[eherlihy]

I believe that HD has had a rough couple of years lately because Millenials are NOT into riding, or the HD image.

From The Wall Street Journal:

Revenue fell 9% to $1.2 billion in the third quarter as the Milwaukee-based company retained guidance for shipping 241,000 to 246,000 motorcycles to dealers world-wide in 2017, down 6-8% from last year.

Harley, seeking to grow its customer base, has embarked upon plans to add 2 million new riders in the U.S. over the coming decade, and grow its international business to 50% of its total annual volume. The company is working to expand its appeal to women, minorities, young adults and city dwellers.

The challenge of the targets remained evident in the third quarter. Harley’s U.S. motorcycle sales dipped 8.1% to 41,793, while its international retail sales were off 4.6% to 22,416.

Harley said its U.S. market share increased in the latest quarter and its sales decline wasn’t as steep as the broader industry.

The company reported profit of $68.2 million, or 40 cents a share, in third quarter, down from $114.1 million, or 64 cents, the same period a year ago.

 

[nate6966]

I'm glad I'm not employed in marketing, trying to figure out the next generation.
"Millennials" are impacting me enough as it is, trying to figure out how to manage them and motivate them to work.

 

[Hiramsaint]

If I was paying 25-30 grand for a $10,000 motorcycle, I'd be hurting too. I wonder if the WSJ cares about that.

 

[mjklaser]

Does Harley-Davidson have any liquid-cooled, shaft-drive motorcycles, yet? :16: :shrug:

 

[Silver F]

Operator Error, Sorry.

 

[Silver F]

there New 107 and 114 have fluid cooled cylinder heads !!!!!! 4 valve per cylinder as well.....

I know a guy ( Mike ) that purchased a New 2017 HD Trike.. he would not say what he paid for it.. he traded in his 2015 StreetGlide...

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/20...-107-114-milwaukee-eight-to-replace-twin-cam/
.

 

[mjklaser]

Starting at only $42,949: https://motorcycles.harley-davidson.com/us/en/motorcycles/2018/cvo/cvo-limited.html

:doh: :doh: :doh: :doh:

 

[Silver F]

Starting at only $42,949: https://motorcycles.harley-davidson.com/us/en/motorcycles/2018/cvo/cvo-limited.html

:doh: :doh: :doh: :doh:

does that come with a 30 year payment plan ?

 

[henkvdb]

Starting at only $42,949: https://motorcycles.harley-davidson.com/us/en/motorcycles/2018/cvo/cvo-limited.html

:doh: :doh: :doh: :doh:

'Starting', this tells me that this is the 'low end' model.
For that money it better come with a full tank of gas.

 

[RJ64]

HD salesmen don't like me when I ask what is the cost of ownership when I was looking. They didn't want to tell me. So I told them. The insurance on a new RK was more than all 3 bikes I had full coverage on at the time. No way. And the bike payment was going to be higher than my mortgage payment. Yikes!

 

[Sylvanus' Pilot]

'Starting', this tells me that this is the 'low end' model.
For that money it better come with a full tank of gas.

and a mechanic

 

[Sylvanus' Pilot]

I'm glad I'm not employed in marketing, trying to figure out the next generation.
"Millennials" are impacting me enough as it is, trying to figure out how to manage them and motivate them to work.

Let me know how that works out for ye. God knows I cannot get most of 'em to function as adults in a professional environment.

 

[indymanjoe]

Maybe everyone already has a "lifestyle" they like. Nice bikes but not for me.

 

[eherlihy]

They are no fans of Harley at Jalopnik either

Posted by: 512BB
10/17/17 6:31pm
He has a great point and to me that is the crux of the Harley issue. They use shyte parts, shyte quality, ridiculously clumsy build quality and they want top top dollar for it. Unless you are old and fat, there is no need for a Harley.

Posted by: neverspeakawordagain
to: 512BB
10/17/17 6:36pm
If you are old and fat, there’s still no need for a Harley.
...

Posted by: IBMcGinty
To: 512BB
10/17/17 7:06pm
Old fat guy here. I bought a BMW.

 

[Bubba316]

They are no fans of Harley at Jalopnik either

I'm old, fat and frequent Jalopnik. I have a Goddamned Honda! And it's likely staying get that way!

Sent from my SM-T670 using Tapatalk

 

[Vinish]

I just sold my beloved Harley Softail. A tear was in my eye as I drove away from the sale. I put 38,000 miles on that bike and visited a lot of the east half of the country. Even though its replacement is superior in all ways, I will miss that simple black HD Softail. It was my first big bike (Honda Shadow 500 prior to that) and I think we all remember our first with fondness

 

[indymanjoe]

I have nothing against Harley's. But just as everything in my house i pay for, it comes down to value,maintenance and cost of repairs. Sorry Harley but i cant afford your lifestyle and the wind at 80 on a Honda is the same as on a Harley..

 

[IndyX]

Uncle rides a Harley and he doesn't have that much money into it. It has had a few issues but mainly from age and he puts on a ton of miles every year.

Never been a brand basher it's all personal preference.
I just don't like the look of them. That's my only gripe about them.

Millennials are more into small sport or crossover bikes in the city not cruising the highway on a big Harley.

 

[Silver F]

2 words... push rods.

even the brand New Yamaha V-twin Tourer.. is push rod.. air cooled... ????????????/

 

[IndyX]

2 words... push rods.

even the brand New Yamaha V-twin Tourer.. is push rod.. air cooled... ????????????/

Well I do think that the whole sticking to only air cooled over the years has been silly. Even uncle thinks that. Lol

Harley is taking steps in the right direction but only baby steps. I do think they spend too much time trying to please the old fans and not designing for the younger future of motorcycling.