No Harley Davidson Woke Ads | Fatal Business Mistake

[@W9HJBill]

Harley needs to fire that German shoe salesman of a CEO. PERIOD.

[@repeatinfinite_]

He literally killed puma, even as a shoe salesman CEO he was terrible

[@rocknroll2199]

The board too has to go.

[@allborosnyc4544]

​@@repeatinfinite_I agree. I don't know how he gets huge positions with huge companies.

[@feloniousmonk3049]

I bought a used Harley. I didn't know I was buying into a "lifestyle" here. Let my Sport Glide go and bought a BMW, instead. No regrets. Bought some HD stock, and will vote out the CEO and current Board of Directors soon enough, come spring, as a share holder. The current CEO and Board need to go sell Puma shoes, instead, not Harleys.

[@henryrouiller9742]

I have owned one never again went to indian just love the bike

[@vmonk1474]

Same here. I’ll never buy another H-D.

[@johnschoonmaker-tm3ll]

Doesn't matter to me anymore the prices of Harley-Davidson motorcycles are just too high. I am considering a kawasaki or Suzuki cusier for my next new bike. No more Harley-Davidsons for me.

[@jamessouthworth1699]

FIRE ZEITZ!

[@JA-zh5xi]

Jaguar will go bankrupt. Research has always shown no one wants to drive a feminized car - not even women. Harley’s main issue is they have dealers packed with 2024s and if they raise prices they won’t sell bikes this year. They need to lower prices.

[@brucem8129]

The metric dealers are packed with 2yr old models. Sales are down. Same with cars.

[@Deetroiter]

It’s by design. This German ceo is part of a huge group of global elites whose mission is to end combustion engine transportation. They literally have this message on their group website. Richard Branson and a bunch of other ultra wealthy people are in this group. It’s called the “B Team”

[@stevenguajardo6049]

I did see the Jaguar commercial. It's sad to see such an icon in the automotive industry go in that direction. 2:34 Here in the US Harley pissed everybody off.

[@paulwojnar2291]

Im 68 and have At least one Harley model in my garage since 1987 along my other brands and types of bikes. Currently have a 2024 Pan America Special which I ride abd tour on . Its a great all around machine. Not your typical HD . But I applaud them for making this machine. It was overly priced at 23k out the door . Right in line with the prices of the like bikes from Europe. It resides next to my 03 KLR 650, 07 1200 Sportster and 2006 Yamaha V Star 1100. A nice mix of fun bikes that enjoy equally.

[@brucem8129]

I have a 24 PA too. Sweet ride.

[@Berghemrrader]

The most sensible thing would be to advertise HD (or Jag) "to anyone", of any age, of any gender, etc. Not to a single category in which many do not recognize themselves. Why is it so difficult?

[@stanwbaker]

Because Harley's brand isn't so much motorcycles but a kind of mass exclusivity. It is the default purchase, but at the same time a subculture into itself. HD sells motorcycles to the dentists and real-estate developers who want to be edgy and don't want to learn about motorcycles; especially not how to ride without killing themselves. Harley is the brand for the people who somehow get to top gear at 25 MPH and need all that torque to accelerate from there. If they attempted to sell anything else, the dealer body would revolt. I'm approaching 60 and HD has been an island unto itself my entire life. At every stage of the journey a superior bike has been available for less money, especially when Gold Wings were manufactured in Ohio. It doesn't matter because the dentists want a Harley and a Corvette when they retire at 55. That's what HD is. They cannot be saved.

[@MrGus4440]

@@stanwbakeryou just explained HD’s appeal

[@BillLaBrie]

@@stanwbaker🎉 That was excellent. I’d only add that since no one needs a motorcycle, the demand must be induced. Since Harley can no longer depend on boomers (THE motorcycle generation, at least in the US) they need to make motorcycling seem cool to another cohort who tends to make emotional decisions to buy expensive and largely useless things based only on image.

[@my.motorrad]

I don't think HD should turn away anyone's money or turn anyone off to buying one either, but there are boxes checked with the demo that don't fit in everywhere.

[@meanmfman7241]

@@stanwbaker how can you even compare a goldwing to a harley? a harley IS a harley period... nothing compares!!! we buy them because we like them! the sound, the shake, the crudeness of the shifter.. if we wanted smooth we would buy a lame metric! harley is attitude! sadly the ceo has lost that! along with the pussy ass young people of today!

[@saddle8bag]

I don't really give a shit about advertising. I know what I want from a bike, but I think HD making a Jaguar video would be hysterically funny.

[@MinnowMoto]

My HOG chapter has just under 200 people. These are the hard core HD support base. Most do not buy new bikes, and what they have is 10+ years old. What they buy tshirts and trinkets. This base is not what's keeping the company afloat.

[@garymiglino7214]

In 1981 Harley faced the same problem as today, a board of motorcyclists took it back, we know the story. Willie went to bike meets and was involved in designing motorcycles. The boards passion was in the bikes not just their pockets. What’s needed today is the same, people like “ wheels through time” who have a passion for the bikes and history for the company is the only way to turn this around.

[@metcruza5536]

Thing is Alf that EU is way more open minded that the US. But the US is the major market for HD. Still 30% of their sales are outside the US and how many baggers they selling in EU, UK and Asia....not too many. So maybe HD needs to produce for the US and then cheaper smaller (proper bikes) for elsewhere. Don't think in the EU they cre if the bike is made not in the US. The Sporty was hugely popular now look at it. They can tweak that air cooled motor to be EU compliant......they're just too headstrong and wont, even though at under 10k Knicker it would sell loads.

[@888jackflash]

They need a real sportsbike line. I'm not saying Ducati Pannigale... but they can't keep trying to foist nothing but Peter Fonda/Hells Angels ALL the time. How about a REAL "Sportster" for starters? not just some bizzarro half-chopper abortion. H-D screwed the pooch by losing Buell.

[@vmonk1474]

I loved riding Buell motorcycles. I thought maybe they would redeem themselves with the Bronx, but then they canned it.

[@888jackflash]

They should veer away from that 45-degree motor for a different model line, at least. Why not branch-off and make a division called "Eagle" or something, where they can get loose from that clunky old Potato design?

[@AndrewTrapp-l2f]

I've never owned a Harley Davidson, but my mom's friend's boyfriend gave me a ride on one in like 1985. I have been riding on the street since I was almost 15. I like watching motorcycle vlogs. I am subscribed to your thing. Why don't you ever get out and show us what you do on motorcycles? Or whatever...just some thoughts

[@tonytripp1284]

Watch some of his older videos. He rides a lot and does work on his bike. I've learned a lot about my bike from his stuff.

[@bydarkwaters2055]

Whoa, they have to include some artsy wokiness in order to introduce their new DEI Edition Gaylube Glide with special backdoor financing. Features include enlarged exhaust pipe openings for his/her/they/us/them/it's pleasure, special rainbow colors, Shiny black latex seat and handgrips and other pleasurable amenities.

[@my.motorrad]

He should take a lesson of what happened to Tavares at Stellantis. Tavares killed the Hemi and now he's out of a job. Not understanding that market or not caring is a bad road to go on. I own a Challenger and the faithful are relentless with their deridement of the new EV charger, especially the canned engine sounds, like we're idiots. A lot of Mopar faithful aren't on board with the Hurricane engine either. It's a mess.

[@ponowai1]

Going to take a lot more than advertising to save Harley. The brand is dead, the company direction is moving away from legacy models.

[@Brad-RB]

Well said. I have always thought that Harley Davidson's most important product was the image associated with the brand. A person could buy an over priced mediocre motorcycle but FEEL like their a badass and that they are part of something iconic. Rebranding that image rebrands their existing customers.

[@garyshoaf5699]

Like most every business, promoting the woke agenda instead of promoting the product.

[@stefdara]

The real problem with HD is what made them so big is the same thing that is killing them…. The culture and image. After spending decades building this culture (way of life) it has become toxic to the young generations, I don’t think it really matters what bike they put out, as long as that the HD badge is affixed to it the new gen’s will want nothing to do with. I’m in my mid 50’s and have owned 30+ motorcycles of all makes including 2 HD (FXST, Road Glide). I have really enjoyed my HD’s and there’s is something special about riding them, but the culture such as the bad boy image, the leathers, the patches, the loud pipes, and the general unpleasantness as a group towards anything that is not HD does not resonate. HD knows this and that’s why we are seeing attempts such as electric, ADV, small displacement bikes who pretty much all have failed to turn things around. in general HD riders are not known to be the most inclusive bunch towards diversity which is another deterrent to younger generations. In the end HD is just another company trying to keep making money and be attractive to new generations of customers, you really can’t blame them for that. Sadly right now their only way of loosing less market shares in a shrinking market is to jack the prices of their existing products…. So a slow death it is. I personally want them succeed since the more manufacturers we have the better it is for all of us who love motorcycles. The next segment coming up strong is inexpensive small displacement ADV bikes for young generations.

[@bikegeist]

Should probably say what you mean by "woke". What would a "woke" Harley rebrand look like?

[@lorimcquinn3966]

I could care less what ads are placed by whatever ad agency. If I'm interested in a specific brand and model, I walk into the shop and check it out. If I'm treated fair by the dealer and like the bike, I typically buy. If I continue to like it and it's reliable, I'll typically buy another. I don't buy and ride dreams, I buy motorcycles. I'm a little more secure than to listen to all the other garbage. If HD produces a bike I like, I'll more than likely purchase it. The rest is nonsense. There are too many shareholders/investors in the company to pin point some blame for whatever on one individual. HD either made or broke their rep by what they build. Do so and let the chips fall where they be.

[@paulwojnar2291]

Correction the PA Specially was not overly priced at 23k out the door.

[@gentrydebbie1040]

Go Woke Go Broke .

[@brucem8129]

Spot on R.

[@nrgrlsd9931]

Whenever I watch any video about Harley and the person in the video says “they are trying to appeal to a diverse demographic. And that’s fine, they have to” it comes across as if they are willing to accept diversity because it makes money and not because they agree with it. Woke is code for not supporting the status quo and/or being conservative and that’s why the people who hate it hate it. All these old ass Harley riders who are pissed at Harley’s direction is about to die. And then what is Harley gonna do? Harley’s current demographic of that old biker is the actual small demographic and they don’t seem to understand that. I live in the U.S. and we arguably have the most Harley riders. And a whole lot of those Harley riders are not the stereotypical Harley rider. That middle America white conservative straight male in his 50s. We have a lot A LOT of African American Harley riders, Hispanic Harley riders, women Harley riders, LGBT Harley riders (they even have an MC specific to them). There are even Muslim riding clubs and MCs. There’s even an atheist MC. And the younger demographic (the demographic Harley better be paying attention to). Loves Harleys and is buying used Harleys they just can’t afford the new ones right now. But as their wealth increases they will be the ones buying the new Harleys. And this younger generation actually cares about diversity equity and inclusion. They actually care more about the impact a company is having on the world and on society than the product they produce. And good on them. Not matter what generation we find ourselves in it’s the same old shit. The old geezers can’t understand the world they find themselves in. They’re too old to be a part of it and too young to withdraw from it. They have no control anymore and aren’t relevant anymore and that angers them and scares them so they lash out anywhere they can and try to regain some control. The thing that keeps people away from Harley and the culture isn’t Harley Davidson more than it’s the people sitting on Harleys. They have a well earned reputation for being unpleasant and close minded. I ride a Harley but don’t consider myself a Harley rider. I’m also Gen X. And the culture of Harley Davidson is hilarious. It’s either actual outlaw biker gangs (who can only ride Harleys) or it’s wanna bes who dress up like sons of anarchy and then strut around like they’re badass on the weekends their wives let them ride and they don’t have any patients to see. Or they’re just old white middle America conservatives who thinks all of America’s problems are because America isn’t as old white middle America conservative as it used to be. Harley knows that and they see the changing demographics but for right now they still need these twats money.

[@JA-zh5xi]

I think you need a take your jaguar and go get a bud light.

[@northernlefty5412]

Well said.

[@HowardHunt-s7z]

What are you even talking about? Words are English Word Salad.

[@JanneOksanen]

I don't understand the video title.What was woke about the Jaguar ad? What is woke anyway? It just seems to mean 'things I don't like'.

[@elithegreat6463]

Really, you don't know what Woke means in 2024 ???, You must have voted for idiot Democrats

[@johnwood4448]

Spot on!

[@rosswilliams531]

But I heard Jaguar bosses praise their 'woke' ad and stand by it wholeheartedly unlike other manufacturers who back peddled like crazy once the masses spoke so let's see what happens..

[@johnwood4448]

@@rosswilliams531 But what is "woke",it begs a clear and concise explanation.....

[@joebond5012]

The vast majority of people are sick to the back teeth of this woke nonsense being rammed down our throats. Saying ‘things you don’t like’, is nonsense, I don’t like infectious diseases, does that mean I should embrace them!

[@AndrewTrapp-l2f]

Do you ride motorcycles?

[@louhmx1136]

Yes. Oh, were you asking Alf?

[@michaelbaker3633]

I’m sure they’ve done plenty of ads for old white conservative men. There’s nothing wrong with them making an ad for another target group. They’ve made plenty of targeted ads directed to you. There’s no need to cry about one ad not being specific to you.

[@JA-zh5xi]

The problem is it’s a total waste of money. They need to target ads to their largest customer base and towards people who can actually afford to buy their product in the largest percentage.

[@michaelbaker3633]

@ their largest base are old geezers close to death. If they don’t seek a new base, they won’t remain in business.

[@Dilemma1962]

Oh FFS just stop. Jesus.

[@louhmx1136]

FFS stands for Facial Feminization Surgery

[@mikespencer237]

Fire the CEO!

[@wheels2fun526]

Get triggered much? Actually the Jag ad isn't a failure. People were talking about Jag when they didn't before. As James May has been saying there isn't anything woke or LGB going on. People just want a distraction to complain.

[@JA-zh5xi]

It’s a massive failure just like bud light was a massive failure. Just because people are talking doesn’t make it good - if they are talking about how the brand is destroyed that’s obviously going to cause issues.

[@alexwilsonpottery3733]

@@JA-zh5xi Well, to me, American beers have always been a “massive failure”, but I see a lot of people drinking them. Just calm yourself, maybe polish a primary chaincase; I promise you won’t go trans just because some people are.

[@twowheelboomer]

So wrong as well! As I was watching I wondered about the Harley customer base as well. I think youve got that wrong as well. The Harley customer is not the ignoramous posting "Go woke Go Broke" in your comments section. Urr dee duhhrrr...as well. 😉

[@Longdistance2020]

Screw the ads, just bring the price down on your bikes.

[@daweshorizon]

Harley have been specialising on 'alienating their customer base' as you say, for decades now. Long gone are the days when the exuberant youngster could go out and buy a Harley, fix it up with some custom bits, do his/her own maintenance and actually ride the bloody thing on a daily basis. Harleys these days are too often ridden by ageing but wealthy boomers trying to recapture their youth. They ride around with their ageing, but wealthy boomer friends on the occasional sunny weekend (rare in Britain) wearing fake 'colours' and a riot of Harley branded clothing and merchandise. There's nothing wrong with Harley's ability to market the merch, it's just the bikes that they can't sell. Harley has lost its image of 'cool'. That's the fundamental failure of Harley's marketing strategy over the last couple of decades. If you don't believe me google 'pop stars/celebrities who ride Harleys?' or something similar. I found Axl Rose, Tina Turner (deceased), Billy Idol, Alice Cooper, Lenny Kravitz, basically the older generation! But I guess you need to be a wealthy pop star or actor to be able to afford a Harley in any case. The Board of Harley-Davidson seem to believe those tee-shirt slogans 'God Rides a Harley', so they probably expect some divine protection. I sincerely hope they get it, but in the meantime Harley desperately needs to find new customers as we enter the final years of 'boomer-geddon'. Love and peace.

[@darrellkinkade9205]

Well they couldn't possibly run a worse ad than this rambling nonsense. Dude get a life!

[@JA-zh5xi]

What’s the matter - you really liked the new Jaguar ad didn’t you? Hahaha

[@jamesbastiaanse6877]

Iwould like to see Harley change their culture anyway. the Old Harley owner is aging out and they are not that appealing anyway. Abrasive Boomers.