Harley Davidson Names Topgolf’s Artie Stars as New CEO

[Vercingetorix]

Not a fan of Harley’s, but when does this kind of nonsense stop?
https://www.wsj.com/business/harley-davidson-names-topgolf-leader-as-new-ceo-738bfd97

 

[wings&wheels]

Maybe what HD needs from the operational, financial and structural side of the business, and hopefully he is smart enough to listen to the customer facing folks on product direction. Although, looking at their most recent offerings, maybe its time for a bit of a refresh of the marketing side as well.....

 

[Mcbeem5]

Harley is on a downward spiral financially.

 

[Owen Lucas]

Forget about the shotgun holster on the side of the bike.

Now they will include massive golf bags and golf course friendly rated tires for all the yuppies who buy these things.

Also, I bet all production will move to Bangladesh.

Welp, looks like HD did actually make golf carts back in the day: https://www.golfcartgarage.com/blog/harley-davidson-golf-carts-a-quick-history/

p.s. I am not a fan of writing collision / comp claims on motorcycles. I'd say 1/3 of HD claims are guys that "found" their bike on the ground. Usually a 2 year old bike with 2-3k on it. They got over their midlife crises and realized they are not motorcycle guys.

Sad thing is this small claim can be a total since Harley does not approve frame repairs which include bent hangers / mounting points.

I'll go to the HD shop and they'll quote a new frame which is essentially rebuilding the entire bike so it ends up being a total. Definitely a great purchase at the auction, runs and drives, just needs a few trim pieces, exhaust, maybe handlebars, tank, foot rests, exhaust, etc.

 

[ATex7239]

HD should completely redo their image in order to survive in future IMO. The rebellious counterculture image isn't there anymore. Now it’s your grandpa/dad/uncle’s brand and has been relegated more or less just motorcycle cosplay.

Also picking up a golf franchise CEO is actually hilariously fitting.

 

[FowVay]

The bowling pin company didn't do them any favors and I seriously doubt a set of golf clubs is going to turn them around. Harley-Davidson needs a business leader and someone who knows how to run this type of business. A biography on Arthur Starrs shows that he has varied interests... none of which involve motorcycles. He also had a hand in managing Pizza Hut and we see how they're doing these days.

Bio:
Artie earned his undergraduate degree in Economics at Princeton University. He is an avid sports and outdoor enthusiast and enjoys hiking, playing golf, listening to live music and spending time with his family.

 

[97prizm]

Not a fan of Harley’s, but when does this kind of nonsense stop?
https://www.wsj.com/business/harley-davidson-names-topgolf-leader-as-new-ceo-738bfd97

Harley Davidson has gone through three CEOS over what the last five years. The first was we're big bikes and chrome. The second wanted more entry level bikes, and variety. Sounds like the third guy was back to big bikes again.

 

[Owen Lucas]

A biography on Arthur Starrs shows that he has varied interests... none of which involve motorcycles. He also had a hand in managing Pizza Hut and we see how they're doing these days.

I think the perfect match would be Blockbuster's former CEO, the one that declined buying Netflix for $50MM. Eh, Blockbuster probably would have run Netflix into the ground anyway.

 

[Mcbeem5]

Interesting video on how Harley Davidson wants to eliminate many dealerships to streamline operations.HD wants to lose 50% of dealers?
---Watch "IT'S STARTING The Great Motorcycle Dealer Shutdown of 2025" on YouTube

 

[UncleDave]

Does this guy have a riding background ?

 

[wings&wheels]

Top Golf isn't true golf, but it is a a niche as is the MC market in general as well as HD's. Just guessing here but I can see the Board thinking that the product line is OK for now, but the go-to-market strategy needs work.

I don't think you have to be an HD rider or have much of a MC background to do this, in fact having an outsider's fresh outlook may be better. A good CEO will find, listen to (and moderate) the right folks with the market vision. Hope he can do it.

 

[ATex7239]

I think much louder exhausts are really the way to turn this thing around.

Nothing will get younger people flocking to your brand like someone’s peepaw blowing out their eardrums at every stoplight.

 

[UncleDave]

HD should completely redo their image in order to survive in future IMO. The rebellious counterculture image isn't there anymore. Now it’s your grandpa/dad/uncle’s brand and has been relegated more or less just motorcycle cosplay.

Also picking up a golf franchise CEO is actually hilariously fitting.

It's too late. Last time Harley was on the brink they convinced our gov to penalize everyone else with a <700CC tariff.

They should have offered a wider variety of bikes at diff price points vs. endless customization of big old v twins.

It's hard enough to attract riders to the party as it is, much less forcing everyone interested in your products into your image as well.

Which by the way - stinks from an openess perspective. This is coming from a lifelong biker, that isn't anti Harley, but doesn't find them compelling.

They are reaping what they sowed - a culture of exclusion vs. inclusion.

 

[ATex7239]

It's too late. Last time Harley was on the brink they convinced our gov to penalize everyone else with a <700CC tariff.

They should have offered a wider variety of bikes at diff price points vs. endless customization of big old v twins.

It's hard enough to attract riders to the party as it is, much less forcing everyone interested in your products into your image as well.

Which by the way - stinks from an openess perspective. This is coming from a lifelong biker, that isn't anti Harley, but doesn't find them compelling.

They are reaping what they sowed - a culture of exclusion vs. inclusion.

I wouldn’t call myself a motorcycle guy at all, but I used to ride some dirt bikes when I was a kid. If I wanted a motorcycle I’d be heading down to the Honda or Yamaha lot.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Harley resale is horrid. My friends tell me they will never buy another new Harley when there are tons of Uber low mile bikes available for thousands off.

Product life cycle... No product is immune.

 

[UncleDave]

I wouldn’t call myself a motorcycle guy at all, but I used to ride some dirt bikes when I was a kid. If I wanted a motorcycle I’d be heading down to the Honda or Yamaha lot.

Both excellent choices, the Japanese stuff is incredible and just works.
These brands took me from childhood to adulthood and are still getting my money today.

Honda 75, 125, 750, 1100, generators, as well as a midsized truck.
Yamaha, 125, 465, generators.
Kawasaki- ZX11.
Suzuki, GS1100, 1200 Bandit.
My group had a Vmax and gold wing in the rotation.

I enjoy riding Harleys, when I have one as a choice.
A big Harley twin is a great 2nd bike, or an even better 3rd bike.

I have no trouble with their crowd, but I cant get new riders interested in a group that doesnt want anyone that's new, or anyone that isn't like them.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Also picking up a golf franchise CEO is actually hilariously fitting.

Yes, that was my first thought also. Most (not all) Harley buyers these days are Country Club bankers, who ride twice a year. Perfect choice!

 

[Elkins45]

From what I’ve been told HD is doomed from both ends. Their core customer base won’t let them innovate and yet that same base is dying off.

 

[JeffKeryk]

From what I’ve been told HD is doomed from both ends. Their core customer base won’t let them innovate and yet that same base is dying off.

And then there's the price... Ouch!

 

[SC Maintenance]

And then there's the price... Ouch!

When I worked in big company corporate America they would stop making anything with margins that weren't high enough, even when profitable and popular. We worker bee's would make fun of it - saying that management only wanted to sell the cheese - referring to the fact that cheese at fast food is like 95% gross margin when you add it to your burger.