How does how Harley Davidson runs it's corporation affect your life one iota? When did it stop being about the bikes and the freedom they give people to do what they want? Personally, I coulld care less a out the politics of HD or any other corporation. I live my life according to my values and other people are free to do the same. I don't want to control other people's lives and they have no right to attempt to control mine. Do I agree with everything a corporation does? No. Does it affect my life at all? No.
@@billbarrett6285 because they support a sick life style and will not have my money being used to support something I am opposed to - it’s called values and morals.
@@billbarrett6285 Sounds like you're a person that wouldn't take a stand over "good vs evil" on any level. There are times when you have to TAKE moral values into account. A pedophile doesn't affect me either but I'm STILL standing against it. And your as wrong as you can be. You're showing your ignorance. Do you know that the CEO's goals are to make ALL Harley's eclectic with NO gas bikes, eventually? Sorry, but that doesn't float for me. Did you know about the DEI hires? People that know NOTHING about the culture, nothing about the demographic, nor have a clue what makes a good company or good bike, nor care about the culture. Do YOU care about the culture? Do you even know what DEI is? My questions is, why can't companies just stay the HELL out of politics? You know why? Because there's an attempt to change our country and blend us with the rest of the world. I stand for borders, freedom, morals, self determination. That's what Harley used to stand for. Do you "get it" now?
@@billbarrett6285 Woke policies affect thousands of people. One of the many woke policies is Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI). DEI policies do more harm than good because they pose a risk. IE: Qualified job seekers lose their chances at jobs because DEI policies don't believe in hiring on Merit. DEI replaces merit!
Agree with virtually everything you said.....and unlike the modern trend, I'm not going to ignore you, fall out with you, attack your beliefs because I don't. One of the problems we face is, because of the abject failure of our mainstream politicians to address difficult issues, it's polarised normally moderate people and left the door open for loonies. I don't own a Harley, but do hope to! (Guzzis for me)
I'm an American dude that loved Harley for many decades - I'm absolutely DONE with HD. I bought a brand new bike years ago and spent hundreds or even thousands of dollars at the dealership every year. I would take my bike there for all kinds of maintenance work and I've bought so much of their merch along the way. I have Harley jacks, helmets, boots, SOOOO many t-shirts, clocks, coffee mugs, and on and on it goes. I honestly cannot stand what they've done with the brand. You're absolutely right companies should stay out of this crap but they didn't and it's all because of the big institutional owners like Blackrock and Vanguard. Wherever these investors go, they're ruining companies. WHY? So they can buy more stock and advance their agenda. So what happens is these companies get buy big stakes in companies then they push for board seats and once they have them, the board members start pushing for changes in the executive team. THEN they bring in their woke stool pigeons that implement these policies and ordinary Americans, many of whom devoted their lives to the companies are ignored and tossed out. One could dismiss this pattern if it happened at one company or a couple of them but this has been happening at company after company after company. Target, BudLight, Tractor Supply, Harley Davidson and on and on it goes. These investors are pushing this WOKE agenda to try and fundamentally ruin what made America great. They're killing off iconic brands and if companies don't change, there will be nothing left to rebuild. HD is laying off white men who've worked their whole careers there and shipping factories overseas. Yeah not acceptable at all. I'm looking squarely at Indian and ready for them to take even more market share from HD. All they have to do is some well placed and well crafted ads and people will flock to the company. HD has done something companies should never do - make changes too quickly to try and address other fundamentally unsound practices and now they're going to pay the price. I 100% would not be surprised if HD ceases to be an company in 5 more years....and that's something that really breaks my heart. BUT I absolutely hate these woke policies that actually supports the grooming of kids. It's beyond atrocious!! And there are options in the market so I'm going to spend my money elsewhere.
Good, well spoken comment. In response, I personally believe that if HD doesn't change the makeup of their board... quickly, they'll get bought out. By who? I have no idea.
So why would Blackrock and Vanguard invest in these companies just to destroy them? They would lose money if they destroy the company. Wouldn't their goal to be to make the company more profitable?
@@stevegrim a specific part of DEI is anti white male. In my job, I was passed over for totally unqualified people based on their gender and race. If racism is wrong, it’s always wrong. We need to get back to earning a position by skill set and ability. Leave race out of it. As long as t is made a part of it , it will never ever get better.
Yea think a lot is missing the point it’s not doing any good to get rid of it now HD done got their money the day u got it from a dealer but you better believe I can hurt em in accessories apparel and parts that’s there bread and butter yea they make it in bikes but no where not profits as parts you can by plenty from aftermarket’s but yea you can boycott anyone in different ways it kills me some trying to defend yourself to make it alright you already disagree by trying to defend your decision
Its more than politics. Do you want a DEI hire working on your bike or would you rather have someone that was hired on merit. WOKE DEI policies pose a safety risk.
Disagree We should not be supporting a company that is woke We never cared until recent times when they went so far left that they forced us to care Fight!
Yessir---An influencer and a MMA fighter's views got everyone's panties in a bunch LOL. I love my bikes. Every big corp has DEI in place and it doesn't affect me a bit.
People are increasingly getting fed up with politics in sports, law enforcement, the courts, news media and business. What you are seeing is backlash from people who want the politics removed and some assemblage of neutrality. Not speaking up against the politics across the board has resulted in cancelation, job losses, promotion opportunities and gags on your freedom to speak initiated by the woke politicians. Instead of complaining about the people trying to get politics out of every aspect of your life maybe you should be thanking them instead of criticizing them.
In the US the attitude amongst some of the law makers, is that they think corporations should have sway, and i will quote Mitt Romney "Corporations are people too my friend", then we have lobbyists, which are the scum of the earth. Those examples seems to me, to be a few of the many ways that corporations seem to get involved here. I agree that corporations should do business and stay out of politics, and i will never understand why some people care so much about people, brands, and corporations, that couldn't care less about them.
Alf - I agree with you💯%, I am bike loyal but not necessarily brand loyal. I’m not burning off the Harley Davidson emblems or returning my HD. I will continue to ignore all the BS.
As Kevin Baxter stated, "I don't care". This social media craze about Harley or anything else in the past, is something we don't care about. The sport of riding is important enough not to care!
we need to understand that the motor company will do what it does, and riders will do what we do. I will leave my bs at the door, in other words I DON'T CARE
I love the brand and the bikes, there are 3 in the garage and I wouldn't ride anything else and if I could I would buy a new Harley. But on the other hand I do not approve Harley's commercial policy, Today the brand is destroying itself from the inside with a German manager who is only a financier in the pay of the shareholders, restriction of ranges, economies of scale, less quality and exorbitant prices. This is mainly why people are turning away from the brand, nothing to do in my opinion with this DEI policy which wants to impose minorities as a norm to the detriment of majorities as most companies do today as well as society in general. If this continues with the fall in sales, Harley will no longer sell motorcycles but only T-Shirts and will only live on the notoriety of its name, after all maybe that's what they want. This is how the world goes, we won't be able to do much about it anyway, and at my age of 65 I will soon be one of the "has-beens" whose opinions no longer count, but I don't care , it doesn't hold my passion for the brand and as long as I can ride, it will be on a Harley. But I think you are also a Harley enthusiast and I often watch your videos which I appreciate. Greetings from France
I've ridden HD over 20 years. You don't get it because it's not affecting your community. We are the ones losing our manufacturers and jobs, while getting criticized for something you have no control.
Quite simply you are spot on! I think my Sport Glide is a great bike. It’s 5 years old and I have no reason to change it. So many people are caught up in the Harley lifestyle thing that doesn’t help them. it’s burdened with old attitudes and a lifestyle image that holds them back. And of course there is the expense of owning one. If Harley could present themselves just like any other motorcycle manufacturer I think it would be better for their future. Then just judge their products for what they are, good or bad etc. An excellent video Alf. Well said.
I haven't the foggiest idea what any of this is about, but it is a great social experiment that displays how gullible humans can be. At least w/ the Bud Light thing, there was a trans-villain to point at and scream hysterically. Didn't make any difference to me, I had already boycotted Bud Light because their beer sucks. I've yet to hear a single UA-cam HD "agitator" even explain WTF Harley is supposedly guilty of besides "woke," whatever the fuck that's supposed to mean.
Being a veteran I can see how this pisses off the core Harley riders. But you are on point with your opinion I will not set foot in a dealership or Harley owned business until I at least hear an explanation from the company that makes sense to why they would want to alienate their core customers. I don’t plan on selling or debadging my street glide I love my bike. But I’m in the market for another bike I just won’t buy a new one if I buy a Harley or try something new. Variety can be good, ride safe my friend
I’m a UK Harley owner and I have a slightly different view to yours. I’ve been a customer of HD for many years and can remember the days when they were very customer focused. If we go back to one of the reasons HOG was created, it was to get them closer to what their customers wanted. In those days they would use HOG members as their customer focus groups before bringing out any new models. For me I love riding my Harleys, no other bike gives me the same feeling and riding experience. I also used to really like the brand, the heritage and their fascinating history. However, the recent events have really disappointed me as I now see a company who has drifted away from its customer base and basically in the throes of committing corporate suicide. The bikes in my garage are about to take the biggest drop in value since I’ve owned them. If you look at what’s happening in the US where the market is saturated with Harleys and very few bikes are selling. The second-hand market is consequently affected and if you see the auction prices being achieved, they are truly shocking. That market adjustment will hit the UK and Europe at some point. Now I didn’t buy my bikes as an investment, but one of the benefits of owning a Harley Davidson was their rock solid residual values. People relied on those residuals when trading their bike in for their next one. This market adjustment will have a further serious effect on Harley sales moving forward. What Harley Davidson are doing at the moment is simply unbelievable. Dealerships are closing down and people are losing their jobs. HD customers are turning their back on Harley Davidson because of their twisted corporate values. All because a CEO and the HD Board have taken their eye off the ball. In any company that is unforgivable, but for one that has been around for as long as they have it is wholly unacceptable. It’s not like they don’t know how to build and sell great bikes, they’ve been doing it for over 120 years. Their CEO is currently sitting in the exit lounge, but attention needs to be on the Harley Davidson board members who voted him in. They are the real villains in this story, as Mr Lederhosen was really just doing their bidding. There needs to be a brutal shakeup of that board and they need to bring in people who are purely focused on building great bikes for a decent return. They’ve done it before, so there should be no reason why they can’t do it again. In the meantime, we should be supporting our HD dealerships, because without them the future of owning a Harley Davidson will be bleak. They are franchised companies separately owned. You might not want to buy a new bike as a protest to what is going on at the moment, but buying secondhand or spending money that goes to the dealerships will help keep them afloat until Harley Davidson realigns itself.
i’m afraid i’m going to disagree with some others here. We no longer have freedom of speech in the U.K., the government takes much of my money and spends it on things i don’t agree with, personal disposable income is one of the few freedoms of expression we have left, and people can express approval or disapproval through their wallet.
Well said... misplaced grievances mean hard working Harley engineers in both the factory and the dealers will end up losing their jobs for nothing more than some mild offence taken. Most firms run DEI training. It's different to getting women involved by using a man in drag like Bud Lite.
My point of view is I don’t even think of these type subject matters. Also I support HD shutting down to & fro comments on these political subjects. Social media can get very toxic. Cheers.
@@louismarino5448 Zeitz was hired to be CEO after previous CEO messed up. Zeitz was actually on the board beginning in 2006. The board knew of him and his record. They questioned him long before they voted him CEO. IF the board does not like where Zeitz is leading/going, they fire him, just like the last CEO. Dont forget, he reports to the board, not the other way around. Besides, how does one boycott a CEO?
And how exactly does one "boycott the CEO"? Should I decline the invitation to his birthday party that I just got in the mail? The only tangible way to express to a company that you don't like their policies, is to vote with your wallet and refuse to buy their products. That's the only thing ANY company actually cares about, because it's the one and only thing Joe Average can do that might actually have a measurable effect.
@@notonyourlife7939 You are correct and may I add...be sure of your boycott. Are you doing it because of actual facts, or are you doing it because you heard some give you what they SAY are facts and maybe are just half truths.
Whoa! Wait! What! Alf, are you telling me that we shouldn't follow all of the opinions on social media?!?! The horror, the horror! LOL Great piece. I think it's hilarious that so many "bikers" are getting their panties in a wad over all of this. It's not exactly a news flash that HD took advantage of the outlaw biker image. What's funny is all of the "hardcore" HD bikers getting all butt hurt about being "betrayed" by the MoCo. Harley has continually evolved over the years and not always for the better. Case in point, Jochen Zeitz's predecessor, Matt Levatich, wanted to broaden the Harley customer base which took it away from the outlaw image. That gives a bunch of different models which included the Street which was considered by many to be a Harley in name only. The same was said about the V-Rod. Is HD woke? Yeah, probably. How about Indian? Yeah, probably. Apple? Microsoft? GM? Ford? Etc, etc, etc. Probably yes to all. I love my Sport Glide and at age 70 will probably not buy another bike. Am I a fan of the HD brand? Unapologetically, yes. Do I "approve" of what HD does? Not necessarily and as you so clearly pointed out, they don't really care about what I think. Name me a major company that really cares about what its customers think. Stock holders? Yes. Customers? Meh.
Most public companies these days have some form of policies trending toward DEI...not just HD. People are free to support or boycott whomever they choose but they should take care to make such decisions by being well informed. I refuse to get sucked in by agitators though on this issue and any others especially in the area of politics on social media.
The allegations are Harley corporate is promoting the sexualization of children (drag time story hour). As a father and grandfather that's a hard NO. Oh by the way I prefer boxer briefs.
@@stabilized618 ah, ok. so you hate anyone not like you? gays? transgender folks? people with bio identity issues? And yeah, your right NO video, no proof.
With each model year since 2017 I've been losing more and more interest in the bikes that Harley-Davidson makes. The last time Harley-Davidson made a bike I would buy was in 2022. I didn't leave them, they left me.
I like riding and wrenching but I hate it when some people interject their damn politics (left or right) into motorcycling. I don't want to eat a pickle ...I just wanna ride my motorcycle !!
If someone wants to boycott a company, that's up to them. My problem would be with the people that would insist that I do the same because they are doing it.
It’s easy to boycott a beer that I never had any use for. My Harley is quite another matter. What ever happened to bitching about the weather? Get on with it!!!!
I’ve no dog in the fight , been riding bikes since I was 16 and I’m 65 now ( running a BMW R1200RS) and had many many bikes over the years but the one ‘type’ that’s never appealed to me is the Harley Davidson … I know they have a following but they simply don’t interest me but each to their own . I hear the argument in the motorcycle press and have to say I think the thought behind it is Harley have stayed in business all these years simply because Americans actually buy into the American dream of USA is best 😂😂😂😂😂 and they are possibly the most brand loyal bike customers in the world so to hear they are moving anything abroad that obviously has a knock on effect to work in Milwaukee they take with distain and see livelihoods being disrupted much as Detroit watched the car industry go elsewhere and that’s the argument I guess … no one up in arms when Honda or Nissan opened plants in the uk or TATA took over jaguar and landrover , I imagine many ‘foreign’ owned car plants opened in the good old US of A 🤷🏻♂️ but for Harley to take bread off the table to give a bowl of rice somewhere else I can understand the backlash
Ive had a sporty since 2006 iwont be buying another simply because it suits my needs.Harley cant have bragging rites that they are the all American bike anymore.I do feel sorry for the workers at Harley for being laid off.If people feel let down with HD there is always Indians waiting for them.
Finally a sensible take. Look every large company like Coke has DEI policies and yes even support Pride.....but these muppets aren't saying ban shaft Coke or other companies. Nobody's shout to ban Mrs Doubtfire, you know the flick about a bloke in drag reading to kids. Mate this whole stuff from some Harley folk is 100% bollocks.....but hey you don't like the brand then jog on and buy something else. End of.
Harley once did respect their customers. As Americans we pretty much demand our companies sell quality products, and otherwise keep their yappers shut.
HD went for a section of the market that is ageing and dying off. They produce one type of motorcycle, the cruiser. Sure, several different models.... of cruisers. They should hasten their inevitable demise by sticking solely to cruisers, make them in their entirety in the US, let the subsequent price hike apply, and just get it over with. This will allow HD fans to focus their hatred on more important things, like what brand of beer is acceptable.
I agree it's another social media storm. Very few agitators actually ride HD, and I would argue that the few who do are not real bikers. Woke or Maga or libertarian, politics has nothing to do with motorcycle riding nor the community. I was in my local dealership the other day and yes it's rather empty, but it has been for a while due to the state of our economy - real riders can't afford new bikes, and hipsters have lost interest. BTW, I'm in Oz and have two HDs, I am not ashamed of either one, I really don't give a rat's about what social media trolls say and most hipsters and woke are already intimidated. 😀
Where companies go wrong is getting involved in agendas and politics, HD is there to make Bikes period just concentrate on that. Irregardless I like the bikes but I wouldn’t buy a new one again but will still support the dealer as if we don’t they will be gone!
In the UK. Love my Harley (my second), but for me it is about the bike, it's not perfect, but I enjoy riding it. I really don't buy into the lifestyle thing; I have no desire to join HOG, and I don't have any Harley branded clothing; it always seems to me Harley Davidson are trying to rake the brand loyalists for every penny they can. To my mind Harley have really messed up with their "strategies" and I could have a rant about where they are going wrong, but at the end of the day, I'm happy with my bike and have no desire to buy a new one because they are just not building anything I would consider an upgrade. I've only ever been into a Harley dealership once, and no, I didn't buy anything;
I love my Harley Road Glide and I will continue to ride. Am I happy that HD corporate has gone woke, definitely not! I also own a small amount of HD stock which when the time to vote my shares I will vote my shares in a way to show my displeasure with the CEO and the board of directors.
I'll continue to ride my HD because i bought the bike Pre-Woke, lol. I feel sorry for the HD dealerships & because of the Woke corporate policies the dealerships will lose business and suffer. The CEO doesn't care that the customer base is the hand that feeds him and thousand of others.
I think the question becomes does a company still manufacture the best product they can under the rules of DEI? I think the American public will notice a degradation in the quality of our lives as more and more US and EU companies change their priorities for employment.
Didn’t this thing come up just when Sturgis started? I find that Interesting. So are all the people in all the clubs like Banditos or Hells Angels going to get rid of their bikes? I doubt it. This will blow over Harley will walk this back or they will get rid of that CEO.
I never did understand this whole 'woke' controversy. What is wrong with being inclusive???? I'm afraid religion has it's hand in all of this. Shame. I'll get back on my HD Heritage and "F" religion.....Which in my opinion is a scourge upon mankind.
Good Statement. Would you ride a Harley if every HD label would be removed ? = This is the Question to ask every Harley Rider. many people buy a harley to become a member of the Harley owner. You belong only if you ride a harley too. The total other side, if you ride ie an Indian . They dont need any hype. 😅
The dealerships are full with 24s sales are down already because of this economy. Now the majority has bow to the minority. Harleys downfall is imminent..
H-D instituted DEI policies in their workplace. It's all nonsense that was started by a wannabe politican that got thrown off the ballot in Tennessee and I guess he's considering another attempt for Congress in the near future--Robby Starbuck.
I find it interesting when people label a company or organisation woke because they take action these people do not like so they say they are woke! Yes the MoCo has done and said somethings that people do not like at a corporate level but I do not think that there is anything woke about the motorcycles they have produce in the past couple of years. Some people are saying these are some of the best bikes HD have made (ie: the Low Rider ST, the CVO Ride Glide ST and the new touring models for 2024) Until I see rainbow 🌈 flags flying and purple haired sales people at the dealerships, I am sticking by them!
I have never been driving a motorbike but I consider buying a Harley Davidson now the company has clearly stated it will commit to the climate change and diversity. I will go after a electric motorcycle.
Low mileage bros got their mangina agitated again 😂😂😂
3 місяці тому
Look at all the geoengineering the the sky behind him.
3 місяці тому+1
I love my Sport Glide and all other Harley’s I ever owned. And I also give zero shit about what their corporate decision is. As long as they keep making the bikes that I love, I’ll buy from them.
It speaks volumes when a company and it's products have been loved and admired and highly sought after since 1903 but one shitty CEO with mixed up motives and everybody loses their sense of loyalty and their minds to me that's no different than divorcing your wife of 20 years for sneezing, I will be loyal the HD until such a point as they become so corporate that the bikes are financially unobtainable to the average guy and HD takes the corporate position that they are catering to the elite who can actually afford them and make garage queens out of them. HD has historically been the working mans bike but even that approach is changing rapidly under it's new leadership and I don't like it
I bought a 2023 Road Glode ST brand new from Frazier Harley and now forevermore I’ll be buying Indian which is a superior bike anyway. Good bye woke HD Hello Indian Challenger
It's all culture war nonsense. There is nothing wrong about a corporation making a commitment to not tolerate discrimination in their workplace. If you got a problem with someone's skin color, ethnicity, religion or sexual preference, it's your problem, not the company's. Still, I'll buy your "woke" bike for pennies on the dollar. 😉
Companies get involved in "these sorts issues" because the data shows its good for the company(s). Why did the bud light "controversy go away? Well maybe it has to do with a company ceo giving Trump millions for his campaign, and trump then saying bud light is a good beer. The most recent flair up came from a cuban immigrant who is just looking for attention. There is enough bio on him, on the web, to prove my point.
Have you fallen into the trap of a small minority shouting loudly online? People might find those videos interesting but ultimately they will make up their own minds.without being goaded into action. I think the greater majority of owners who have taken offense to the company stance will let their bike go when the time comes and just not replace it with the same brand.This could be a decade of decline and get very terminal at the end. At best it's HD's awful misunderstanding of its own customer base, worst a wilful desire to ignore and belittle that known customer base. Constantly trashing "white people" is a disease that will be the death of any company, especially one where 99% of the customer base is that colour! Some of these CEO's are in such a disconnected bubble, their actions beggar belief. If I was an HD shareholder I would be livid by now.
Ok...understand this....If you defend Harley in any way and that leads to them not changing their way, we can all boycott you as well. You are the problem.
As a diehard Harley guy - I’m done. I’m not giving another penny to a company that turns around and supports trash I find disgusting.
How does how Harley Davidson runs it's corporation affect your life one iota? When did it stop being about the bikes and the freedom they give people to do what they want? Personally, I coulld care less a out the politics of HD or any other corporation. I live my life according to my values and other people are free to do the same. I don't want to control other people's lives and they have no right to attempt to control mine. Do I agree with everything a corporation does? No. Does it affect my life at all? No.
@@billbarrett6285 because they support a sick life style and will not have my money being used to support something I am opposed to - it’s called values and morals.
@@billbarrett6285 Sounds like you're a person that wouldn't take a stand over "good vs evil" on any level. There are times when you have to TAKE moral values into account. A pedophile doesn't affect me either but I'm STILL standing against it.
And your as wrong as you can be. You're showing your ignorance. Do you know that the CEO's goals are to make ALL Harley's eclectic with NO gas bikes, eventually? Sorry, but that doesn't float for me.
Did you know about the DEI hires? People that know NOTHING about the culture, nothing about the demographic, nor have a clue what makes a good company or good bike, nor care about the culture. Do YOU care about the culture? Do you even know what DEI is?
My questions is, why can't companies just stay the HELL out of politics? You know why? Because there's an attempt to change our country and blend us with the rest of the world. I stand for borders, freedom, morals, self determination. That's what Harley used to stand for.
Do you "get it" now?
@@billbarrett6285Woke politics doesn't affect your life?
How big is the rock?
@@billbarrett6285 Woke policies affect thousands of people. One of the many woke policies is Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI). DEI policies do more harm than good because they pose a risk. IE: Qualified job seekers lose their chances at jobs because DEI policies don't believe in hiring on Merit. DEI replaces merit!
Agree with virtually everything you said.....and unlike the modern trend, I'm not going to ignore you, fall out with you, attack your beliefs because I don't.
One of the problems we face is, because of the abject failure of our mainstream politicians to address difficult issues, it's polarised normally moderate people and left the door open for loonies.
I don't own a Harley, but do hope to! (Guzzis for me)
I'm an American dude that loved Harley for many decades - I'm absolutely DONE with HD. I bought a brand new bike years ago and spent hundreds or even thousands of dollars at the dealership every year. I would take my bike there for all kinds of maintenance work and I've bought so much of their merch along the way. I have Harley jacks, helmets, boots, SOOOO many t-shirts, clocks, coffee mugs, and on and on it goes.
I honestly cannot stand what they've done with the brand. You're absolutely right companies should stay out of this crap but they didn't and it's all because of the big institutional owners like Blackrock and Vanguard. Wherever these investors go, they're ruining companies. WHY? So they can buy more stock and advance their agenda.
So what happens is these companies get buy big stakes in companies then they push for board seats and once they have them, the board members start pushing for changes in the executive team. THEN they bring in their woke stool pigeons that implement these policies and ordinary Americans, many of whom devoted their lives to the companies are ignored and tossed out.
One could dismiss this pattern if it happened at one company or a couple of them but this has been happening at company after company after company. Target, BudLight, Tractor Supply, Harley Davidson and on and on it goes.
These investors are pushing this WOKE agenda to try and fundamentally ruin what made America great. They're killing off iconic brands and if companies don't change, there will be nothing left to rebuild.
HD is laying off white men who've worked their whole careers there and shipping factories overseas. Yeah not acceptable at all. I'm looking squarely at Indian and ready for them to take even more market share from HD. All they have to do is some well placed and well crafted ads and people will flock to the company.
HD has done something companies should never do - make changes too quickly to try and address other fundamentally unsound practices and now they're going to pay the price.
I 100% would not be surprised if HD ceases to be an company in 5 more years....and that's something that really breaks my heart. BUT I absolutely hate these woke policies that actually supports the grooming of kids. It's beyond atrocious!! And there are options in the market so I'm going to spend my money elsewhere.
Good, well spoken comment.
In response, I personally believe that if HD doesn't change the makeup of their board... quickly, they'll get bought out. By who? I have no idea.
So why would Blackrock and Vanguard invest in these companies just to destroy them? They would lose money if they destroy the company. Wouldn't their goal to be to make the company more profitable?
So you don't care if HD lay off black men???
@@stevegrim - stop bringing race into the conversation
@@stevegrim a specific part of DEI is anti white male. In my job, I was passed over for totally unqualified people based on their gender and race. If racism is wrong, it’s always wrong. We need to get back to earning a position by skill set and ability. Leave race out of it. As long as t is made a part of it , it will never ever get better.
I love the bikes but not the company.
Yea think a lot is missing the point it’s not doing any good to get rid of it now HD done got their money the day u got it from a dealer but you better believe I can hurt em in accessories apparel and parts that’s there bread and butter yea they make it in bikes but no where not profits as parts you can by plenty from aftermarket’s but yea you can boycott anyone in different ways it kills me some trying to defend yourself to make it alright you already disagree by trying to defend your decision
Well said, brother ! If you stop loving your bike because of dumb ass politics. You never liked it much anyway !
Amen brother!
Its more than politics. Do you want a DEI hire working on your bike or would you rather have someone that was hired on merit. WOKE DEI policies pose a safety risk.
Disagree
We should not be supporting a company that is woke
We never cared until recent times when they went so far left that they forced us to care
Fight!
Same Shareholders own Harley and Indian.
Good luck.
Well said, I love my Harley. My motorcycle has nothing to do with politics and that shall be where it remains.
Yessir---An influencer and a MMA fighter's views got everyone's panties in a bunch LOL. I love my bikes. Every big corp has DEI in place and it doesn't affect me a bit.
People are increasingly getting fed up with politics in sports, law enforcement, the courts, news media and business. What you are seeing is backlash from people who want the politics removed and some assemblage of neutrality.
Not speaking up against the politics across the board has resulted in cancelation, job losses, promotion opportunities and gags on your freedom to speak initiated by the woke politicians.
Instead of complaining about the people trying to get politics out of every aspect of your life maybe you should be thanking them instead of criticizing them.
You have a great thought, but, how DO we get rid of DEI and wokeness?
In the US the attitude amongst some of the law makers, is that they think corporations should have sway, and i will quote Mitt Romney "Corporations are people too my friend", then we have lobbyists, which are the scum of the earth. Those examples seems to me, to be a few of the many ways that corporations seem to get involved here. I agree that corporations should do business and stay out of politics, and i will never understand why some people care so much about people, brands, and corporations, that couldn't care less about them.
Great Job telling it like it is , without making enemies .
Love the bikes!
Nicely said.
Alf - I agree with you💯%, I am bike loyal but not necessarily brand loyal. I’m not burning off the Harley Davidson emblems or returning my HD. I will continue to ignore all the BS.
Dead on man. It’s just noise
I think you're delusional. If you don't take a stand against this, your next Harley may be an electric scooter...
As Kevin Baxter stated, "I don't care". This social media craze about Harley or anything else in the past, is something we don't care about. The sport of riding is important enough not to care!
we need to understand that the motor company will do what it does, and riders will do what we do. I will leave my bs at the door, in other words I DON'T CARE
I love the brand and the bikes, there are 3 in the garage and I wouldn't ride anything else and if I could I would buy a new Harley.
But on the other hand I do not approve Harley's commercial policy, Today the brand is destroying itself from the inside with a German manager who is only a financier in the pay of the shareholders, restriction of ranges, economies of scale, less quality and exorbitant prices. This is mainly why people are turning away from the brand, nothing to do in my opinion with this DEI policy which wants to impose minorities as a norm to the detriment of majorities as most companies do today as well as society in general.
If this continues with the fall in sales, Harley will no longer sell motorcycles but only T-Shirts and will only live on the notoriety of its name, after all maybe that's what they want.
This is how the world goes, we won't be able to do much about it anyway, and at my age of 65 I will soon be one of the "has-beens" whose opinions no longer count, but I don't care , it doesn't hold my passion for the brand and as long as I can ride, it will be on a Harley.
But I think you are also a Harley enthusiast and I often watch your videos which I appreciate.
Greetings from France
Don't over think it mate,ride your Harley and enjoy it.
I've ridden HD over 20 years. You don't get it because it's not affecting your community. We are the ones losing our manufacturers and jobs, while getting criticized for something you have no control.
Quite simply you are spot on! I think my Sport Glide is a great bike. It’s 5 years old and I have no reason to change it. So many people are caught up in the Harley lifestyle thing that doesn’t help them. it’s burdened with old attitudes and a lifestyle image that holds them back. And of course there is the expense of owning one. If Harley could present themselves just like any other motorcycle manufacturer I think it would be better for their future. Then just judge their products for what they are, good or bad etc. An excellent video Alf. Well said.
I'm done with Harley Davidson. I will also rag my mates who ride these bikes. I'm done! No short cuts! There are lots of other bikes!
I haven't the foggiest idea what any of this is about, but it is a great social experiment that displays how gullible humans can be.
At least w/ the Bud Light thing, there was a trans-villain to point at and scream hysterically. Didn't make any difference to me, I had already boycotted Bud Light because their beer sucks.
I've yet to hear a single UA-cam HD "agitator" even explain WTF Harley is supposedly guilty of besides "woke," whatever the fuck that's supposed to mean.
You're correct, they couldn't tell you. They just hear the word "woke" and think H-D is gonna paint every bike rainbow.
Being a veteran I can see how this pisses off the core Harley riders. But you are on point with your opinion I will not set foot in a dealership or Harley owned business until I at least hear an explanation from the company that makes sense to why they would want to alienate their core customers.
I don’t plan on selling or debadging my street glide I love my bike. But I’m in the market for another bike I just won’t buy a new one if I buy a Harley or try something new. Variety can be good, ride safe my friend
Come ride an Indian
Funny I was just looking at a challenger
@@mrmurphy8609just to let you know, Polaris also promotes DEI policies within their workplace.
I really enjoy watching the value of my bike drop. Thanks Harley
Zeitz Must Go!
I’m a UK Harley owner and I have a slightly different view to yours. I’ve been a customer of HD for many years and can remember the days when they were very customer focused. If we go back to one of the reasons HOG was created, it was to get them closer to what their customers wanted. In those days they would use HOG members as their customer focus groups before bringing out any new models.
For me I love riding my Harleys, no other bike gives me the same feeling and riding experience. I also used to really like the brand, the heritage and their fascinating history. However, the recent events have really disappointed me as I now see a company who has drifted away from its customer base and basically in the throes of committing corporate suicide.
The bikes in my garage are about to take the biggest drop in value since I’ve owned them. If you look at what’s happening in the US where the market is saturated with Harleys and very few bikes are selling. The second-hand market is consequently affected and if you see the auction prices being achieved, they are truly shocking. That market adjustment will hit the UK and Europe at some point. Now I didn’t buy my bikes as an investment, but one of the benefits of owning a Harley Davidson was their rock solid residual values. People relied on those residuals when trading their bike in for their next one. This market adjustment will have a further serious effect on Harley sales moving forward.
What Harley Davidson are doing at the moment is simply unbelievable. Dealerships are closing down and people are losing their jobs. HD customers are turning their back on Harley Davidson because of their twisted corporate values. All because a CEO and the HD Board have taken their eye off the ball. In any company that is unforgivable, but for one that has been around for as long as they have it is wholly unacceptable. It’s not like they don’t know how to build and sell great bikes, they’ve been doing it for over 120 years. Their CEO is currently sitting in the exit lounge, but attention needs to be on the Harley Davidson board members who voted him in. They are the real villains in this story, as Mr Lederhosen was really just doing their bidding. There needs to be a brutal shakeup of that board and they need to bring in people who are purely focused on building great bikes for a decent return. They’ve done it before, so there should be no reason why they can’t do it again.
In the meantime, we should be supporting our HD dealerships, because without them the future of owning a Harley Davidson will be bleak. They are franchised companies separately owned. You might not want to buy a new bike as a protest to what is going on at the moment, but buying secondhand or spending money that goes to the dealerships will help keep them afloat until Harley Davidson realigns itself.
i’m afraid i’m going to disagree with some others here. We no longer have freedom of speech in the U.K., the government takes much of my money and spends it on things i don’t agree with, personal disposable income is one of the few freedoms of expression we have left, and people can express approval or
disapproval through their wallet.
They make a rotten expensive bike and they betrayed customers by going woke.
I'm not boycotting Harley Davidson. That hurts the employees. They aren't responsible for the ceo of H.D. stupidity.
Well said... misplaced grievances mean hard working Harley engineers in both the factory and the dealers will end up losing their jobs for nothing more than some mild offence taken. Most firms run DEI training. It's different to getting women involved by using a man in drag like Bud Lite.
Some people are easily triggered and the “Journalist” who started the ball rolling with this story certainly hit the MAGA jackpot.
My point of view is I don’t even think of these type subject matters.
Also I support HD shutting down to & fro comments on these political subjects.
Social media can get very toxic.
Cheers.
Yes that's what we are doing here in USA!
You guys better get out there and save your free speech!
Boycott the CEO not the brand, they were his choices.
they were not "his choices" per se'. The Harley BOARD directs Zeitz, in cases like this, what to do.
@beeker3 wrong, its the other way around. He molds the board to his vision
@@louismarino5448 Zeitz was hired to be CEO after previous CEO messed up. Zeitz was actually on the board beginning in 2006. The board knew of him and his record. They questioned him long before they voted him CEO. IF the board does not like where Zeitz is leading/going, they fire him, just like the last CEO. Dont forget, he reports to the board, not the other way around. Besides, how does one boycott a CEO?
And how exactly does one "boycott the CEO"? Should I decline the invitation to his birthday party that I just got in the mail? The only tangible way to express to a company that you don't like their policies, is to vote with your wallet and refuse to buy their products. That's the only thing ANY company actually cares about, because it's the one and only thing Joe Average can do that might actually have a measurable effect.
@@notonyourlife7939 You are correct and may I add...be sure of your boycott. Are you doing it because of actual facts, or are you doing it because you heard some give you what they SAY are facts and maybe are just half truths.
Whoa! Wait! What! Alf, are you telling me that we shouldn't follow all of the opinions on social media?!?! The horror, the horror! LOL Great piece. I think it's hilarious that so many "bikers" are getting their panties in a wad over all of this. It's not exactly a news flash that HD took advantage of the outlaw biker image. What's funny is all of the "hardcore" HD bikers getting all butt hurt about being "betrayed" by the MoCo. Harley has continually evolved over the years and not always for the better. Case in point, Jochen Zeitz's predecessor, Matt Levatich, wanted to broaden the Harley customer base which took it away from the outlaw image. That gives a bunch of different models which included the Street which was considered by many to be a Harley in name only. The same was said about the V-Rod. Is HD woke? Yeah, probably. How about Indian? Yeah, probably. Apple? Microsoft? GM? Ford? Etc, etc, etc. Probably yes to all. I love my Sport Glide and at age 70 will probably not buy another bike. Am I a fan of the HD brand? Unapologetically, yes. Do I "approve" of what HD does? Not necessarily and as you so clearly pointed out, they don't really care about what I think. Name me a major company that really cares about what its customers think. Stock holders? Yes. Customers? Meh.
Most public companies these days have some form of policies trending toward DEI...not just HD. People are free to support or boycott whomever they choose but they should take care to make such decisions by being well informed. I refuse to get sucked in by agitators though on this issue and any others especially in the area of politics on social media.
The allegations are Harley corporate is promoting the sexualization of children (drag time story hour). As a father and grandfather that's a hard NO. Oh by the way I prefer boxer briefs.
@@stabilized618 "allegations" indeed with NO proof.
Rainbow 🌈 rose center
Harley Davidson sponsored event. Story time for children . No video, but you get the idea.
@@stabilized618 ah, ok. so you hate anyone not like you? gays? transgender folks? people with bio identity issues? And yeah, your right NO video, no proof.
With each model year since 2017 I've been losing more and more interest in the bikes that Harley-Davidson makes.
The last time Harley-Davidson made a bike I would buy was in 2022. I didn't leave them, they left me.
I like riding and wrenching but I hate it when some people interject their damn politics (left or right) into motorcycling. I don't want to eat a pickle ...I just wanna ride my motorcycle !!
Don't be naive y'all,, Polaris "Indian" be woke too!
All big corps are-CEO's job is to move units. Gonna be a rich man cuz there is nowhere to spend your money.
Americans are agitated. Nobody else gives a toss.
Americans are Harley's primary customer demographic though
Not American. And I give a toss. 👍
If someone wants to boycott a company, that's up to them. My problem would be with the people that would insist that I do the same because they are doing it.
It’s easy to boycott a beer that I never had any use for. My Harley is quite another matter. What ever happened to bitching about the weather? Get on with it!!!!
I have a 2024 PAS and love it. Don't care about the constant politics and I just go out and ride.
Dude, this goes far beyond Harley Davidson.
People can put out negative energy. That’s why I don’t listen to them
I does not effect my riding on my pan america and the mt 350.
6:28
HD SHOULD come out and make their values known and let the cards fall where they may
The cure for misinformation is MORE information
I’ve no dog in the fight , been riding bikes since I was 16 and I’m 65 now ( running a BMW R1200RS) and had many many bikes over the years but the one ‘type’ that’s never appealed to me is the Harley Davidson … I know they have a following but they simply don’t interest me but each to their own .
I hear the argument in the motorcycle press and have to say I think the thought behind it is Harley have stayed in business all these years simply because Americans actually buy into the American dream of USA is best 😂😂😂😂😂 and they are possibly the most brand loyal bike customers in the world so to hear they are moving anything abroad that obviously has a knock on effect to work in Milwaukee they take with distain and see livelihoods being disrupted much as Detroit watched the car industry go elsewhere and that’s the argument I guess … no one up in arms when Honda or Nissan opened plants in the uk or TATA took over jaguar and landrover , I imagine many ‘foreign’ owned car plants opened in the good old US of A 🤷🏻♂️ but for Harley to take bread off the table to give a bowl of rice somewhere else I can understand the backlash
Ive had a sporty since 2006 iwont be buying another simply because it suits my needs.Harley cant have bragging rites that they are the all American bike anymore.I do feel sorry for the workers at Harley for being laid off.If people feel let down with HD there is always Indians waiting for them.
It’s just about respecting your customers’ sensibilities
Finally a sensible take.
Look every large company like Coke has DEI policies and yes even support Pride.....but these muppets aren't saying ban shaft Coke or other companies.
Nobody's shout to ban Mrs Doubtfire, you know the flick about a bloke in drag reading to kids.
Mate this whole stuff from some Harley folk is 100% bollocks.....but hey you don't like the brand then jog on and buy something else. End of.
Harley once did respect their customers. As Americans we pretty much demand our companies sell quality products, and otherwise keep their yappers shut.
Just Talking to myself It’s illegal to Touch!
HD went for a section of the market that is ageing and dying off. They produce one type of motorcycle, the cruiser. Sure, several different models.... of cruisers. They should hasten their inevitable demise by sticking solely to cruisers, make them in their entirety in the US, let the subsequent price hike apply, and just get it over with. This will allow HD fans to focus their hatred on more important things, like what brand of beer is acceptable.
I agree it's another social media storm. Very few agitators actually ride HD, and I would argue that the few who do are not real bikers. Woke or Maga or libertarian, politics has nothing to do with motorcycle riding nor the community. I was in my local dealership the other day and yes it's rather empty, but it has been for a while due to the state of our economy - real riders can't afford new bikes, and hipsters have lost interest.
BTW, I'm in Oz and have two HDs, I am not ashamed of either one, I really don't give a rat's about what social media trolls say and most hipsters and woke are already intimidated. 😀
There's a You Tube video of an American guy shredding his Harley with a machine gun in protest at the DEI policies.
Where companies go wrong is getting involved in agendas and politics, HD is there to make Bikes period just concentrate on that.
Irregardless I like the bikes but I wouldn’t buy a new one again but will still support the dealer as if we don’t they will be gone!
Get out and ride, use the OFF switch on your personal communication device, take a vacation from social media, you’re being played.
Boycott the UK government.
And GERMAN also!!
I’m in..
Simple...No new Harleys!
The CEO has to go!!!
In the UK. Love my Harley (my second), but for me it is about the bike, it's not perfect, but I enjoy riding it. I really don't buy into the lifestyle thing; I have no desire to join HOG, and I don't have any Harley branded clothing; it always seems to me Harley Davidson are trying to rake the brand loyalists for every penny they can. To my mind Harley have really messed up with their "strategies" and I could have a rant about where they are going wrong, but at the end of the day, I'm happy with my bike and have no desire to buy a new one because they are just not building anything I would consider an upgrade. I've only ever been into a Harley dealership once, and no, I didn't buy anything;
Ride your own ride, So long as you are both happy😀
I love my Harley Road Glide and I will continue to ride. Am I happy that HD corporate has gone woke, definitely not! I also own a small amount of HD stock which when the time to vote my shares I will vote my shares in a way to show my displeasure with the CEO and the board of directors.
I'll continue to ride my HD because i bought the bike Pre-Woke, lol. I feel sorry for the HD dealerships & because of the Woke corporate policies the dealerships will lose business and suffer. The CEO doesn't care that the customer base is the hand that feeds him and thousand of others.
I think the question becomes does a company still manufacture the best product they can under the rules of DEI? I think the American public will notice a degradation in the quality of our lives as more and more US and EU companies change their priorities for employment.
ride your damn bike. don't buy new to support a company that stopped supporting its employees/customers. America!
Well said 😊👍. Doesn’t affect me at all and I couldn’t care less about this for me unnecessary hyped topic
Triumph shift their production of their motorcycles from the UK to Thailand, did that affect you?
It's true, but a handful of agitators are trying to snowball the hatred. 😢
Will just ride
Didn’t this thing come up just when Sturgis started? I find that Interesting. So are all the people in all the clubs like Banditos or Hells Angels going to get rid of their bikes? I doubt it. This will blow over Harley will walk this back or they will get rid of that CEO.
Have you guys heard the latest!! Wow!!! Rumor has it that Harley just signed Ruepaul as a Brand Ambassador! Wait WHAT?!? GTFOH!!!!!!
I've been boycotting them my whole life. There are SO many better, more affordable brands out there.
I never did understand this whole 'woke' controversy. What is wrong with being inclusive???? I'm afraid religion has it's hand in all of this. Shame. I'll get back on my HD Heritage and "F" religion.....Which in my opinion is a scourge upon mankind.
Good Statement. Would you ride a Harley if every HD label would be removed ? = This is the Question to ask every Harley Rider.
many people buy a harley to become a member of the Harley owner.
You belong only if you ride a harley too.
The total other side, if you ride ie an Indian . They dont need any hype. 😅
The dealerships are full with 24s sales are down already because of this economy. Now the majority has bow to the minority. Harleys downfall is imminent..
People overreact. The opinions of some ceo guy wearing a suit and tie does not affect me. I love my bike.
Hold them accountable is all, politics have no place in its history
Who cares what others think, feel, like, hate, mean, or want? Do your thing and don't sweat the small stuff !
If you rely on a dealership for anything your not paying attention, Cheers
Obviously the least you can do as a man is to De-Harley your bike.
Please, someone explain. What did HD do.
H-D instituted DEI policies in their workplace. It's all nonsense that was started by a wannabe politican that got thrown off the ballot in Tennessee and I guess he's considering another attempt for Congress in the near future--Robby Starbuck.
You don't see BIGGER PICTURE, then again you're not one of US. 🤷🍻
I find it interesting when people label a company or organisation woke because they take action these people do not like so they say they are woke! Yes the MoCo has done and said somethings that people do not like at a corporate level but I do not think that there is anything woke about the motorcycles they have produce in the past couple of years. Some people are saying these are some of the best bikes HD have made (ie: the Low Rider ST, the CVO Ride Glide ST and the new touring models for 2024)
Until I see rainbow 🌈 flags flying and purple haired sales people at the dealerships, I am sticking by them!
I have never been driving a motorbike but I consider buying a Harley Davidson now the company has clearly stated it will commit to the climate change and diversity. I will go after a electric motorcycle.
HD is trying to sell motorcycles everyone that’s has an issue don’t like the new bike and holding on to their old pieces of shyt..leave HD alone
Low mileage bros got their mangina agitated again 😂😂😂
Look at all the geoengineering the the sky behind him.
I love my Sport Glide and all other Harley’s I ever owned. And I also give zero shit about what their corporate decision is. As long as they keep making the bikes that I love, I’ll buy from them.
It speaks volumes when a company and it's products have been loved and admired and highly sought after since 1903 but one shitty CEO with mixed up motives and everybody loses their sense of loyalty and their minds to me that's no different than divorcing your wife of 20 years for sneezing, I will be loyal the HD until such a point as they become so corporate that the bikes are financially unobtainable to the average guy and HD takes the corporate position that they are catering to the elite who can actually afford them and make garage queens out of them. HD has historically been the working mans bike but even that approach is changing rapidly under it's new leadership and I don't like it
I bought a 2023 Road Glode ST brand new from Frazier Harley and now forevermore I’ll be buying Indian which is a superior bike anyway.
Good bye woke HD
Hello Indian Challenger
If you don't boycott Harley it doesn't make you woke.
It makes you weak. Grow a spine. Stand for something.
If nothing changes.
Nothing changes
Go Woke, Go Broke 👎🤮
It's all culture war nonsense. There is nothing wrong about a corporation making a commitment to not tolerate discrimination in their workplace.
If you got a problem with someone's skin color, ethnicity, religion or sexual preference, it's your problem, not the company's. Still, I'll buy your "woke" bike for pennies on the dollar. 😉
Companies get involved in "these sorts issues" because the data shows its good for the company(s). Why did the bud light "controversy go away? Well maybe it has to do with a company ceo giving Trump millions for his campaign, and trump then saying bud light is a good beer. The most recent flair up came from a cuban immigrant who is just looking for attention. There is enough bio on him, on the web, to prove my point.
not a fan of the motorcycle or their politics; overpriced, underpowered with poor reliability.
Have you fallen into the trap of a small minority shouting loudly online? People might find those videos interesting but ultimately they will make up their own minds.without being goaded into action. I think the greater majority of owners who have taken offense to the company stance will let their bike go when the time comes and just not replace it with the same brand.This could be a decade of decline and get very terminal at the end. At best it's HD's awful misunderstanding of its own customer base, worst a wilful desire to ignore and belittle that known customer base. Constantly trashing "white people" is a disease that will be the death of any company, especially one where 99% of the customer base is that colour! Some of these CEO's are in such a disconnected bubble, their actions beggar belief. If I was an HD shareholder I would be livid by now.
YOU SHOULD BOYCOT H/D BECAUSE IT HAS GONE QUEER.
Ok...understand this....If you defend Harley in any way and that leads to them not changing their way, we can all boycott you as well. You are the problem.