Harley is dying, will this new strategy save the motorcycle brand?

ARE HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES OBSOLETE?
It's no secret that Harley is experiencing a demographics problem, the average age of owners has been increasing with each passing year. Will Harley continue to be a motorcycle company or a nostalgic lifestyle brand? Can they capture the market share of Millennials and Gen Z purchasing brand new bikes? Let me know what you think in the comments.
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[@richpuller1348]

Im 62 yrs old and have been riding for 3 yrs. I bought new a 2021 Road Glide Limited. for $35K and put another $5K into it. Here are some of the things I have learned. 1. Harley owners have no desire to own other brands unless its a second bike. 2. Harley dealership network is second to none. 3. Whenever I go to bike night , rallies or group rides. 90% ride a HD. The other 10% feel a little awkward. They always try to justify their non HD purchase. 4. HD has by far the largest secondary pars supply. Everyone who is anyone in motorcycle aftermarket parts makes parts for HD. 5. No one gives a damn about Honda apparel or BMW apparel or anyone else's brand other than HD. 6. No one has gotten laid because they ride a Honda. 7. This year was a big year for HD. Road Glide and Street Glide received many updates and a price reduction. Yes , a price reduction. First time ever. 8. HD riders really like loud motorcycles. 9. The newer bike are reliable and have plenty of power. 10. HD makes the best looking bikes. HD is no.1 in big bike sales, No. 1 in branded apparel sales. No. 1 dealership network. Have been around 120 yrs. They are not dying.

[@Ramibiker2023chief]

someone's definitely drinking the koolaid

[@FFL-vg9ro]

@@Ramibiker2023chief OK - so go ahead and prove him wrong, point by point. . . Personal attacks are what people do when none of the facts are in their favor.

[@MalfosRanger]

Sigh. Alright. 1) Sure, I consider it highly likely that anyone who buys a Harley-Davidson buys one because they want a Harley-Davidson. The brand is inseparable from the product. 2) Given Harley's domestic market share I believe that. 3) I'm sure there are plenty of bike meets dominated by HD as well as some that have hardly any HD riders. 4) Related to the second point, I don't contest that. 5) I am sure there are plenty of people with brand loyalty extending to their wardrobe but probably not to the excess which HD screams it to the world. 6) Citation needed. 7) Hope the people in the market for a Harley-Davidson get good deals. 8) Granted. 9) The Pan-American is nice. 10) There are diamonds in the rough. In my opinion, this is vapid. I'll greet a rider passing on the other side of the road whether their riding a Royal Enfield, Triumph, HD, or whatever. It doesn't much matter to me what someone rides. HD didn't attracted me to the world of motorcycles, and even as I entertain the idea of a second bike or even a scooter down the line I'm not worried about missing out on what HD owners have. I'll be happy owning multiple bikes for the price this gentleman spent on his one.

[@Ramibiker2023chief]

@@FFL-vg9ro sweeping generalizations filled with everybody loves (his brand) and bo one cares for (other brands) etc. this is the definition of a brand whore.

[@Uriel-Septim.]

Well we are all dying, some before others, its appeal to the young generation is just not there, it could become the story of Triumph all over again, when the Japanese bike began to hit the market back in the 1960ish and they held on to old tecnolegy and belived theire name would be enough to keep them alive, Indian and Chinese bikes is getting there.

[@TonyN491]

Older millennial here, new-ish rider. Harleys always struck me as being "for" a certain demographic...which isn't me. But after watching a bit more motorcycle content on KZbin I feel a little less that way. Even if that weren't the case, though, the price isn't worth it for me, and I'm not trying to "fit in" at bike nights or group rides, don't have a group of friends who ride Harleys. That having been said, I don't think HD is dying at all... it will always have a loyal core group of customers, unless somehow HD strays from its...image, for lack of a better word.

[@MalfosRanger]

Another millenial here. I second this. I'm ambivalent to Harley-Davidson. Love or hate them, HD makes good bikes and not so good, same as any other manufacturer. The distinguishing factor for HD is that the brand is almost inseparable from the product. I don't think people browse bikes at a motorsport dealership or research online and end up buying a Harley. People who buy Harleys want a Harleys. HD can innovate, as the Pan American shows, but boldly breaking the mold is the exception. As long as they don't lobby for protectionist measures, let HD do as they please.

[@thereble101]

I'm gen Z and within my riding group none of us have any interest in harleys, they're sort of seen as old man bikes lacking any coolness that brands like triumph or ducati carry. Also you should do these motovlogs more often I absolutely love how your scrambler sounds.

[@trippontwowheels]

Sure hope so! Would love to see Harley stay around for a long, long time.

[@MeghanStark]

I hope they are able to pivot! They really are a beloved brand and a huge part of Milwaukee's cultural history

[@charlesprice7608]

@@MeghanStarkHarley survived the AMF years they will prevail. Definitely need to come up with a different strategy, marketing to rich old men is a dying business model!

[@loosingparts6159]

Lifelong Triumph guy here. Biggest problem I’ve had with HD is all the baggers just look the same, just different colors. Except RG looks like a cartoon shark. 😂. If you ride any of the sporty or other bikes all you here is “ I see your wife let you ride her bike “ Even when sportys are for sale somewhere in the description will be “ It was my sisters “ so new riders who want a HD have to get a road sofa so they don’t get laughed at. 😊

[@MeghanStark]

This is so real! The tough guy culture is killing the brand, and it's hilarious that everything that isn't a couch on wheels is considered a "girl bike" to some of those old dudes. Sportsters should really be the lifeline to the next generation. Maybe they should get into making walkers 😂

[@Rif_Leman]

@@MeghanStark You will be old so fast that you will wonder how the time passed so quickly. Enjoy your youth. It won't last long.

[@trex860]

Go test drive a Fat Boy.

[@dodger0101]

I think you’re right Meghan. I’m one of Harleys Riding Acadmy instructors and I’ve seen a severe downturn in poeple buying New Motorcycles, the used market is still doing well. The iriony isn’t lost on me regarding the branding, merch and age/income of current buyers ;->

[@MeghanStark]

The price brand new is hard to justify, even for folks who are big fans of HD!

[@iggyzorro2406]

You hit on all the points Harley has to address. Their standard demographic is old and well monied. Unless you're Rolls or Bentley, that's not going to cut it. Other middle-aged dreams like Corvette have big money Chevy/GM to carry them. Perhaps look to Cadillac as an example to make the marque more youth oriented and keep it alive. Going to accessories seems to be a desperate attempt to keep the name out there - as when there was no Indian motorcycle company, but you could purchase Indian jackets. They better come up with something fast before their new-bike customer base totally dies off. I'm in that age group and have ridden for many decades but have never personally had the desire to own an H.D. or be part of the no-sleeves, look tough culture and, I'm afraid younger riders (of which there are fewer than in the past) fall into that mindset. H.D. has too many models many of which are indistinguishable to non-Harley afficionados: electra glide/hydra glide/street glide/road glide/road king/ street bob/fat bob/fat boy/this anniversary edition/that anniversary edition/ low rider/street rider/hard tail/soft tail/sportster/nightster............If they want to get the younger crowds' money, I hate to even suggest it, but be 1970's Japanese: look at what's beating you and emulate it. And drop the price by one third or don't even bother trying. Or in a few years, maybe AMF (or some scavenger) will be looking to purchase a highly discounted formerly very successful motorbike manufacturer.

[@FluxApex]

2 of my best friends ride Harleys. Harleys have turned into americas version of the gold wing. I just want one similar to how an indian ftr is. Basic, beautiful and under $15k... The half finished nightster doesnt count.

[@thelost_woods]

The prices have climbed to astronomical amounts. A piddly little 3 gal tank street bob went from a 13k bike to a 17k bike in just a few years. Thats absolute robbery for what you get

[@martincvitkovich724]

everything costs astronomical amounts, every since the commies in the gov turned off our energy independence. Until that is turned BACK around the country will continue to deteriorate not just HD.

[@danwein]

I'm quite disappointed in what Harley has turned into. Adapt or die and I feel they chose death.

[@Uriel-Septim.]

Triumph 1960ish history all over again.

[@ronaldcoleman3119]

I will shortly turn 62 years old and be retiring. I have been riding since 2012. I ride a lot and have logged over 130,000 miles. Well I just bought a $22,000 Harley Davidson heritage classic as my retirement present after working 35 years as a New York State Prison Guard. I have always rode a Japanese midsized cruiser. Why did I buy a Harley because I’ve always wanted a Harley and I believe the new heritage classic is the perfect combination of a cruiser and a touring bike. Plus, I felt it was now or never I have taken care of everyone else how it was time to take care of myself. The new generation is definitely a different generation. example at the age of 27, I took a job in prison because it’s was the best paying job I could fine in 1990. The job sucks and I hated it for the last 35 years. But, I was making over a $100,000. a year. Young people today don’t want the job and will take a job that pays much less. This could be a difference between the generations. Because the new generation does only what it wants to do. My generation did what we had to and it didn’t matter what we wanted or if we were happy. Who cares if we were happy, shake it off and don’t be a pussy is the mentality that I grow up in. The only think that mattered Is that I was making enough money to pay the bills and take care of my family. In a sense who cared about my feelings, I did what I had to do so that could be a difference between the mentality of the new and former generations. at least that’s my opinion. I’ve had the Harley for a week so far and I love it. It feels like a rocket and has incredible Twerk, is extremely comfortable and very smooth. In my opinion, it’s the next level of riding experience. I’ve never felt anything like that on any of my prior bikes. I’ve owned the v-star 650, the v- star 950 and currently also have a Honda 750. However, I worry about the Harleys reliability. The Japanese bikes have a proven record of reliability. Now getting back to what I think about Harley Davidson future. Well, I believe that there will always be Harley Davison because there’s always gonna be people like me who want one and because there is a long history. There success will likely never be like it was in the 1990s When you had to be on a waiting list to actually buy a bike. But they will continue to operate because its Harley Davidson and people always somehow find the money to buy one. Furthermore, there’s always gonna be enough young people who have more of my generations mentality. These are the twenty something year old guys that I work with who are working overtime and buying property while other guys their age are playing video games and living in there parents basement.

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

Meghan, one of our early trips to Oshkosh to AirVenture, I was in the John Deere booth and the VP of Marketing was there and asked me if I had any questions. I asked her, what does John Deere want to be when they grow up? She laughed and replied, Harley Davidson!!!! This was about 15 years ago! She said they are great at selling merchandise in their stores while ours is primarily sold thru other outlets. And, mind you that was 15 years ago! This is a great topic and I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. By the way, I’ve been riding 58 years, never owned a Ducati, but have always liked them. Back in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, I raced off road and rode Bultaco, Suzuki and Yamaha. I owned Harley’s during the days they were made by a bowling ball company (AMF) and still own one now. But, I don’t buy their merchandise! lol…. I also own KTM, Kawasaki and Suzuki. I really like your channel and am glad you’re back. By the way, I ordered and received my Thorogood boots and am very, very pleased with them and your fast service is remarkable! Thank you! Ride safe!

[@ArneAsada69]

Harley Davidson is a T-shirt company that also sells motorcycles to drive up sales of those T-shirts.

[@kenhoward3512]

'Seems to me, Indian is creating the good-looking core bikes Harley no longer does, for those in the market for a cruiser. Harley really dropped the ball with their new-generation, liquid-cooled bikes. The newest Sportster, for instance, has literally zero appeal for me. It was sad when the H-D dealer in my small city closed, then the dealer 25 miles away closed, but with the nearest dealer now 55 miles away, I couldn't care less. But I love the sight and sound of Meghan's Ducati.

[@triot2127]

Just look at the comments on this videos to see who is buying Harleys. The cool outlaws? Nope, kids today are watching youtube videos of people on groms, dirt bikes, hyper-nakds, and sport bikes breaking the law and going on dates with girls on the back. From the perspective of a 18yo that just got their license that's where all the young cool guys and gals are at. Its no surprise they go for the Japanese and Ero motorcycles. From the 18yo perspective Harleys are for old guys taking a second mortgage out on their house. HD really truly dose have a image problem with the young crowd. Also its not even about the money necessarily. Plenty of 20 something people are going into debt to have bikes like the BMW M1000RR or a Ducati v4.

[@Rif_Leman]

I am 57 y/o My newest motorcycle is a 1999 Harley Softail. HD has not made a motorcycle that is of interest to me in 24 years. Now they just make motor vehicles. I have ridden two HD demo bikes in this century. I wanted to love them, but I didn't. Whatever "it" is that makes 20th century Harleys special just isn't there anymore. I still buy some parts from my local dealer because the parts that they still make that fit my Harleys are of excellent quality and while there is a bit of a premium in the price, it isn't beyond reason. Unlike their motor vehicle offerings.

[@Uriel-Septim.]

And that is the problem, just look at this thread, most, no sorry all who are HD drivers are around your age or older, many who began to ride back in the 70-80ish did continue to ride HD and is loyal to the brand, the problem is to get the younger generations to, well first of all ride bike in the first place and then chose HD, many of them like tecnology and cheap/low cost stuff/bikes and don`t care so much about high quality that can last a life time, fit well with the new generation of Chinesse bikes that are comming out now, like Triumph lost to the Japanese bikes back in the 60/70ish it could be the same fate HD is facing ?

[@BaxterTheBiker]

I'm Harleys demographic, but I prefer my Ninja. HD doesn't make sportbikes and hasn't made a competitive bike in a lot of market segments. They lost out with Buell. And killing the Sportster won't bring me to their dealerships (there were a few Sporties that were competitive even as cruisers and had a decent range per tankful). The Streets were promising but had itty-bitty tanks and awkward ergonomics, so I passed. Indian doesn't do any better, their bikes are either ponderous or have too short of a range. But I suspect that this marketing plan may be ok so long as they maintain an aspirational quality for older riders who no longer care for sporting riding. Maybe I'll be one of them someday?

[@aromaticsnail]

I believe Ferrari was one of the first automotive brands investing heavily on merch. Decades ago in the dawn of ecommerce they had their official online store. Of course their racing division contributed and probably offered a lot of experience on how to do merch. But Ferrari never stopped making great cars and innovating and they are larger than ever. Harley is unfortunately in deep waters. Someone else mentioned a market research and at least in Europe, they are doing terribly in sales and dealers are closing doors. And I fail to understand how could this happen! You mentioned Ducati as a good example. I remember the company being in trouble, they were acquired by Audi, so technically they're not independent anymore. But with such a history and tradition, Ducati is not shy on coming up with great bikes for different tastes. Has anyone questioned their heritage when they released the DesertX? How is it they are successful with the Diavel but Harley keeps failing on this segment (VROD, FXDR, FatBob)? Harley doesn't seem to break from the ol' formula and if that worked for their domestic market, even that is starting to fail on them. It's a shame, because I love the brand, I own a old Sportster and I'd really like to continue to see new Harley's on the road. I'm afraid they'll either become a Moto Guzzi (a happy ending but very niche) or just become a shell brand for a Chinese manufacturer (or less worse bought by an Indian giant).

[@Starch-Wreck]

I only watch these vlogs in Milwaukee hoping for a Rich Evans sighting.

[@kdogg2077]

The crossover the world needs.

[@naturalforlife6741]

Harley needs to build a Harley that would cost about what a middle class bike costs. 7 to 9 k and could compete with Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Honda. That's a lot to ask from an old manufacturer. I think the writing is on the wall.

[@PatrickJWenzel]

Message to Harley and Triumph: You want sell your motorcycles in the EU/Asia/Australasia market at ‘Made in America/UK’ prices? Then make them there. You want to make your motorcycles in Thailand? Sure thing, but price them accordingly. You’ve both embraced the Louis Vuitton business model. Let’s see what happens when global residual income decreases and buyers become far more discerning with their choices.

[@zackadams419]

I’ve heard somewhere that the current CEO is trying to turn a greater profit on each bike so they don’t necessarily have to sell as many bikes. This seems to be the opposite of the previous CEO’s idea of “more roads to Harley” idea which included the Bronx. I bet releasing the Bronx would be a huge step in the right direction

[@AnandaNineOne]

I see the Checkmate gloves! ❤

[@jjparker96]

Accessories are exactly that...accessories. This will not further the brand. Someone needs to be more cognizant of their motorcycles being "too expensive." They really NEED a "starter" bike to pull people in.

[@jmjponeill]

Harley Davidson are overpriced, outdated and irrelevant.

[@Rif_Leman]

If they are irrelevant, why are you so triggered by them?

[@richardlindsey7112]

😂

[@Uriel-Septim.]

I am not in to that kind of bikes, but if I should by etc a cruiser I would go for an indian.

[@jmjponeill]

@@Rif_Leman not triggered, just making a statement.

[@Rif_Leman]

@@jmjponeill For what purpose? If HD is irrelevant, then it is pointless to mention it. You don't like HD and it irritates you that others do.

[@dhc8guru]

I meet Harley’s demographic and I couldn’t justify buying a Harley. Sadly it’s not just Harley that is seeing a decline in sales but consider the losses to the dealers and after market parts and accessory companies. If I was a dealer with a multi million dollar, 50,000 sq ft facility that is going to be allotted 100 bikes a year and then be expected to sell $800 leather jackets and $100 t-shirts. I’d be seriously worried. Good luck!

[@OntarioAndrews415]

I don't know if they're dead, but on life support might be a better way to put it. I mean, selling merch as a business plan for a moto company? Really HD? I would think they need to make a 400-500cc liquid cool bikes with HD DNA. Triumph has hit the ball out of the park with their Speed 400 and Speed X.

[@user-vw4rv7em1k]

I just brought a new 23 low rider s, went stage 4 and full club style before I pick it up. It was unbelievably expensive but I love it and I plan on keeping it and putting many thousands of kms on it. I was only able to afford it due to my brother leaving a lot of money after he took his own life. I can see why everyone is frustrated but to be fair everything has gone through the roof as far as price goes, not just HD.

[@jontnoneya3404]

IMO the #1 thing killing the brand - lack of support The word is getting around that dealerships are turning down work on older bikes. I've heard from some that if it's 10 yrs old, even if they bought the bike from the dealer, they're refusing to work on it. Not for any price!!! No one is going to pay a premium for a Harley if they can't get it serviced after 10 years. Especially when there's so much competition in the market for bikes. And don't even get me started on the aftermarket parts. I've tried that and had to pay the Harley tax for the genuine thing when the aftermarket one crapped out. AND there's a HUGE difference in quality too. Take the top plate gasket which seals up the fuel tank from the top plate - aftermarket, cheap plastic that leaked after installed. Harley one has actual metal grommets around each screw hole and is make specifically to Harley spec so no leaking after install. I get it - a company cannot make parts for their bikes forever but taking the Apple computer approach (of buy a new computer cuz we're not going to fix this older one) sucks when you're talking about a $1,500+ computer. It's down right brand killing BULLSH*T when you're talking about a $25,000+ motorcycle. I seriously hope Harley doesn't continue down that path.

[@indiorider8539]

Good video and informative! HD has been in trouble since They decided to become a luxury brand. And not for the working class. The brand will always have a big support behind it. But as you mentioned, their current support is aging out. If by selling merchandise is left a thier legacy, it's sad. I mean, you buy an HD you get a free t shirt😂 ride what you want and forget the noise. Hasta luego!

[@MotoCurmudgeon]

A little market data goes a long way to tell the real story… good stuff, thanks and keep em coming. Good to see you back.

[@shep68]

Same mix of comments in this vid as any other “is HD finished” vid. Some valid points. Some haters. Those who have no idea what they’re talking about but HD bashing is fashionable. And always with the wave comments. Lol. I’ve ridden most of my life. Yami, Honda, Kawi and HD. Fit and finish on HD is 2nd to none. Reliability has not been an issue for a few decades now. And they charge for it. Which could be a problem going forward. But I still see a whole lot of young guys either on or wanting one. They’ve always had the merch, and I’m sure it’s a money maker. But bikes are and always will be their bread and butter. It is still the dominant American best seller. By a lot. And yea, I’ll wave at you no matter what you ride. We’re all in it together. ✌️

[@thenightflier37]

In my country (Italy) harley are insanely pricey due to import taxes. One example: few years ago HD used to sell the Electra Glide Standard here in Europe and Italy. It was the entry level bike for the Grand American Touring segment bikes and had a decent price in the states (don't know if they still sell it). Well, here, due to import taxes, it has never been as affordable as in the US. Also the HD bikes, here, maintain a lot of their value through the time so that you can find old 2005 883 sportsters listed at 8000€ (!)... Scrolling the offers of harley dealers I found Milwaukee 8 Electra Glide police bikes at just 10000$...here in europe the dealers sometimes import these police bikes and they resell the at 24000-30000€... The HD entry level bike, the sportster 975, here costs around 16000€: I personally haven't seen one owned by anyone around... It would be great if HD bikes, at least the used ones, here in Europe were as "cheap" as in US.

[@NoFrictionZone]

I pass patched riders! 😎

[@cozyracer]

Millennial lady rider rider checking in: I think Harley will be cemented in history as the defacto "motorcycle". It's baked into the lore of the industrial era and mainstream thought. Wherever the brand and products evolve to, it will always be recognized as a legendary American brand and motorcycle brand, which is well deserved. From a personal perspective, I've just never wanted to be associated with the Harley brand to be honest. Even before I became interested in motorcycles and rode. Main reason for me being that the culture around the bikes feels generally toxic and conservative and isn't something my values align with. Harley dealerships don't feel very welcoming to me. The less "personable" Harley riders seem super judgmental about other types of bikes for reasons I still don't get-I think ALL bikes have their own personality, strengths and values. I realize a lot of normal and chill people also ride Harleys-from the baggers to their adventure bike offerings. But when random people learn I ride a motorcycle, they almost always just assume "Harley" because it IS the defacto idea of a motorcycle outside of crotch rockets, and based on that, make assumptions about who I am as a person. And I correct them immediately and educate them about my Triumph lol. I don't consider myself a brand loyalist. Road Kings look really dope to me, as do Iron 883's. I'd totally see myself on a proper touring motorcycle someday. But to be honest, if/when that happens, I'm looking at Indian.

[@richardolson5880]

Hmmmm.....you mentioned Triumph and Ducati as niche brands which is how i also view Harley Davidson. I'm spoiled as i live 30 minutes north of Milwaukee and have 5 or 6 dealerships within a 50 mile radius. I fit the stereotypical Harley owner/rider profile with the exception of being a steelmill worker, no desk job. Been riding HD for 20 plus years, why the brand? I love its history and pride of ownership i get having one. I'm to the point in my life that cruising is enough for me so I'll enjoy my my big dumb Street Glide and Vrod. The company is changing to attract youth, of course it is! It's a business after all, it's end goal is to see a profit. It's funny you mention the Homecoming being a yearly thing no, Harleyfest would've fit Milwaukee better but whatever. All the brands have their core riders and loyal buyers, HD is no different. The company ebbs n flows with the economy as it should. I see plenty of younger HD riders at events. I also see the brand still being worn by non HD owners. The comparison to band merch is spot on. They may appear to be behind technology wise at times, but so are most brands touted as American. The company is doing fine in my eyes.

[@michaelm2502]

Everything H-D is overpriced. Their franchising of the apparel and anything with the logo on it is also overpriced. You nailed it with the merchandise! They don’t care about bikers anymore, just being a corporation. Sold their soul a long time ago.

[@roninrider6927]

Funny I bought a vintage looking HD hoodie because it looks good even though I don’t ride one and can’t afford one. 😎

[@twocupstwodrams7535]

"Outlaw vigilante scrappy" folks have never been Harley-Davidson customers, maybe oil and spark plugs. Just because you ride a second hand H-D and buy your gear and accessories at swap meets and after market stores or off of Craig's list, doesn't mean you're not part of the community, but let's be clear, "you are not paying the Motor Companies bills." Ride Free.

[@WhoopsWrongButton]

I think HD becoming a merch brand is a very poor move. The only reason HD can sell merch at all is because their bikes used to mean something. People were proud of the brand and pride in owning their machines. I think that is fading fast. Once no one cares about their bikes, no one will care about their merch.

[@jmsdeco]

Even Harley's merch, clothing , boots are insanely expensive. No thanks.

[@Uriel-Septim.]

it also look stupid when people have all the merch and not even owning a bike.

[@genekelley7579]

🛑🛑 First Time watcher. Sorry dear, you’re not riding a Harley, and wouldn’t understand the culture; until you owned and rode one. I’m not Trolling you, and mean no disrespect, however I think you in over your depth on this topic. 😀✌️

[@michaeltrivette1728]

The Culture? You mean mentally challenged?

[@johnhinson9866]

I believe Harley is done, unless they start making cruiser bikes in the 250cc to 500cc range. Not everyone wants or can afford a 900 lb behemoth that costs more than their parents' first home! That and dependability is why I bought a new Phantom!

[@KeViNMCMXXCIX]

Nah don't think they're dying. Doing some stuff different, that's for sure. Not hating or anything, I like all bikes. They all have it's charms. But yeah costs come into play with motorcycles. In the US it been seen more as a toy i've been told. But over here in Europe and for me in The Netherlands it is a toy too, yes but it is also a means to transportation. A commuting vehicle so to speak, which is cheaper to keep then a car or multiple cars in a family situation. For in town traveling, people either walk, go on bicycles or Scooters/Mopeds/E-bikes.

[@kdogg2077]

My scrambler seems so much more loud vibey and jerky than Meghan's. Ah well.

[@mrman487]

I've heard this same video by others for the last 20 years.

[@CornishMotorcycleDiaries]

They are already Dead, the internal snobbery is crippling. They lost affordability when they canned the Sportster, which was already creeping up in price at the time.

[@ejdtm]

If you compare Harley prices over the last 30 years versus inflation. Harley‘s have not gone up much in price.

[@Uriel-Septim.]

Same with all other brands, actually many of them cost less if you adjust for inflation, in the 80ish it would cost me 6 month of pay to buy a Honda cb 750 now it is more like 4 month of pay, granted that the bike now have 2 cylinders insted of 4 and is made in Thailand and not Japan, but it also have 92HP instead of 77 and abs.

[@ejdtm]

I see all ages buying at my dealer. With various income levels. Sales have been strong and I assume they’ll get even better if voting goes as expected next time around.

[@Uriel-Septim.]

So you think Trump will do a Regan ? "President Ronald Reagan played a role in supporting Harley-Davidson during a critical time: In 1983, Harley-Davidson faced significant challenges due to competition from Japanese motorcycle manufacturers. Japanese companies like Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki were undercutting Harley-Davidson by offering motorcycles at lower prices. As a result, Harley-Davidson’s market share had declined significantly. To address this, President Reagan signed a presidential memorandum on April 1, 1983, known as the “1983 motorcycle tariff” or the “Memorandum on Heavyweight Motorcycle Imports.” This memorandum ordered a 45% tariff on heavyweight motorcycles imported to the United States"

[@ejdtm]

@@Uriel-Septim. no, because Triumph imports their bikes too.

[@browngreen933]

Maybe H-D will sell the bike manufacturing operation to China or India and just sell merch.

[@MrGchiasson]

8/10/2024: Harley went 'full throttle' Woke and have ruined their name. Their HD tent at Sturgis was ignored/boycotted. I give them a few more years...but they messed up big time this time.

[@RhodesTTU]

Harley just makes cosplay accessories. They haven’t designed a decent motorcycle in their own since the 50s. They’ve ripped off designs from someone or whined to get laws/rules changed to stay in business. Want a good motorcycle? Buy anything other than a Harley. If you have to have an American bike, get an Indian.

[@desertscorcher]

Living out a childhood fantasy? really? Cushy desk job? Does not apply to 90% of the people I ride with in our hog group. By the way, nice scooter.

[@nerissa_nonstop]

hmmmm....LOTS of data to suggest otherwise to some of these thoughts or claims, I'll leave it at that :P

[@MeghanStark]

Honestly good to know! Maybe I've been seeing too much fear mongering or stale news online 😅 I trust your knowledge more than any of the other sources

[@wanderlpnw]

HD sucks. Did you see the new Ducati scrambler cafe racer concept? Holy crap, it looks good. They're apparently going to announce a couple new scramblers soon.

[@benderbender1233]

harley died in 85! ✌😘

[@Dr.Sarcasm]

If they asked you to model their clothes, they would sell out within minutes

[@louhmx1136]

BS...Harley isn't dying. Sad attempt for content.