Wow, someone mentioned profit margin? I didn't see that one coming...
Harley Davidson Names Topgolf’s Artie Stars as New CEO
- Thread starter Vercingetorix
- Start date
Over a decade ago Harley forced all small/medium dealers to built "palace" dealerships. Most of them did not have the sales volume to support these fancy buildings. The one nearest me is a prime example of this. They went from a small building selling a lot of bikes to a large fancy building selling fewer bikes. I once knew their mortgage payment and it never made sense. First Harley corporate sent advisors to "help" mgmt. Now I believe they have taken it over. This area just doesn't have the population and surrounding area to support it.
Harley's market is dying off. I'm 76 and quit riding a year ago while I still could ride. Harley needs to find a new market and it's going to take someone special to do that.
It's no wonder they've been failing for years. Their intended audience are those that wants other riders to "ask permission" to pass their lame club, hogging the left lane and struggling to keep up with a 400cc.
On the bright side, my friend has [had now, long story] their pan-american which is pretty nice considering it looks more Indian and BMW than Harley.
On the bright side, my friend has [had now, long story] their pan-american which is pretty nice considering it looks more Indian and BMW than Harley.
HD can't pass emissions and sound regulations. What HD represented in the past combined with alleged dealer price gouging is no longer sustainable.
The one dealer experience I had with Harley was from Bartels in LA back in 93. Here's how the conversation went.
Me - Hey guys I'm wondering where the title is for my bike?
Bartels - We hold onto it for you until the loan is paid off.
Me- There was no loan, I wrote a check for the bike.
Bartels- we hold onto it until the check clears.
Me- The check cleared 6 month ago when I bought the bike.
Bartels - We like to hold onto them anyway, as a courtesy.
Me- I'd prefer to hold the title to the bike I own. Can I swing by and pick it up?
Bartels - I'd have to check to make sure it's here before you do that and that you do in fact own the bike free and clear.
Me- Please do so Id like the title to my bike. I can bring the original check in that showed when it was cashed if that helps.
Bartels - That doesn't mean anything, anyone can fake that.
Me- We can call the bank together,
Bartels- How do we know you aren't faking that?
Me - Well you can call the local branch yourself with me present.
Bartels - That isn't our policy.
Me- Its not my policy to buy a bike outright and not receive title - nowhere in the paperwork I signed did you say you were going to hold this up for any length of time...
.......and on and on and on - I almost got a lawyer involved.
Still took a month before they came up with it.
Older Harley riders are aging out of the motorcycle hobby.
Older folks with money realize how important it’s to save for retirement and not buying expensive Harley.
Lots of younger folks have little interest in motorcycles and don’t have the money in their budget to buy one.
Younger men daydream about a Tesla and iPhone 17…… not riding a Harley with girlfriend.
Older folks with money realize how important it’s to save for retirement and not buying expensive Harley.
Lots of younger folks have little interest in motorcycles and don’t have the money in their budget to buy one.
Younger men daydream about a Tesla and iPhone 17…… not riding a Harley with girlfriend.
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Louder exhausts and more chrome is the answer.
Maybe they can market more to younger ladies of today.
Hey girls, you want to wear a bunch of heavy leather gear and sweat your butt off on a loud, smelly machine that’ll rattle your fillings loose from your teeth? No, you say? Well, what if said you can’t really drive one, but we will let you wear a cool jacket that says “Property of Chad.” Now how does that skibidi sound?
Hey girls, you want to wear a bunch of heavy leather gear and sweat your butt off on a loud, smelly machine that’ll rattle your fillings loose from your teeth? No, you say? Well, what if said you can’t really drive one, but we will let you wear a cool jacket that says “Property of Chad.” Now how does that skibidi sound?
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