WHY harley davidson is DYING OUT

[@daweshorizon]

Interesting clip from the film, 'The Wild One', in which Marlon Brando was actually riding a Triumph, not a Harley. Triumph and more lately, Royal Enfield have eaten into Harley's market share in the US and worldwide. Harley dropped the Sportster, its 'entry-level' bike and went for the premium end of the market, so only rich people can afford to buy them. Rich, and older people. Harley-Davidson has become a last-chance saloon for the elderly biker who has a decent pension and wants to re-live their youth by wearing ridiculous and expensive Harley merchandise and riding around, very slowly, with some other old farts. (UK specific here!). They now make a three-wheeler! That trike reminds me of the HD Servi-Car of the sixties and seventies handing out parking tickets. Pretty much game over I reckon. My three (Millennial) sons wouldn't even consider a Harley. They ride Moto Guzzi, Royal Enfield, AJS (1951), Honda and modern Triumph amongst others. Harley used to be the American bike for the American people. The HD company has abandoned its loyal customer base and just chased the money, the premium market. Stockbrokers, lawyers retired politicians et cetera. Harley settled on its perceived USP, the tourer/chopper thing, but that is now outdated and offers little choice of motorcycle. The only remaining vestige of the 'glory days' of Harley Davidson is the badge on the petrol tank. I hope Harley survive, but they need to get the youngsters onboard. Make somethng sporty and affordable! Come on HD, not rocket science! P.S. I have no idea why I have spent so long replying to a post which is so obviously generated by AI, but if there are any actual human beings out there who have read this nonsense of mine, Love and Peace.

[@steelrolex]

Sir, every detail of yours analysis is correct. The Harley owners is older people, younger people prefer lighter and cheaper MC,s. KTM, BMW and Japanese brands

[@user-pm8ri8so7d]

Your classification of the “Chopper” is incorrect. You should really do a little more homework in your vocabulary before doing these reports. The rest of your report I agree with.

[@daweshorizon]

I know what a 'chopper' is, basically a customised or modified bike, but Harley have, in the past, tried to make bikes to fit the 'chopper style', crazy long front forks (even old-style girder forks), rear suspension that appears to be a hardtail but isn't, (I think they called it the 'Soft-tail'), flame paint jobs on the tank and so on. That was what I was referring to. I never miss doing my homework. Anyway, I appreciate your comments. Ride safe. Love and peace.

[@greysea4841]

Maybe Harley should end up a niche brand like Ferrari and Lamborghini.

[@mk27wrx]

They need to bring the prices down on new sales, new breakout117 in aus $40,000 , better to go second hand, but your buying into the brand which offers you a large range in spare parts

[@FastestWay.1]

May be they would be addressing these issues , if they want to bounce back

[@danielbianchi3479]

I bought my Lowrider in 1979 for $5,200!out the door! ❤Crazy prices today!😊😊😊

[@joemann3536]

trying to please the Tyrannical EU regs is hurting anything on wheels, along with greedy business of not making what parts are needed in the US. I own 2 bikes and Love them both. My 2018 Kawasaki Zed 900 naked sport and my New 2023 Harley FXST that is getting the screamin eagle 119 C.I. stage 3 done.

[@FastestWay.1]

Best of luck for your rides, stay safe

[@Hotbikes_and_Hotrods]

It's apparently obvious that Harley Corporate officers don't give a shit. I've owned a Harley off since the 70's. My first was a 76 Lowrider. I currently own a 2008 Dyna Wide Glide 105th Anaversary Edtion, 2017 Heritage, and 2003 Ultra Classic. I'll NEVER own anything newer than what I currently have. The twin cam was the best motor you made. You are NOT ALL THAT anymore. The quality of your bike has dropped tremendously, and your prices are RIDICULOUS! You treat your dealers like redheaded stepchildren and the consumers even worse. SHAME ON YOU HARLEY-DAVIDSON!! Step up and do the honorable thing. SAVE THIS DEALERSHIP.

millenial here. bought a triumph 900. barely 12000 euro. half price of the harley. much better finition.

[@johnerdam961]

Harley had a USP for decades: They had the coolest most stylish cruisers on the market. They were by far the leader of this segment. But now there are very strong competitors in this segment. Look at Triumphs Bonneville, BMW R18, Ducati Diavel, just to name a few. They are (without any doubt) technically better, more reliable and safer. And mostly cheaper. Apart from a very specific image: Why should anybody buy a Harley? And to the more cheaper side of the market and a segment that is not too far away from the cruiser segment: Where is Harleys answer to BMWs rNineT and Ducatis Scrambler series? HD completely failed at this segment. Apart from that: I hesitate a little bit to sit on a bike that is in the perception of many people mainly ridden by very old-school guys and retired dentists who play weekend rebels and have too often a bit of a snobbish attitude. My last points were not fair, i know. Personally i enjoy my BMW riding on tricky alpine streets, absolutely no terrain for overweight old-fashioned steel. Please dont get me wrong: If you love and enjoy your Harley: Do so! Your bikes are beautiful and have a fantastic sound!

[@Jerry-kg3te]

My guess is most of them are to fragile for a Harley.Where I'm at they only ride bicycles in the way alover the 🛣️ road

[@johnscott5662]

That stupid movie The Wild One was so corney. It was a goofy musical. Marlon Brando was riding a TRIUMPH. Lee Marvin was cool though.

[@chainshishd9127]

HD is failing because I am not there running it with some of my mech friends. Put me and a few of my mechanic friends in charge and we will start turning HD around

[@FastestWay.1]

We hope that would work

[@davidrouton997]

This sounds like it was written by someone who knows nothing about the industry. It was obvious in the early 2000’s that Harley’s days were numbered. And I predicted as much to the head of marketing of a massive local dealership that was being built at the time. First and foremost, their core customer was aging out. Although there was a stretch where Harleys were being purchased in quantity by white collar professionals-mostly as investments-the age of riders, the slowing of the moto industry at large, and a bunch of low mileage used bikes that all look ostensibly the same that would soon be flooding the market, meant the golden period of HD was reaching its peak. Harley has relied heavily on riders who won’t even consider any other brand. They wear all the cosplay outfits despite being overpriced licensed crap. Their core demo is not 35 year olds as stated. That was about 20-25 years ago. It’s largely a vanishing breed of blue collar workers and wealthy white collar wannabe rebels. No one has done a better job of capturing an iconic market who are relentlessly focused on their brand, but it is no way a strategy for the future. And when they try to diversify, guess who the biggest critics are? The HD faithful. They will kill their own brand, and their arrogance will never see it coming.

[@kennethmiller5753]

There are a lot loyal to Satan doesn't make it right or does it lefty?😩

[@kennethmiller5753]

Not all American made turncoat,you are following a lost cause,greed is what u worship!🤑🤑🤑

[@anthonylavallee4362]

Nice try. The insanely priced offerings have no appeal to the average motorcycle enthusiasts who simply can't afford them! That's simply the problem.

[@MoxieMike66]

Pretty sure prices & economy are a factor. Biggest reason I bought a 21' Vulcan Vaquero over them or an Indian was that. Almost $10-$14K more for a similarly equipped Indian or HD. Plus I've never been "trendy" or fit in well so....

[@jackdelaive9732]

I dont give a shit what people think about Harley. Ive been riding them since 1981. My first was an eighty eighty flh. I have a 2006 deluxe now with a lot of upgrades. Its not just the bike, its the people you meet that ride Harleys also.

[@mk27wrx]

It will be address the issue or go under... But does management want to acknowledge it?

[@FastestWay.1]

They might in near future

[@jefferybeining-oy2eu]

Not caring about riders only to stop holders

[@FastestWay.1]

You are right man

[@grumpymunchkin2959]

As my neighbour told me “I take the Harley to go have a coffee with friends, I take the Honda for trips with friends.

[@MerrittW]

That was 14.24 minutes I wasted & will never get back!

[@FastestWay.1]

Why, what was your expectations. Your suggestions would be higly valuable

[@trex860]

I stopped after 5 minutes.

[@jefferybeining-oy2eu]

Is too expensive and not reliable

[@FastestWay.1]

Thats one of reasons for downfall

[@kennethmiller5753]

A new harley today is only the down payment on the parts ur going to need!😮

[@mikeogden5256]

I don’t mind paying for stuff if it’s worth it…. HD is Not 😢

[@bogart281]

There are many better motorcycles on the market and HD is not on the list and yes I have owned one of them.

[@FastestWay.1]

Ahhh such a downfall of iconic brand

[@markalexander4611]

Who efin ares? Stick with the bikes little boys ride

[@LuisMartins_Rc_Excavations]

If I had to explain You wouldn’t understand You can not explain what an Harley is You have to feel it

[@husnainkhalid2846]

best bike ever

[@crazyhorse5163]

Cuz they sold out to a foreign country.

[@dcccharles4569]

Staying on top and survival is what matters during the tough periods. The time is overdue and now come for Harley Davidson to incorporate water cooling (with a radiator) in all, if not most, of their Heavy Touring Baggers with Big Engines. This must be done before it's too late. Thus, all engine over-heating problems would be eliminated...period. No more band-aid fixes in attempts to lower engine and oil temperatures with after market add ons. With creative, visionary minds, both technicians and designers could work together and create an unobtrusive RADIATOR which compliments the long revered classic design and sleek looks of an HD. This can be done while retaining the much desired engine sound of a Harley Davidson. At the very least, Harley can offer an engine upgrade to a "radiator cooled" HD. The purists and die hards can still have their choice of Air & Oil cooled bikes, although, I'm sure HD sales will inevitably increase with radiator cooled bikes. No brainer, especially among younger buyers. The featured new radiator will also help justify the higher prices being paid for a new Harley Davidson with new and old customers now knowing Reliability, Performance, Comfort, and Engine Longevity are now integrated with each new Harley Davidson rolling off the showroom floor. I hope this new and improved HD model happens soon, otherwise, the reality of its consequences may contribute to HD's recurring setbacks and continued loss of market share to competitors. Call me naive but I can still dream and hope that Harley Davidson will be around for another 120+ years.

[@KRE03051]

All of the Limited's have radiators

[@dcccharles4569]

I learned something new about HD and appreciate your reply about the Limiteds' radiator cooled bikes. This definitely is a step in the right direction for Harley Davidson. I will need to research the track record of the Limiteds' radiator cooled engines insofar as for their Reliability, Performance, Comfort, and Engine Longevity as compared to only the Air and/or Oil cooled offerings. I wonder why HD limited (pun intended) the offering of the radiator cooled bikes to only the Limiteds. Why not radiator cool all the heavy weight models that come with big engines that produce excessive heat?

[@dcccharles4569]

I added the Ultra Cool oil cooler to my 2003 Road King Classic with the air cooled engine. Moreover, my 88 ci engine was upgraded to a 95 ci for increased torque and horsepower. I had noticed after moving from a rural area into the big city I found myself now doing more frequent stops, longer idling times, traffic delays in construction and school zones, etcetera. My V-Twin was overheating but now runs considerably better with the oil being cooled while I'm in traffic. No more hot leg syndrome due to the engine that was previously running too hot at times. A friend of mine with a 2009 Fat Boy described the same overheating problems whenever he goes into the city. I'm not sure he's convinced yet about the effectiveness of an oil cooler.

[@Tumble96]

Harley needs to start calling themselves Bring Money With-you because you have to change everything out for better parts . The suspension sucks. Along with the seat seat 💺 Really who wants to buy a motorcycle and then turn around and put another 10k into it or more “ you should make it yours” lol 😂 😂😂

[@thomaswalton7554]

Harleys greed is pricing them selves out of the market good by Harley you have sold who you were.

[@michellearrington4846]

I am a baby boomer and I boycott harley I think ducatis are disgusting also.,

[@DonLeist]

Harleys are absurdly overpriced and extremely antiquated.

[@philblake1240]

They’ve got a fantastic new engine, build bikes round it.

[@Genxslacker]

This is just anti-Harley content written by someone who doesn't know enough about motorcycles to write about motorcycles. If you're going to do a piece on American cruiser motorcycles and culture, you should know the difference between a cruiser, a chopper, and a custom bike. This is a disingenuous cheap shot fired at an iconic brand for no reason and fails to make ANY point.

[@scotfield3950]

Hd committed suicide by killing off buell

[@ElectraWillem]

Overprised and not the models the customers want.

[@robertreed4299]

1…Harley got to greedy and concentrated on the young buyers. 2…Harley rode and capitalized on the national pride thing because it was “American Made”!!! 3…the new Americans hate the national pride thing. To facist/racist/homophobic. They don’t want anything resembling that and Harley (currently) does.

[@GalacticTradingPost]

you're a dumb boomer. no wonder you people don't understand how to appeal to the younger market. take the smartcarb as an example of american success. it automatically adjust the carburetor depending on altitude and humidity. something no other country offers and all the sports bike riders i know love it. one less reason to tear a bike down for maintenance.