tech and materials were at least a decade behind the best from overseas. Today, that's not the case, and in my opinion China has already overtaken the West & Japan in one key area - EVs. There are around two dozen major EV marques all with a full range of vehicle types, from SUVs to sedans to compacts, all with amazing tech, competitive range, etc.etc.
    To get back to bikes, I see it as similar to what happened with British bikes and Japanese bikes in the 70's. Chinese bikes have had such a bad reputation for so long, that a lot of riders have dismissed them entirely, and I agree with your assessment that this could be a huge oversight in the very near future. There are lots of very good, reliable, cheap bikes being made here, and if one or two companies establish a partnership to begin selling in bulk in North America, they could really take over a large chunk of the market.

  • @ronoldcross8189
    @ronoldcross8189 11 месяцев назад +2

    We as a nation did not choose the China route. The politicians and bus moguls did that to us.

  • @coryleigh3707
    @coryleigh3707 11 месяцев назад +2

    Thanks for the cardo deal, wish they were a bit cheaper to begin with, but 25% definitely helped

  • @44MagnumFilms
    @44MagnumFilms 11 месяцев назад +1

    HD is not just a motorcycle it's a culture. Do you really think somebody buying a 350/500 badged with HD will be welcomed with open arms?

  • @Yoskakune
    @Yoskakune 11 месяцев назад

    My first bike currently is 05 yamaha vstar 650 and other than it roasting my inner thigh cause i bought exhaust with no heat shielding its a great bike for 300 dollars, not saying it has to be that cheap but get the younger generations in the brand and they will buy the 30-40k bikes when they can

  • @ajsmith3006
    @ajsmith3006 11 месяцев назад

    It’s interesting when you start out. I had a Harley dealership try to tell me that a street bob 114 would be alright to start out on. I started on a Yamaha bolt and now moved up to a road king. If anyone asks me 500 rebel or if naked bike ktm duke 390, Harley bike sportster 883 used if starting out with no riding experience.

  • @verigone2677
    @verigone2677 10 месяцев назад

    I want a blank tank from the 500 to try on my Leoncino....what makes me excited is there are bound to be a larger aftermarket for my Benelli now.

  • @glennbinkley4317
    @glennbinkley4317 11 месяцев назад

    Back in the late 60's my first bike was a used 1966 50cc Italian built Harley when I was 12 years old. I didn't know squat about cycles except that I wanted one. I rode the crap out of that thing around the farm and neighborhood and learned how to keep it running. Since then I've owned dual sports, road bikes, baggers, (Suzuki, Honda, Harley) one at a time as finances would allow. I've recently entered the adventure bike arena with a BMW gs800 added to a DRZ400, Harley Ultra limited and a Bultaco I'm restoring. I've ridden thru 49 states and 4 Canadian provinces.
    All that to say you have to get young people on bikes if you're looking to have lifelong riders. I say yes to smaller, cheaper "entry level" bikes, 350's and 500's without all the bells and whistles, keep the price down and offer a more equiped model. Although the weights shown for these bikes seems quite heavy. And they would get people into the dealerships and of course everyone will buy a tee shirt.
    As for the adventure market, the Pan American is a fantastic bike, but as I get older, I'm looking for smaller displacement lighter weight machines. My BMW is harder to pick up than my Harley for me so weight is a factor.
    As for bikes made in China, I hate supporting the CCCP but they are the cheapest producer at this time. That may change.

  • @LifeofBrad1
    @LifeofBrad1 11 месяцев назад +1

    Harley should bring back the Servi-Car (with springer forks like the pre-1958 ones had). Utility and style. What's not to love?

  • @josephserna17
    @josephserna17 9 месяцев назад

    I got to ride one of these motorcycles before they were officially rolled out as the new beginner course training bike at Harley. It was fun to ride actually. If they bring them to the US market I’d buy it but maybe only used not brand new at Harley pricing

  • @chrissmith7669
    @chrissmith7669 11 месяцев назад

    I’m a bit crazy. I’d love to have a street Rod 750 for around town.
    Right now they seem happy with the 975 but I see the logic in a smaller bike, especially for their own schools

  • @2WheelsNcoffee
    @2WheelsNcoffee 10 месяцев назад

    I'm with ya, Spite. Harley needs an entry level bike. I bought an 883 (still $$$), but I might have bought my first motorcycle sooner if they had a cheaper option available. And they would have had me returning to upgrade at some point, I'm sure. As it is, they got 1 new motorcycle sale out of me and they could have had 2.

  • @darkiee69
    @darkiee69 11 месяцев назад +1

    There's a problem in how companies in the US treats their employees too.

  • @perceivedvelocity9914
    @perceivedvelocity9914 11 месяцев назад

    "Are you ready to see all of the fireworks?". RUclips calls "fireworks" engagement.

  • @chud67
    @chud67 11 месяцев назад

    These look pretty cool. If HD would just make one a little bigger - at least a 750cc equivalent, I would buy it. I've long felt that Harley should make a naked street bike similar in style to the Triumph Bonneville or any of the Royal Enfield retro street bikes (not a cruiser, they already make plenty of those). I bet they would sell like hot cakes.

  • @redsunbro9507
    @redsunbro9507 11 месяцев назад

    Harley should be making smaller displacement bikes similar to the Nightster but less aggressive. I test rode one and although it handles perfectly, it's still a bit forward for a beginner rider to feel confidence without really getting into a forward stance.
    This is coming from someone who owns a road glide.

  • @fieryspy6414
    @fieryspy6414 11 месяцев назад +1

    I think the x440 which they made with Hero is a truer Harley. Idk why they wont release that instead of the x350. It literally makes you feel like youre riding a little Harley.

    • @deans176
      @deans176 11 месяцев назад

      My favorite bike ever is a 1980 XT500. Singles are a lot of fun and have a lot of character. Think if Harley had made the SV650....but nope. Seems like the people running the company are in a weird cult sometimes 😂 😂

  • @rogerf7265
    @rogerf7265 11 месяцев назад

    On the subject of things being made in China. Harley -Davidson has had a manufacturing partnership with Zongshen since 2007. Zongshen also has agreements with BMW, Piaggio and MTD lawn mowers. Also BMW has been having engines and other parts made in China since 2007. It was absolutely no surprise to me when KTM started making engines there. I have a CSC TT250 which is made by Zongshen that I commuted on for over 2 years and put over 17K miles on before I had an issue. I had a bearing in the trans go bad which was likely by fault because I got stuck in traffic and the bike got too hot. I even took it on a couple of 250 mile trips including one that was 115 miles of running wide open on the freeway. I'd say that's pretty good for a bike that only cost me $3,000 brand new.

  • @richardcasey7521
    @richardcasey7521 11 месяцев назад

    What is the bike you are riding in your video? It looks like either a Honda 919 Hornet or a 600 Hornet. Am I close?

  • @baggerbuley
    @baggerbuley 11 месяцев назад

    I think I grew abs with my laughter when you hit the phrase, “Fuck you! You can’t!”

  • @Short_Bus
    @Short_Bus 11 месяцев назад

    Its been almost 20 years since I've stepped foot into a Harley Davidson dealership..... It's looking like it's not happening anytime soon.

  • @neonsamurai1348
    @neonsamurai1348 11 месяцев назад +1

    Not a chance Harley will bring those bikes to North America/Europe. They got rid of all their cheaper entry level bikes for each class to push people to buy the more expensive ones. Those India made Harley motorcycles are for India, SE Asia, China, Africa, and South America.

  • @philipwalling3906
    @philipwalling3906 3 месяца назад

    I road the 350 at MSF course. It’s a fun little bike but if you wear a shoe size 10us you will absolutely hate the foot controls. Bike felt light and very maneuverable. Several of the bikes had wiring issues with headlights. I wouldn’t pay more than $5000 out the door for one. Very low budget build.

  • @delbertreno8089
    @delbertreno8089 10 месяцев назад

    HD needs to get them when they start, because whatever brand they start with, They tend to stay in that line! I love Harley, But when I got my first bike it was a worn out 175 Harley Scat!!! Yep back in the day, Harley had little bikes and they had the Sprint that was a 250 and they had a little 65 starter bike. You have to get them a chance to learn to ride on something that isn't going to kill themselves with. I have a Softail Slim and it is not a beginner bike! When I passed my test and got my license, I got it on a 750 Norton, and it was tough and the guys on the little 250s and 350s They were Zipping through the cones while I was really having a hard time. Now in the real world the old Norton was great! But for someone learning to ride you need something that was not going to get away from you and light enough that you would not drop it if it got off to one side. I wish Harley would really come out and try to Compete in the smaller bike market. They make great bikes, but they need to get people in when they are getting first bikes. They have to build future markets!!

  • @nordicjourneys
    @nordicjourneys 11 месяцев назад +1

    Priorities bro, a harley is cheaper than a house. Just kidding I hate the way Harley is run. At this point I am a boomer but I’d never own one due to some of older owners attitudes. You know the stereotype I mean

  • @jakethatdumbkid7516
    @jakethatdumbkid7516 11 месяцев назад

    Spite isn't a young, new rider with a limited amount of money and experience, but I am and I've thought about all of these things. I think the biggest problem with Harley's are affordability and they need to thin the hurd. Royal Enfield is finding success in cheap, classic, and reliable motorcycles and Harley could do the exact same thing but they keep looking too high for the market and think they can only compete with indian and triumph in terms of modern classics like playing catch up with the Sportster s and panamerica to compete with the scout and tiger. They need to bring back the 883 at a cheap price to take from royal enfield and to get people with less money into the ecosystem and give these bikes a warranty to sweeten the deal. They also need to focus their lineup and trim the fat, so best idea is to bring back 883, keep sportster s, keep low rider and heritage softails, only keep one of the glides, and keep the panamerica. Finally, they need to introduce a middleweight sport bike with or without a fairing to compete with mt07s, r7s, triumph tridents, etc so they can actually compete with the big four as even they are losing sport bike sales to naked bikes that are more comfortable.

  • @ryanlambert3717
    @ryanlambert3717 11 месяцев назад

    I bought an 02 roadking as my first bike. It wasnt a great idea but it never went terribly either. If harley had sold a sub $10k bike that was more tourable than a sportster I would have jumped at it. Even now id love a smaller basic dynaesque bike. My favorites bikes they sell are the street bob and softail standard but theyre way too expensive ive seen dealers mark the softail standard up to $18k when they came out they were sub 13k most places i saw selling them. They made sense. They were a basic premium motorcycle at a not insane price now? Now theyre just getting ridiculous. Id love a new harley but its just so much more unjustifiable now than it was 3 years ago

  • @tinmisuun
    @tinmisuun 11 месяцев назад +1

    I would have bought a Bronx even though I don't like that name for a motorcycle. I thought it was the best looking H-D. I think they should do one better than bring a foreign made H-D. They should rename the Bronx and release here with a 500cc engine.

  • @TheOverisel
    @TheOverisel 11 месяцев назад

    HD is like the guy who must quit smoking or hell die- but keeps on smoking. HD knows what must be done, knows it will benefit them, are capable of doing it but REFUSES to.

  • @GS-zv3qn
    @GS-zv3qn 11 месяцев назад +1

    P twin is a parallel twin ,never heard it called that before, thought they had something different,I bet it has 270 crank like most of the parallel twins

    • @chrispekel5709
      @chrispekel5709 11 месяцев назад

      Benelli is a 360 degree crank isn't it? On the 500 range

  • @Chittybang1821
    @Chittybang1821 10 месяцев назад

    I like buying old bikes and restoring them for little money and riding them. You can find some serious gems out there man. Old bikes are great. Don't think you need to run out to the dealership and finance a brand new bike.. Plus then I sell them and I get another one and then I do it to that one every year

  • @AaronSkone
    @AaronSkone 11 месяцев назад +2

    There are so many cheaper alternatives to Harley which are better options. However, I haven’t drank the koolaid, but I can at least understand that when you buy a Harley you’re buying into a lifestyle. That being said, if you’re a new rider and want a cruiser there are MUCH cheaper and better built examples that can get you your “outlaw” card.

    • @m3talc0re
      @m3talc0re 11 месяцев назад

      You’re mistaken. There may be cheaper options, but not better. And I think you need to go back and look at everyone else’s cruiser prices. Don’t compare a rebel 500 to a fucking road glide and talk about cost. So goddamn tired of this retarded argument.

  • @haneymoto
    @haneymoto 11 месяцев назад

    You nailed it. A ton of people bought Rebel 250's or Suzuki 250's because its what they road at the MSF

  • @Bugoutnow589
    @Bugoutnow589 11 месяцев назад +1

    Spite, how can anyone spend $11-13k on the 350-500cc Harley when Royal Enfield 350 classic, bullet etc cost $5-6k
    The Royal Enfield looks better and has twice the warranty and has a better and longer history.
    No one wants to spend that money on bike designed and built in China.

  • @2000spineda
    @2000spineda 11 месяцев назад

    The fact that HD is coming with Benelli clones makes me excited for more aftermarket parts. I have a Leoncino 500 and absolutely love it!

  • @jasong546
    @jasong546 10 месяцев назад

    I am not savvy I guess as I don’t see how this affects my owning and enjoying my road glide, why I might be mad about it. I chose the bike because it’s the one I want but I like the whole line really and there’s a ton of other makes and models that I think are great. I’m not sure I need anything else from them now, it never lets me down. Maybe being a fan of most motorcycle models to some degree or another and not of the mind that it’s the only one worth having makes me appreciate efforts to put out new things by Harley. But I agree with you and I think the bikes look like those old flat track models too, kind of cool. You have the right idea spite.

  • @simonkennedy6116
    @simonkennedy6116 11 месяцев назад

    I have had arguments with Harley guys, the Sportster S is a mid-range bike, you can tell just by looking at it but their reply is that Harley Davidson says it's a beginner bike. Look at the power output but Harley Davidson says it's a beginner bike. Look at the price Harley Davidson says it's a beginner bike. Saying someone told you the sky is green doesn't make it so

  • @I.J.S.
    @I.J.S. 10 месяцев назад

    For those in the US, yous should look into the Sinnis Hoodlum/outlaws and the Keeway V cruise/super light. Think these look more like Chinese Harley Davidsons. Would be interesting to see HD do something more in those style bikes with the small engines as opposed to the naked style bikes from Beneli

  • @damonk6289
    @damonk6289 11 месяцев назад

    I agree on the price point of Harley I bought my sportster S December 31st of 2022 the next day they were up 1,000 . Now I can afford it because I have a decent job for my age and I still live at home. But if I had a house payment there’s no way I could afford both without sacrificing food, water or electricity lol. It would be a monthly battle. I don’t intend to sell mine anytime soon I’ll eat ramen everyday if I have to.

  • @messageinathrottle4046
    @messageinathrottle4046 11 месяцев назад +1

    “They’re gonna be reliable; that’s where KTM engines are made” 😂😂😂

  • @SilverPaladin
    @SilverPaladin 11 месяцев назад

    the watercooled sportster shows us that we are ready for an entry level single cylinder harley. They have to compete with CF Moto, a big stick to measure up to!

  • @herbolmstead5938
    @herbolmstead5938 11 месяцев назад +1

    Totally talking out of my butt, but. Steal as much intellectual property as they legally can, build them in the US, up the fit and finish a little, make a 500 scrambler and street and bring it in just under 8K. Have the P&A to make them more sporty and/or hooligan. Have two Harley’s already but would totally buy a US made Harley scrambler for 9K out the door. Hey I can dream can’t I ?

    • @spitescorner
      @spitescorner  11 месяцев назад

      No kidding. That would be killer.

  • @inthefireagine123
    @inthefireagine123 4 месяца назад

    I feel like if they do sell these in the states, it's just going to be the same issue they had with the Street series.
    they'll barley sell, if at all mostly in mediocre numbers to enthusiast that want to ride a HD that isn't "really" a HD, or the beginners that aren't brushed off by the brands insistence that an 1200 sportster is a "beginner" girls bike.
    They'll fill spots at the MSF course, last a few years and die out like the streets did. HD just isn't concerned with new riders cos the retiree's still buy the 30k road glides every year or two, once they stop getting retirement checks, if they're not floating belly up in the water they'll throw back out the 883, or they're revive the street series at double the price

  • @justinwatts6210
    @justinwatts6210 11 месяцев назад

    i think one of the problems people have is the push for evs they are afraid of buying something expensive thats gas when they dont know if it will be legal in 10-15 years

  • @Snake75055
    @Snake75055 11 месяцев назад

    They need to expand true harley or not. Biggest concern is as always the price with them they're not bad bikes but it's always like OK but I can get a similar Japanese bike but its cheaper.
    Personally I'd love to see a bike like the honda fury with harley logo but I get the feeling the price would be insane.

  • @mikeharutunian3463
    @mikeharutunian3463 11 месяцев назад

    I can see the getting mad, but it's not because of quality or whatever other reasons were mentioned. The issue is that if a low cost bike is introduced to the US and sells, then Harley, like every other American manufacturer before it, will be tempted to move all production to a low cost market. Again, technically there's nothing wrong with that, but there is something to be said for a product that retains a link to a place, a people and a history. Aerostitch could drop its prices dramatically by shipping their products overseas, but it's nice to be able to go for a tour of the factory and actually meet the people who make the clothes. Red Wing moved most of its production overseas, but it's nice that some boots are still 100% American made. So, sure, Harley can bring low cost bikes from China to the US. It did many times in the past from other countries. But, it should keep its identity as an American company by producing its main bikes here.

  • @chrismader3689
    @chrismader3689 11 месяцев назад

    Maybe they need to sell import bikes as a separate brand but sold and serviced at Harley dealerships, that way new riders come into the dealerships, and devoted fans don’t have to see a Chinese bike with a Harley Davidson emblem on it.