The INSANE truth behind motorcycle dealerships disappearing

[@OnTourYT]

What do you think? Are you seeing this in YOUR area? Leave your thoughts and experiences below!!!

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Yes. My local dealer is in his 70s and retiring. Closing up because he can't sell it.

[@OnTourYT]

@ can’t sell it?

[@johnsshed995]

Motorcycles have gone from being transport to being rich boys toys .Manfactures have cashed in on this trend and overpriced not just the bikes ,but more so the disproportionate price of maintence which is now allmost imposable to do yourself without a fully equiped workshop and a computer .Their greed has backfired and bitten them in the arse .

[@OnTourYT]

@@johnsshed995 completely agree!👍

[@johncummins3860]

Exactly, who would want to own a new bike when the warranty expires - get your dream bike from the eighties and ride the wheels off it !!

[@Nooziterp1]

I remember the 1970s when every summer weekend (and weekdays, just less so) the roads were full of bikes. And even in the winter there were plenty about. And there weren't many fewer for most of the 1980s. Now nobody wants them, and it is only the 'born again bikers' who are keeping it going. The days of the motorcycle in Britain are numbered. The cost and hassle of training, the high price of insurance and the changing attitude towards bikes are responsible.

[@OnTourYT]

@ I do find a lot of gen z aren’t interested in bikes, some not even in cars… it’s strange

[@Nooziterp1]

@@OnTourYT Horrendous insurance premiums? Cost of living crisis?

[@DanielKulka]

$300. Dollars for a oil change. Makes sense to do everything yourself. DEALERSHIP RIP OFF!

[@Mark-d9l3y]

And spare parts cost🙁

[@OnTourYT]

@Mark-d9l3y £159 for a battery!!!

[@stevelichtwark4259]

​@@OnTourYT$800 registration

[@griswald7156]

How much is labour 130£ an hour? Sump plugs can get quite complex these days…and if the sum plug needs a new motherboard costs can escalate..isolating the problem can cost quite a bit too..

[@griswald7156]

Mr Trumps favourite word is Tarifs…Triumph without a cause…

[@richardclegg7846]

The end of a lifestyle. So much freedom, friends and free thinking could never be allowed to last.

[@allaboutkalergi5012]

Free thinking? Like close the f*ck*n borders??? 🤔🤔

I am definitely not paying 20K for a motorcycle that will cost me £5000 a year to insure. Insurance companies are just a bunch of criminals.

[@stevecox-u8y]

Just bought a Black 1999 883 Sporty with 2817 miles for £3000 ! a simple bike ,2 wheels , tank lovely ,motor ,carb .no sensors ,no abs ,no clutter at all it even has a key ? imagine that !

[@sidecarmisanthrope5927]

The KISS principle should win out every time. Keep it simple stupid. I was talking to a bike mechanic one day and he told me that it took him 4 hours to change two spark plugs on a Honda due to all the plastic he had to remove.

[@daisolorider]

@@stevecox-u8y before they put all the crap on.

[@markj66]

Maybe the success of the new Honda CB1000 Hornet at £9k will wake up manufacturers to what people actually want.

[@OnTourYT]

Exactly! That’s what we need

[@yourhuckleberry1904]

Suzuki gsx s 1000 also.

[@beefy0978]

Nope.

[@QuinnTales-sq5pl]

Riders have been ignored for a long time, manufacturers have a set amount of bikes to sell. Dealerships have to take these bikes its now affecting many brands, HD, Indian, Royal Enfield and KTM to name a few. Less riders, average age has gone from 42 to 54. I think multi brand service centres are needed and sorting out the crazy insurance scam needs taking under control. Manufacturers may need to build in a cost of the bikes including insurance or younger guys won't get on the ladder. When it costs guys over £2500 to insure a 125cc they will get a car.

[@OnTourYT]

Exactly bikes are supposed to be the cheaper option or stepping stone! I had my first road bike at 16 because I knew car ownership was a much bigger investment! What can we do to reverse the trend and get younger riders on two wheels? We need license/ test reform, and insurance sorted

[@Shafiq1969]

In my opinion, all major manufacturers (non Japanese) have started selling thier bikes for the same price as a decent car. Raising price tags well over £30k. Major car manufacturers have done the same. They will sell but reduced numbers. Cost of living is increasing, salaries are not rising at the same pace. Manufacturers need to have a rethink.

[@robertandrews6555]

"You'll own nothing and be happy"...... People's expendable money and the trappings from it are disappearing fast, this is just the thin end of the wedge, the old ways and how we lived and played are being slowly taxed - red taped out of existence ....... They'll be talking about cars like this in another 5-10 years, wait n see.

[@OnTourYT]

I hope not!!

[@jonboreham8781]

This is true - they want to take all your 'spare' hard earned money and freedoms to pay for all the immigrants to live here so they can have everything you had.. you'll have nothing and be happy.. you'll have no control over anything that happens.. isn't that why you all voted for a Liebour government??

[@alternativeperception6949]

Motorcycle insurance is ridiculous £750 quote for a Honda crf300l, Voge 300 Rally and slightly more for CFmoto 450 mt . £550 for a SYM Jetx 125 quote. Couldn't believe it

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

I can remember being at Devil's Bridge about 20 years ago and it struck me that at that busy bike meet l was one of the youngest. I'd have been about 40 then......

[@OnTourYT]

@@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555 how I feel riding my Harley at 33

[@John-ob7dh]

@@OnTourYT HaHa I am riding my FLSTF at 83 Started in 1957

[@OnTourYT]

@ you absolute legend

[@bm7760]

I used to frequent Devil's Bridge and also Rivington Barn. It'd be absolutely rammed. Folk jumping off the bridge. Nice bacon sarnies from the van. Watching all the bikes come and go. Last year I popped up to Rivington and it was a shadow of its former self. Maybe we're all just falling off the perch.

[@SherKhan-b1kes]

The landscape has changed. People used to commute on motorcycles but nowadays a teenie just needs to get the app to become mobile on an e-scooter. There goes a few purchases. The costs of licenses has become ridiculous also and therefore we don’t have that many youngsters graduating to bigger bikes, not forgetting insurance costs going through the roof. Manufacturers have made life difficult for the shops by strangling their profits while expecting them to invest 6 figure sums into their showrooms. It’s gloomy and depressing I know but on another scale the remaining bikers will be individuals, just like in the early years. We‘ll end up having to do the repairs and servicing ourselves if nothing changes. At present we’re safe we’ll, sort of depending on where we live or work if employed.

[@OnTourYT]

For me it’s just getting parts! You’re absolutely right tho. In all you said. The forced showroom spending is what’s killed off a number of Harley dealerships… they want them all to look the same like McDonald’s. They also don’t want them to “share” a showroom. Conspiracy theorists will say Harley wants to own all their dealerships 😳

[@SherKhan-b1kes]

@@OnTourYT this is where I differentiate between wear‘n‘tear bits and spare parts. As an ex-m/c mechanic it’s an advantage coupled with detective work scouring the net for wear‘n‘tear bits.

[@OnTourYT]

You’re a gem and a dying breed my friend! This scene needs more like you and less of the pcp warriors who don’t know how to change their clutch handle when they drop it

[@charliedrake247]

And triumph has the same problem

[@redtobertshateshandles]

I was a Kawasaki dealer mechanic in the days of the Z1000. A full service would take a couple of hours. Then they brought out the GPZ900R, and you could nearly double that service time. Liquid cooled, fairing, tappet adjustment. A complete pita.

[@kevinmurtagh3434]

It’s really sad, for everyone. Not just Harleys

[@OnTourYT]

I agree, for all manufacturers!

[@RaynardWilson0]

@@OnTourYT last time I looked, Honda and Triumph are doing okay.

[@OnTourYT]

@@RaynardWilson0 2:33

[@mygreatbigfoot1679]

It was built on Easy Rider, not fat funeral bikes in full matt-black plastic tat.

[@OnTourYT]

@@mygreatbigfoot1679 so true!

[@leswatson8563]

I was around 7-ish I think when my uncle got me into bikes. I'd use my paper round money to go to bike shows in London, Clacton and Southend without either of my parents knowing. Aged 11 my uncle taught me to ride his very old 125 BSA Bantom. I recall when I was 15 my heart skipped a beat and my eyes almost popped out of there sockets the first time I saw that Harley chop. Strung out front forks, gleaming chrome everywhere and that candy apple red knocked me sideways. He was some brutal looking guy that owned it, but when he said to me... I won't mind if you sit on her! Well that was it hooked line and sinker. I've been riding since I turned 16 and although I'm 71 next year, two wheels remain my favourite choice of travel. Stay safe and remain free bro!

[@OnTourYT]

@@leswatson8563 this was absolutely beautiful to read. Please share some more of your stories

[@quacker998]

Actually the hayday of British motorcycles was the 50’s with cafe racers and scooters - nothing was built on the ‘easy rider’ American culture - you should go to the Birmingham motorcycle museum and look around at all the history of British motorcycles

[@mygreatbigfoot1679]

@@quacker998 I wasn’t referring to English motorcycles.

[@mechanicalpictures2945]

Often wondered how all of these show rooms were paid for. As a DIY servicing rider who tends to ride a bike until it drops I rarely visit a 'dealer'. Local bike fixer for MOT and tyres, and that is about it. Internet has made mail order easier, and quicker.

[@OnTourYT]

The way forward - workshop manual and eBay for parts!

[@johnbellamy6449]

@@OnTourYT i have a friend who was quoted £900 for major service , including valve clearances . still ended up paying £600 at an independant .

[@OnTourYT]

@ Jesus Christ… Ducati?

[@mygreatbigfoot1679]

@@OnTourYT That’s the name that sprang into my mind too. They used to be better known for making smaller singles. I know the number of parts that have to go into making a single cylinder count and crates are crates whatever the cc, but all the same they are not growing a customer base in this sort of market, they’re leaving it to the others.

[@OnTourYT]

@@mygreatbigfoot1679 I know Ducati are insane for belts and valve adjustments, I love the bikes but the upkeep is a barrier to owning for me! Next bike will be a Kawasaki or Honda for sure

[@paulch8665]

Enjoying my RE Shotgun 650. Out the door for $7500 USD. A great local dealer RE/Triumph staffed by riders, friendly, helpful, good for a chat about anything bike related. The Shotgun is a ton of fun - great handling and plenty of power for anywhere I ride. (I live in New England, northeast USA, I’m age 60)

[@beefy0978]

The freedom of the road is gone. Local Government (UK:100), Road Safety 😂, and Net Zero methods have finished personal transport freedom. Theres probably a few years left of moving around to avoid LTNs, ULEZ, Congestion Charging, Emissions based parking charges etc at ever reducing speed limits, and then its over. Cease or become real outlaws. And thats if you can access the fuel. Who would take on a 5yr commitment now…?

[@OnTourYT]

Can see a lot more cars and bikes on the road without plates in a few years

[@elinicfurniture6860]

Same in Canada and US. Motorcycle is the middle class guy toy. Most didn’t even really rode, just washed them on the sunny day. Now middle class almost gone, so is the motorcycle.

[@Sjoldschool]

I was the victim of a hit and run while riding my motorcycle… a year later my new motorcycle was stolen and now I’m the victim of the the insurance companies £3000+ for 2k annual mileage.

[@OnTourYT]

@@Sjoldschool that’s just stupid… absolute con.

[@banzai385]

Dealers are sitting on lots of cheap used bikes, winter is the time to get serious bargains and help the dealers !

[@ottokirk2325]

Imagine if it returns back to the old mom and pop repair shops with a few new bikes out front for sale. Only the rugged will remain!

[@mrpoizun]

In the US, the tennis shoe CEO of Harley is forcing even successful and profitable dealerships out of business, from small towns to Denver suburbs!

[@OnTourYT]

@@mrpoizun it’s horrible to see how does it help anyone especially themselves?

[@jjreddog571]

I have lived long enough to see the price of a Big-Twin go from $1,695 t0 $27,995....not worth it for most of this younger generation and our busy roadways.

[@florislok]

I’m riding bikes since ‘88 and I’m not interested in dealer ships. If I have a problem I can’t solve myself, I go to a local garage. So much cheaper than an official dealer. It’s a good thing that they close, because they did something wrong. And if you want another bike, just buy a secondhand. There are thousands of them for sale.

[@mrpoizun]

Dealers have ships?

[@OnTourYT]

@mrpoizun 😂😂

[@bm7760]

You're not kidding. If ever it was a buyers' market. Just look at the disproportionate number of Harleys on AutoTrader. For a brand with a minor market share, there's a huge number for sale.

[@MrPoliarinis]

Following the same trend, 2024 marked the year when the HD and Jaguar brands were "gracefully retired"-because apparently, iconic heritage and loyal fan bases just aren't trendy anymore.

[@OnTourYT]

@@MrPoliarinis jaguars on a different planet with that latest advert

[@RaynardWilson0]

@@MrPoliarinis the problem is, the old folks that traditionally bought those brands are dying off. They weren't finding new customers to replace the old.

[@OnTourYT]

@RaynardWilson0 which is why they need a new 650ish sub 10k bike!!

[@migueruta]

@@OnTourYT Jaguar's cars were never good to being with and they were way too overpriced. With their last ad, looks like they're looking out to sell their vehicles to rich w0. Ke elites so, good luck with that and go bankrupt for good this time - just like Aston Martin almost did, if it wasn't for Ford buying it. The same happend several times with Harley Davidson since its conception.

[@MrPoliarinis]

@@RaynardWilson0 not really .take indian as an example. Scout is selling really good. So the problem of HD is pricing end lack of power. Even when they had sportster was the model which saved HD at that time. In western countries no one cared abour 650cc motorcycles, yes for asia, india ir could be important, because there motorcycle is day to day transport. For USA, EU its just a toy

[@mfh848]

Very good article,well said, it is getting expensive for something that is basically a hobby, I don't know what the answer is, BMW servicing costs are a rip off

[@OnTourYT]

@@mfh848 smaller les complicated bikes and smaller costs!

[@Wolfways]

I was obsessed with custom bikes when I was a kid and desperately wanted a Harley, but life decided that I'll never be able to get a bike. Now I look at Harleys and think "What was wrong with me?" Why would I want an overpriced bike that is made to look good from the right side only? I also have no interest in other foreign bikes either and if I had the chance to have a bike it would be British. My favourite shop bike of all time has to be the Triumph Thunderbird Storm. A thing of beauty.

[@OnTourYT]

@@WolfwaysI love my Harley, but triumph do make some great looking bikes 👍 loved my 675 street triple

[@yourhuckleberry1904]

Be careful with Triumph

[@OnTourYT]

@@yourhuckleberry1904 why’s that?

[@3089280288]

The new bike dealer in town by me was one of the oldest BMW dealers in the US until they were told to spend 7 figures to "upgrade" their place with no guarantee of enough inventory to make the money back. They only sell Ducati now.

[@OnTourYT]

@@3089280288 this seems to be a common thing right now… this is why riders Bridgwater sell Indian motorcycles now not Harley’s

[@ProfileP246]

I walked into my main dealers and nearly fainted at the prices which these days are through the roof.

[@abdulazizsaleh8650]

Two tires, a motor, and some electronic parts..Is it possible that it would cost the manufacturer between 30,000 and 40,000 pounds? It is crazy and a huge exaggeration in prices, not only for motorcycles but even for cars What we used to buy twenty years ago for ten thousand, we now buy for twenty thousand. I do not understand how these people think. The American market is now suffering, and there are even rumors that Chrysler may need government support to survive... The prices are never justified, it's just greed

[@OnTourYT]

@@abdulazizsaleh8650 it is when they put China made electronics screens and sensors on everything

[@Paul-pb3vq]

I just bought another bike from a dealership 150 miles from were I live , But what’s happening in the industry, I only put a small deposit down then paid the balance when I picked it up, Just in case the dealer went out of business. They wanted full payment few days before I picked it up but I said no . But when I got there I don’t think they were in any trouble. Andy the salesman said they can’t cope with demand. They had a large part of the showroom full of bikes with sold signs on them. And just to add extremely pleased with my purchase.

[@OnTourYT]

That’s a great experience! What dealer was this? Don’t think they’ll mind you sharing as it’s positive

[@Paul-pb3vq]

@ Webbs of Lincoln Well worth visiting if you’re in the area.

[@BaronvonOldenBiker]

Harley Heaven in Victoria has three dealerships roughly 35 km's from each other. One in Ringwood, Dandenong, and one in the city of Melbourne. Realistically, they should close Dandenong and Ringwood and acquire a new larger building near the city. With a larger building they could have better parking areas for motorcycles which all stores lack and even the ability to incorporate a cafe. Bikers would have a great place to meet and grab a meal. With prices and rent being what it is, I'm surprised parent company Peter Stevens can afford to keep all three stores open.

[@sidecarmisanthrope5927]

It just proves that Harley's need constant maintenance. You can ride from one workshop to the next to get it fixed again.

[@aidens04]

How does everyone know where Harley are going wrong apart from Harley? Getting rid of the proper Sportster is financial suicide. It's a much loved bike at a great price point.

[@OnTourYT]

Right?!? I couldn’t believe it! Do they not know how big the sportster scene is? That’s their bread and butter here

[@redtobertshateshandles]

They started painting bikes flat black. That was always how you could tell a crashed bike. It had a terrible paint job.

[@OnTourYT]

@redtobertshateshandles my bikes flat black 😂

[@stevenwatsham5973]

I run an old 52 Matchless G80.. Simple, fun and looks good!.. Need I say more??..

[@OnTourYT]

@@stevenwatsham5973 great choice!

[@OzBloke]

Good older used bikes - although still can be costly to maintain, are a far better option than new. I recently had late model BMW and Indian, but have gone back to a late 90’s Yamaha Royal Star and an ‘08 Honda ST1300 both with lowish K’s for way less than one new bike. All good 😜👍

[@gordonmcluskie7110]

I've owned a few Harleys including the Softail CVO convertible and currently ride a 2003 Sporty...Harleys downfall was stopping production of this model and now too expensive to own..

[@OnTourYT]

@@gordonmcluskie7110 exactly!

[@theodavies8754]

Harley downfall was appeasing California.

[@OnTourYT]

@theodavies8754 how’d you mean? Sorry I’m outside USA (unfortunately)

[@theodavies8754]

@@OnTourYT Has to be zero emissions which is realistically only possible if it doesn't exist. The efforts to comply with not existing is going well.

[@OnTourYT]

They seem to forget the emissions cost of making and charging the thing! I tried electric bikes they felt empty

[@badllama8090]

Pretty much happenned to me, bought BMW 1250 GS Adventure, bought service plan had 1st service went away to Germany, a few weeks after arriving home, The dealer (Pidcocks) have closed the Triumph shop, the Ducati shop and the BMW shop and they've been operating since the 70's! As for HD, I had Harleys before the BM's but got F*****d off with all the shite from China (spares/orange peeled paint etc) as well as the rising costs, it was already at LEAST a 70 mile round trip to the closest dealer but when I moved it was worse.....

[@OnTourYT]

@@badllama8090 it’s a sad state to be in isn’t it? We need a local place!

[@Jodyrides]

this all started with a Harley Davidson tariff of 1984. Harley Davidson hired a Wall Street type named Vaughn Bealls as CEO. He went to President Ronald Reagan and convinced him that the Japanese were dumping motorcycles below cost in the United States.. To save the 600 Harley Davidson, workers jobs, Reagan put a 45% tariff on all imported motorcycles.. Harley Davidson did not go out of business but 1100 Japanese motorcycle dealers in this country went out of business in the first two years of the tariff. More than 7000 Americans working in those Japanese motorcycle dealerships lost their jobs. I was selling motorcycles at that time. There were 22 motorcycle dealerships sign Japanese motorcycles within an hour of my home at that time. Here in 2024, there are only two Japanese motorcycle dealers left. So why are motorcycle dealers still going out roses? here is exactly why Because of the tariff, people stop buying motorcycles. Young men in their 20s stopped buying motorcycles, because for example, a typical 750 cc motorcycle price went from $2999, to $4750.. don’t forget the additional sales tax on that 45% increase.. and don’t forget about the additional interest paid on the larger loan. And don’t forget did it cost more to ensure a possible loss by the insurance company so the premiums were more also.. so young men stopped buying motorcycles, when those men got married, and had kids, they didn’t buy small motorcycles for their kids, and those little kids that didn’t get motorcycles at a young age didn’t grow up to become motorcycle enthusiasts.. and the cycle repeated, a little kids, didn’t grow up to be motorcycle, hobbyists, and when they grow up and had kids, their kids didn’t get dirt bikes to start out and grow up to become motorcycle enthusiast.. so here we are 40 years later after the Harley Davidson inspired tariff, even Harley is complaining about slumping sales.. do you have a lot of nerve complaining about something that they started.. they eliminated their future customers with that tariff 40 years ago.. And then I realize that not all those people that never got started in motorcycling would have bought Harleys, especially not as their very first motorcycle. People with my Harleys generally start it out on a less expensive used Japanese motorcycle. And after they learn to ride and became motorcyclists, they would move up and up in size of their motorcycles occasionally buying Harleys no, I realize not all of them would have bought Harleys once they became motorcyclists starting out on last expensive Japanese motorcycles. Not all of them would have bought a Harley.. Probably only a few hundred thousand of them would have bought Harleys

[@candymintz]

my Rocket 111 is 15 years old, no major issues, so buying a new motorcycle for me is pointless, the older bikes are a lot easier to service.........and 140BHP introduced by Triumph in 2004, I see a lot of Harleys while i'm out cruising, mostly in my mirrors.

[@pasha_exodite6475]

Disbanding good old Evo Sporty was their graveiest mistake. Even with obsolete 5-speed gearbox and sh_e_e_ty suspension it was one of the most appealing bikes in its class even by modern standarts. The only major drawback was its enormous price. If 883's were sold for a reasonable price, they wouldn't lose this share of market to Enfield 650's, MotoGuzzi V7s, Kawasaki W800s and Benellis, and countless other "revived legends" from China for decades on. Easily. Sportsetr has saved H-D's a$$ twice in history, in 1960s and in 1990s, and it could have saved them once more. But they've killed it, and now it's too late, and H-D has already lost its huge slab of this segment. AND they will face the cosequences that've already started. Thanks H-D top management for reliably choosing the worst possible desicions imaginable. Good luck to them with all their focus-on-electric-luxury idiocy. It's the Fiat who owns the Ferrari, not the Ferrari who owns the Fiat! Isn't that obvious?..

[@OnTourYT]

Completely agree. I love my 883, and it’s an affordable way into Harley ownership. The people who can afford their bigger machines aren’t getting any younger and the people who can only afford something like a sporty no longer has an option. They are pricing themselves out the market

[@davecarrera]

If you need 100k per year to keep your business open and only earn 99k you go out of business. If no profit earned from motorcycle sales then see point one.

[@TheZanshen]

Too expensive now .

[@southernmike3265]

50 odd years of riding now and owned a whole bunch of different bikes in that time (including harleys) but I'll be sticking to my reliable easy to ride hassle free cheap to run stylish triumph bonneville classic till the body gives in. Best bikes in the world! Each to their own as this is just my experienced opinion. Do it yourself simple services under 100 dollars every 4000-5000 kilometres. Very easy to work on machine.

[@JoanCarradine]

Back to the 70's through to the 90's, the motorcycle industry was very healthy in the UK. Newer generations though appear to be less interested which is a shame, this is coupled with the dire state of the UK economy and very poor administration in government which is criplling many industries, particulary the motor industry. Motorcycle dealers are not exempt from this onslaught. Huge overheads, rates and taxes and forcing many to close as it simply isn't sustainable any longer. |Finally, I think it is also the culture has changed, as mentioned before, newer generations seem less interested.

[@OnTourYT]

@@JoanCarradine I’m one of the few “younger” (although not THAT young) generations who still love it and want to keep it alive and kicking Well said, thanks for watching and commenting!

[@kelvinjolley6264]

And the state of the roads.

[@OnTourYT]

@kelvinjolley6264 tell me about it

[@alessandrocerioli2151]

New generations are not interested because they have no money abd they are mostly focused on soending 50% of their income to rent a place to live.

[@MichaelBrown-qh3fq]

When I bought my Harley 1200 Sportster back in 1988, I had to travel over to Bromyard in Hereford to buy it as there were no HD dealers in Wales back then, and when I bought my brand new 1992 Evo Fatboy in 1992, I travelled over to Riders in Bridgwater as yeah there wasn't a HD dealer in Wales in 92, Back then it was quite rare to pull up next to another Harley Rider, and Harley Davidsons were really quite exclusive as there were on a handful of HD Dealerships in the UK at that time, But by the mid - nineties and early two thousands HD Dealerships were popping up all over the place, what with the explosion of American Chopper with OCC and the Rich Urban Bikers with wods of expendable cash etc, HD turned their backs on the Rebel Outlaw image that they had rode along with for quite a number of years, and Us dirty grimey Bikers were being frowned upon, basically shunned!! And We were and basically still are their Core Customers! It's not very good for business when You basically tell the Customers that have been loyal and supported the brand for so many years to basically screw you! I think that Harley Davidson has basically shot itself in the foot! And it saddens me to see things happen this way 😞🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@OnTourYT]

I live very close to a well known 1% club and half of them aren’t even on Harley’s I’m guessing for this reason! Cymru am byth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@MichaelBrown-qh3fq]

​@@OnTourYT Yeah Man, I love my Ol' Skool Chopper Dyna Street Bob Trike and I really don't think that I could do better if I tried to replace it, If I ever get the opportunity to get a stable mate for The Monster, I really don't think that it'll be another Harley, It could possibly be an Indian Chief Trike or a Triumph Rocket 3 R Trike 👍🤘😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@OnTourYT]

@MichaelBrown-qh3fq great choices

[@cpuuk]

Not sure about "reduced margins", I paid list, and they nickel & dime me on everything. Bottom line, people can't afford the hugely expensive bikes. This is the reason why 2nd hand bike dealers have grown i.e. Superbike Factory just opened another show room in Crawley in Nov 2024. What HD did do in 2024 was put out 30K CVO bikes. I sat on a Glide at the NEC that was 44K!

[@OnTourYT]

@@cpuuk certainly is here, they’re being forced with stock from HD that isn’t selling so have to price to sell in a challenging market as HD are demanding unrealistic sales numbers over profit It’s some shady back end stuff going on bud, this is from a dealer principal in the number one U.K. HD dealer and I believe him!

[@fatdeluxe5302]

The current leadership/board of directors is in the process of killing our beloved Harley Davidson. It's a sad, sad story to watch. Killing the hand that feeds you just doesn't make sense. Is there something deeper going on here? High bike prices, high accessory prices, breaking the back of dealers....... what is happening?

[@OnTourYT]

@@fatdeluxe5302 I think they’re trying to take the brand back and own all the dealers, but there’s too many to afford That’s my tinfoil hat theory

[@h.chadders]

It’s getting too costly for people to have Motorbikes as just a play thing. Bikes that offer high MPG, however can still be a practical form of transport for many people, day to day.

[@sidecarmisanthrope5927]

True. Many of the big bikes use more fuel than a car.

[@camaroblackstar]

was just looking in the Honda dealership the other day and saw their e scooter / bike ! Five grande for a bike that has a range of 41 km & a top speed of 28mph ! Any of their 125s are cheaper faster and you can ride for longer but still prices of their bigger machines are ridiculous and theres a clean second hand Harley 750 in the same shop for five grande !

[@fontana6394]

If you got to a motorcycle meet, it’s by and large old guys, well it is round my way. The young guys are just not interested in riding bikes . Three will always be a market for cheap commuters or transport for the younger generations but most trade up to four wheels when they can.

[@rockintigger]

I think motorcycles used to be cheap transport for the working man, which with a few spanners and a bit of mechanical knowledge, they could maintain themselves. Now some are more expensive than cars and without special equipment “because of all the fancy electronic equipment, such as launch control, anti wheelie, cornering ABS, fuel injection etc” and can’t fix themselves without a College degree. You have to half strip a bike just to change the plugs. And in the UK to get a motorcycle license, you have to spend a lot of money on at least three tests. A car license is one test, job done. Glad I’m here (77) an still riding. 💪😎

[@sidecarmisanthrope5927]

True. No one really needs more than 750cc. When you get 1800cc shrouded in miles of plastic they lose the feel. I have always preferred a classic 650 twin under me. Too many unnecessary gadgets and gizmos on today's bikes. I rode a Goldwing for a short while and it used more fuel than my Saab 9-5.

[@stevenlangdon-griffiths293]

Good video. Preston and Ellesmere Port Harley Davidson have both closed I believe. Where do northwest owners go now? Maybe Manchester or LIVERPOOL?

[@OnTourYT]

hell of a trip! used to be 5/6 dealerships within 50 miles of me, now theres one.

[@IndigoJo]

Probably the small bikes are going to people who make their living on them. Couriers and the like. Some people also want an economical ride, which a 125cc bike definitely is. No Harley is economical; they burn more petrol than many cars, and people can get the retro "real bike" vibe from Enfield, Triumph and even Kawasaki nowadays.

[@rheablack6479]

Spot on video! Thank you! I was about to purchase a Harley-Davidson next year, but this video just gave me the confidence to buy a Honda Rebel 1100. At least I know it's a MEN's bike!!! Sorry Harley, too much "inclusion" I hope "they" buy it as "they went to war in 1914- 1945, isn't they 🌈"... "they made the brand, and they are the ones who will sustain it from now onwards"... hope you (H-D) chosen your side well... as I STAND FOR MINE ( STR8!!!)

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

I want to know where all of the bikes that were in the now closed dealers have gone to?

[@OnTourYT]

@@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne good question. I know at least one’s entire inventory has been sold off to a big chain

[@ashleyhouse9690]

I'm a Harley fanboy having owned several models but I look at the current model range and wouldn't be tempted to shell out for any of them even if I had the money. They've really lost their way with their styling and marketing in recent years in my opinion.

[@OnTourYT]

I would agree but I’d love a low rider s I think they’re gorgeous

[@freeride6073]

​@@OnTourYTI'll second that .

[@bm7760]

I rode HDs for twenty-plus years. Loads of them. No mechanical issues of note at all. Easy to maintain. The bikes themselves were fine. What did frustrate was the 'baggage' that comes with owning a Harley. You get lumped-in with the 'Wild Hogs' posers, or the 'righteous dudes', maybe the midlife crisis badge. Over time I shifted across to Guzzi. No baggage and a similar riding experience. Better hardware and handling generally too (though the finish doesn't stand up to UK weather as well as it did on my Harleys). I sold my Street Glide and bought THREE used Guzzis. And I can rock-up to a bike meet and be largely invisible; maybe seen as an old boy 'enthusiast'. That label suits me fine.

[@OnTourYT]

I completely agree I get all the stereotypes… only thing I like I the bike

[@jonboreham8781]

Not only are the manufacturers ripping off the bikers with extortionate price increases every year by 'selling the dream', they haven't made motorcycles any more economical to run - cars do more mpg than motorcycles!! If they made them more economical and cheaper more people would buy them and use them.

[@peterbennett4948]

Regarding the number of Harley dealers its going back to the 80's with only a few Harley dealers in the UK 🇬🇧

[@OnTourYT]

It’s a massive shame to see

[@John-ob7dh]

@@peterbennett4948 I think Warrs ,Chelsea were the first in UK ( they're still there ) The way things are going they will be the last left.

[@OnTourYT]

@John-ob7dh they actually feature in the video! I need to make the trip down 🤔

[@John-ob7dh]

@@OnTourYT It's in the ULEZ area and I think the London congestion charge zone.

[@OnTourYT]

@@John-ob7dh ulez not an issue

[@austinkaufman9402]

this is due to their greed during the pandemic

[@OnTourYT]

@@austinkaufman9402 you think? What makes you say that?

[@Nooziterp1]

The decline in motorcycling began long before the pandemic.

[@leemoreton2399]

Maybe make getting a full license alot cheaper too, alot of people i know are put off by the price of getting through your license and the whole cbt, theory test, mod1 and mod2 it's a very long and expensive process that many people haven't got the time or the money to do, if it was all cheaper and simpler for example make the mod1 and mod2 just one big test to pass, I think we would see alot more people buying motorcycles which would keep all these businesses thriving

[@OnTourYT]

I went through the whole current process some years ago and it is absolutely putting people off. You have to really want it to go through with the cost and the effort now

[@mattdog1982]

Agreed. I took my test at 38. There's no way I could have afforded to when I was younger.

[@OnTourYT]

@ had to make some sacrifices for a few months for sure

[@leemoreton2399]

Totally agree, i only just passed my test early this year at the age of 41 and it took me over 5 months and cost me just over £2300 for a full license, but I'm glad I did it, just wish I had done it when I was younger, but then again there would of been no way I could of afforded it😅

[@OnTourYT]

Wow that is crazy!!!! No wonder people aren’t getting on two wheels

[@BodybuildingSteve]

The last few years theres been some pretty affordable bikes come to market but as someone who is 30 and just moved into my first home its everything else being so expensive that stops me getting a new bike, mortgage and bills while also trying to save for retirement just leaves me fuck all, I have a old beat up vfr which I love but theres no chance I can afford anything expensive, especially with the high insurance that comes with expensive bikes

[@OnTourYT]

@@BodybuildingSteve morning wrong with a VFR Steve I heard some one say that bikes so perfect it’s almost boring 😂 great bike. I’d have one in white all day long. We are similar age and similar circumstance so I get it

[@Rideitoutyoutube]

if im honest the chinese are now in the middle weight class and thousands of pounds cheaper and really not what they used to be. i have a cf moto and a zontes that are extremally good bikes and so much less is cost. harley is very american and in the uk the harley just screams middle age dentist just gone through a divorce ........ the cost of living is also a huge factor. people are looking for cheap mobility with car insurance being ridiculous and cbts and 125s are definitely the main choice. full licenses are expensive and bigger bikes are not as fuel efficient as we think. even first time riders are paying insurance figures i saw when i first insured a car. my scooter at 16 was £400 and guys are now paying around the £2000 for their first year. bigger bikes are definitely taking a huge hit but 125s and the cbts are the industries bread and butter. that with a very short summer and an early winter and with deliveroo and just eat doing deliveries is also an over saturated market. im a motorcycle instructor in london so im seeing this on the daily. even cbt bookings have dropped off the face of the earth currently and the way it is you will also see schools shut down at this rate. big bikes are a luxury, small bikes are to some a way of cutting the costs of public transport but with the weather in the uk not many people see motorcycles as a viable means of transport due to the cold and wet we are already having. dealerships are struggling, schools are struggling but 125s is where the money is and deliveries are over saturated with riders meaning their insurance for food delivery goes up and theres minimal profit in it for them. its a tough time for the industry in general

[@OnTourYT]

Completely agree. All I see out on the roads is L plates at the moment and that tells you something

[@ਸਿਧਾਰਥ-ਛ7ਜ]

Main Reason behind new gen boys also like raw harleys like kick shovell ,pan,knuckle head old school kind design which is gone .something should be always like an old ,they dosen't need modern cosmetics looks....❤

[@MX-CO]

Motocross used to be a blue collared sport, now only upper class can afford to do it

[@NisarAhmed-jl2ek]

300-450cc motorcycle is just as capable and will have less electronics to go wrong. That’s my plan, Save the money, even though I don’t have cash for a new 1200 adventure bike. Guys these bikes are just as capable, just have to adapt your mindset

[@OnTourYT]

They are, something around 600 is my sweet spot

[@justincook2894]

Buy used - simple. Whatever the budget, you save a good amount in the UK. But yes, new bikes are too expensive with too much tech on them. Also depends on what you use your bike for as to what you spend and buy. Top end dealers with new or nearly new stock seem to be struggling…. Franchised dealers seem to have too many requirements imposed on them by the manufacturers…. World appears to be f****d

[@YorkshireSteve907]

Going back to the 70s. I bought my first Harley I 1978. One dealer in uk. I had to take bike on the train from North Yorkshire becau#se it would make it to London. Back to start no progress then

[@OnTourYT]

@@YorkshireSteve907 looks like those days are returning my friend

[@davidpalk5010]

Mopeds being legislated off the road in the UK during the last decade or so is at the route of the problem. Mopeds are where powered two-wheelers used to start for most riders. No mopeds means no progression to 125s. No 125s means no adults going on to a big bike and a lifetime of riding. Of course, this is what the safety legislators want.

[@OnTourYT]

How is that happening?

[@AlanStanden]

All brands are demanding a more corporate image from there dealers that costs a lot of money ,and Harley seem to be the worst ,and lets face it the UK riding population is aging fast , because of the government making it harder longer and more expensive to pass your test over the last 30 years. I know quite a few retired guy's who have gone to smaller bikes to keep riding not a 350kg plus Harley

[@OnTourYT]

Again another reason for Harley to make a smaller cheaper bike!

[@chass600]

What Riders dealership was that you walked past at the start?

[@OnTourYT]

@@chass600 riders Bristol - not closing but no time to get to bridgewater 😂

[@chass600]

Ah i thought it was Bristol 😂 i was in Bridgwater few weeks ago and although they arent getting new bikes in, they said they will still do servicing as i enquired abour my Street Bobs first service. Sadly Southampton and Plymouth closed 😢​@OnTourYT

[@Lisa-Azra_Broad]

Parts are easily available - online

[@OnTourYT]

Thatll be the next cash grab you watch!

[@queenietube1]

all harley has to do, bring back the bikes that sold and lower the prices of base models. and you will sell more and save the brand. bring back the evo sportster. and that alone will make a huge difference. but thats just my thoughts.

[@OnTourYT]

Oh I completely agree with you

[@print-master]

also the weather's rubbish most of the year these days, who wants n expensive bike, kept taxed insured and serviced on the off chance it doesn't actually rain. In CA its summer every day , not the crap we get here

[@OnTourYT]

Yet another reason I want to move there

[@John-ob7dh]

@@print-master according to.my mate who lives in Calabasas he every now and then near.loses his house to fires.

[@MrMutt1960]

The manufacturers of bikes are concentrating on who can make their bikes as techy as possible hence the rip off prices,i see it with car manufacturers, way to much money,the greed will be their downfall,why is it dacia,s sales are going through the roof,they make cars folk can afford without all the glitz of things not needed ,and the ones being made now look good,look at what we all used to laugh at skoda,now look,unfortunately they have gotten expensive too,probably as its mothership is vw.

[@OnTourYT]

A modern Skoda is full of vw and Audi parts to save money on manufacturing costs but then the supposedly cheaper brand has the price tag of the more expensive ones

[@daweshorizon]

Royal Enfield are doing pretty well! Good looking, reliable and most of all AFFORDABLE! Harley is p***ing in the wind at the moment. Only bankers and stockbrokers can afford them and, as you say, the bikes are essentially a 'toy'. I don't see many Harleys parked up in Aldi picking up some shopping, or even on the open road if there's a chance the shiny new toy might get rained on! I use my Royal Enfield Himalayan as my daily ride, I don't own a car, so it does everything. I have a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 for pottering around at the weekends. I picked up both bikes from reputable dealerships as low-mileage, used examples for under £7k. That's for BOTH! Two awesome bikes for about half the cost of the cheapest new Harley and I'm not scared of riding them anywhere or parking them up on the street for a few hours. Half the problem is that Harleys are now associated with the 'grey-hairs', those (mainly) middle-class men who ride around sedateley in packs and rock up at a seaside town on a sunny bank holiday. To most people under thirty a Harley is not only financially out of reach, but they are just not cool! Who would have thought it? Harleys have lost their coolness! That quality upon which Harley has always traded, that intangible facet that was worth a million adverts in the bike magazines. Harleys have always been slow, mediocre handling and a bit of an acquired taste but they always had that 'cool' factor to call upon. They looked cool, they sounded cool, they were just plain cool! Sadly, no longer. The growth area for motorcycles now are the 250-650 singles and twins of both road and trail types. That's why Royal Enfield, Honda, Kawasaki and others are proving to be successful. Harley have become a premium brand, but the potential buyers of that upper end of the market are dying out and not being replaced by the next generation as a result of higher housing costs and the general cost of living that the youngsters are currently experiencing. I want Harley to survive. But they desperately need an 'entry-level' model, maybe a Sportster and a Cruiser based around a common engine and chassis but each with appropriate cycle parts and colour schemes. I hope they keep going. Love and peace.

[@OnTourYT]

This is a great comment, thank you for it and watching! I’m the wild card. I have a sportster and I’ve ridden it in all weathers and seasons the past few years. It’s certainly not shiny and new anymore 😂😂 They NEED a replacement for the sportster. Something 650ish cc for under 10k and they’ll open themselves up to a massive section of the market they waved goodbye to!

[@daweshorizon]

I recently went to a forum at a Royal Enfield dealership where the CEO of Royal Enfield Worldwide was keen to find out the experiences, good and bad, of RE owners and ask about how the bikes can be improved. He arrived in a chauffeur driven BMW but was a actually a really humble man who genuinly listened to his customers! It turn out that he also rides the bikes himself in a meaningful way, not just a trip round the block or for some cheesy photo-op. That's what the Harley CEO needs to do! Listen to customers! It's frustrating that the internet is groaning under the weight of Harley riders pleading for the Harley execs to listen to common sense and get back to basics. It's a crying shame. The battle really belongs to people like you who don't fit the age profile of the typical Harley rider in the UK today (the 'grey-hairs') but are passionate about the bikes. Good luck! I suspect that things may get worse before they get better. The current management reminds me of the complacent management style in the 'bad old days' of AMF management of Harley in the 1970's. When the current HD company inevitably fails, wouldn't it be great if a consortium of Harley riders could buy them out! One day maybe. Anyway, keep the faith, ride safe. Love and peace.

[@OnTourYT]

@@daweshorizon I’d put some money in for us to own the company and return it to its glory days!

[@michaelwalker1145]

Dealer near to work has been building a new showroom, should have been open now but isn't. KTM, Moto Guzzi Norton and one more I think. £90 an hour Labour rate or 75 if you are a member?.

[@OnTourYT]

Where’s this Michael?

[@orangealpine5267]

Insurance is putting a lot of people off motorcycling, I think the Ecycle industry as captured a lot of younger people that would have previously got a scooter or moped

[@OnTourYT]

@@orangealpine5267 I hate them things! Dangerous and they ride them on the pavements at 30+mph!!!!

[@orangealpine5267]

@@OnTourYT agreed, there needs to be more regulations!!

[@OnTourYT]

@ there needs to be regulations for the regulators 😂

[@peter6782]

This happened years ago, there are only so many people who want to buy a bike, bikers arnts like , car people most dont buy a new one every year or every couple of years! and as for service and maintenance, most bikers are more that capable of servicing and maintaining their own bike!

[@dillonrobinson8468]

3 dealerships in Nottinghamshire England last month closed for good

[@OnTourYT]

Horrible isn’t it

[@Papawforreal]

If HD goes out of business it’s their own fault. They forgot who their customers are or they just don’t care.

[@OnTourYT]

@@Papawforreal you aren’t wrong there

[@MichaelBrown-qh3fq]

Back in my early teens I spotted a Harley Electra Glide in a copy of Motorcycle Mechanics Mag and that was me hooked! Pasted my test at nineteen on a two stroke Suzuki RV 125 VanVan, saved for a year and got my brand new Harley 1200 Sportster in 1988 at 24, in 1992 at the age of 28 I bought a brand new 1340 Evo Fatboy of which I saved for another year after selling the Sportster for basically what I paid for it with 9500 miles on the clock, Today at 61, I now ride a 2007 Harley Dyna 1580 Street Bob Ol' Skool Chopper Trike called "The Monster" converted to a Trike in Spring 2015 by The Trikeshop in Cardiff, and I have since 2015 fabricated many custom one off parts for "The Monster" in my garage, I ride the Trike due to a life changing accident on site at the Quarry I worked at for 29 years in charge of Explosives Operations, And whenever I cruse down the motorway or pull up on "The Monster" with my Ex-glamour model Ol' Lady Jules on the back We cause a stur, Even People who You can see have no interest in Motorcycles come over and walk around the trike and stare and enquire about the bike! It's amazing to see the reaction on People's faces when We ride by or pull up, and Jules has always said that "The Monster" is the best bike that She has seen in Her life! 👍🤘😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@MichaelBrown-qh3fq]

And Yeah, The Suzuki RV 125 VanVan which I passed my motorcycle test on when I was nineteen back 42 years ago, now shares the garage with "The Monster" I could never part with it! And I intend to get it back on the road next Spring for my Youngest Son Luke to ride and hopefully pass His test on, fingers crossed 🤞 Mike from Wales over here in the UK 👍🤘😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@OnTourYT]

Hahaha what an awesome story dude thanks for sharing! I’d definitely come over if I saw you guys. It’s a lifestyle now a hobby 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@adrianquaife9531]

Why buy a new bike when for screw all dollars you can buy a mid 80s Yamaha, Suzuki, or whatever that makes the new trash look and feel like a rubbermade container...

[@RaynardWilson0]

DEI didn't kill Harley. Harley killed Harley by making bikes that mainly appeal to boomers. The future of biking is getting more people into the movement. Gay, Straight, Cis, Trans, Black, White, literally whoever you are, you can enjoy being on two-wheeles. The whole exclusionary gatekeeping is killing biking.

[@chriswatts6161]

The Chinese are making so many replicas for half the price and the quality is getting better all the time and still beating the price of big brands.

[@OnTourYT]

Have you seen their sportster copy? It’s more powerful and lighter 😳🤣

[@chriswatts6161]

@OnTourYT i know, shocking isn't it, it won't be long before Gs's are copied and made better. Major brands will be a thing of the past in a few years

[@sidecarmisanthrope5927]

Hardly Drivables have more problems than too few dealers. Just keep the bike you have and learn how to service it yourself. Problem solved.

[@OnTourYT]

@@sidecarmisanthrope5927 that’s my plan!

[@AntonyDean-j1k]

I blame the manufacturers, they are making motorcycles that are not suitable for many riders. I am short and getting a motorcycle to fit is getting more and more difficult. (The same goes for many women riders.) I don't want a motorcycle that weighs a tonne, costs and costs a years wages.

[@vikingcsm]

Just look at the age of motorcyclists… I see loads of old blokes on so called adventure bikes and very expensive clobber… the top down marketing has completely brainwashed so many people. The community has been pushed into seeking too many big expensive bikes.. the core is affordable exciting motorbikes that the average working class rider can afford.. I find small capacity bikes are so much more fun, and so much cheaper to run. The industry has got to appeal to the younger generations if it wants to survive. I’m an old fart btw.

[@foxlake6750]

I stopped riding after 40 years because of distracted driving.

[@peteryule6192]

Never go anywhere near a stealership.

[@MrTench8]

A big part of the problem is price, of new bikes and the servicing requirements of them. Bikes have become too high tech. Simpler cheaper bikes are what people want. Videos from the NEC bike show this year showed the smallest crowds i have ever seen there! I must have been 20+ times but not been for a couple of years now, there are no new bikes that interest me. 6 axis IMU's on the new 38bhp Suzuki DR400 plus multiple rider modes, who wants or needs any of that?? I can't help but think the manufacturers have knocked some of the nails in their own coffins with the direction of motorcycle development.

[@OnTourYT]

Yeah I didn’t Bother this year despite wanting to make a video for the channel. They are making it harder and harder to service these bikes ourselves and the service costs are normally more than a car!!!!!

[@IanBaker-d9i]

The motorcycles these days are just to expensive. A lot of guys and gals are going down the second hand route and who can blame them when you're talking 20 grand plus for a kawasaki z1000 super charged sx.

[@OnTourYT]

They are more expensive than a second hand car what is that about

[@mattdog1982]

The boomer money was limited after all.....

[@mrpantur7280]

they just trade in there current bike for a newer model when they hit 1k miles lol.

[@GGarrigan]

Stupidest thing I ever heard

[@sidecarmisanthrope5927]

No. They just reject plastic motorcycles.

[@hoopscorner6458]

Honda is doing well. Honda is projected to sell around 18.7 million motorcycles worldwide in 2024, which is a 0.3% increase from 2023. Honda is the world's best-selling motorcycle brand in 2024.

[@OnTourYT]

Pretty much always has been!

[@Carvetii]

New Bikes are just too expensive same as cars the amount of tech they are ramming on them is making them a rich mans toys

[@mrpantur7280]

licence costs, insurance, theft and much more. i love bikes so i got my licence. only took me 7yrs to save up to be able to burn all that money lol. worth it for me but not the average joe who just wants a bike for commuting.

[@GrahamNewman-mq7gr]

The local BMW DEALERSHIP apear to have got the message , and a manager with a brain . Obviously trying to keep things moving. When part ex. bikes come in they are priced to sell . He will take offers , most are now less than Private Sellers are wanting. They are part of a very large car group. Year end "Bonus from BMW " comes to mind.

[@OnTourYT]

@@GrahamNewman-mq7gr dick Lovett?