HD to layoff 1,100 and close some facilities

Somewhat, I know young guys looking to get HD's. But mainly I have seen guys saving up for years to finally afford a new HD. By the time they can afford it, young isn't exactly descriptive.

One of the biggest problems HD faces will curtail much of the customization that goes on with HD's today (and consequently much of the appeal). That's the performance parts / exhaust business. Many of the EPA regulation will limit or prohibit changes to the engine, exhaust and fuel management system. As bike emission standards start to get stricter (and enforced) across the USA (and in other countries), you'll see HD having to make a lot of changes to their engine and fuel management design.

In all likelyhood, ALL motorcycles will come with EFI systems in the not too distant future. Having 50 year old engine designs will not cut it with emerging emissions standards - unless they slap an ugly old catalytic converter on the exhaust system...

HD's don't seem to appeal to the younger riders - they are becoming more 'middle-age crisis' status symbol these days.

I do agree about the HD age - that same thing applies to most of the vintage Japanese bike owners too... I would say the average age of our customers is in the early 50's.

im getting close to being on schedule!:laugh:

speak up will ya ,and don't talk so fast...

Hmmmm..... I think I resemble that remark!

The only bikes that HD makes today that would even entice a young person to buy would be a Sportster or a V-Rod. And when you consider all the other options available at much lower price from the competition it is hard to believe that anyone buys them. Without major modification a Sportster in my opinion is a womans entry level bike. I have owned many HD's in my life. Early models are rolling works of art. Even the old AMF Sporty's have their place in history. But to me over the last two decades I fail to see the statement that this company once made. The HD lifestyle is long gone and the new HD lifestyle is broke. It will be fun to watch these newer models get chopped up as they come out of the garages of those who cannot afford them. I wouldnt be suprized in the tough economy ahead to see a new HD lifestyle emerge.Just My Opinion...Russ

Russ Jackson wrote:

The only bikes that HD makes today that would even entice a young person to buy would be a Sportster or a V-Rod.

The XR1200 looks awfully good...

tjhiggin wrote:

Russ Jackson wrote:

The only bikes that HD makes today that would even entice a young person to buy would be a Sportster or a V-Rod.

The XR1200 looks awfully good...

Doesn't look bad but I think they sell for almost $15,000 and quarter in just under 12.5 seconds. You could buy a 2009 V-Max and beat it by 3 seconds for about the same price. And the V-Max is better looking...Russ

And the V-Max is better looking.

:blink: :dry: :woohoo:
You were doing okay until that statement, Russ.

The older Vmax's were better looking.

I think the nightstalker is a pretty bike.

Most Harleys are still air cooled. Except the revolution engine. This makes them louder. My understanding is emissions standads are caculated with noise as well as exhaust. This will kill the hardcore harley buyer's sales.
Just like most business today, they will have to change or adapt or say good bye.
Harley sells more t shirts than bikes. In my area all dealerships have moved to the 400 series highways (same as interstate freeways) from the cities. That is to sell clothes and stuff not bikes. Why open a bike shop on a 4-6 lane road? If they go under it will be there own doing. I still favour older bikes/cars (kaw or harley or vw or ford or???) for pleasure vechiles. IMO low technology = easy to maintain and repair!!!