EICMA 2024 | What Are Harley Davidson Thinking?

[@camgere]

You can't write out a check for self-respect. Performance and reliability are nice. The guy who bought a used 1984 EVO and has put 250,000 miles on it, rebuilding it from the ground up, twice, has my respect. If you've ever ridden a bike that you have taken apart and put back together, you know the feeling. I think there is an internet calculator that will convert that to "blokes" and "kilometers".

[@elrumcajs777]

I’ve been saying that their marketing department sucks for years now. IMHO, I’d invest all the resources they put on the livewire bs on making “affordable versions” of each existing model as they did with the Street Bob and the Softail Standard…. and that basic Street Glide they used to have and got rid of when they decided to become “posh”. Forgot the name. You offer a bike people can buy coz it’s cheaper aaaaaand also happens to be a good canvas for customisation parts. But they seem as lost as a horse on a balcony

[@IanSixbikes-by6ei]

Interesting point of view, I am a Harley owner so a fan of the brand, personally I'm pleased to see H-D displaying their bikes at EICMA and Motorcycle Live, I also like seeing customised bikes on the stand as it's a big part of the Harley experience, over the last 25 years of HD ownership I don't think I've ever seen a Harley that's hasn't had some form of customisation applied to it ,so seeing customised Harleys on the H-D stand is quite often inspirational. One other point worth mentioning is that I visit numerous Harley dealers across UK and Europe many of whom rarely have all the H-D range on display however when you visit the larger shows like EICMA you usually get to see all the bikes in the H-D range so for me visiting the H- D stand at a show and seeing the full range on display is a positive.

[@W9HJBill]

Decades ago, you could do this with automobiles in the US. You could order EXACTLY what you wanted and they would build it. Yeah, you can do that with Harley, BUT what I'm talking about is not buying a stock bike they make, then buy a new motor, new bars, new seat, new pipes, new this, new that and then you are stuck with the bike the way you want, but now you have a spare motor, spare stock bars, spare stock seat, spare stock seat, etc. that you may or may not be able to sell for pennies on the dollar. They should have a check list that the factory can put in .... I want a Road Glide, now check your engine ... 114ci, 117ci +$400, 121ci +$1200, 131ci +$2500, 135ci +$2700 ... not just buy a 117ci and then a stage 4 kit for $4000 and then pay another $1500 for the dealer to put it in. Just take a Road Glide at the assembly line and then install a pre-built 131 motor right there.

[@davidbones8947]

3 years ago i traded my 07 heratige strait for a 06 bmw 1200 GS never looked back ive owned 14 hds love the beemer

[@jamessouthworth1699]

There are many riders like me that are either tired of Harley's greed or we're getting older and want a lighter motorcycle. If Harley-Davidson wants people like me to stay with the brand they need to compete with the various 500cc motorcycles that Honda is producing. They need to do this NOT by living off the name but by making motorcycles that compete in both price AND quality. Harley-Davidson needs to produce something that is a good value AND desirable like the 883 Sportster USED to be. Harley-Davidson doesn't understand that gimmicks and frivolous tech is no replacement for quality and value. Give us something simple, reliable, and desirable that's made well out of the box and doesn't need a ridiculous amount of upgrades to make it whole.

[@teakey]

What do you think of the newest Nightster.

[@jamessouthworth1699]

@teakey I don't like the RevMax engine at all. The look, The sound, the reliability issues.

[@ElectraWillem]

The problem is that a lot of people never found their perfect bike for years, so they need some new products every year. Once you found your favorite bike, you don't need anything new. Harley build the nicest bikes some 25 years ago, so its useless to go see them at a show. period!

[@888jackflash]

In the 1990's the maximum Hell's Angel, Sonny Barger, cursed Harley and said he truly wished they had left the door open for his boys to ride Japanese bikes or BMWs

[@impoppa9647]

In 2024 H-D came out with some new stuff. Where I live after a few years without a Motorcycle show due to covid shut down, the 'annual' show was held again in January. Yet what did H-D do, they did not even bother to display at the show and left it up to the 3 local dealers (who are competitors with each other) to display at the show in a combined effort. The display and presence put forth was CRAP! Very disappointing to say the least. Here was the opportunity to inject life into the market with their new bikes and H-D corporate could not even bother to put up a presence at the show. SMH

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

I'm pretty sure, these days, that HD has done a lot of market research. A lot. They are tapping a market that seemingly has more dollars than sense when it comes to "investing" money. The parts catalogue and customisation are what it's all about for their customers. Maybe displaying a couple of customs at a show isn't such a bad idea, for them. Personally, I can't come at paying a premium price for a product that comes with a parts catalogue full of ways to fix the faults with the product. But that's me. Not everyone is like me.

[@mikesbikechannel4387]

A good example to your point. Last year's CVO is 2024's "All new" Road Glide. Same "new technology" same "new" 117 M8 power plant. Nothing new.

[@Chris-t8z2l]

We don’t want anything new. Actually if i could buy a HD with no ABS brakes, no EFI, not a bigger engine, i would be delighted! Keep it simple and reliable.😊

[@brokenthor]

get an old one if you can. they are around. mine has none of that. it's 1340 which is plenty to fart around. classic Evo sound, carby and no computers etc. not to bad on parts. yeah they can be a bit of a money pit but whatever makes ya happy.

[@davidruelas6611]

no motorcycle company sells more accessories and merchandise like Harley-Davidson they know what there doing even if you don't like it

[@stuartstogdill2406]

You've missed the mark entirely here... Harley is built on the fact that you CAN customize the bike you buy in many different ways due to the incredibly large aftermarket. There is no need for them to make wild customs or prototypes.

[@DonGoldstein-b7q]

It’s a motorcycle show not the “ new” only motorcycle show! I think you’re being a bit harsh on Harley knowing they don’t launch till January.

[@Anton_G_604]

Great points. I have nothing against air cooled customizable machines, but that's not how you sell bikes. Social media and HD have manipulated the customer so much that you are almost expected to shell out 30K on a bike and then another 30K or more on all the fancy bling to make it a "real" Harley. But, who am I kidding, HD is not a motorcycle company, they are a corporation. Sure they have people that love to design and build cool stuff, but they are not at the helm. HD needs to start making bikes that people can afford. Look at the adventure bike lineup at BMW, or KTM: there is so much diversity. Harley has one most expensive ADV model and one most expensive touring line. The Softail line is almost as expensive as the touring line these days but with way less features, creature comforts or functionality. I'm not paying 30K for a "blank slate", maybe 10-15, but not 25-30. That CEO needs to go asap.

[@Truth...]

In my day we bought Harleys and threw half of the parts away...less is more...but the modern rider loves radios and radiators and adding more parts Different strokes...

[@HunterVlog350cc]

Lets understand the current market situation which is sliding towards the middleweight segment- 350-700cc because of practicality and safety, so RE is a leader in India selling close 70-80K 350cc motorcycles that generates tremendous profits which fuels their entry and playing around in hiher cc -450 and 650cc segment so bit by bit they have strengthen the 450-650cc segemnt too and biggies like bajaj/harley/tvs/triumph /hero/japanese are unable to challenge its status quo in the segemnts whihc it operates so thats why they are in growth phase where you see exciting products everyday, sadly for harley they should also venture in the middleweight segemnt given the heavyweight segment goes by little changes every year???

[@jjg1962]

To customise a Harley Davidson you need to buy a Harley Davidson - it's a good plan.

[@scoutandscooter]

For $30K a bike should need zero modifications.

[@mattstakeontheancients7594]

Think part of the customized bikes is to show people what you can do to a Harley. HD to my knowledge has the biggest aftermarket of any motorcycle brand. Wish they had more for my sportster S but other models is immense. Most people I know who own a HD have some form of customization. Also HD seems to be one of the only brands that people love nostalgia and the older motors and less tech. Also doesn’t help that most owners are older.

[@Whisky148]

I've been shopping for a Harley or a Indian. Seen the motorcycle show and thought the same. Crap. Nothing new. Indian launched their new scout sixty for 2025 recently. Not impressed with Harley

[@ionageman]

I love riding my 2020 deluxe .. but the base model is just a frame , the dream is making it your own & the dash will fog up if you ride it in the rain .. this alone tells you everything you need to know about the brand . The aftermarket upgrades make the Harley Davidson motorcycles .

[@cali5ive124]

dude for what u get Indians are better in every way...u get more, u get better built parts, and usually the performance beats HD every time

[@mrpoizun]

The Scout and the Sportster are nearly identically ugly.

[@ejdtm]

It’s a bummer that they didn’t tease us with anything new at this show, but there’s nothing wrong showing their bikes customize by outside people. It’s the outside people that keep Harley alive. The nighter was sent to be customized by the same people that customize the more traditional Harleys. Trying to bridge that gap. What did the customized bikes look like at this show? Maybe there’s some clues to what’s coming.

[@888jackflash]

As a Yank I am truly pissed-off that I cannot buy an American bike that is not a V Twin. Or, at least, something that looks like an Aprilia Tuono. Why not? HARLEY STUBBORNNESS. F them.

[@brokenthor]

i went into the dealership here years ago which is basically a t-shirt ship that sells bike. fkn useless. for some reason he also though say the bikes are made in India was a selling point? wtf? WHY oh THAT WHERE WE SELL THE MOST OF THEM. walked out. rest of the week i got a daily phone call 2 emails and 2 sms/txt say come in a buy, finance offers.. etc. bought an old 1990 electrogilde.

[@colinfrancis7639]

I love my 2000 Sportster I have said it before Harley Davidson won't be selling their bike's here soon because they do not listen to the consumer

[@jagjr6772]

I don’t think Harley Davidson would bring anything new to that show because it would leak their January bike release for the US.

[@KevinDaken]

Harley Davidson a firmly wedded to the Suzuki New Model Strategy, of existing new colours and graphics each year. Cloning Chinese Maker Benelli for New Models is even more farcical than the last "Street" series of bikes. Where's HD's 450-700 Adventure and Naked Muscle Bikes. Many older bikers are looking for lighter, more manageable bikes nowadays. HD have none you'd want to own, so you buy elsewhere... 😄

[@carllyons4903]

They not selling what they have now in Oz, big discounts already, $4-5000 off tourers 😂

[@seH2i]

Harley Davidson produces bikes for big guys (and strong women) They forgot about the little guys - PUN INTENDED and women.

[@ionageman]

Why aren’t h-d using Dakota gauges and Legend suspension .. they build bikes that are minimum spec .. even the seats are minimum spec in my opinion .

[@hughmac7423]

I don't mind constructive criticism, but all of your latest videos just seem to be bagging HD and fairly pointless or just after clicks. I know HD are not perfect, they make too many expensive bike, and just keep increasing capacity to offset restrictions. They need to be better. I have two HD's, 1988 Lowrider, hotted up with a sidecar, and I've had it since 1989; and a 2022 Pan America Special, very different bike but both fantastic.

[@metcruza5536]

I think Alf is saying what needs to be said. You go to a bike show and just display same old, the points Alf makes are 100% He's ripping in because they need a decent size 12 boot in the backside..

[@NicePantsLance]

If you realize that HD needs to change their ways, then wouldn't you encourage people to speak out? How do you expect HD to change if they dont receive criticism? HD owners being silent and complacent is the reason they're in trouble in the first place!!

[@metcruza5536]

@@NicePantsLance or they vote with their wallets like buying used.

[@jsowers21]

Harley was probably thinking they reveal their new model-year motorcycles in January. That's not going to change for EICMA or anyone else. Nobody's making videos complaingin about Honda, Triumph, BMW, etc . . .

[@wheels2fun526]

I find it funny. this channel like so many others whining about Harley Davidson. Are you not aware there are other more reliable brands?

[@gordonyoung3668]

I'm waiting for Harleys new line in sportswear, that is jochen Zeitzs speciality oh and an electric cruiser.

[@kwik2008]

On point Alf 👍

[@brookcampbell2940]

I said this and i mean it. Fire the strudel eater or keep losing sales.

[@ibou44]

!You are right ,ithink that harley davidson hit the wall because it seem to me that they know where to go they turning around with the same models with sime modifications every year.

[@jypsumfantastic]

They used it to show off their accessories catalogue. Apparently it was all very flash. However i agree that if they really want to be a part of the show, if they want to be part of the global motorcycle community, they should have brought something. I mean CF Moto brought a prototype engine and even that got people excited

[@javierespinosa1587]

100% right. Harley puts out an “unfinished” product for a premium price knowing dam well that the buyer will have to customize the hell out of the bike.

[@eastlondon666]

Go to a decent harley dealership and you will learn everything you need to know.

[@Ineedtotakeabreak]

That’s not the point here.

[@super16g123]

I'm very disappointed. I thought they'd pull something new out EICMA.

[@marcoesposito9324]

Hai perfettamente ragione…👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@KevInTheAlps]

Spot on actually. I was at EICMA, and I was disappointed at the Harley stand. OK, it was cool to see their "King of the baggers" bike, but the rest? Same old, same old. I did not even notice a Low Rider S there. Plenty of customised baggers though. Also strange, the X400 was at the show, but not with Harley. It was with the Indian Hero stand. I was not impressed with the quality if the x400... it just felt cheap. The other Her0's actually had a better design language, and what I thought was better quality and attention to detail. Mind you, Indian motorcycles failed too. They were not there. to add: The Chinese manufacturers are bringing out some damn fine look cruisers!! Designs that are actually looking better than what Harley is doing. Sadly yes, more nail in their coffin.

[@morbid1.]

As european I must say that harley and indian are very expensive to buy and to own... I talked with a guy who owns indian and he told me that he is lucky because his family lives in US, so if he needs something for bike they will buy it and ship it to him otherwise you will wait months if parts are not available in eu. Not even mentioning aftermarket parts where there are barely any and they insanely expensive. I would love to have indian scout but I'm not rich "sunday driver", motorcycle is my commuting machine and every day use vehicle... also starting price for basic bitch models is like 17k.

[@markh.harris9271]

It's not that the bikes aren't good enough... that's not the message. HD is a collaborator. The message is that with an HD bike, the sky is the limit... make it what you fancy... all HD collaborative partners are on-board to help you make this bike your own. The reason for customizing a bike is NOT that it's not good enough... it's that folks want something unique, which they helped produce. The message is that HD bikes are customizable. My Pan America doesn't look like anyone else's PA; it is absolutely unique. It was easy to do, and it's a head turner. On the other hand... my Honda Rebel (it got a wind screen from Puge) can not be easily customized. It was a great bike, but it looked like every other CMX500. Don't get me wrong... I'm not defending HD. I'm just saying that I get what they are trying to do, in this case. marcus PS ... their woke is shameful, and shipping American jobs overseas was deplorable.

[@raceraxe]

Still no Bronx.

[@christophercole9360]

Bronx Street fighter.

[@HowardHunt-s7z]

That's a big nothing burger. H-D has been releasing new models in January 2025 for a few years now. Stop clutching your pearls.

[@pascalmx8141]

Harley is tradition bye a weeser

[@nevillegreg1]

100%. One sizeable YTuber featured all the new bikes at the show, pointed his camera at the HD logo and then explicitly stated, nah, he couldn't be bothered even going into the HD stand. What would have been the point? At least show some concept bikes.

[@vernegibb621]

Dumb a$$ you said if they have anything new you won’t see tell Jan 25 so you get a big down. And remember the hardest H.D to find is one that has not changed. D.A. Award goes to you again. 2 in one video 🤙

[@richpuller1348]

Please Help!! I have a Harley Dick. Its grown in length and girth. My sister loves it.

[@thodoris3790]

Harleys and Indians,bikes for rich oldmen and midlife guys who want to show off.nothing else

[@westhompson2118]

Putting custom bikes on your stand would be fine if your bikes were £5k and then you buy the parts to make it your own…but when they start at about £13k for the Sportsters and Softail start at over £15k, you’re pricing most people out of the brand. As I mentioned on a previous video, I bought a Street Bob 114 in March this year because I got an amazing deal…I’ve put a Jekyll & Hyde exhaust on it, but the seat, bars, screen etc that I want to put on it will have to wait as the parts are so expensive.

[@metcruza5536]

Wow spend 30k on a bike then another 5k to get seat, bars, pipes, stage 1 etc. Alf lets see what happens when the US hike tariffs.....the Sporty will go up in price. HD still thinks everyone wants 800 pound steel........maybe in the US but not in the global market and HD cannot survive just in selling bikes in the US.

[@stuartstogdill2406]

All upgrades cost more money... for every single bike out there.

[@mikemitchell3889]

In a Polar Bear world of global competition, The Motor Co. is the baby seal. Bring us an R-9 beater. THAT'LL stir things-up!

[@jayzee1968]

HD mgmt/branding folks are arrogant or are they are just dumb… I guess whatever at the end of the day. If you know Harleys then continue to ride… if you don’t well you won’t ever understand it. No fault of your own.

[@bydarkwaters2055]

I've owned 5 H-Ds over the years. They have a certain character. But I realized they keep doing the same thing for big price tags. I've moved on to other brands. They will shrink to a boutique manufacturer as the world leaves them behind. Jochen Zeitz is no help either, in fact, I'd say he is a hindrance. H-D is confused and faltering.

[@allborosnyc4544]

Harley still thinks they're the only players in the market and its gonna bite them in the rear. For now, there's plenty of HD dealerships compared to Indian. I don't think HD cares if they're highlighting custom Harleys instead of showroom HD because they're pushing for electric.

[@rayrawls9380]

Said same thing repeatedly- same as what you are complaining about

[@RobertMcGuirk-x1h]

Harley is gone. The price is collapsing here in the United States. Local dealership here in Kentucky and discounted a 2021 heritage to $12,000 and it only had 1,000 miles on it. But the bike is probably only worth $9000 now. By Spring I’d say a year 2022 will only be worth $7,000 as the price continues to collapse. I got my 2018 sport glide with only 6000 miles on it and I paid $9000.

[@TonyChance-xq5vg]

Ripping them as only an Englishman does, annoyingly, and doesn't even bother to post any photos? Were you even there? Lame.

[@brookcampbell2940]

please don't say Harley and race in the same sentence. What a joke!

[@mrpoizun]

This guy is just blabbering.

[@jlevace]

BORING, What a waste of breath, And my time !

[@TheM3Greg]

Shameful? You do talk tosh sometimes, and what a nonsensical clickbait headline. It’s not shameful - you just don’t like it. I do wish you’d move on from this bashing you seem to be doing all the time and be a little more positive. Best thing you did recently was that tire plug video - you weren’t moaning for once!! Cheer up!

[@logangodofcandy]

Hardly Davidson went a a bike show and showed that they have nothing and you shouldn't waste your time on their overpriced shit bikes. Yes, shameful

[@xu10j4rs1]

​@@logangodofcandy theu have nothing new but that doesn't mean they have nothing. Actually bringing out constant new stuff every year is a new thing, part of the social media generation, it is also a pain as it makes your new bike out of date within months.

[@florislok]

@@xu10j4rs1who cares that you bike is out of date? Enjoy riding it for as long as possible. I use my old bike for holiday and for commuting, the hole year through. Just because I love riding it and have so many memories with it, I’ll never gonna sell it.

[@Yelwas]

Agreed

[@cali5ive124]

If HD continues this woke bs and being a bougie brand i wont be buying another Harley after i trade this road glide in...Indian here i come...

[@frankfurther3828]

Harley was taken over in 1999 by Hardley. F Jochen, F CVO, F VVT, F the 53 engine choices.

[@hulkhulk5141]

Sub n 👍