The Rise And Fall Of Harley-Davidson
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- Опубликовано: 16 окт 2024
- Harley-Davidson is the most well-known American motorcycle brand in the world, but that status may be preventing the company’s future growth. Its core customers helped the company reach new heights, but Harley is facing challenges reaching new customers. And without new riders, the company might slowly erode.
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The Rise And Fall Of Harley-Davidson
Harley killed themselves. They have not diversified their products at all. They begged Reagan to put import tax on imported motorcycles over 700cc and in the long run they screwed themselves over because those outside companies started to make reliable smaller cc motorcycle which to this day is popular in America and the rest of the world.
I remember that tax, and even as a kid at the time, i told myself that i would never own a Harley product. Never have, and never will. Good riddance.
Yea i owned a 1986 maxim 700 and that year because of the import tax they changed and made a high compression 20 valve 4 cylinder making 86hp just in spite and some awesome bikes came out of it that were lighter faster and more efficient only hurting Harley Davidson more lol
someone watches fortnine
Roy Baty you realize at least on of the parts in every computer comes from another country
@@archie8798 let him live in his delusion that stuff is still made in usa.
Harley Davidson: The most effective way to turn gasoline into noise without the side effect of horsepower.
They'll do 120+ how fast do YOU need to go? If you're that much a hot shot take to the track. A bike doesn't have to be a race replica to be enjoyable to ride.
i don't know how old you are but i have ridden almost every bike out there..almost died a couple times due to high speeds..i shunned Harleys for years..then i rode a 1985 FXWD and fell in love..the look..decent performance over all..what makes em fun for me is it starts with hitting the starter and ends when i shut er off..no other bike can do that for me..yes i a now am a Harley snob..i only like Pans and Shovels :)
@@ferrelx you cannot argue with the fact that Harleys are gas guzzlers. You can get similar performance with as low as 400cc bikes. It is only selling on the looks( which are good) and brand name( which many youngsters don't want to associate with) and not appealing price conscious customers.
@@stevek8829 Yeah, you may not need 120+ to be enjoyable ( although many people say otherwise), but you don't need 1100cc to go 120, even 400cc bikes do that for a much cheaper price.
LOL
Your completely ignoring how Harley became so big in the 80's... government protection from Reagan..they never had to care
Yep. The tariffs Reagans enacted essentially will kill HD in the long run.
@@Agslions Where did you take your economics classes? Reagan put a 49% tariff on all motorcycles imported/sold in the US 750cc, and larger. Should be obvious all those Honda's, BMW's, Triump's were 50% more expensive than they otherwise would have been. Instead of Harley doing their homework, and asking why can't our MC's compete in the market , they just pocketed the money. It's true the Harley's would drip oil on to the showroom floor. I was once in a Harley dealership waiting to get work done, and picket up a cope of the Harley annual report to stockholders, I was surprised, and amused, I should not have been. The report showed that Harley made far more money selling tee shirts, (and boots etc. etc. ) and licensing others to sell tee shirts with Harley logo's on them than they made $$ on selling motorcycles.....
@@hauntedmoodylady - um, correct... hence the "in the long run" piece. They rested on their laurels and forgot that their "base" were dying off. They got comfy while the market shifted.
@@Agslions It didn't kill HD, it was already dying and it gave them a lifeline...which they squandered in favor of "maximizing value" in the short term.
They need to bring government protection back
I can buy a Japanese bike for 1/3rd the price , and only worry about oil changes..
And get 5x the performance lmao
That's what I did hehe👊🏻
Yep!
And I don't want to be part of the mean girls club either !
exactly Harley doesn't have a demographic or brand problem it has a price tag problem. I can buy a new sports car for the same price of your average Harley.
I think it’s the price that is pushing ppl back.
Yeah 20k for a cruiser is insane.
Yea they're like apple of bikes, overpriced af
Not to mention that u need another grand for maintenance and accessories
@@nabiel3325 the fall of boomer led to the fall of Harley-Davidson.
@@nabiel3325 you're right, the cost of maintenance is ridiculous.
"Harleys are fast" 😂😂😂 funniest joke I have ever heard
Bruce Kent I laughed at that too 😂😂
I'm a Harley guy and I own two of them and while my done is pretty quick I also had to laugh hard when she said fastbut then again I'm not typical Harley owner I grew up for the love of motorcycles and I've owned all kinds of
Bruce, if you compare it to a pedal powered bicycle or walking , it is indeed fast 😂
Well yes. If you take a look at context instead of ego. Faster than typical 4 wheel vehicles and faster then other cruiser models. Jeez, people complain about Harley culture but elite sport bike culture is just as annoying.
Yea actually dyna are fast
Basically their main clienteles are dying.
the fall of boomer led to the fall of Harley-Davidson.
@@VeryProPlayerYesSir1122 ^This guy, x 10
Facts
Colin Z butt hurt?
Financial Shinanigan same clientele who still take taxis
When the owner of a dealership treats his customers with a "Harley Attitude", sales are bound to fall.
Truth...I went to 2 different dealerships when I was in my early 20's and was treated like trash by the sales department. Tried to talk to them and they handed me a brochure and walked away.
"Harleys are big, loud, FAST."
10/10 for comedy
well said
You have to admit they are fast for tractors
Clowns like you will never know,to cheap to find out, go buy a moped and ride it clown style.
@@richardlavoie4012 Why a moped? Is it because they're faster than Harleys?
@@richardlavoie4012 Dude your harley is slow. Get over it.
I'm from a younger generation and I definitely love Harley Davidson, but I cannot afford to spend that much money on a motorbike.
Used sportsters are the way to go, you can get a 1200 for under 2k if you're patient and look for a deal
get a grom,
cheap, light, fuel efficient, great community, and awesome for putting around town.
don't get it if you live out in the country though.
The above 60 crowd has twenty times the wealth of the the under 30 crowd. Not being able to afford what older people can afford (housing, education, and bike/toys) is the present reality.
To be fair to HD, their Sportster models are $8,000 used, and much cheaper used. That's about the same as the cb500 from Honda, but the Honda has ABS.
Honda Rebel is a good alternative, you can just dress it up.
ruclips.net/video/xmMtPvdkpz4/видео.html
I ride a Honda because I’m not a great mechanic.
iamstephenmartin you ain’t lying
What makes you feel any better neither are the guys that work at the Harley dealerships
Moon Watcher you don’t have to be rich to buy a Harley 😂 Honda’s can be just as expensive too lol
I mean maybe top of the line Honda. But, initial cost and maintenance, the Honda is cheaper haha
iamstephenmartin a honda can be more expensive period! and of course the premium bikes 🤦♀️ if your saving money it’s because it breaks down less lol
1:42 “Real veterans of the saddle” *falls off bike*
Ah yes, veteran
Just to be clear. Marlon Brandon rode a Triumph in The Wild One.
I was wondering if anyone else would catch that.
Yup, and Steve McQueen rode a Triumph in the Great Escape. Actually, it was stunt rider Bud Ekins who did the dangerous stuff. But anyway, it was all on a Triumph.
@@kombo731 Yup, but Evil Knievel rode a Harley. Probably why he kept crashing?
A 1950 Triumph Thunderbird TT, but in the pictures it appears he rides a Matchless.
So did marlon Brando
Future documentary- Back in 2020, the remaining Harley customers were all but eliminated as the Corona virus hit senior care homes the hardest.
Most underrated comment
Overweight, overpriced, primitive technology tractors. I am 64 and I have laughed at guys my age on Harleys in their Pirate costumes for decades. I have ridden Triumph since 1973.
Harley riders go to the blue oyster club
Totally agree of got too many teeth and not enough tattoos to own a Harely. Triumph rules
Girls will be girls.
Just bought a Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster....love it!
Have got the america its great
Love when Americans say "in the world" when they really just mean their own backyard.
They've never been outside their state so it's the world to them LOL
Funny joke, seeing how the rest of the world has been trying to replicate America in their own back yard for the last 150 years
@@MrKinghuman sure thing! We here in Europe and dying to get our hands in thousands of assault weapons for personal protection. We are also looking forward to paying hundreds of thousands in student loans and medical bills! We are also looking forward for having an amazing interstate, to drive at 100km/h in the left lane, while drinking 2kg’s of sugar in a plastic cup, down the road enjoying our 1 week vacations with no sick days per year! Looking forward to suing the microwave company for killing my cat as well.
What a dream!
We also want to send our citizens to war at 18, but not allowing them to drink a beer until they are 21! Finishing up by converting everything to Imperial, since the Metric system makes no sense…
Get a grip man. I rather move to a free country, like South Africa, South Korea, Brazil or India.
I dont think they are aware of the rest of the world.
@@gerboblitz your words need to reach more Americans 😂
2020 prices with 1980 technology. No thanks
More like 2030 prices.
I'd argue the technology is more 1930s.
1980's tech, 1930's tech? Are you mistaking aesthetic design for overall technology? Yea, it has two wheels and a v-twin engine. Just like your car has four wheels and an engine. Could they add stuff like traction control and ride settings, sure. Probably will see that with future models (that the purists will hate). These bikes are not the same tech-wise as they were 40 and 90 years ago lol
The only real difference is fuel injection. Otherwise these are century-old+ technology/designs, like pushrods.
@@Alex-hs1uf Strictly engine-speaking? Sure, same concept, "design", but I guess materials and other design changes don't count as technology? A Milwaukee eight is not the same as a flathead. For the past 20 years they've had options between air-cooled and liquid-cooled DOHC, looks like more on the way. Just trying to figure out what 2020 technology means.
The reason:
Harley’s core demographic have aged and they have ignored young motorcyclist around the world for the better part which is why time and time new products failed to bring the success of old classic models
They’re exorbitantly overpriced for what they are, The selling of a rebel image crap doesn’t work anymore, consumers are clever and picky than ever before that’s why they lean towards brands which offers much more ie Triumph
The motorcycle are basic, heavy, underpowered and did I say overpriced compared to other premium brands
And for the better part they ignored the shift in motorcycle culture a few years ago supersport were all the rage then it shifted to retro roadster and cafe racer then to a huge shift to adventure and touring... while all these were happened Harley was stuck with making 80hp 500 lb cruiser for the “Rebel”
And the biggest offence was ignoring the giant Asian market, Harley made little to no effort to bring small capacity motorcycle for Asian market even though they already established dealership in major cities
80 hp, 850 pound is more accurate. Also, pricing isn’t as exorbitant as it used to be compared with their competition. Quality has gone up as well. The biggest issue I see is an aging customer base, and they continue to push a rebel image that is a real turn off for those of us who are younger than the boomers.
Exactly. My grandfather loved Indian but my Dad is nuts about Harleys. I ended up getting a sports bike because I liked the look more.
Now that I'm older, I wouldn't mind a bobber style but if take a Yamaha Bolt over anything Harley is offering.
Todd Cahill Ricer is a car culture term surely you don’t know what you’re talking about btw the word you were looking for was Squid or noob
Todd Cahill I currently split my riding between a ‘09 Harley Nightster 1200, a Triumph Thruxton, a BMW R1200R, and a BMW R1200RT. I’ve owned probably a dozen bikes over the past 10 years, including a metric cruiser, some sport bikes and adventure bikes. The Harley is far below average in power for weight, smoothness, handling, vibrations, features, comfort, and suspension. The brakes are laughably poor. The ground clearance has me scraping constantly. It is incredibly raw, and not in a good way, more like shifting a garden tractor way. About the only thing I think Harley’s good at is their fit and finish, the availability of dealerships, and to a certain point their reliability. Harley needs to evolve to capture the younger than boomer market, we demand more.
Todd Cahill it’s people like you in Harley conversations that is killing the brand. I get so sick of the arguing about ancient history, I’m not looking for a lifestyle or a battle, just trying to ride a bike.
I will never forget the arrogance that I have experienced at Harley dealerships related to sales, parts & service.
You're not alone. I spent an hour in a Harley dealership and was avoided like I had the Coronavirus or something. I was ready to sign for a used Wide Glide they had in stock but when they actually lowered themselves to talk to me were dismissive as hell. Ended up on my phone looking up nearby dealers and realized Indian had a shop nearby. Now the proud owner of an Indian Chief Dark Horse.
Same here
Your comment and the comments of the replies really surprised me. I believe what you’re saying, but that simply hasn’t been my experience. I’ve been to Harley dealers in many parts of the US, with and without my motorcycle, and have always treated like family with just one exception.
@@flalawdog9463
Agree., some, not all dealership's are snidley, arrogant and condescending, know-it-alls.
There are four dealerships in my 45 mile radius and two of the four are rude SOB's, typically the service and parts department employees.
Just FYI., I've been riding bikes since 1968 and have had similar experences purchasing cars as well
It's a matter of training., some jags need to learn customer service, yet some just don't care.
Dude I wish that dealership would be run through and new sales guys in there. To give up on a bike win fantastic engineering because of the guys in the middle is tragic for you and the Motor Company. I just bought a 2020 Low Rider S and I’m over the fuckin moon. The people in the shop were also so excited!
I’d like to add, they treated my wife and baby like Queen and Princess. Gave em food and drinks. Took me for a ride to learn more (I’d only ridden once). Bought me lunch. Set us up with a bunch of events and new friends. Yeah, overall, it was literally one of the best experiences in my entire life. This kid told me the other day my bike looked like a Ferrari and a motorcycle. Best compliment ever.
correction of the intro: harleys are big loud heavy, slow and expensive
And that's what I like. I want a cruiser, not a racer
@@sergeantwolf8018 the stop acting like a stupid cruiser is better than every motorcycle at everything. u stuck up horley scrub
@@mala7794 I'm not saying it's better. I just said it's what I prefer. Don't be so biased
@@mala7794 I don't care for Harley but cruiser bikes are clearly superior to every kind of bikes out there.
@@sergeantwolf8018 just buy an Indiana or triumph
They're an old man's bike. I'm 68, got my license at age 16. Consider myself still too young to ride a Harley. Maybe when I hit my 80's.
You know I’ve been riding bikes for almost 50 years now & harleys have interested me from time to time but honestly every single one I’ve ridden & there have been lots over the years has disappointed me , everyone without fail. Currently riding a 2016 KTM 1290 super adventure v twin just like Harley but also 160 hp standard, & a Triumph thunderbird storm 2012 1700, parallel twin with engine performance no standard Harley could match. Nephew arrived the other day with 2016 ish Harley that apparently had lots of work done to it at the local Harley dealership, told him it had 125 hp on Dyno , well it can’t keep up with my Triumph which I had Dyno tuned & produced 94 hp, hmmm very strange, I’d estimate 80 max for the Harley
A Harley trike than?
Im 17 I have owned 2 harleys.
@@Nikiku03 you got old mentality
I too am 68. I ride BMW R1200 GSA as well as my tourer a BMW K1200 LT, both bikes are over 10 years old with over 100000km each. Both are fast, comfortable and well designed. The latest versions of my bikes are just mind blowing, but mine are fine ‘cos they’re paid for! Harley has never changed and never will. They tried making an adventure bike that ended up looking like a Buick! Harley Davidson have absolutely no idea about what the motorcyclist wants, they only cater to leather jacketed bikers. BMW is the biggest mc manufacturer in the world, even bigger than the Japanese manufacturers. The biggest mc market today is for adventure type bikes, go anywhere, on and off road in comfort in a proper feet on pegs below configuration. It’s the motorcycle equivalent to the SUV. Today’s BMW bikes are dripping with technology. Smooth riding, seamless gear changes and economical. Develop more hp than a Harley on a downhill with a following wind! Unless HD does something drastic in terms of market driven style, I give them two more years.
She sounds like she is always asking a question.
Alfie Miras ...most people her age talk like that. More noticeable in women.
It is an example of the High Rising Terminal speak! Makes the speaker sound so dumb and I personally cannot stand it lol!
I was just thinking the same thing. She annoy me when she talks. Who ever taught her to talk that way, is an idiot.
Alfie Miras it’s called up or valley girl. Lots of Asians moved into these areas in California for that last decade or so hence here up speak way of talking
That’s how people their age talk along with vocal fry and no one can tell anyone anymore anything. So now they get made fun of behind their backs
Well nobody is willing to pay 15k for the average low end harley
Used used used can you honestly tell the difference between a 99 or 2019 ?
@@mastermonarch yes you can 🤣 I can tell a 99 from a 2019 easily
mastermonarch dude, 100% lmao what are you talking about
LMFAO yes we aren't blind new Harley vs old is night and day.
mastermonarch
Um, that’s not a good thing, if they seem the same.
I remember laughing my ass off when I saw these tough guys doing a duck walk with their bikes because they can't do a simple U-turn.
Dragging their feet until they're going 30 MPH because they're afraid they're going to tip over.
@@phlodel Go ride a bike that weighs as much as a Harley does and don’t hold your feet till you hit atleast 25
@@tuberdumb7377 Weight has nothing to do with it, Goldwing riders have to deal with the same weight and they don't duck walk their bikes.
Harley's first bike looks better than newer models
I agree
the new Breakout is amazing brruhhhh
Softails and Sportsters are nice in my opinion
I like the road king from like 15 years ago just because you can do so much with them but some of the new ones are... well ya know
"Harleys are big..."
*shows a Sportster
"... and inherently american"
*shows a Kawasaki Vulcan
Troll mode on))
"Harleys are fast"
james kayenpaibam lol, My dad owns one (1600) , and it’s a sloth compared to my Kawasaki 😂
james kayenpaibam yeah. That one cracked me up.
And fast, shows a Harley Davidson .....😂👌Boooooooooooom TKO.....!
Thanks for noticing this. We don’t care what you ride in our club as long as you can keep up! That’s our Founder, James Disciple Johnson on his Kawasaki Vulcan 900. That bike was insanely fast with big tall gears that made it faster off the line than bikes twice the size. And dependable too. Man we abuse the heck out of these Japanese machines.
Retrow~Founding Member, Disciple Christian MC
I bought a bike in 2019 and really wanted a Harley. After I saw the price of a Harley, it immediately became an instant no from me.
Point?
@@wayneknowles3843 its too expensive lmaoo, are u dense?
@rockn roll I plan on getting a vanvan 200 for commuting because small light cheaper and looks nice
My friend spent $50K on a Harley Davidson. I spent $13,K on a Yamaha. We get the same riding experience, why spend more?
@@baltsosser Uhhhh same experience? I doubt it. Your Yamaha is probably way better!
Servicing is expensive, poor customer service. It's why I ride an Indian.
I ride a RE .. 😂😂
We millennials have less disposable income. It’s not that we do not like Harleys. Since the crash of 08 inflation has increased while median income has remained fundamentally the same.
Great comment Danny. You are absolutely correct about the economy since 08, but I will add that real wages for the "Middle Class" have remained virtually stagnant since the early 1980's when the war on Unions started in the USA. I'm 50 and have only childhood memories of the end of the Post War boom that occurred in the late 70's. Don't feel alone GenX had waaayyyy less job opportunities than Boomers did also. Just when we were trying to get our feet on the ground along came the 87 Stock Market crash and the following recession. Then NAFTA in 93. The Plutocracy sold the future of this country out so they could line their pockets and move to the Caribbean.
Seth Thomas Not even stagnant though, because when you factor in the insane rise in healthcare costs and for a lot of millenials, college debt, the average middle class is doing WORSE than decades ago.
You’re totally right, we’ve been sold out wholesale. Smash unions, smash worker protections, smash industries and institutions that support the middle class. I can’t see it getting better anytime soon. Maybe Bernie Sanders might be able to save it, but I doubt it. Washington is bought and acts on behalf of the corporations and elites only.
@@seththomas9105 spot on what you said. Clinton and NAFTA was the begining of the end
This has been the trend since the mid-70's.
And they want everything for free.
This is what happens when you keep raising the prices $600 every year. After a while consumers will re-evaluate their toy options.
$600 a year wouldn't necessarily be a problem, but the paychecks people are getting aren't rising anywhere near that. Some people do and some people get promoted. Beyond that though, there's a glut of hogs on the second hand market as their primary market ages out of motorcycling, or dies, and puts the bikes on 2nd hand market.
Alan Whiteside false comparison, you bought during a bubble. Created on purpose by Hd.
Laszlo Szutor millennials are into speed and not style, that’s the problem.... case in point, they put loud exhaust on a 4 banger.....
In Economics, they call this " Price Elasticity " . How much $$$ can a product increase in price before the consumer STOPS BUYING that product ! Harley-Davidson motorcycles are nice but a little too $$$$ ! !
Buren Cook or put a straight pipe on a two banger and make it go
Potato
Potato
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How can these Millennials Afford these bikes when they are busy paying their student loan 😂😂😂
Have you checked out the prices of other bikes on the market now,what your saying is a bunch of crap,new goldwing 38,000 ,new bmw same,ducati pricey for what you get,they are all expensive if you want new,consider a good use unit and enjoy.
I have 6 figure student loan debt... I ride a Triumph Speed Triple. You want to ride, you find a way. That said, I don't consider them toys, bikes are how I get around.
Especially when they took those student loans just to be indoctrinated by liberals and major in gender studies which means they're never going to get a job
Millennial with six-figure student loans here. I ride a Harley, but it's a 24-year old Sportster 1200 I got for $2K lol. I love riding it because it's tons of fun to ride, but the 40 mpg is a huge plus.
@Ryan T For real you actually believe that, wow for a educated guy you say the dumbest things, a used beamer is cheap, they look gross and sound even worst , and if you buy a new one which are pricey ,in 5 years it's worth less then half,what a bummer for beamer lovers,but that's what you get when you ride those bikes. I would take a used goldwing over a bmw any day of the week,oh man listen to me im sorry,did you mean you ride the little yuppi bmw like GI joe. so sorry i tough you rode touring and cruisers,my bad.
"If you owned a Harley Davidson, you were cool." Something said by exactly 0 people who did not own a Harley Davidson.
Not even by most of the people who DO own Harleys. There is a definite pecking order among hoggers.
I dunno...I've always thought people with ANY kind of motorcycle is cool. Motorcycles are awesome
Keep rising prices,and see you in museum!
Just like the prices of cars,trucks and suv's,everything is expensive,not like it was when we grew up.
Last month I looked at the HD website and a 2020 Fat Bob was $15,599, just the other day I looked again and the Fat Bob is now $18,799. HD must be selling a lot of Fat Bob’s! That’s the other issue with HD if it’s popular put a huge price tag on it.
NO if it’s popular price it right, sell more and make more money! 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
No matter how you look at it all the motorcycles are now on the same frame, built the same way, but all cost different price’s. Yes some have a bigger motor but it shouldn’t justify that much of a price difference. Just ridiculous. For instance Softail Standard $13,599 and Spirt glide $18,599.Basically the same motorcycle except the Sport Glide has ABS, saddlebags, inverted forks and a fairing. The pricing is just ridiculous!
@@akaredcrossbow exactly lowrider s softail 2020£15495. popular bike selling well 2021 £17500. Indian chief dark horse £16450. With lots more features cruise control, touch screen clock,led indicators, sports rain mode's ect. Bye bye Harley Davidson
I owned a Harley and loved it and still do. However, I don’t like the price of the bike, parts and service cost. I feel as if the took advantage of their base. Won’t buy another one again. Still like seeing them but to expensive
I have operated a motorcycle repair shop and have many years of experience. Harley parts and service are very competitive when compared to other brands. Plus there is much more aftermarket parts support that keeps prices down. All brands dealer service is expensive to me. Harley has been the best brand to focus on as an independent bike ship, and is the most mechanic friendly.
@@fatotis6273 lol then I'm guessing Honda doesn't exist?
I have owned a motorcycle basically my entire life, never a Harley because of the 'overbranding' of it. Way too much marketing, overexposure, t-shirts, jackets, you name it.....and who owns them...overweight older white people who are lawyers and finance people with huge salaries trying to act like something they aren't. Its a cliche and embarrassing and the riders are made fun of now and become the jokes of the road. I mean does Harley pay these people to be walking riding billboards for them, I own a Honda now, I don't wear a Honda jacket, why? Honda doesn't give me my bike for 1/2 price to advertise for them and I don't give Honda free advertising. Its a shame because they are great bikes just way too expensive for the value. Case in point I'm looking at trading in my current bike and eyeing the Yamaha YFR 1300... Triumph , Honda ...so I am in the market for a Sport Touring bike but would never buy a Harley. All the bikes I'm looking at are great bikes at $10,000 to $15,000 less !!! Couple this with the now overbranding of the bike and I don't even go into a dealership . The Company really has some work too do or it will die a slow death. I honestly hope they turn things around.
@@abhishekdas9281 that would be other premium brands. There is a huge difference between Harley and Honda. It's like Mercedes vs Kia
HD=Hundred dollars
Everything is a hundred dollars. Everything.
I'm in my 20s and I own a motorcycle. The problem with Harley is not that young people won't buy motorcycles. It's that Harley will not sell us motorcycles that we want. We don't want to go deep into debt for expensive cruiser motorcycles. We want cheaper modern motorcycles. This is something that the Japanese manufacturers are doing very well at but Harley is completely failing at.
Back in my day the Japenese bikes where dirt cheap and I had several ..ha first one was a 450cc honda (first production bike rated at over 100hp per liter ) $1200 bucks new.
My Harley didn't come till my family was raised and I had extra money to spend .
We didn't have computers/phones to blow money on so we bought boats and motorcycles.
In my 20s and own 3x Japanese bikes. Haven’t bought a Harley because they’re super heavy, underpowered, handle poorly, not that reliable, and super expensive.
For the type of riding I do, a Harley is inferior in every single way. Maybe one day when I start touring I’ll get a Harley, but until then I’ll keep my Honda and Yamahas.
Also in my 20s. Love the looks of harleys, but my cheap little vstar looks and sounds just as good.
In my 20s on my 2nd Harley. I love everything about it. I ride a 2020 street bob
Problem is Honda and Yamaha are some god tier bike makers
You've totally missed the part about Harley crying to the government about foreign competition in the 80s. And Reagan taxing foreign import motorcycles by 40% if they were more that 700ccs.
I want a Harley Davidson but my Honda just doesn't give up. It keeps going and going and going
When you decide look used. Lots of low mileage Harleys out there. That's the only I ever bought a Harley. 2007 or newer. The 103 twin cam 6 speeds are good. I have 2015 someone poured a bunch of money into. Yes it was still expensive but less than half the 41k the original owner paid. You can find good used big twins sub 10k if you look and do some research.
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@@mikekeltner4291 wow. living in the past much? I have ridden my Harley 52k miles and have had zero issues. No oil leaks. not so much as a failed headlight. I did however need tires and then a battery after 4 years, Oh the humanity! BTW MY KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500 CLASSIC CRATERED AT 48K MILES DUE TO A FAILED PLASTIC OIL PUMP GEAR.. :/
@@mikekeltner4291 Most new riders don't want the old school Harley and also cannot pay that much. As for Honda, yes, they are nice, but you have to hunt hard to find a dealer with a demo bike, A lot of the ones where I live expect you to just buy it without riding it. That's not happening with me.
i was looking at a CBR600RR as my first bike or a ZX6R. Got a 2019 iron 1200 instead lol fun as hell, what kinda honda is it?
I wouldn’t use the word “fast” when describing a Harley.
Geektarded.. agreed.
Maybe she meant fast to the shop lol
A modified Hogg will go fast enough to scare ya.
Harley's are not sports bikes they're cruisers, so no they aren't going to go 200 mph down the interstate however they can still hold their own easily reaching speeds over 110 not that you'd need to ever go that fast let alone have the balls to do so.
My 1200 Iron is fast enough....I don’t want a faster bike. 😳
I am a millennial. I was thinking on taking a loan to buy a entrywayish HD, but then I saw a Royal Enfield Interceptor and was love at first sight and for a reasonable price.
You have bought yourself a fantastic bike. Manufactured in the newest and most technological motorcycle manufacturing plant in the world. On a recent test of motorcycle oil from brand new bikes for micro metal particle, Royal Enfield was the best followed closely by BMW. The worst were the Italian bikes and last the Chinese bikes. (RUclips)
@@Birdman953 ah I see you also follow Fortnine's channel :)
Trump: *puts tariff on steel*
Also Trump: "make them in America HD!"
On imported steel. Steel industry in the US was booming under trump. That will stop thanks to puppet biden
@@carldevault7227 well in times of trump USA started to produce and sell a lot of oil and that controlled the prices of oil ,which helped india as we are dependent a lot on oil but due to the pro environment policy of biden that will soon be past , I will miss trump
@@user-fo9kt3rq3d : The only environment that Biden cares about is how much hot air he can spew.
Harley Owners: Millennials killed Harley
Millennials: Ok Boomer
@tinwoods Ok boomer
@Barpon You can still buy one. It might be used but you'll save money.
@tinwoods ok Boomer
@tinwoods ok boomer
@tinwoods Ok Boomer...
This seems like a pretty simple fix to me.
If you look thru these comments, you'll find about 80% of them say that the bikes are too expensive. This isn't a secret. Everybody knows Harley is too expensive.
They need to stop the denial of "people just don't want to ride big baggers anymore, so let's offer more options." Well, yes they do, they just don't want their bike to cost more than their house.
Change the sale price and lower operating costs to keep profit high.
Also make it a bit reliable
Actually, my beef is six months waiting on a part.
Harley's the Gibson guitar of motorcycles. Too damn expensive.
Surfs Up Fender shits on Gibson as Honda shits on hd.
Pete Allen most people are stupid. Don’t feel bad that you’re one of them.
@@deerhunter7482 Is that the same union that accepted 2 tiers of compensation, where the employees hired in the last ten years get half the pay and little benefits compared to before? Your union bashing is nonsense.
Michael been there done that !
Yeah but those hummingbirds are fuckin sweet.
"You get respect just by being on one" - No, not by a long shot.
In fact the reverse, as far as I am concerned.
Lmao y'all are fools
@@derkchurk5879 Sorry, are a bikers feelings hurt?
I own a harley and I think a lot of people dont like you because of the bike.
"Harley's are big, loud, _fast_ "
One of these things is not like the others.
@Beelzebot yeah fat price tag
Big 💪🏻, loud 👊🏻... fast just left the chat lol
When was hd fast?
and Heavy, wide, SOLID, with a 'REP' unrivalled to the 'Non Racer'! I am on the Road my entire life, I have seen Many Total Wipes, usually After. I'VE NEVER, seen a 'Harley' just 'Lying there' ...looking about as Safe as their Owner feels IF he Makes it to Hospital.
💀💀💀
Isn't Harley Davidson a clothing company ? They sell good merchandise. The hell is it with them and bikes ?
lol
No, they put trim packages in F150s and toolboxes.
Reading this comment while wearing a Harley Davidson t-shirt, hah!
They're T-shirts are made in China, so much for American patriotism
They make more money selling those damn t shirts than they do their bikes
The biggest problem is it was taken over by big corporations and its 200% over priced at retailers
Harleys are the perfect metaphore for the US, old, arrogent, outdated, inefficent superceeded and about to be in foreign hands
@Vinay Paul ooooh offended American
@Vinay Paul weird those companies are maintained by foreigners you americans just take credit all the time
@Vinay Paul i'd rather buy a japanese or european sportsbike than to buy a harley old davidson
Michael Jones....you summed it up perfectly...outmoded and outdated. The only way to stay ahead is by bullying
Yesterday’s technology at tommorows prices. HD
Damn. Most accurate comment yet.
EddieV said this, you’re irrelevant.
True af
Same with GM and Boeing. America was unable to make the transition to computerised manufacturing. There are some who can handle cnc machining (see OCC, Red Jacket reruns). But, there must be a complete makeover. See youtube for reports on how Boeing 's subcontractors were still using felt pens and handdrills on parts.
Harley Davidson in a nutshell
Harley Davidson is experiencing what the American auto makers learned a long time ago, if you make an overpriced vehicle, and the Japanese make a more dependable, lower priced vehicle, you will loose business. Younger people, which I am not, seem to like crotch rockets. Performance wise, they are more bang for the buck.
Yeah a brand new 1000cc supersport bike only runs about 15k
Joe Troutt my 1870 CC Low Rider S with Stage 1 tune was 20k. Same as a Ducati v4 or BMW s1000rr. Less than their super gp models like the v4s/v4r, BMW HP4... the price argument is old. You get what you pay for.
@@MrMann-gt1eh I was thinking more in terms of Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha. Most ppl in their 20s are more interested in cheap speed. With Ducati and and BMW and even Triumph your buying the name but really their all made the same.
Joe Troutt v
@@joetroutt7425 Ducati and BMW are made in Europe, Triumphs are made in Thailand
Yeah, okay... "fast" is relative; compared to a moped, Harley's are fast, yes.
Ain't nobody talking about mopeds when such engines are talked about.
3rdVoid Men harleys are in no way fast unless you put ridiculous money into it, word fast is something HD doesn’t understand or know
@@pmp2559 I am no HD fanboy but Harley's compared to mopeds is unfair.
@@3rdvoidmen594 maybe but HD are in no way fast still. I did like that one bike from them that Porsche helped making the engine for, but still way over priced.
Harleys are cruisers dude there not about maximum speed...you either get it or you dont.
Narrator: "Harleys are big, loud..."
Me: Yeah...
Narrator: "...fast"
Me: LOL
The bikes in the "Wild Ones" were mostly if not all British bikes like Triumph and BSA.
SHHHHHH
If the Triumph was good enough for Marlin Brando, Steve McQueen and Billy Idol…..Its plenty good for me!
Lee Marvin's crew rode Harleys. They were the bad guys.
Yup
You r so right
A motorcycle no one can afford,, that is their motto still exist today,,
@Club Soda I'm from Pennsylvania so...always. 🙃
Amazing how Americans still see a Harley as the working mans bike and a BMW as a dentist bike, even if a brand new maxed out GS is still cheaper than some lame ass freedom reeking Harley.
Why would he think "We'll all associate Harley Davidson with being the greatest motorcycle brand in the world"? I don't.
Video isnt for you then
Nobody outside of america does.
Legendairy_Angel 94 you might want to spell “Legendary” correctly. 😂
brand isnt the same as reliability... if you go out and ask people to name a brand of motorcycles no matter the list size harley makes it in there.
@@flounder2760 comes in the list yes, but when it comes to best motorcycles in the wolrd Honda, yamaha, ducati, kawasaki keeps the prime position.....
South Park is the real reason for the fall
Oh boy this could be a whole article, but to try and keep it short. H-D became a victim of its own success in the late 1980's/early 90's by selling the "Harley-Davidson Experience" or whatever the hell that means, instead of staying focused on making motorcycles and servicing what they sell. Those that carried the brand from WWII thru the 80's were gently pushed aside so the RUB's could come in and dump cubic tons of money in a dealership, mainly by buying clothes instead of a actual motorcycle or parts for a bike. To be sure H-D sold a hell of a lot of bikes from 1985-2008 but much of it was to the RUB, 20 miles and 20 Grand club, NOT people who actually enjoy riding motorcycles. The Weekend Warrior badass club really turned off a LOT of motorcyclists and a great majority of those who owned H-D bikes became a parody of themselves (see South Park). I have never had any major issues with any H-D I have owned and own a 1971 FLH up to a 95 Softail and I guess its become fashionable to dump on H-D quality again, merited or not. This article does hit the nail on the head though of how the Boomers and even us Xers are ageing out and the generations coming up don't ride like we did. Any brand. Period. Even the AMA recognizes this issue and are trying to get more people interested in the sport. Will H-D be around in 50 years? I think so, but a drastically smaller company than now.
Killing Buell when they had a nice water cooled bike ready to go also wasn't very smart.
All good points but you lost me at the South Park reference. It is a stereotype and while it was justified 20 years ago that is not how new riders are. HD is losing more money than any other company because they have the biggest share of buyers. My generation does not ride and has no interest in riding. It is what it is. I am going to enjoy my hobby while others in my generation focus on what pronouns to call themselves.
@@alanlevesque7180
I always dug those , I wanna ride quick sometimes and still hear a v twin.
To this day it's mindfucking to hear a potato potato ripping by and seeing a sport bike chassis 😆
Major flaw
Marlon Brando in the Wild One rode a Triumph.
And Lee Marvins gang rides Harleys.
Correct... A Triumph Thunderbird... And if one looks they can see Matchless motorcycles as well...
No.... They where not all Harley Davidsons... Sorry folks...
Indeed. But he did his promotional photos for it on a red Moto Guzzi Falcone.
I was wondering how long it would take for somebody to point that out.
The reason I don’t like Harley Davidson is because of the body of the bike. I like Kawasaki bikes better. HD just has an older look to me, which turns me away.
I ride a KLR 650 a dual sport is a more practical choice than a big heavy ass street only bike .
@@unclequack5445 oh yeah, I use my 06 KLR 650 to go to work, and pretty much everywhere Else
@Stan M You're correct. I even like the type of bike (I really, really want an Indian Scout Bobber), but they have created themselves an major image problem.
If you're into your Kwakas, let me say the Vulcan S is a beautiful bike.
The same bike that was affordable for people in the past thirty years is now unaffordable to younger people.
Whenever I see a Harley I just think of that South Park episode lmao.
Lol i like the guy at the urinal... that is what i think of making exhaust noise with his mouth
Season-episode?
Same. I thought about that episode too. I thought they would mention about it in this video.
BRA BRA BRA BRA BRA BRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAA! LUL
Justin Patino I ride a Harley and every time I throw my leg over it I think of the episode too! Hilarious!
Trump: *increases prices of core motorcycle metals*
Also Trump: please make your beautiful motorcycles in USA.
*stonks*
That was Obama's fault
@@LuxFerre21 of course ot was, trumptard
Lux Ferre You really couldn’t make it 7 minutes into the video? Harley’s manufacturing is effected by steel tariffs enacted by Trump
@@zoyaspencer8025 did you watch the video, he's literally saying it whilst being recorded
@@willw1753 Hey man, I don't care. I don't live in America.
"Harleys are fast"
Laughs in CBR 600RR
45 vs 114 hp, we both know that the Ninja will lose.
Yeah sure there always is a guy with a faster bike but that wan't the point, the point was Harley's being slow.
mine could hang with you! of course i've done a lot of engine work to get to this point haha but who cares? I have fun :)
Crotch rockets are for soy boys with vaginas. They're embarrassing. Looked at like the teen in a riced out Honda civic. Nobody takes them seriously.
How the hell do you get "in" a motorcycle. You dont laugh in a CBR600, you laugh on one. 600s are useless on the road....
@@chrisr4815 Harleys are for mechanics, or for those that like picking up pot bellied trailer park queens.
They are also for guys that like to turn gasoline into noise, without any of that pesky horsepower to ruin the ride.
Cost is the #1 issue. Bikes like Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, are far cheaper. Sometimes half the price.
I've been a harley davidson fan my whole life. But the last time I went into a dealership to look at some clothes the price had me walk right back out again. I wanted a hoodie but the cheapest one i saw was $60. Are you kidding me? Then i decided to look at other products and thought no wonder they are on their way out. Way over priced for clothes. I even seen a t shirt for $40. I'll pass
And the shirts they use or made in China
Your not lieing ,it is all even marked ,"made in China" on the inside. I'm a Yamaha owner, but my wife wanted to check out the apparel ,I about died in the store lol.
On top of that, I had just bought new hand grips from a small motorcycle shop near me,payed 16 bucks, I found the exact same grips in the HD dealership, same brand and all,they had them priced at 89 bucks.
Rick Simpson they are priced for dummies 🤣
@Rick Simpson when harley dies off and goes bankrupt because no one wants to buy their overpriced pos, then I wanna see you say "they dont want you either" cause they'll be BEGGING for you to come and buy their products lmao
How much part exchange towards your old hoodie did they offer.
Prices and over reliance on brand recognition has severely hurt Harley Davidson
I love seeing companies that overprice their products eventually get sweet justice.
You mean like apple?
Apple isn’t overpriced. Nearly everyone in the world has one in their pocket
Cameron far from true, my friend. In fact, Apple really isn’t popular outside the US and SOME parts of Western Europe. It’s mainly Samsung that people have. Samsung is popular everywhere the way Apple is popular in the US
@@shoka_01 They're pretty popular in a lot of places. They have stores throughout the world because they actually sell stuff. I see them everywhere in Australia, which isn't "the US or some parts of Western Europe".
Their profits last year were 420 million dollars. That's after all expenses and taxes. In contrast, WeWork, Uber, Lyft, Lime, and Byrd have never turned a profit.
I've been wanting to ride for YEARS. Finally have the time with work now and can take the dive into the MSF course. Already have all my gear and been going out to sit on bikes and see what suits me best. I think I like cruisers more for the comfort and while Harleys look nice, the price tag isn't all that handsome. I'm looking at getting a Kawasaki Vulcan S. Looks nice, reliable, cheaper, has some tech on there and it's just as fast
Dude Vulcan S is an okay starter bike but you’re gonna get rid of that thang after like 1 riding season I’ve known a few guys who had Vulcans and they’re meh, you can find a used Harley for cheap or build it yourself you’ll learn a lot
Just had to include " White men."
And TDS blaming Trump.
Ok normally i would call this same type of thing out myself but lets be real here...
Harleys have been a white boys thing. Own it. be proud of it. Who cares.
Lmao when i lived stateside i knew so many black boomers who drove harleys
Hey i can't help it if i am white,just like other's can't help it if they are colored. Race has nothing to do with riding a Harley. But i am getting tired of always hearing whites are the problem,get a grip.
@@richardlavoie4012 the people saying that shit are creating the hate they think they are against.
The movie that started it all was “The Wild Ones”. It stared Marlon Brando. He and his gang rode Triumphs.
The Star of the film, the Icon was Brando, and he rode, with his race trophy on his Triumph Thunderbird handle bars...Not a Harley Pedalson.
@Crazy Elf BOOZE FIGHTERS!
Actually the movie that I think of when I see guys on Harleys is "Little Shop of Horrors" . . .and Steve Martin singing the Dentist Song.
You know what I always say, why buy a Harley when you can buy a HONDA !!!
I don’t buy from a company that made the plane that dropped bombs on Americans
Honda has always made quality motorcycles. Hands-down better than Harley
@@laughingsnake1989 Honda made planes?
@@helljumper6969 the zero
@@helljumper6969 kamikaze
Driving an extremely loud, inefficient and clunky vehicle in this day and age? Groundbreaking.
When average cost of motorcycle is 4x the average monthly salary... It is difficult to flourish.
saurabh mhatre whose monthly salary is $5,000 a month?
@Rick SimpsonIs it?! U are then really successful at keeping off the ppl with average intelligence and above.
@@4chukwuebuka only poor ppl make 5 k a month
@Rick Simpson if you think harley cares about certain people your lost back in the seventies
Why didn't she talk about when AMC acquired Harley Davidson and they started producing the crappiest bikes on the road?
It was AMF........................
Buy a Harley
Buy the Best
Ride a mile
Walk the rest
Aeromecano I’ve seen Yamahas in dumpsters and I’ve seen HD from 1948 on the road.
DONT BUY A BIKE FOR STATUS. HD RIDERS OVER PAY FOR LESS TECHNOLOGY. WHEN I AM ON MY MOTORCYCLE I MAKE IT A POINT TO BURN A HARLEY. BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO RESPECT FOR OTHER BIKES WHICH IS WEIRD THEY AINT OUTLAWS THEY WORK 9 -5
@@adamsmith3413 Yamaha are ranked #1 for reliability. Don't fool yourself.
THAT'S DUE ENTIRELY TO THE FACT THAT ITS BRAND LOYALTY even to the idiot who got one by accident,he's gonna get top money due to the name,HARLEY IS MY FIRST BIKE,AND MY ONLY BIKE,SCREW EVERYONE ELSE,I RIDE IT,I LIKE IT,KEEP IT STOCK,PARTS IN EVERY TOWN,IF I WANTED A TOASTER OR SPIN DRYER I'D BUY A HONDA
I am a boomer, 71 years old, and for me Harleys don't even exist. I have owned Harleys. I outgrew them. I don't need or want a big, loud, lumbering bike. I now prefer a 650 that is quick and nimble in the twisties and about town and that can still cruise at 75 mph all day long ... and for less than half the price.
I love my Interceptor 650
As I aged, and became less mobile I bought me a Royal Enfield classic bullet single cylinder 500cc classic. It goes well from point A to B and relatively affordable. I think it's the best bike out there for old men. Done the HD thing. Too much upkeep. May the bugs in your teeth immune you from troubles down the road
Harleys Davidson time is over it's 2021 young people want kawasakis, ducatis,suzukis etc.
Unless,,unless they make the resr tyre large built a cafe racer model with a huge exhaust to match the R1 or a panigale and bingo u got an extreme bike at the price of an airplane
same with muscle cars. They became more for the rich than the public. People could easily afford mustangs back in the day, but now they cost too much.
Everyone be on the bus
@@tyreefreeman7450 "You can't go into one of those, you'll catch a disease."
-Jeremy Clarkson
muscle cars, sports cars, motorcycles, are luxury items like they always where. But like you said in the 60s-90s lower middle class had more buying power, (better pay comparatively against inflation) so lower middle class used to be able to have a 4-5 person family, house, 2 cars, motorcycle, RV, take 1-3 big 1 week vacations. Now lower and middle, middle class can only rent, maybe a 3-4 person family, and can't afford a motorcycle, RV, or (2) 3 day weekend vacations. That's because pay has not keep up with inflation. Since the 60s inflation has gone up and pay has not keep up so 60 yrs later our middle class pay is WAY behind comparatively in buying power.
@@tyreefreeman7450mustang is still cheap. Comparable to Camry or Accord in Pricing. Of course you can always go for more expensive options.
Mystands are cheaper than almost every pickup truck. Yet people still buy pickups.
It was predominantly British bikes in the Wild One, and Brando's starring ride was definitely a Triumph, NOT a Harley Davidson.
That is the same thought that occurred to me when watching this video.
2:23 The bike in The Wild One was a Triumph, not a Harley.
Brando rode a Triumph. Lee Marvin was riding H-D.
I read( years ago), that Brando couldn’t hold a Harley up.
2:08 Triumph pictured. I have read that most of the “rebel” bikes in the 50s-60s were Triumphs.
Lee Mavin was the man, on a Harley. Wonder why Brando rode a 500 Triumph. Jax Tellers bike was beautiful.
@@timgeary1084 he rode a Triumph because it was faster, lighter and handled better. Triumphs in the 50s were not as tight handlers as BSAs or Nortons but they ran rings round Harleys. The real issue is that most motorcyclists buy bikes to ride, not to park under a street lamp for other people to look at. Which is what Harleys do best.
I quit riding Harleys when my starter motor went out and Harley wanted $450 for a new one. Harley forced me to ride a Honda.
The girl's southern-Cal-airhead, valley-girl, perpetual-question speaking style is completely unlistenable.
I love Harley's character and overall feel when riding. Price is an issue. But reliability and cost of ownership over the life of the bike is the issue too. I have almost spent the money so many times in the past, but as someone who rents, who doesn't have a garage, with tools, and other means of taking care of the bike, the way it deserves, I have never gone through with purchase. I think that's why they just don't sell like they used to. Even boomers back then had houses with garages. While millennials pay off student loans, there is just no way to swing supporting a company like this, while building their own wealth, unless of course they have a killer job right out of school, which is rare. It's sad but true.
I travel for a living and find myself in every HD store I come across. Mostly looking for cool clothes and check out what's new. These bikes are now into the 40ks and it is crazy to me. Even the house t-shirts are crazy. 35 dollars for a base t-shirt. Are you crazy. Just because it says HD on it. Everything over priced. Even the discounted sale clothing is crazy. They did this to themselves. I have 2 bikes and am proud to own them and drive them. It is just too much for the average person to keep up with the pricing.
Steven Benedict ill never buy Harley cloths again! Made in China! Too much greed, out sourcing from a cheaper place! I am pulling away from China’s cheap ass quality shit!
@@billmart67 Just like over 50% of the parts used to make the bikes.
GoldWings are the KINGS of big motorcycles 😛.
so pretty much boomers are dying off and they don’t appeal to the young people like myself because there are much better bikes for much cheaper much cooler much more horsepower
@4The2nd Yamaha is cheaper, and you don't get it, Millennials are not into long cruising in motorcycles as Baby Boomers, they are into Ducattis. The leather jacket dirty beard badly showered cruising culture is not as appealing to young people as to Baby Boomers.
They are all about image and over priced and unless on European roads
There’s no better or worse. It’s about what each bike is made for. HD are excellent at things young people are not so interested at anymore. Sure.... other brands make great touring bikes too, but they aren’t cheap neither. Young people don’t seem to like going too far on motorcycles, so the few that still buy any, they go for a sporty one. Anyway you don’t wanna go much further than 100 miles, so screw the low end torque and comfort.
Mr Elk: Your comment underscores the problem with this video. Harley's biggest problem by far is that the entire motorcycle market has shrunk. The video didn't really focus on that at all. There are a lot of great bikes out there that do things Harleys don't try to do far better than a Harley can. Still, Harley dominates the market. The video really didn't mention that. The video focuses on 2nd level problems rather than the elephant in the room. The market Harley dominates gets smaller every year. Kodak dominated the film market right up until the market was gone.
@@uscscjohnson Yeah. That. Even though Harley is more expensive than the rice burners, that's not the reason. The market is shrinking as a whole. It's not just the mortgage glides. I think a big factor is a combination of the decline in gas prices and younger generations just not interested in motorcycling. That and millenials saddled with college debt that will follow them til middle age. How can they afford a 5000 bike, much less a 20K one? The company I think is at most risk of shutting down is Indian. Polaris will drop it faster than you can say Victory if profits shrink much more. Polaris made the mistake of trying to compete head to head with Harley for that shrinking customer base. I think the reason people go on and on about Harley's trouble is because it became Iconic. It's decline is more easy to see. Non riders wouldn't what know a Moto Guzzi was if they saw one. But Harley? It has star power. It's problems are more noticeable than Honda, or BMW.
I’ve just seen a really good documentary by fortnine on this exact subject. RUclips must have thought I wasn’t paying attention and needed more lessons on it.
It’s a forgotten fact. Marlon Brandon was the star of “The Wild Ones” and he rode a Triumph. Not a Harley. The Harley is the most over rated motorcycle ever built. Too heavy, too loud, don’t handle, don’t stop, not reliable, slowest riding, moron culture. I’m riding a Honda CB350. Never met a Harley I didn’t pass.
Harley rider: “That’s nothing but a 350”.
Me: “I’d rather ride a 350 than weigh 350”.
“You get instant respect just by riding one”
Uh, respect from who?
Clearly not “soccer mom minivan drivers” like you but rather everybody with a brain
@@tuberdumb7377 Based upon your vocabulary and username, I assume you're a young fanboy. If you spend any time on a HD, you'll soon come to learn just how terribly they are built in the modern age. If you want an impressive piece of engineering, buy a muscle car or preformance truck.
@@Jake-rs9nq Bro.. im laughing so much, a muscle or performance truck? I like harleys for their cruisers because where i live they perform well. Also, I am young only 14 however I have driven a family members harley before on our roads and I enjoyed it very well. Now although i havnt driven a triumph or anything crazy I have a dirtbike and any day would take the harley.
(The harley was a iron 883 incase your wondering)
@@Jake-rs9nq Also where I live you, need not would want for situations, a good work truck. Same for bike, you want a bike that handels good where i live
@@tuberdumb7377 If you want a bike that handles well because your roads are in poor condition, HD would be a terrible choice. And I figured you were a young teen, you'll learn how much of a pain those bikes are if you ever buy one.
This bike makes me want a beer, buffalo wings and assault rifle.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 SAVAGE
Assault rifle first
I know a lot of world record holders that love all those things, and drive M5s
The “assault rifle” is going to cost you more than a Harley.
She said “fast”😂😂😂😆
Guten Tag No, not really. They have torque but are not fast
Harleys fast lol. I'm a harley guy and I have raced them. The sad thing is we make fun of kids for spending a million bucks to make a honda civic fast and we do same with harleys lol
Fast yes depending on the model and up grades, quick no they are not quick but I will put my Harley up against a crotch rocket but not through the 1/4 mile I am talking Phoenix to Las Vegas.
@@1979bobhd most people will never understand
She would have to be the most annoying narrator i have heard. Everything she says is a question.
Miguel Almeida What does that even mean?
@xXAscendingPhoenixXx, Up talking is an upward inflection at the end of a sentences which is ok for questions but when you do it with statements it makes you sound unsure in what you're saying like you're seeking validation and approval after every sentence.
I agree, it sounds patronising as though the listener is a child and has to have things explained carefully and the speaker is of superior intelligence. Apparently the vogue of talking like this amongst young women mainly was started with the TV series Beverly Hills 9020 years ago now. Depressingly young women [and some men] for whom English isn't their first language have adopted this form of speech as they have learnt the language. I've also seen it written too, like this? with totally out of place question marks. Bloody irritating.
Thank you for pointing this out! This is a disrespectful "millennial splaining" tone. Especially fitting for a documentary that basically says: "look boomers killed their own brand by being stuck in the past, then Orange Man Bad came and put the nail in the coffin by placing tariffs on raw materials from other countries. Look at these sophisticated liberals (inserts pic of racially homogeneous hipsters) Harley didn't conform their new world view, they'll fail soon unless you give up your gasoline and accept THE FUTURE which is ALL ELECTRIC. ASSIMILATE! RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!"
the wild one, Marlon Brando uses a British made triumph...and that's a real bike
Why is there so much hate towards HD? I mean I also wouldn’t buy one (yet) but I still love that they exist. Also most of the bikes look beautiful.
We, “motorcycle riders” should appreciate every motorcycle brand. The more the merrier :)
Greeting from a Russian guy who is living in Germany and ridding a Japanese bike 👋
Why is there so much hate towards HD? Because the hate every bike that’s not a 900 lb. Harley. I can’t stand to be around them.
Glen Fitton maybe you’re right, but there are also a lot of di**s in the sport bike community ;) but those are people not the motorcycle brands :)
Harley Davidson is just a pricy toy! It’s just a status symbol for most owners!
Unless a motorcycle is your only ride then ALL motorcycles are toys. Just used to ride on weekends or a few hours after work in day light savings time when the it gets dark at around 8pm.
25 years old and bought my first new bike last month- a Triumph. Never been interested in the Harley persona or lifestyle.
Triumph is in the perfect spot to take harleys market share.
@@kogasoldier9379 Triumph is garbage. There is no enthusiasm for Triumph. American made Harley-Davidson is the bike everyone wants to own.
@@newhampshirelifestyle4233 among boomers who want to relive the glory days maybe. But the sentiment of the newer wave of riders is far from wanting to choose from just a line of overpriced baggars and oh, an overpriced electric when the market has far more to offer. They'll always have a section of dedicated fanboys but outside of lawyers and doctors playing weekend warrior there just isn't much demand.
@@newhampshirelifestyle4233 lmao.. Triumph actually produces new products with new technology and engineering in their product lines. From a Tiger, to a Speed Twin, Speed/Street Triple to a Daytona.. they're progressive and enthusiastic about their product and performance output. Harley is fkn lost and confused, over priced 1970s bs still offered today but with fuel injection whoooopie!!! Lmao!
@@newhampshirelifestyle4233 Triumph is garbage? Your comment shows that you´ve probably never owned a Triumph or even ridden one. Triumph makes the most detailed and lovingly motorcycles out there. Trust me, they are very reliable and way ahaed of HD and even better, not that overpriced! ;-) There is of course enthusiasm for Triumph. Don´t get me wrong, i´m saying nothing against HD, everyone should ride what he or she wants. But saying Triumph is garbage couldnt be more away from the truth. You´re statement everyone wants an american made HD is unfortunately very wrong too... They are all just heavy, slow and if you´re going trough the alps here in europe you probably need new footrests after every ride... Triumphs are very agile, relatively light weighted, powerful and you would love throwing them into any and every curve and corner!
HD unfortunately doesnt give a sh... about the customer, like, we build what we want and the customer has to buy it... While Triumph is listening to the customer, for example, some customers of The Street Twin complained that the front brakes and Power could be a bit improved, 2 yrs later, voila, 18% more HP and a 310mm Brembo for front brakes...
Kind Regards from Austria
The reason Harley became a dominant brand is because they almost exclusively produced bikes with an American heritage that everyone appreciated and longed for. I remember the days I had to wait 4 months for my new Harley to arrive because of demand.
AHHHH...To have an American made big twin motorcycle lumbering down the road with a noise that filled your soul and made you proud to be a Harley owner. It was so awesome. Not so much now.
The whole point of buying a Harley used to mean that you were buying a product that was first designed and built in an old wooden garage by two dudes who had a badass American spirit. Now "Harley" is just another global corporation ruled by stock market performance and nothing else.
They have gotten away from that and now they are paying the price.
EV bike? seriously?
Well Harley had Buell. Perfect Subbrand to appeal younger customer groups. To bad they fucked it up.
..well said, I had so far 56 motorcycles in 57 years... the Buell Cyclone was one of my best...
True, the only technological advances Harley had is the Vrod and Buell. And they scrapped them both right now.
@@deathbygod5810 The Vrod is what happens when Harley takes an engine to Porsche and asks them to make it work.
They should have made Eric Buell president instead of firing him. They should have made dirt bikes to hook younger generations. They should have made sport bikes that could go toe to toe with the Japanese bikes. Instead, we got slow cruisers that sound like a lawnmowers. It's sad.
@@WaldoVH You're right. I started out on dirt bikes. Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki. Then had kids. Of course I bought them dirt bikes. They are now in their early 20's and laugh at the Briggs and Stratton powered Harleys.
The attitude of many owners today is what really turns me off. I’ve owned two harleys in the early 00’s. Today it really feels like most riders buy them solely so they can tell others they own one and put a sticker on the back of their Silverado so others know they ride HD. The leather vests and all things HD just seems pandering anymore. It’s mostly people that are square and conform to the absolute maximum, but think because they buy a Harley, it suddenly sets them apart.
You got the truck wrong, they go and buy the Harley Davidson version of the f150. This is literally a thing
lk B yup, you nailed it on the sticker. And all the clothes all the time! Lol the they stand around in the clothes made in Europe saying buy American lol
J G 😂👍
Much the same as the Starbucks crowd. It's the in thing to do even though they know that $6 for a coffee is crazy, they do it anyway.
lmao i'll be honest, i did buy myself a harley this past halloween because it's a harley. i know how these things are built, manufactured and their reliability. it's just that i've always wanted a harley since i was around the age of 7. but i'll never be like those guys you see on the road with no helmet, dressed in harley gear head to toe, has a gun on them and have that tough guy attitude.
I'm 32 and as an avid biker my problem is Harley culture. I hate the culture of no gear and obnoxiously loud exhausts.
The other problem is they don't sell any bikes that people want. The cruiser segment is not what people want. I purchased a new BMW adventure tour bike last Nov for 28k.
Harley Davidson sells an adventure bike. Their cruisers cover everything from sporty urban commuters to large cross country baggers and performance stunt bikes. They even sell electric motorcycles and bicycles. The only segments they don’t cover are sport bikes and dirt bikes. Sport bikes aren’t selling anyway though so no loss there.
Harley culture isn’t for snowflakes. You wanna ride, then ride. Don’t worry about what someone else is wearing or not wearing, that’s the problem with “avid bikers”. You turn your nose up at someone for stupid $hit. Enjoy the ride the way you want, that’s what freedom is all about.
@@The021589cjr I do have a pretty good idea what they sell. When I say adventure bikes I'm referring to something like the BMW R1250 GS, KTM 1290 SAS, that is touring and off-road capable. They don't have a bike that competes with this, at least until their Pan America is released.
Selling the kids bycles is smart but their electric bike was ridiculous for the price. I would get a zero first.
What bike are you referring to as a performance stunt bike? The only thing I think of is the Iron 883.
@@wildrides4354 It's not about turning nose up or thinking your better. I will never ever tell people what to do, but doesn't mean I can't tell someone they are being a moron. And I say the same thing to sport bikers popping wheelies down the road.
And you may think culture doesn'tatter but it plays a big role in image. That's companies pay marketing so much money to develop an image for a brand. And I visited a HD event last summer and of course every Harley rider fit the stereotype pretty damn well. If you have a problem with it then I think you're being the snowflake.
there was a harley dealer in my county named " reggie pink", they were in business since like 1920's did very well. they had a decent size showroom and repair shop, corporate told them the had to open a larger store to sell their boots, jackets and stuff. they opened a store in a former car dealership and didn't last two years. riding here in the northeast is seasonal ,in the winters he was starving for work. real shame
GM did the same thing to their dealers in the early 90's. They demanded a larger showroom, or they would pull GMAC financing. It was called "Taj Mahaling" the dealer. They wanted to reduce the number of dealers. the franchise agreement restricted new dealers in the franchise area, so they forced the dealers to sell.