The Rise And Fall Of Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson is the most well-known American motorcycle brand in the world, but that status may be preventing the company’s future growth. Its core customers helped the company reach new heights, but Harley is facing challenges reaching new customers. And without new riders, the company might slowly erode.
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The Rise And Fall Of Harley-Davidson
Harley Davidson: The most effective way to turn gasoline into noise without the side effect of horsepower.
They'll do 120+ how fast do YOU need to go? If you're that much a hot shot take to the track. A bike doesn't have to be a race replica to be enjoyable to ride.
i don't know how old you are but i have ridden almost every bike out there..almost died a couple times due to high speeds..i shunned Harleys for years..then i rode a 1985 FXWD and fell in love..the look..decent performance over all..what makes em fun for me is it starts with hitting the starter and ends when i shut er off..no other bike can do that for me..yes i a now am a Harley snob..i only like Pans and Shovels :)
@@ferrelx you cannot argue with the fact that Harleys are gas guzzlers. You can get similar performance with as low as 400cc bikes. It is only selling on the looks( which are good) and brand name( which many youngsters don't want to associate with) and not appealing price conscious customers.
@@stevek8829 Yeah, you may not need 120+ to be enjoyable ( although many people say otherwise), but you don't need 1100cc to go 120, even 400cc bikes do that for a much cheaper price.
LOL
"Harleys are big, loud, FAST." 10/10 for comedy
well said
You have to admit they are fast for tractors
Clowns like you will never know,to cheap to find out, go buy a moped and ride it clown style.
@@richardlavoie4012 Why a moped? Is it because they're faster than Harleys?
@@richardlavoie4012 Dude your harley is slow. Get over it.
I can buy a Japanese bike for 1/3rd the price , and only worry about oil changes..
And get 5x the performance lmao
That's what I did hehe👊🏻
Yep!
And I don't want to be part of the mean girls club either !
exactly Harley doesn't have a demographic or brand problem it has a price tag problem. I can buy a new sports car for the same price of your average Harley.
When the owner of a dealership treats his customers with a "Harley Attitude", sales are bound to fall.
Truth...I went to 2 different dealerships when I was in my early 20's and was treated like trash by the sales department. Tried to talk to them and they handed me a brochure and walked away.
"Harleys are fast" 😂😂😂 funniest joke I have ever heard
Bruce Kent I laughed at that too 😂😂
I'm a Harley guy and I own two of them and while my done is pretty quick I also had to laugh hard when she said fastbut then again I'm not typical Harley owner I grew up for the love of motorcycles and I've owned all kinds of
Bruce, if you compare it to a pedal powered bicycle or walking , it is indeed fast 😂
Well yes. If you take a look at context instead of ego. Faster than typical 4 wheel vehicles and faster then other cruiser models. Jeez, people complain about Harley culture but elite sport bike culture is just as annoying.
Yea actually dyna are fast
I think it’s the price that is pushing ppl back.
Yeah 20k for a cruiser is insane.
Yea they're like apple of bikes, overpriced af
Not to mention that u need another grand for maintenance and accessories
@@nabiel3325 the fall of boomer led to the fall of Harley-Davidson.
@@nabiel3325 you're right, the cost of maintenance is ridiculous.
1:42 “Real veterans of the saddle” *falls off bike*
Ah yes, veteran
correction of the intro: harleys are big loud heavy, slow and expensive
And that's what I like. I want a cruiser, not a racer
@@sergeantwolf8018 the stop acting like a stupid cruiser is better than every motorcycle at everything. u stuck up horley scrub
@@mala7794 I'm not saying it's better. I just said it's what I prefer. Don't be so biased
@@mala7794 I don't care for Harley but cruiser bikes are clearly superior to every kind of bikes out there.
@@sergeantwolf8018 just buy an Indiana or triumph
Harley killed themselves. They have not diversified their products at all. They begged Reagan to put import tax on imported motorcycles over 700cc and in the long run they screwed themselves over because those outside companies started to make reliable smaller cc motorcycle which to this day is popular in America and the rest of the world.
I remember that tax, and even as a kid at the time, i told myself that i would never own a Harley product. Never have, and never will. Good riddance.
Yea i owned a 1986 maxim 700 and that year because of the import tax they changed and made a high compression 20 valve 4 cylinder making 86hp just in spite and some awesome bikes came out of it that were lighter faster and more efficient only hurting Harley Davidson more lol
someone watches fortnine
Roy Baty you realize at least on of the parts in every computer comes from another country
@@archie8798 let him live in his delusion that stuff is still made in usa.
Your completely ignoring how Harley became so big in the 80's... government protection from Reagan..they never had to care
Yep. The tariffs Reagans enacted essentially will kill HD in the long run.
@@Agslions Where did you take your economics classes? Reagan put a 49% tariff on all motorcycles imported/sold in the US 750cc, and larger. Should be obvious all those Honda's, BMW's, Triump's were 50% more expensive than they otherwise would have been. Instead of Harley doing their homework, and asking why can't our MC's compete in the market , they just pocketed the money. It's true the Harley's would drip oil on to the showroom floor. I was once in a Harley dealership waiting to get work done, and picket up a cope of the Harley annual report to stockholders, I was surprised, and amused, I should not have been. The report showed that Harley made far more money selling tee shirts, (and boots etc. etc. ) and licensing others to sell tee shirts with Harley logo's on them than they made $$ on selling motorcycles.....
@@hauntedmoodylady - um, correct... hence the "in the long run" piece. They rested on their laurels and forgot that their "base" were dying off. They got comfy while the market shifted.
@@Agslions It didn't kill HD, it was already dying and it gave them a lifeline...which they squandered in favor of "maximizing value" in the short term.
They need to bring government protection back
Love when Americans say "in the world" when they really just mean their own backyard.
They've never been outside their state so it's the world to them LOL
Funny joke, seeing how the rest of the world has been trying to replicate America in their own back yard for the last 150 years
@@MrKinghuman sure thing! We here in Europe and dying to get our hands in thousands of assault weapons for personal protection. We are also looking forward to paying hundreds of thousands in student loans and medical bills! We are also looking forward for having an amazing interstate, to drive at 100km/h in the left lane, while drinking 2kg’s of sugar in a plastic cup, down the road enjoying our 1 week vacations with no sick days per year! Looking forward to suing the microwave company for killing my cat as well. What a dream! We also want to send our citizens to war at 18, but not allowing them to drink a beer until they are 21! Finishing up by converting everything to Imperial, since the Metric system makes no sense… Get a grip man. I rather move to a free country, like South Africa, South Korea, Brazil or India.
I dont think they are aware of the rest of the world.
@@gerboblitz your words need to reach more Americans 😂
I remember laughing my ass off when I saw these tough guys doing a duck walk with their bikes because they can't do a simple U-turn.
Dragging their feet until they're going 30 MPH because they're afraid they're going to tip over.
@@phlodel Go ride a bike that weighs as much as a Harley does and don’t hold your feet till you hit atleast 25
@@tuberdumb7377 Weight has nothing to do with it, Goldwing riders have to deal with the same weight and they don't duck walk their bikes.
Just to be clear. Marlon Brandon rode a Triumph in The Wild One.
I was wondering if anyone else would catch that.
Yup, and Steve McQueen rode a Triumph in the Great Escape. Actually, it was stunt rider Bud Ekins who did the dangerous stuff. But anyway, it was all on a Triumph.
@@kombo731 Yup, but Evil Knievel rode a Harley. Probably why he kept crashing?
A 1950 Triumph Thunderbird TT, but in the pictures it appears he rides a Matchless.
So did marlon Brando
I'm from a younger generation and I definitely love Harley Davidson, but I cannot afford to spend that much money on a motorbike.
Used sportsters are the way to go, you can get a 1200 for under 2k if you're patient and look for a deal
get a grom, cheap, light, fuel efficient, great community, and awesome for putting around town. don't get it if you live out in the country though.
The above 60 crowd has twenty times the wealth of the the under 30 crowd. Not being able to afford what older people can afford (housing, education, and bike/toys) is the present reality. To be fair to HD, their Sportster models are $8,000 used, and much cheaper used. That's about the same as the cb500 from Honda, but the Honda has ABS.
Honda Rebel is a good alternative, you can just dress it up.
kzhead.info/sun/q9GGpLSum52mrWw/bejne.html
Servicing is expensive, poor customer service. It's why I ride an Indian.
I ride a RE .. 😂😂
"If you owned a Harley Davidson, you were cool." Something said by exactly 0 people who did not own a Harley Davidson.
Not even by most of the people who DO own Harleys. There is a definite pecking order among hoggers.
I dunno...I've always thought people with ANY kind of motorcycle is cool. Motorcycles are awesome
Future documentary- Back in 2020, the remaining Harley customers were all but eliminated as the Corona virus hit senior care homes the hardest.
Most underrated comment
Basically their main clienteles are dying.
the fall of boomer led to the fall of Harley-Davidson.
@@VeryProPlayerYesSir1122 ^This guy, x 10
Facts
Colin Z butt hurt?
Financial Shinanigan same clientele who still take taxis
"You get respect just by being on one" - No, not by a long shot.
In fact the reverse, as far as I am concerned.
Lmao y'all are fools
@@derkchurk5879 Sorry, are a bikers feelings hurt?
I own a harley and I think a lot of people dont like you because of the bike.
You've totally missed the part about Harley crying to the government about foreign competition in the 80s. And Reagan taxing foreign import motorcycles by 40% if they were more that 700ccs.
I will never forget the arrogance that I have experienced at Harley dealerships related to sales, parts & service.
You're not alone. I spent an hour in a Harley dealership and was avoided like I had the Coronavirus or something. I was ready to sign for a used Wide Glide they had in stock but when they actually lowered themselves to talk to me were dismissive as hell. Ended up on my phone looking up nearby dealers and realized Indian had a shop nearby. Now the proud owner of an Indian Chief Dark Horse.
Same here
Your comment and the comments of the replies really surprised me. I believe what you’re saying, but that simply hasn’t been my experience. I’ve been to Harley dealers in many parts of the US, with and without my motorcycle, and have always treated like family with just one exception.
@@flalawdog9463 Agree., some, not all dealership's are snidley, arrogant and condescending, know-it-alls. There are four dealerships in my 45 mile radius and two of the four are rude SOB's, typically the service and parts department employees. Just FYI., I've been riding bikes since 1968 and have had similar experences purchasing cars as well It's a matter of training., some jags need to learn customer service, yet some just don't care.
Dude I wish that dealership would be run through and new sales guys in there. To give up on a bike win fantastic engineering because of the guys in the middle is tragic for you and the Motor Company. I just bought a 2020 Low Rider S and I’m over the fuckin moon. The people in the shop were also so excited! I’d like to add, they treated my wife and baby like Queen and Princess. Gave em food and drinks. Took me for a ride to learn more (I’d only ridden once). Bought me lunch. Set us up with a bunch of events and new friends. Yeah, overall, it was literally one of the best experiences in my entire life. This kid told me the other day my bike looked like a Ferrari and a motorcycle. Best compliment ever.
2020 prices with 1980 technology. No thanks
More like 2030 prices.
I'd argue the technology is more 1930s.
1980's tech, 1930's tech? Are you mistaking aesthetic design for overall technology? Yea, it has two wheels and a v-twin engine. Just like your car has four wheels and an engine. Could they add stuff like traction control and ride settings, sure. Probably will see that with future models (that the purists will hate). These bikes are not the same tech-wise as they were 40 and 90 years ago lol
The only real difference is fuel injection. Otherwise these are century-old+ technology/designs, like pushrods.
@@Alex-hs1uf Strictly engine-speaking? Sure, same concept, "design", but I guess materials and other design changes don't count as technology? A Milwaukee eight is not the same as a flathead. For the past 20 years they've had options between air-cooled and liquid-cooled DOHC, looks like more on the way. Just trying to figure out what 2020 technology means.
Trump: *puts tariff on steel* Also Trump: "make them in America HD!"
On imported steel. Steel industry in the US was booming under trump. That will stop thanks to puppet biden
@@carldevault7227 well in times of trump USA started to produce and sell a lot of oil and that controlled the prices of oil ,which helped india as we are dependent a lot on oil but due to the pro environment policy of biden that will soon be past , I will miss trump
@@user-fo9kt3rq3d : The only environment that Biden cares about is how much hot air he can spew.
I've been wanting to ride for YEARS. Finally have the time with work now and can take the dive into the MSF course. Already have all my gear and been going out to sit on bikes and see what suits me best. I think I like cruisers more for the comfort and while Harleys look nice, the price tag isn't all that handsome. I'm looking at getting a Kawasaki Vulcan S. Looks nice, reliable, cheaper, has some tech on there and it's just as fast
Dude Vulcan S is an okay starter bike but you’re gonna get rid of that thang after like 1 riding season I’ve known a few guys who had Vulcans and they’re meh, you can find a used Harley for cheap or build it yourself you’ll learn a lot
I ride a Honda because I’m not a great mechanic.
iamstephenmartin you ain’t lying
What makes you feel any better neither are the guys that work at the Harley dealerships
Moon Watcher you don’t have to be rich to buy a Harley 😂 Honda’s can be just as expensive too lol
I mean maybe top of the line Honda. But, initial cost and maintenance, the Honda is cheaper haha
iamstephenmartin a honda can be more expensive period! and of course the premium bikes 🤦♀️ if your saving money it’s because it breaks down less lol
I was going to buy one but, I saw the price and bought a Kawaski instead. Half the price and twice the fun, like a foreign girlfriend.
Hahaa
I've got a 2000 Yamaha v-star 1100 classic. Looks and sounds like a Harley buts it's also reliable. Turns heads just the same as any Harley. My brother has an 86 Suzuki 750 intruder,it looks like an older HD 883, but it's faster and handles better. I bought my V star for 450 bucks with 20k on it, put 200 in to it and it's good. My brother's was 325 bucks with 17k on it, took 400 to get it right. Anyways, both cost under a grand each, why the hell would anyone buy HD when the dealers want 6 grand for a used none running bike?
This man knows.
Like a foreign girlfriend, that has made me laugh so hard! Thank you
Exctly brother this is the Harley curse a company that will die for the thirds time in its existence....corporate/american greed.
"Big, loud, and fast." At least she got 2 out of 3.*
“You get instant respect just by riding one” Uh, respect from who?
Clearly not “soccer mom minivan drivers” like you but rather everybody with a brain
@@tuberdumb7377 Based upon your vocabulary and username, I assume you're a young fanboy. If you spend any time on a HD, you'll soon come to learn just how terribly they are built in the modern age. If you want an impressive piece of engineering, buy a muscle car or preformance truck.
@@Jake-rs9nq Bro.. im laughing so much, a muscle or performance truck? I like harleys for their cruisers because where i live they perform well. Also, I am young only 14 however I have driven a family members harley before on our roads and I enjoyed it very well. Now although i havnt driven a triumph or anything crazy I have a dirtbike and any day would take the harley. (The harley was a iron 883 incase your wondering)
@@Jake-rs9nq Also where I live you, need not would want for situations, a good work truck. Same for bike, you want a bike that handels good where i live
@@tuberdumb7377 If you want a bike that handles well because your roads are in poor condition, HD would be a terrible choice. And I figured you were a young teen, you'll learn how much of a pain those bikes are if you ever buy one.
They're an old man's bike. I'm 68, got my license at age 16. Consider myself still too young to ride a Harley. Maybe when I hit my 80's.
You know I’ve been riding bikes for almost 50 years now & harleys have interested me from time to time but honestly every single one I’ve ridden & there have been lots over the years has disappointed me , everyone without fail. Currently riding a 2016 KTM 1290 super adventure v twin just like Harley but also 160 hp standard, & a Triumph thunderbird storm 2012 1700, parallel twin with engine performance no standard Harley could match. Nephew arrived the other day with 2016 ish Harley that apparently had lots of work done to it at the local Harley dealership, told him it had 125 hp on Dyno , well it can’t keep up with my Triumph which I had Dyno tuned & produced 94 hp, hmmm very strange, I’d estimate 80 max for the Harley
A Harley trike than?
Im 17 I have owned 2 harleys.
@@Nikiku03 you got old mentality
I too am 68. I ride BMW R1200 GSA as well as my tourer a BMW K1200 LT, both bikes are over 10 years old with over 100000km each. Both are fast, comfortable and well designed. The latest versions of my bikes are just mind blowing, but mine are fine ‘cos they’re paid for! Harley has never changed and never will. They tried making an adventure bike that ended up looking like a Buick! Harley Davidson have absolutely no idea about what the motorcyclist wants, they only cater to leather jacketed bikers. BMW is the biggest mc manufacturer in the world, even bigger than the Japanese manufacturers. The biggest mc market today is for adventure type bikes, go anywhere, on and off road in comfort in a proper feet on pegs below configuration. It’s the motorcycle equivalent to the SUV. Today’s BMW bikes are dripping with technology. Smooth riding, seamless gear changes and economical. Develop more hp than a Harley on a downhill with a following wind! Unless HD does something drastic in terms of market driven style, I give them two more years.
She sounds like she is always asking a question.
Alfie Miras ...most people her age talk like that. More noticeable in women.
It is an example of the High Rising Terminal speak! Makes the speaker sound so dumb and I personally cannot stand it lol!
I was just thinking the same thing. She annoy me when she talks. Who ever taught her to talk that way, is an idiot.
Alfie Miras it’s called up or valley girl. Lots of Asians moved into these areas in California for that last decade or so hence here up speak way of talking
That’s how people their age talk along with vocal fry and no one can tell anyone anymore anything. So now they get made fun of behind their backs
The same bike that was affordable for people in the past thirty years is now unaffordable to younger people.
there was a harley dealer in my county named " reggie pink", they were in business since like 1920's did very well. they had a decent size showroom and repair shop, corporate told them the had to open a larger store to sell their boots, jackets and stuff. they opened a store in a former car dealership and didn't last two years. riding here in the northeast is seasonal ,in the winters he was starving for work. real shame
GM did the same thing to their dealers in the early 90's. They demanded a larger showroom, or they would pull GMAC financing. It was called "Taj Mahaling" the dealer. They wanted to reduce the number of dealers. the franchise agreement restricted new dealers in the franchise area, so they forced the dealers to sell.
Well nobody is willing to pay 15k for the average low end harley
Used used used can you honestly tell the difference between a 99 or 2019 ?
@@mastermonarch yes you can 🤣 I can tell a 99 from a 2019 easily
mastermonarch dude, 100% lmao what are you talking about
LMFAO yes we aren't blind new Harley vs old is night and day.
mastermonarch Um, that’s not a good thing, if they seem the same.
The reason: Harley’s core demographic have aged and they have ignored young motorcyclist around the world for the better part which is why time and time new products failed to bring the success of old classic models They’re exorbitantly overpriced for what they are, The selling of a rebel image crap doesn’t work anymore, consumers are clever and picky than ever before that’s why they lean towards brands which offers much more ie Triumph The motorcycle are basic, heavy, underpowered and did I say overpriced compared to other premium brands And for the better part they ignored the shift in motorcycle culture a few years ago supersport were all the rage then it shifted to retro roadster and cafe racer then to a huge shift to adventure and touring... while all these were happened Harley was stuck with making 80hp 500 lb cruiser for the “Rebel” And the biggest offence was ignoring the giant Asian market, Harley made little to no effort to bring small capacity motorcycle for Asian market even though they already established dealership in major cities
80 hp, 850 pound is more accurate. Also, pricing isn’t as exorbitant as it used to be compared with their competition. Quality has gone up as well. The biggest issue I see is an aging customer base, and they continue to push a rebel image that is a real turn off for those of us who are younger than the boomers.
Exactly. My grandfather loved Indian but my Dad is nuts about Harleys. I ended up getting a sports bike because I liked the look more. Now that I'm older, I wouldn't mind a bobber style but if take a Yamaha Bolt over anything Harley is offering.
Todd Cahill Ricer is a car culture term surely you don’t know what you’re talking about btw the word you were looking for was Squid or noob
Todd Cahill I currently split my riding between a ‘09 Harley Nightster 1200, a Triumph Thruxton, a BMW R1200R, and a BMW R1200RT. I’ve owned probably a dozen bikes over the past 10 years, including a metric cruiser, some sport bikes and adventure bikes. The Harley is far below average in power for weight, smoothness, handling, vibrations, features, comfort, and suspension. The brakes are laughably poor. The ground clearance has me scraping constantly. It is incredibly raw, and not in a good way, more like shifting a garden tractor way. About the only thing I think Harley’s good at is their fit and finish, the availability of dealerships, and to a certain point their reliability. Harley needs to evolve to capture the younger than boomer market, we demand more.
Todd Cahill it’s people like you in Harley conversations that is killing the brand. I get so sick of the arguing about ancient history, I’m not looking for a lifestyle or a battle, just trying to ride a bike.
Im 28 years old and just buy my first harley yesterday. It is a used 1200 xl, i hope i had my dream bike softail haritage before 40 🙏
Its more fun to ride a small bike fast than a big bike slow. I had many bikes and the best one was a 250cc that still drove 120km/h on the highway and way great in curves.
I bought a bike in 2019 and really wanted a Harley. After I saw the price of a Harley, it immediately became an instant no from me.
Point?
@@wayneknowles3843 its too expensive lmaoo, are u dense?
@rockn roll I plan on getting a vanvan 200 for commuting because small light cheaper and looks nice
My friend spent $50K on a Harley Davidson. I spent $13,K on a Yamaha. We get the same riding experience, why spend more?
@@baltsosser Uhhhh same experience? I doubt it. Your Yamaha is probably way better!
Keep rising prices,and see you in museum!
Just like the prices of cars,trucks and suv's,everything is expensive,not like it was when we grew up.
Last month I looked at the HD website and a 2020 Fat Bob was $15,599, just the other day I looked again and the Fat Bob is now $18,799. HD must be selling a lot of Fat Bob’s! That’s the other issue with HD if it’s popular put a huge price tag on it. NO if it’s popular price it right, sell more and make more money! 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️ No matter how you look at it all the motorcycles are now on the same frame, built the same way, but all cost different price’s. Yes some have a bigger motor but it shouldn’t justify that much of a price difference. Just ridiculous. For instance Softail Standard $13,599 and Spirt glide $18,599.Basically the same motorcycle except the Sport Glide has ABS, saddlebags, inverted forks and a fairing. The pricing is just ridiculous!
@@akaredcrossbow exactly lowrider s softail 2020£15495. popular bike selling well 2021 £17500. Indian chief dark horse £16450. With lots more features cruise control, touch screen clock,led indicators, sports rain mode's ect. Bye bye Harley Davidson
Driving an extremely loud, inefficient and clunky vehicle in this day and age? Groundbreaking.
Cost is the #1 issue. Bikes like Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, are far cheaper. Sometimes half the price.
We millennials have less disposable income. It’s not that we do not like Harleys. Since the crash of 08 inflation has increased while median income has remained fundamentally the same.
Great comment Danny. You are absolutely correct about the economy since 08, but I will add that real wages for the "Middle Class" have remained virtually stagnant since the early 1980's when the war on Unions started in the USA. I'm 50 and have only childhood memories of the end of the Post War boom that occurred in the late 70's. Don't feel alone GenX had waaayyyy less job opportunities than Boomers did also. Just when we were trying to get our feet on the ground along came the 87 Stock Market crash and the following recession. Then NAFTA in 93. The Plutocracy sold the future of this country out so they could line their pockets and move to the Caribbean.
Seth Thomas Not even stagnant though, because when you factor in the insane rise in healthcare costs and for a lot of millenials, college debt, the average middle class is doing WORSE than decades ago. You’re totally right, we’ve been sold out wholesale. Smash unions, smash worker protections, smash industries and institutions that support the middle class. I can’t see it getting better anytime soon. Maybe Bernie Sanders might be able to save it, but I doubt it. Washington is bought and acts on behalf of the corporations and elites only.
@@seththomas9105 spot on what you said. Clinton and NAFTA was the begining of the end
This has been the trend since the mid-70's.
And they want everything for free.
Overweight, overpriced, primitive technology tractors. I am 64 and I have laughed at guys my age on Harleys in their Pirate costumes for decades. I have ridden Triumph since 1973.
Harley riders go to the blue oyster club
Totally agree of got too many teeth and not enough tattoos to own a Harely. Triumph rules
Girls will be girls.
Just bought a Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster....love it!
Have got the america its great
I didn’t know that Harley Davidson also made Triumph Motorcycles, like the ones in The Wild one, I’m almost positive that Marlon Brando was riding a British motorcycle in that film.
Narrator: "Harleys are big, loud..." Me: Yeah... Narrator: "...fast" Me: LOL
This is what happens when you keep raising the prices $600 every year. After a while consumers will re-evaluate their toy options.
$600 a year wouldn't necessarily be a problem, but the paychecks people are getting aren't rising anywhere near that. Some people do and some people get promoted. Beyond that though, there's a glut of hogs on the second hand market as their primary market ages out of motorcycling, or dies, and puts the bikes on 2nd hand market.
Alan Whiteside false comparison, you bought during a bubble. Created on purpose by Hd.
Laszlo Szutor millennials are into speed and not style, that’s the problem.... case in point, they put loud exhaust on a 4 banger.....
In Economics, they call this " Price Elasticity " . How much $$$ can a product increase in price before the consumer STOPS BUYING that product ! Harley-Davidson motorcycles are nice but a little too $$$$ ! !
Buren Cook or put a straight pipe on a two banger and make it go Potato Potato Potato Potato Potato
I owned a Harley and loved it and still do. However, I don’t like the price of the bike, parts and service cost. I feel as if the took advantage of their base. Won’t buy another one again. Still like seeing them but to expensive
I have operated a motorcycle repair shop and have many years of experience. Harley parts and service are very competitive when compared to other brands. Plus there is much more aftermarket parts support that keeps prices down. All brands dealer service is expensive to me. Harley has been the best brand to focus on as an independent bike ship, and is the most mechanic friendly.
@@fatotis6273 lol then I'm guessing Honda doesn't exist?
I have owned a motorcycle basically my entire life, never a Harley because of the 'overbranding' of it. Way too much marketing, overexposure, t-shirts, jackets, you name it.....and who owns them...overweight older white people who are lawyers and finance people with huge salaries trying to act like something they aren't. Its a cliche and embarrassing and the riders are made fun of now and become the jokes of the road. I mean does Harley pay these people to be walking riding billboards for them, I own a Honda now, I don't wear a Honda jacket, why? Honda doesn't give me my bike for 1/2 price to advertise for them and I don't give Honda free advertising. Its a shame because they are great bikes just way too expensive for the value. Case in point I'm looking at trading in my current bike and eyeing the Yamaha YFR 1300... Triumph , Honda ...so I am in the market for a Sport Touring bike but would never buy a Harley. All the bikes I'm looking at are great bikes at $10,000 to $15,000 less !!! Couple this with the now overbranding of the bike and I don't even go into a dealership . The Company really has some work too do or it will die a slow death. I honestly hope they turn things around.
@@abhishekdas9281 that would be other premium brands. There is a huge difference between Harley and Honda. It's like Mercedes vs Kia
HD=Hundred dollars Everything is a hundred dollars. Everything.
Harleys Davidson time is over it's 2021 young people want kawasakis, ducatis,suzukis etc.
Unless,,unless they make the resr tyre large built a cafe racer model with a huge exhaust to match the R1 or a panigale and bingo u got an extreme bike at the price of an airplane
"Harleys are big, loud, fast" Well 2 out of 3 ain't bad I guess.
Harley's first bike looks better than newer models
I agree
the new Breakout is amazing brruhhhh
Softails and Sportsters are nice in my opinion
I like the road king from like 15 years ago just because you can do so much with them but some of the new ones are... well ya know
I am a millennial. I was thinking on taking a loan to buy a entrywayish HD, but then I saw a Royal Enfield Interceptor and was love at first sight and for a reasonable price.
You have bought yourself a fantastic bike. Manufactured in the newest and most technological motorcycle manufacturing plant in the world. On a recent test of motorcycle oil from brand new bikes for micro metal particle, Royal Enfield was the best followed closely by BMW. The worst were the Italian bikes and last the Chinese bikes. (KZhead)
@@Birdman953 ah I see you also follow Fortnine's channel :)
HD are just prohibitively expensive and not particularly well made from what I've read. You're paying more for a label than anything. I'm quite happy on a cruiser from Yamaha, Honda or Kawasaki
I have a sportster from HD and a Vstar from Yamaha. I love both of em tbh. Wouldn’t wanna get a larger Harley though, because I’d rather spend more time riding than wrenching
Nice info about what Levitich was trying to do. I wonder what the plan is now that he just stepped down
I want a Harley Davidson but my Honda just doesn't give up. It keeps going and going and going
When you decide look used. Lots of low mileage Harleys out there. That's the only I ever bought a Harley. 2007 or newer. The 103 twin cam 6 speeds are good. I have 2015 someone poured a bunch of money into. Yes it was still expensive but less than half the 41k the original owner paid. You can find good used big twins sub 10k if you look and do some research.
Harley Owners Need Dependable Alternatives
@@mikekeltner4291 wow. living in the past much? I have ridden my Harley 52k miles and have had zero issues. No oil leaks. not so much as a failed headlight. I did however need tires and then a battery after 4 years, Oh the humanity! BTW MY KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500 CLASSIC CRATERED AT 48K MILES DUE TO A FAILED PLASTIC OIL PUMP GEAR.. :/
@@mikekeltner4291 Most new riders don't want the old school Harley and also cannot pay that much. As for Honda, yes, they are nice, but you have to hunt hard to find a dealer with a demo bike, A lot of the ones where I live expect you to just buy it without riding it. That's not happening with me.
i was looking at a CBR600RR as my first bike or a ZX6R. Got a 2019 iron 1200 instead lol fun as hell, what kinda honda is it?
2:23 The bike in The Wild One was a Triumph, not a Harley.
Brando rode a Triumph. Lee Marvin was riding H-D.
I read( years ago), that Brando couldn’t hold a Harley up.
2:08 Triumph pictured. I have read that most of the “rebel” bikes in the 50s-60s were Triumphs.
Lee Mavin was the man, on a Harley. Wonder why Brando rode a 500 Triumph. Jax Tellers bike was beautiful.
@@timgeary1084 he rode a Triumph because it was faster, lighter and handled better. Triumphs in the 50s were not as tight handlers as BSAs or Nortons but they ran rings round Harleys. The real issue is that most motorcyclists buy bikes to ride, not to park under a street lamp for other people to look at. Which is what Harleys do best.
You guys are so much fun. Cruisers are for cruising. Taking in the sights, bar hopping, going slow and steady. Touring. Sport bikes are for fun. Hooning around the curves. Racing at the track. Dual sport for dirt and road riding. Still fun but mainly for hitting the dirt. Sport touring are touring bikes for the sportier crowd. Still cruising but having fun in the mountains and curvy roads. Personally the two Harleys I owned hurt my back. When I switched, after 30 years of riding, to a sport bike, it was significantly more comfortable TO ME. My latest is a 2002 Hayabusa I use for touring. 135,000 miles and other than two, I’ve visited every state and province in the US and Canada. Tons of fun. Ride safe!
I am on my third Moto Guzzi and that's the way to go. HD are for suckers.
Leverda
“Third”
Harley's the Gibson guitar of motorcycles. Too damn expensive.
Surfs Up Fender shits on Gibson as Honda shits on hd.
Pete Allen most people are stupid. Don’t feel bad that you’re one of them.
@@deerhunter7482 Is that the same union that accepted 2 tiers of compensation, where the employees hired in the last ten years get half the pay and little benefits compared to before? Your union bashing is nonsense.
Michael been there done that !
Yeah but those hummingbirds are fuckin sweet.
"Harley's are big, loud, _fast_ " One of these things is not like the others.
@Beelzebot yeah fat price tag
Big 💪🏻, loud 👊🏻... fast just left the chat lol
When was hd fast?
and Heavy, wide, SOLID, with a 'REP' unrivalled to the 'Non Racer'! I am on the Road my entire life, I have seen Many Total Wipes, usually After. I'VE NEVER, seen a 'Harley' just 'Lying there' ...looking about as Safe as their Owner feels IF he Makes it to Hospital.
💀💀💀
Harley Davidson: Yesterday's technology at tomorrow's prices!
We have our own Harley Davidson in india named Royal Enfield ❤️❤️.
And awesome bikes they are ✌️👍
I have a 1959 Royal Enfield Chief I have had for 35 years.
U mean the English royal eninfield
@@lycan_system8427 If you are replying to my comment about my 1959 Royal Enfield Chief..... yes, it was made in England and sold here in the US.
@@CS-hq9eo no, I thought u were Indian
I wouldn’t use the word “fast” when describing a Harley.
Geektarded.. agreed.
Maybe she meant fast to the shop lol
A modified Hogg will go fast enough to scare ya.
Harley's are not sports bikes they're cruisers, so no they aren't going to go 200 mph down the interstate however they can still hold their own easily reaching speeds over 110 not that you'd need to ever go that fast let alone have the balls to do so.
My 1200 Iron is fast enough....I don’t want a faster bike. 😳
I'm in my 20s and I own a motorcycle. The problem with Harley is not that young people won't buy motorcycles. It's that Harley will not sell us motorcycles that we want. We don't want to go deep into debt for expensive cruiser motorcycles. We want cheaper modern motorcycles. This is something that the Japanese manufacturers are doing very well at but Harley is completely failing at.
Back in my day the Japenese bikes where dirt cheap and I had several ..ha first one was a 450cc honda (first production bike rated at over 100hp per liter ) $1200 bucks new. My Harley didn't come till my family was raised and I had extra money to spend . We didn't have computers/phones to blow money on so we bought boats and motorcycles.
In my 20s and own 3x Japanese bikes. Haven’t bought a Harley because they’re super heavy, underpowered, handle poorly, not that reliable, and super expensive. For the type of riding I do, a Harley is inferior in every single way. Maybe one day when I start touring I’ll get a Harley, but until then I’ll keep my Honda and Yamahas.
Also in my 20s. Love the looks of harleys, but my cheap little vstar looks and sounds just as good.
In my 20s on my 2nd Harley. I love everything about it. I ride a 2020 street bob
Problem is Honda and Yamaha are some god tier bike makers
Its not Motorcycle, its HARLEY DAVIDSON... New generation who love HD will always born, i'am 33 yo and softail street bob is still my dream 😁
I'VE BEEN SEEING POST EVERYWHERE ABOUT FOREX TRADING AND CRYPTO CURRENCY, A LOT OF PEOPLE KEEP SAYING THINGS ABOUT THIS TRADING PLATFORMS PLEASE CAN SOMEONE LINK ME TO SOMEBODY WHO CAN PUT ME THROUGH..?
Trading with her is %100, she is legit and sure in trading unlike others.
Wow l'm just shock someone mentioned expert Mrs Olivera Jane okhumalo, I thought I'm the only one trading with her, She helped me recover what i lost trying to trade my self.
Mrs Olivera Jane.. has changed my financial status for the best. all thanks to my aunty who introduced her to me.
who's this professional, everyone is talking about i always see her post on top comment on every KZhead video I watched how can i reach her?
@@antoniaprieto5390 Ohhh yeah I have her contact I have been trading with her also
The bikes in "The Wild One" are Triumphs, not Harleys.
The main stars of the movie rode Triumphs. Quite a few of the other bikes were Harleys, primarily war era H-Ds, not surprising since the movie was made in the early 1950s when war surplus bikes were common. If you ever watched the movie you'll recall the fight scene between Brando and Marvin was staged between a bunch of Harleys.
and other British bikes....
Brently27 Only 2 Bikers were in the movie Lee Marvin & Wino Willie
Plenty of HD's in the wild one
@@KowboyUSA If they were WLA Harleys I'm not surprised the main stars rode Triumphs. They'd still be shooting that movie otherwise.
How can these Millennials Afford these bikes when they are busy paying their student loan 😂😂😂
Have you checked out the prices of other bikes on the market now,what your saying is a bunch of crap,new goldwing 38,000 ,new bmw same,ducati pricey for what you get,they are all expensive if you want new,consider a good use unit and enjoy.
I have 6 figure student loan debt... I ride a Triumph Speed Triple. You want to ride, you find a way. That said, I don't consider them toys, bikes are how I get around.
Especially when they took those student loans just to be indoctrinated by liberals and major in gender studies which means they're never going to get a job
Millennial with six-figure student loans here. I ride a Harley, but it's a 24-year old Sportster 1200 I got for $2K lol. I love riding it because it's tons of fun to ride, but the 40 mpg is a huge plus.
@Ryan T For real you actually believe that, wow for a educated guy you say the dumbest things, a used beamer is cheap, they look gross and sound even worst , and if you buy a new one which are pricey ,in 5 years it's worth less then half,what a bummer for beamer lovers,but that's what you get when you ride those bikes. I would take a used goldwing over a bmw any day of the week,oh man listen to me im sorry,did you mean you ride the little yuppi bmw like GI joe. so sorry i tough you rode touring and cruisers,my bad.
Harleys are the perfect metaphore for the US, old, arrogent, outdated, inefficent superceeded and about to be in foreign hands
@Vinay Paul ooooh offended American
@Vinay Paul weird those companies are maintained by foreigners you americans just take credit all the time
@Vinay Paul i'd rather buy a japanese or european sportsbike than to buy a harley old davidson
Michael Jones....you summed it up perfectly...outmoded and outdated. The only way to stay ahead is by bullying
South Park is the real reason for the fall
"Harleys are big..." *shows a Sportster "... and inherently american" *shows a Kawasaki Vulcan Troll mode on))
"Harleys are fast"
james kayenpaibam lol, My dad owns one (1600) , and it’s a sloth compared to my Kawasaki 😂
james kayenpaibam yeah. That one cracked me up.
And fast, shows a Harley Davidson .....😂👌Boooooooooooom TKO.....!
Thanks for noticing this. We don’t care what you ride in our club as long as you can keep up! That’s our Founder, James Disciple Johnson on his Kawasaki Vulcan 900. That bike was insanely fast with big tall gears that made it faster off the line than bikes twice the size. And dependable too. Man we abuse the heck out of these Japanese machines. Retrow~Founding Member, Disciple Christian MC
Prices and over reliance on brand recognition has severely hurt Harley Davidson
Greatest motorcycles in the world my arse.
Could be piles?
Well then keep to cars if you can’t accept the truth
@@tuberdumb7377 I know you´re young and everybody has dreams, i always wanted a Ferrari f.e., to be honest, I would never buy it, overpriced and more important, very unreliable... But back to HD, so is it that they are so great because they are battling to save the company from bankrupsy for many many yrs now and needed help from the gouvernment twice? Pls think about it... Btw, Happy Gilmore doesn´t have to stick with cars, there are fortunately lots more companys then HD. Just save your money and buy HD if you like, but truth is that HD is by far not the best motorcycle, I don´t wanna offend you but tell the truth. You said you´ve never ridden a Triumph, you should try, they make very modern and reliable motorcycles with that all very detailed retro looks. One more thing, living here in Austria in the alps a HD would be a no go, if i´d live in the US with flat straight roads that maybe would be an option, guess prices are also better on HD in the US... KR from Austria
My grandfather got me into riding, but even back then he wasn't riding Harleys, he was riding hondas in the 80s-2000s, and I personally ride a honda rebel.
The bikes in the "Wild Ones" were mostly if not all British bikes like Triumph and BSA.
SHHHHHH
If the Triumph was good enough for Marlin Brando, Steve McQueen and Billy Idol…..Its plenty good for me!
Lee Marvin's crew rode Harleys. They were the bad guys.
Yup
You r so right
Yesterday’s technology at tommorows prices. HD
Damn. Most accurate comment yet.
EddieV said this, you’re irrelevant.
True af
Same with GM and Boeing. America was unable to make the transition to computerised manufacturing. There are some who can handle cnc machining (see OCC, Red Jacket reruns). But, there must be a complete makeover. See youtube for reports on how Boeing 's subcontractors were still using felt pens and handdrills on parts.
Harley Davidson in a nutshell
Bikes are put together in the us but the brakes and clutch are imported from Italy, the engine pistons are made in Austria, the bike suspension comes from Japan, and other electronic components originate in Mexico and China.
I remember how popular Harley was in the late 90s and early 2000. Everybody wanted one. But the supply was short of demand, which made people want it that much more. Then Harley flooded the market with bikes, which drove down the resale value. Then they become less appealing to people.
Major flaw Marlon Brando in the Wild One rode a Triumph.
And Lee Marvins gang rides Harleys.
Correct... A Triumph Thunderbird... And if one looks they can see Matchless motorcycles as well... No.... They where not all Harley Davidsons... Sorry folks...
Indeed. But he did his promotional photos for it on a red Moto Guzzi Falcone.
I was wondering how long it would take for somebody to point that out.
The reason I don’t like Harley Davidson is because of the body of the bike. I like Kawasaki bikes better. HD just has an older look to me, which turns me away.
I ride a KLR 650 a dual sport is a more practical choice than a big heavy ass street only bike .
@@unclequack5445 oh yeah, I use my 06 KLR 650 to go to work, and pretty much everywhere Else
@Stan M You're correct. I even like the type of bike (I really, really want an Indian Scout Bobber), but they have created themselves an major image problem.
If you're into your Kwakas, let me say the Vulcan S is a beautiful bike.
the wild one, Marlon Brando uses a British made triumph...and that's a real bike
I think Harley Bike prices are outrageous. I can get a R1M or BMW 1000SS and be left with some money for upgrading
I've been a harley davidson fan my whole life. But the last time I went into a dealership to look at some clothes the price had me walk right back out again. I wanted a hoodie but the cheapest one i saw was $60. Are you kidding me? Then i decided to look at other products and thought no wonder they are on their way out. Way over priced for clothes. I even seen a t shirt for $40. I'll pass
And the shirts they use or made in China
Your not lieing ,it is all even marked ,"made in China" on the inside. I'm a Yamaha owner, but my wife wanted to check out the apparel ,I about died in the store lol. On top of that, I had just bought new hand grips from a small motorcycle shop near me,payed 16 bucks, I found the exact same grips in the HD dealership, same brand and all,they had them priced at 89 bucks.
Rick Simpson they are priced for dummies 🤣
@Rick Simpson when harley dies off and goes bankrupt because no one wants to buy their overpriced pos, then I wanna see you say "they dont want you either" cause they'll be BEGGING for you to come and buy their products lmao
How much part exchange towards your old hoodie did they offer.
I travel for a living and find myself in every HD store I come across. Mostly looking for cool clothes and check out what's new. These bikes are now into the 40ks and it is crazy to me. Even the house t-shirts are crazy. 35 dollars for a base t-shirt. Are you crazy. Just because it says HD on it. Everything over priced. Even the discounted sale clothing is crazy. They did this to themselves. I have 2 bikes and am proud to own them and drive them. It is just too much for the average person to keep up with the pricing.
Steven Benedict ill never buy Harley cloths again! Made in China! Too much greed, out sourcing from a cheaper place! I am pulling away from China’s cheap ass quality shit!
@@billmart67 Just like over 50% of the parts used to make the bikes.
A good idea would be to produce bikes that are engineered better (and no, the livewire does not count. It only lasts for like 200 miles), while also making the classic style of bike. One mega problem that Harley's have is that the bikes are air-cooled, where the rest of the industry has liquid-cooled bikes. This is mostly why they can't be used for commuting, especially in the summer. They need to take small steps now in order to survive in the long run.
The harley scene is bigger and more diverse now than it ever was
She said “fast”😂😂😂😆
Guten Tag No, not really. They have torque but are not fast
Harleys fast lol. I'm a harley guy and I have raced them. The sad thing is we make fun of kids for spending a million bucks to make a honda civic fast and we do same with harleys lol
Fast yes depending on the model and up grades, quick no they are not quick but I will put my Harley up against a crotch rocket but not through the 1/4 mile I am talking Phoenix to Las Vegas.
@@1979bobhd most people will never understand
Yeah, okay... "fast" is relative; compared to a moped, Harley's are fast, yes.
Ain't nobody talking about mopeds when such engines are talked about.
3rdVoid Men harleys are in no way fast unless you put ridiculous money into it, word fast is something HD doesn’t understand or know
@@pmp2559 I am no HD fanboy but Harley's compared to mopeds is unfair.
@@3rdvoidmen594 maybe but HD are in no way fast still. I did like that one bike from them that Porsche helped making the engine for, but still way over priced.
Harleys are cruisers dude there not about maximum speed...you either get it or you dont.
harleys back in the 1980s only cost like $4k-$7k, now they are about $15-$50k
Dude knows how to read price over time. F*chen brilliant!
All their issues are resuming into a single one : the price. Even compared with european competitors as Bmw or Triumph.
I bought a triumph speedmaster cheaper than a Harley down payment, screw Harley Davidson
Harley Shmarley, Triumph is where it's at.
To get a well made bike, you pay a steeper price
@@grren1782 Exactly! You get a BMW.
@@sunnyvalejedi if I wanted to ride on something that was going to break that quickly I'd buy a Ducati and at least go fast in the process
I’ve just seen a really good documentary by fortnine on this exact subject. KZhead must have thought I wasn’t paying attention and needed more lessons on it.
Used to have 3 HD's in 35 years of time, now I ride an Indian Chief Vintage and love it.
I personally love its styling, not speed.. the comfort not the exclusivity.. That's why I'm more comfortable of building a custom bike as it's relatively cheaper
This seems like a pretty simple fix to me. If you look thru these comments, you'll find about 80% of them say that the bikes are too expensive. This isn't a secret. Everybody knows Harley is too expensive. They need to stop the denial of "people just don't want to ride big baggers anymore, so let's offer more options." Well, yes they do, they just don't want their bike to cost more than their house. Change the sale price and lower operating costs to keep profit high.
Also make it a bit reliable
Actually, my beef is six months waiting on a part.
The movie that started it all was “The Wild Ones”. It stared Marlon Brando. He and his gang rode Triumphs.
The Star of the film, the Icon was Brando, and he rode, with his race trophy on his Triumph Thunderbird handle bars...Not a Harley Pedalson.
@Crazy Elf BOOZE FIGHTERS!
Actually the movie that I think of when I see guys on Harleys is "Little Shop of Horrors" . . .and Steve Martin singing the Dentist Song.
HD had a large contract with law enforce and they were the coolest cop bikes ever. I know one retired officer that told me riding on the 1200 Police Special permanently harmed his back and knees since these were not recreational rides , but career and up to 10 hours per day. Ergonomics and maintenance costs had agencies looking at Kawasaki as far back as 1975. No doubt losing the cop contract hurt HD bottom line for HD.
Just bought a Sport Glide - best bike I have ever ridden!
A motorcycle no one can afford,, that is their motto still exist today,,
@Club Soda I'm from Pennsylvania so...always. 🙃
Amazing how Americans still see a Harley as the working mans bike and a BMW as a dentist bike, even if a brand new maxed out GS is still cheaper than some lame ass freedom reeking Harley.
It was predominantly British bikes in the Wild One, and Brando's starring ride was definitely a Triumph, NOT a Harley Davidson.
That is the same thought that occurred to me when watching this video.
Honestly, save your time and just go watch Fortnine’s video on this.
Thats one hell of voice mr googles