Harley Davidson's NEXT BIG MISTAKE - X350 and X350RA Chinese QJ Motorcycles
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 พ.ย. 2024
- As if the failed India based HD Street motorcycles weren't bad enough, the American Motor Company has now decided to partner with Chinese Qianjiang Motorcycle Co to try their hands at another Harley badged small displacement motorcycle. If at first you don't succeed, fail, fail again. I don't mean to keep ragging on Harley Davidson, but it's hard not to right now...
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51 years of riding, exactly 40 motorcycles owned. Two Harleys and five {real} Triumphs among them. And two Blasts, I've never loved a bike more. So .... Harley has to do SOMETHING - a company can't have $14,000 "starter" bikes. Their core base will hate this and that's fine, it's not made for them anyway. And that same core base is busy aging out or DYING, so they matter less every day anyway. IF this sells for less than five grand {and it will have to}, it may have a shot. If it's more than a Rebel 300 {had one} or more than some Enfields, don't waste your time. The other major problem is that the REMAINING Harley dealers {and they're dropping like flies, that should tell you something} will actually have to WANT to sell this bike {doubtful}. The contempt they had for Blasts, and Buells in general, literally seeped out of their pores. If they hate this bike too, no chance.
My thought behind it is, why waste your money on a cheap starter bike that you're just going to want to upgrade from after one riding season? Harley-Davidson's current cheapest bike is the Nightster which starts at 13.5k. There is a little bit of a Harley tax but the price is pretty competitive when compared to other bikes of similar performance. Could I get a $6,000 bike to start? Absolutely, but I'm probably going to trade it in for a $15,000 one next year anyways. I've rode the x350 and it was horrible. The only person that I might recommend it to would be a preteen or young teenager. I'm not a big "Harley-Davidson brother" but I'm happy with the Nightster for my first bike.
I know lots of people who have Honda Rebels 250 + 450 that they ride everyday for regular Transportation because I see them in parking lots. As well as motorcycle events. I learn how to ride a motorcycle on a Honda 185 TwinStar which was the direct ancestor of the Honda Rebel pray with my learner's permit I rode 36,000 miles in the State of Florida in a year. War the little bike out. It introduced me to the pleasure of Life on two wheels. They had a picture of a guy's antique BMW collection in our newsletter. There was a black Honda Twinstar in that collection. He kept his first motorcycle. The Honda shop gave me $300 for my old bike and rebuilt it and sold it to a lady. I saw it in a parking lot and I told her that was my old motorcycle and she said that she learned how to ride on it and she was going to teach her daughter how to ride on it. God knows how many people got introduced to the pleasure of riding on two wheels from that nice little motorcycle.
The Buell Lightening was a great bike!!
All Buells are great bikes IMO
Well, Harley Davidson has launched X440 which was developed by Hero MotoCorp with Assistance from Harley.
X440 is Indian Made.
You could be right or wrong. Motorcycle tastes are changing. Harley-Davidson has a good dealer network to sell these as entry level bikes. These are better NOT being a V-twin. They are NOT trying to be "real" Harleys, which was the BIG mistake of the Street line. Many old guys who want to keep riding can't handle a 600-800 lb Hog anymore. Younger people don't one one. But a zippy little 350 or 500 Harley might just be the ticket for both. Time will tell. It will all depend on price though.
If i want a quick and nimble bike, i'll go for Honda and Yamaha. HD's identity is not quick and nimble. They should develop cruiser and modern retros which are somewhat quick but retains that old charm. Learn from what Royal Enfield did.
The United States will never reject a Harley Davidson Badged machine. Royal Enfield is making a huge impression quite suddenly tho and upon the entire Global Industry for two wheels and a handle bar. Honda remains the only Industry Player to have taken note of that so you are spot on right with that view here.
I like the Buell Blast I got paid a $50 gift certificate to ride a Buell and I rode a blast because it was more my style and it was nice little bike but at $5,000 it was $1,000 overpriced. Plus because it was a fuel it was considered a sport bike and the insurance with twice as much as my 883 Sportster.
Needs to be priced closer to 5k to be really successful (with limited dealer fees). Royal Enfield has proven that 350-650 cc bikes will sell in the US. And sell very well... HD needs this X350 or something in the showroom soon. There are a ton of experienced and newer riders that would consider this bike if it is priced a grand less than an Interceptor. HD needs to consider it a price leader and not a big profit sale... get people in the store and considering one. Be inviting to those that have no need to dress like a pirate to ride a motorcycle... forget what the current buyer thinks... he can walk past the lowly 350 as he plants his ass on a full dresser that is less motorcycle than it is a mini van.
There are two different types of riders.
1. Those who would ride a dirty bike.
2. Those who wouldn't.
The second group enjoys customising and cleaning their bikes just as much as riding it.
You obviously dont belong in the second group otherwise you would understand when a new bike comes out with hundreds of OEM aftermarket aaccessories ready for the market, each of which has taken $$$ in design & R&D, that cost is partly put on the price of the motorycle itself.
Good luck finding customising parts for a brand new italian or japanese bike. Thats why harley has a following unlike any other. Something you will never understand.
Definitely don't look at any of my other videos then. You might find customized dirty motorcycles. And are you claiming that the X350 has hundreds of OEM accessories available?
@@RidgeRoamer That goes without a saying. I have already hit the "don't recommend the channel" option.
And you took a swing at all Harleys with that juvenile "dollar per HP" comment. Try customizing a newly introduced Japanese bike & you will instantly learn the value of hundreds of OEM custom parts made available by the manufacturer almost immediately after the bike is introduced.
@xxARAtaixx I've owned dozens of bikes, from almost every manufacturer, including Harleys. Never had a problem finding parts to customize and accessorize any of them. And you can't argue that Harley Davidson offers some of the most expensive AND lowest performance bikes on the market. That's just fact. Thanks for watching and commenting!
So they're going to try to sell that bike at the same price as you can buy a Royal Enfield Interceptor and probably a swm Stormbreaker copy of a Sportster. I want some of whatever they are smoking at corporate Harley-Davidson because it must be some really good shit.
I think it looks sharp and is a bit nicer than the Honda CB300.
Price will be everything.
Sounds like the British Government may now be on the Harley Board😁
9 HDs over 30+ years and I am thrilled the MoCo has a 350 - about time! The rest of the cycling world can't make enough 350s fast enough. Today's riders NEED a less than $5000 choice and dependable, simple transpo.
Besides, light nimble bikes are FUN!
I'm going to reject it just because it's Chinese
Honda had a 350 scrambler in the late 60's and 70's Great little bike that ran forever.
probably you should test the engine first... that little engine is amazing... it comes in the 302 Benelli, and its a variation of what the Leoncino and TRK 500 have... they are fun, revvy, and very very reliable engines...
I had to ride one of those for my basic riders course at the Harley dealer. I absolutely hated everything about it. It probably didn't help that I'm 6'2" and my knees were jammed into the engine guards they had on the bike ...
Hd being underpowered is arguable. Everything else I agree with. For me... Three line is drawn at being made in china.
Can't wait for the release of the X350 CVO.
The small capacity motorcycle market has a lot of good priced bikes, HD need to match or be cheaper.
There is no way I would buy any bike that is made in China, nor would I buy any bike that associates manufacturing with China, Does Harley not know that we are all but at war with China. Anyway no I would not buy one of these bikes for quality and political reasons and for Harley not been Loyal to such a loyal customer base. Better bike for this class are the Royal Enfield, They are made in India they are Indian owned. However, they are designed in England by some very talented sniped Engineers from Triumph. Also Royal Enfield bought Harris Performance in England to design their frames hairs performance has a long history of frame racing design. Royal Enfield's are less expensive than Japanese bikes maybe a bit less refined than Japanese but that is what gives them Character, IMO Motorcycles lack character these days. I love my Royal 650. Oh, I'm not ripping on Japanese bikes they are really really really good bikes, So are Triumphs and Royal Enfield so are Harley but Harley just seems to be out to gouge a great Loyal Customer base. You asked. :-) Cheers.
Well what about X440 (Also Made in India)
@@srikrishna2561 I am ok with India but Harley has already associated them selves with a Chinese manufacture, so no to all Harleys no matter what, there are lots of other motorcycles the do not do any manufacturing in China. Those bikes are both Chinese designed bikes with Harley's name on them. They are a rip off, I would feel much better if they designed the bike and was only manufactured in China but I would still boycott Harley for that but the fact that they are Chinese designed motorcycles and Harley is putting their name on it only and raising the price and the people are not getting and better quality, that speaks to Harleys business practice, very similar to Apple charge too much, look for other ways to charge them more and rip off a very loyal following, there is a reason why Harley is struggling yet again
If Harley-Davidson where to make all their bikes in China the quality might drastically improved.
I would rather buy a Stormbreaker. It is going to come and cheaper than the price Harley would charge for the 350. Harley is going to tack on a couple of thousand dollars on to every one of those 350 motorcycles just for the name on the tank. A hugely expensive beginner motorcycle with a Harley sticker on it probably in the eight or nine thousand dollar range. Meanwhile you can buy to Royal Enfield 350 meteors for that kind of money. You can get a Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor for less money than the Chinese 350 Harley will be. Are they pathetic or what?
the dealer fees is the biggest turn off with any new bike Honda included. If the a honda grom is $3500 after tax and fees its over $5,000. I myself like the smaller bikes and think its a good idea on there end to go with these 2 bikes the 350 and 500. As far as American roads not geared for small bikes that is very true. Hopefully the U.S. changes there roadways the states are given money every 5 to 10years to fix roads. Make roads slower and less lanes force people to ride more bicycles, motorcycles, and mass transit. If the roadways here were like the roadways in Amsterdam and Oslo alot more people would feel safer and ditch there cars for walking , cycling, e biking and yes motorcycles too. These bikes Harley is offering is a good move in my opinion. especially the styling of them!
As regards the 'All American' V-Twins, you might like to check out the Harley-Davidson manufacturing relationship with ZONGSHEN of China. (The latter being one of the largest motorcycle engine manufacturers in China).
I would never buy one and tell everyone I know who is interested in buying...not to buy the China Davidson.
China Davidson means a Harley-Davidson who has a seal of approval for better quality by Consumer Reports.
A Harley-Davidson that is more reliable than it’s American made counterparts.
A China Davidson means a Harley-Davidson with no leaks.
@@Embargoman Your right....we should help support China's economy cause they support our........hold on, they don't/
Harley bikes are good man. Just the paint job is expensive- try doing it yourself I can bet it cost more.
The x350 is not meant to attract "dyed in the wool HD fans". Its meant for new riders. Time will tell
Yep I agree everything you say.
I hate HD butt disagree, the 350cc range might be just the thing to reinvigorate sales. Or not?
Best looking Harley.
buy harley and get speed? you buy harley you buy sound engine and exhaust haha
Bring back the 883 Sporty for $5995
If they do release it in the US they're insane, for all the reasons above. It could work in Europe, but only if it's really cheap, which it won't be.
At least they are trying! But you are right it will be way over priced, Harley is all about ripping americans off . If they could just do a smaller lighter harley and do it at a reasonable price ie compete with Japanese bikes they blow the market away. People are tired of heavy bikes for the most part the old sturgis group of riders is dieing out. Harley really needs to get serious about changing.
just bring back the buel and make it perform
i will buy one
I'm going to change brands
Spoken like someone that has never owned a Harley. When you compare Harley touring bikes to import touring bikes, like the Kaw Vulcans, and Yamaha Roadmasters, and Indians, then you compare apples to apples.
I'd ride one
It makes sense. It's a training bike. It's for the kid with no money wants something like his dad.
Is Indian just as guilty for the overinflated charges? Based on their name?
Maybe somewhat, but not anywhere close to what Harley does.
I haven't experienced inflated bike prices from dealers, but Indian accessories are high. I always look for aftermarket accessories, compare price and quality then decide which to purchase.