Nice effort, and you're so right, but noone is listening. Harley-Davidson have decided that they are the two wheeled Bentley, and that it is beneath them to offer anything even remotely affordable for young people, so they will just go on shooting themselves in the foot until there are no more toes left.
Gen-X rider here since the 80s... first bike was an 83 XLX 1000 Sportster model, new frame with the Iron Head motor. It was a great bike, but it was not meant for the long haul! I tried to get a softail back then and they were like Hen's Teeth! But I looked in a few dealerships and found an absolutely beautiful FXLR Low Rider 10th Anniversary model! I've probably forgotten most of the bikes I've owned and I've owned a few. I have a 17 Road Glide Ultra which is my favorite long haul machine. Still gobbles the road up... last year I bought a 23 Softail FXLRST Low Rider! That's my around town cruiser and I've never been on a faster Harley! This bike stock is just a beast! I only added slip-ons and crash bars. That bike to me is the IT bike for anyone who just wants to get out and enjoy I spirited cruise down the local roads! I think the new CEO is a fool... I cannot stand the new bikes AT ALL, the touring line that is! edges on the tanks and saddlebags?!? The Road Glide is unrecognizable, just my opinion. I'm sure H-D will do just fine without any of my input but I'll just keep my 17 Roadie, I'll end up buying another motor before I ever buy one of those new monstrosities! I like your content and I don't post must but I do like your take on things!
The iron 883 was a great starting bike… small enough but with a amazing bobber look… with Harley feel and sound… bring back just the 883 with ABS standard for 8k and they’ll have a winner 😊
Totally agree. There is a market. Maybe put a few in each delership and see what the interist in. If they do not sell take them back and ship them overseas.
Great point as HD isn't interested in low profit beginner or entry level riders as they count on over extended HD riders to push other non HD riders into a financial squeeze and I've heard it and am set back at these stupid opinions ride what you can afford comfortably. This economy will prove over priced motorcycles will sit on the floor in show rooms. Rant over! Thank you for speaking up regarding a Big issue regarding HD.
There's no such thing as a "low profit beginner" anything. People are creatures of habit, and we don't like change. Other manufacturers seem to understand this, but not Harley Davidson. That vehicle that you initially sell someone with low margins built into the price will likely become a lot of profit by the time that customer buys their fourth of fifth product from your brand. It doesn't matter whether it's a 'phone, a car, a dishwasher or a motorcycle, you've got to make that first sale and establish a relationship of value and trust. If you don't make that first sale, you'll never make the second one. I'll just about bet you that this isn't the last Honda that RoadRushNation's grandson buys. He might get his dream Harley, next, but boy, that Harley has to live up to the quality, longevity and cost of maintenance and ride better than the Honda for him to stick with Harley Davidson for his third, fourth, fifth bike and so on.
You make all good points here As you’ve stated, not everyone can or wants to spend 18000-20000 dollars for an entry bike The aportster is a great bike, not a great starter bike for everyone
Harley may also bank on parents or relatives of young buyers to foot the down payment and co-sign the loan. This lady brought up some valid points that we can only hope Harley-Davidson will seriously consider.
Hello! I've ridden a 500 and frankly I get what your are saying 100%. That being said, I personally feel there were quality issues with them. Fit and finish just wasn't there in my opinion. Not sure about your area, but here the street 500 and 750 both were VERY poor sellers. They had them on the sales floor for a long long time. They both ended up as bikes used in contests and were both given away. One got traded back into the dealership where it sat for over a year (again) until it was sold "at a deal". I had asked about them and a dealer owner said they just didn't sell and he hoped he never saw one again. So while it makes sense to have that entry level bike, it needs to be something many people want or the motor company will not see the ROI on it.
And even when they sold a "beginner" bike, of which I bought one, you eventually DO end up on a bagger. I love my Street Glide, and do not at all miss that Street Rod 750.
So glad my son, who got into motorcycle riding. He is like me, and would never ride a hardley. He did get a regular motorcycle, not a cruiser. At one time I had a metric cruiser, but didn't enjoy not having fun riding it. I just can't see paying tomorrows prices, for yesterdays bikes.
The bike that Harley uses for rider training is actually a Chinese manufactured bike. The main reason why Harley can't sell inexpensive motorcycles is because the dealers don't like selling them. Efforts to bring less expensive, non-traditional Harleys to market will invariably die on the showroom floor. Harley management knows this, and I think it's going to be a very long time before we see Harley-badged Chinese-manufactured low-displacement motorcycles for sale in Harley showrooms. As to your son's 300 Rebel, I suspect it's manufactured in Thailand.
HD mgmt is too arrogant at the moment. Got $18k burning in my pocket. Apparently not good enough for an HD LRST or S. Well, time to move on to other brands.
Harley has been blowing it for a long time. I own a couple H-Ds and a couple Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha motorcycles. The best reason to buy a Harley is aftermarket parts. If you want to do your own work and keep a motorcycle for a long time, you can get replacement parts for any Harley. If you want performance, Japanese bikes are the way to go.
Harley has been blowing it since 2017 when they discontinued the real Softail and the Dyna and blew it up all the way in October 2022 when the last Evo Sportster rolled off the assembly line. Harley already had the perfect 500 engine in the Buell blast but they just made the rest of the bike look too weird. If they brought back that engine in a chassis with the right styling it would sell.
I started in the 90s on a Honda, 2000s Yamaha, 2010s Harley Sportsters (3, hated the first 2, bought the 3rd because my son outgrew the Yahama) The third sportster was a really awesome bike, 2020s Harley touring. Now if I had not met my second husband who rode Harleys I would have stayed Honda or Yamaha.
Harley is inching in the right direction with the sportster s and the pan american. one issue with harley among younger riders is that riding harleys actually does not have the mystique it did years ago. i ride a sportster and i am the but of many jokes among my peers who ride mostly ADV and street bikes. cruisers are seen as a retirement age motorcycle despite being in my opinion the most sensible option for someone wanting a comfortable bike to navigate american roads and highways. these facts dont bother me as I love my bike and eventually will get an M8 but harley’s focus on adding a few sportier bikes and an ADV bike is very forward thinking in terms of the way people perceive the company. hopefully more entry level priced bikes that are attractive and suited the times are produced.
yep. you're definitely on point. I will say I highly doubt harley is listening..I say this because even talking to their reps at rallys has still fallen on deaf ears it seems overall possibly on the higher end of the company. They are so tied up in the huge marked up bikes more than making the cheaper bikes because they want that whole "elite" branding look. Even with the new 'S' they are still way to high really for no more than what they are yet they wonder why they are having issues with selling the "cheap" new bikes..Its because they want to max out their profits no matter what level of bike it is.
I’m a binds fan but I think the new rebels are ugly as dog 💩 and for 4500 I would have looked at the triumphs . But none the less glad to see he wants to be on two wheels
@@davidbrayshaw3529 idk what Harley is thinking . I kind of feel like Harley is changing into a boutique brand . I went into a dealership recently and they basically told me if I didn’t have the money to buy something 30k or more then they didn’t want to “waste their time “‘talking to me . I said ok I’m off to Indian can buy new for 12-15 k the look in their faces lol 😂
@@7thsignthenorthcoast146 I'm in Australia. I was in our local HD dealer about 6 month ago. A Street Glide was about $30 USd. That's about half our average annual income but with the wage gap the way it is now, it's only just below the median annual income. At least the salesman was nice! Like you, a young friend of mine is about to put his money on the counter for a Scout. It will be his third bike and first cruiser, but he isn't even planning on walking through the door at Harley Davidson. What's going on?
Probably the 500 would be double what he paid for the Honda anyway. Corporate greed is taking over, they won't get my money other than for parts. In Canada bikes are over 40 grand plus tax. How can you afford to ride it when you won't be able to take time off work because of having to pay for it.
I’ve been riding Harleys since 1992 . Baby boomers have been telling the motor company for decades to make entry level bikes that new riders can afford and have a stepping stone to riding bigger bikes. The motor company used to make sportsters cheap enough to be affordable. They even marketed sportsters that they even guaranteed a future good trade in value base toward a big twin. Get a clue Harley!!! Baby boomers are aging out of motorcycling. You better go something quick or Honda and others will get the up and coming younger riders and you will be left with showrooms of unsellable bikes . This is probably your last chance to turn it around before Honda and rest put you out of business . Make smaller comparable bikes at the same price Honda sells them for! What say you Joachim Z?
Yep, the baby boomers were telling them. And they were telling them in the middle of a recession while poor Gen X riders were going out with what little coin that they could scrape together and buying Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki with it. You know, the brands that Gen Xer's are still riding, 30+ years later. Yes, obviously there are exceptions and some bikers go sideways, but plenty don't. You've got to get that first sale.
smart move on tthe honda ...been thinking about harley..got my class there...but tbh seems HD is DEAD unless you elder, even IF HD made smaller bikes the HD prices to buy and Maintain...HAHAHAH HELL NO HD isnt that special anymore
Nice effort, and you're so right, but noone is listening. Harley-Davidson have decided that they are the two wheeled Bentley, and that it is beneath them to offer anything even remotely affordable for young people, so they will just go on shooting themselves in the foot until there are no more toes left.
the motor company can keep doing what they do and Ill keep buying old bikes with carbs and evos!
Gen-X rider here since the 80s... first bike was an 83 XLX 1000 Sportster model, new frame with the Iron Head motor. It was a great bike, but it was not meant for the long haul! I tried to get a softail back then and they were like Hen's Teeth! But I looked in a few dealerships and found an absolutely beautiful FXLR Low Rider 10th Anniversary model! I've probably forgotten most of the bikes I've owned and I've owned a few. I have a 17 Road Glide Ultra which is my favorite long haul machine. Still gobbles the road up... last year I bought a 23 Softail FXLRST Low Rider! That's my around town cruiser and I've never been on a faster Harley! This bike stock is just a beast! I only added slip-ons and crash bars. That bike to me is the IT bike for anyone who just wants to get out and enjoy I spirited cruise down the local roads!
I think the new CEO is a fool... I cannot stand the new bikes AT ALL, the touring line that is! edges on the tanks and saddlebags?!? The Road Glide is unrecognizable, just my opinion. I'm sure H-D will do just fine without any of my input but I'll just keep my 17 Roadie, I'll end up buying another motor before I ever buy one of those new monstrosities!
I like your content and I don't post must but I do like your take on things!
Thanks for watching. Ride safe my friend
Your right on point!! Harley Davidson has been dropping the ball for a long time! I am more into adventure motorcycles!
The iron 883 was a great starting bike… small enough but with a amazing bobber look… with Harley feel and sound… bring back just the 883 with ABS standard for 8k and they’ll have a winner 😊
You are so right with this. Harley should listen to what you’re saying.
Totally agree. There is a market. Maybe put a few in each delership and see what the interist in. If they do not sell take them back and ship them overseas.
Great point as HD isn't interested in low profit beginner or entry level riders as they count on over extended HD riders to push other non HD riders into a financial squeeze and I've heard it and am set back at these stupid opinions ride what you can afford comfortably. This economy will prove over priced motorcycles will sit on the floor in show rooms. Rant over! Thank you for speaking up regarding a Big issue regarding HD.
Thank you for watching. Ride safe my friend
There's no such thing as a "low profit beginner" anything. People are creatures of habit, and we don't like change. Other manufacturers seem to understand this, but not Harley Davidson. That vehicle that you initially sell someone with low margins built into the price will likely become a lot of profit by the time that customer buys their fourth of fifth product from your brand. It doesn't matter whether it's a 'phone, a car, a dishwasher or a motorcycle, you've got to make that first sale and establish a relationship of value and trust. If you don't make that first sale, you'll never make the second one.
I'll just about bet you that this isn't the last Honda that RoadRushNation's grandson buys. He might get his dream Harley, next, but boy, that Harley has to live up to the quality, longevity and cost of maintenance and ride better than the Honda for him to stick with Harley Davidson for his third, fourth, fifth bike and so on.
That had that figured out, it was called Buell..but smart HD closed it, just like they ended Calibre paint....not very smart
You’re on point. I thought it would be a Honda. Harley Davidson is blowing it with the younger generation.
You make all good points here
As you’ve stated, not everyone can or wants to spend 18000-20000 dollars for an entry bike
The aportster is a great bike, not a great starter bike for everyone
Harley may also bank on parents or relatives of young buyers to foot the down payment and co-sign the loan. This lady brought up some valid points that we can only hope Harley-Davidson will seriously consider.
Hello!
I've ridden a 500 and frankly I get what your are saying 100%. That being said, I personally feel there were quality issues with them. Fit and finish just wasn't there in my opinion.
Not sure about your area, but here the street 500 and 750 both were VERY poor sellers. They had them on the sales floor for a long long time. They both ended up as bikes used in contests and were both given away. One got traded back into the dealership where it sat for over a year (again) until it was sold "at a deal". I had asked about them and a dealer owner said they just didn't sell and he hoped he never saw one again. So while it makes sense to have that entry level bike, it needs to be something many people want or the motor company will not see the ROI on it.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Ride safe my friend
They got rid of the street 500s others because they didn’t sell too well in the US. Which was a mistake on their part.
Harley has never been a beginner bike brand. You move up to it...
And even when they sold a "beginner" bike, of which I bought one, you eventually DO end up on a bagger. I love my Street Glide, and do not at all miss that Street Rod 750.
So glad my son, who got into motorcycle riding. He is like me, and would never ride a hardley. He did get a regular motorcycle, not a cruiser. At one time I had a metric cruiser, but didn't enjoy not having fun riding it. I just can't see paying tomorrows prices, for yesterdays bikes.
Excellent Video ❤ love it you’re right Harley needs to bring the 500 and the 883 😊 hello from Jersey love your channel
Great point
The bike that Harley uses for rider training is actually a Chinese manufactured bike. The main reason why Harley can't sell inexpensive motorcycles is because the dealers don't like selling them. Efforts to bring less expensive, non-traditional Harleys to market will invariably die on the showroom floor. Harley management knows this, and I think it's going to be a very long time before we see Harley-badged Chinese-manufactured low-displacement motorcycles for sale in Harley showrooms. As to your son's 300 Rebel, I suspect it's manufactured in Thailand.
These are perfect for new riders. The rebel 1100 is great too but, Harley needs options for new riders
HD mgmt is too arrogant at the moment. Got $18k burning in my pocket. Apparently not good enough for an HD LRST or S. Well, time to move on to other brands.
It’s simple supply and demand, if they could make money on those bikes they would.
Harley has been blowing it for a long time. I own a couple H-Ds and a couple Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha motorcycles. The best reason to buy a Harley is aftermarket parts. If you want to do your own work and keep a motorcycle for a long time, you can get replacement parts for any Harley. If you want performance, Japanese bikes are the way to go.
Harley has been blowing it since 2017 when they discontinued the real Softail and the Dyna and blew it up all the way in October 2022 when the last Evo Sportster rolled off the assembly line.
Harley already had the perfect 500 engine in the Buell blast but they just made the rest of the bike look too weird.
If they brought back that engine in a chassis with the right styling it would sell.
No, they've been blowing it since the 60's when they purchased a 50% share of Aermacchi yet failed to seriously capitalize on the asset.
I started in the 90s on a Honda, 2000s Yamaha, 2010s Harley Sportsters (3, hated the first 2, bought the 3rd because my son outgrew the Yahama) The third sportster was a really awesome bike, 2020s Harley touring. Now if I had not met my second husband who rode Harleys I would have stayed Honda or Yamaha.
Harley is inching in the right direction with the sportster s and the pan american. one issue with harley among younger riders is that riding harleys actually does not have the mystique it did years ago. i ride a sportster and i am the but of many jokes among my peers who ride mostly ADV and street bikes. cruisers
are seen as a retirement age motorcycle despite being in my opinion the most sensible
option for someone wanting a comfortable bike to navigate american roads and highways.
these facts dont bother me as I love my bike and eventually will get an M8
but harley’s focus on adding a few sportier bikes and an ADV bike is very forward thinking in terms of the way people perceive the company. hopefully more entry level priced bikes that are attractive and suited the times are produced.
Great video
Thanks. Ride safe my friend
yep. you're definitely on point. I will say I highly doubt harley is listening..I say this because even talking to their reps at rallys has still fallen on deaf ears it seems overall possibly on the higher end of the company. They are so tied up in the huge marked up bikes more than making the cheaper bikes because they want that whole "elite" branding look. Even with the new 'S' they are still way to high really for no more than what they are yet they wonder why they are having issues with selling the "cheap" new bikes..Its because they want to max out their profits no matter what level of bike it is.
There are tons of affordable full-blown Harleys available, they're just a few years old
I'm not sure you meant to say street bikes. Did you mean sport bike? Any bike with a plate is a Street bike
Oops you are correct. Thanks fie the catch. Ride safe my friend
I believe Harley tried it and it failed miserably. That’s why they don’t sell these in the US……..
I’m a binds fan but I think the new rebels are ugly as dog 💩 and for 4500 I would have looked at the triumphs . But none the less glad to see he wants to be on two wheels
Those new Triumph 400's are going to sell like hot cakes, I reckon. So, tell me, why did Triumph design and build that bike and not Harley Davidson?
@@davidbrayshaw3529 idk what Harley is thinking . I kind of feel like Harley is changing into a boutique brand . I went into a dealership recently and they basically told me if I didn’t have the money to buy something 30k or more then they didn’t want to “waste their time “‘talking to me . I said ok I’m off to Indian can buy new for 12-15 k the look in their faces lol 😂
@@7thsignthenorthcoast146 I'm in Australia. I was in our local HD dealer about 6 month ago. A Street Glide was about $30 USd. That's about half our average annual income but with the wage gap the way it is now, it's only just below the median annual income. At least the salesman was nice!
Like you, a young friend of mine is about to put his money on the counter for a Scout. It will be his third bike and first cruiser, but he isn't even planning on walking through the door at Harley Davidson. What's going on?
Probably the 500 would be double what he paid for the Honda anyway. Corporate greed is taking over, they won't get my money other than for parts. In Canada bikes are over 40 grand plus tax. How can you afford to ride it when you won't be able to take time off work because of having to pay for it.
I’ve been riding Harleys since 1992 . Baby boomers have been telling the motor company for decades to make entry level bikes that new riders can afford and have a stepping stone to riding bigger bikes.
The motor company used to make sportsters cheap enough to be affordable. They even marketed sportsters that they even guaranteed a future good trade in value base toward a big twin.
Get a clue Harley!!! Baby boomers are aging out of motorcycling. You better go something quick or Honda and others will get the up and coming younger riders and you will be left with showrooms of unsellable bikes . This is probably your last chance to turn it around before Honda and rest put you out of business . Make smaller comparable bikes at the same price Honda sells them for!
What say you Joachim Z?
Thanks for watching. Ride safe my friend
Yep, the baby boomers were telling them. And they were telling them in the middle of a recession while poor Gen X riders were going out with what little coin that they could scrape together and buying Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki with it. You know, the brands that Gen Xer's are still riding, 30+ years later. Yes, obviously there are exceptions and some bikers go sideways, but plenty don't. You've got to get that first sale.
smart move on tthe honda ...been thinking about harley..got my class there...but tbh seems HD is DEAD unless you elder, even IF HD made smaller bikes the HD prices to buy and Maintain...HAHAHAH HELL NO HD isnt that special anymore