you can't fire a board of directors. The board can fire the CEO. The board consists of stockholders. Are you going to take their stock from them? Wouldn't that be communism?
The HD letter is lip service... blaming the consumer.....HD needs to get rid of the CEO and look closely at who is on the board. Build motorcycles and stay out of politics.
Yeah, blaming the customer really pissed me off. Sure, it's our fault that we disagree with an agenda that is 100% out of alignment with the riding community.
MrCcruth1969, Actually you can blame your current CEO and Board of Directors for DESTROYING an iconic American company. The boycott is the direct result of their STUPIDITY! 👌
@@officialwildcardadventuresCEO is a moron, and he needs to be replaced with someone who embraces what Harley Davidson is, with a view to the future and ahold of heritage. Would truly enjoy a veteran on the board.
They need to keep the manufacturing here in America period. Bring down the cost of entry-level bikes, and dealers need to service all of their bikes no matter how old.
HDs have always been overpriced, poorly designed, horrid performance..it's only with the new DEI giving the excuse to bail which frankly is fine. The ironic part is the move isn't going to attract new or more progressive riders for the reasons stated above....it's almost like nostalgia and "America" are not viable sales strategies.
This goes deeper than just extreme DEI. That was just the final straw for a lot of us. Jochen Zeitz needed to be fired for decisions he's been making for years now.
Here's the thing. All companies that have them put their shareholders before their customers. Ask anyone in finance, the only fiduciary responsibility they have is to the shareholders.
Consumers, start buying stock, even if it's one or two shares a week, we'll eventually take the company back. Set the board's salaries 100k/year CEO at 200k. Only elect board members that own and ride.
Individual investors are not going to wrest control of Harley from the institutional investors. And even if they could, those millions of people could not agree on which direction to take the company. The way capitalism works is people vote with their wallets. Where the biggest cohort of consumers go, the company necessarily follows. The company may try to resist temporarily, to pursue some idealistic notion of corporate activism, but ultimately resistance is futile. The market will decide.
@@logangodofcandy Ludicrous executive remuneration packages have nothing to do with capitalism. And just because you pay more doesn't mean that you get more for your money.
It's sad that EVERYTHING has become political, it's just sad. What beer you drink, what bike you ride, what movies you like, where you shop, it's all political and divides us
The CEO needs to get the same treatment as any other employee in the company responsible for such a large F-up. What makes this guy any more important than a line worker assembling triple tree's? CEOS ARE JUST AS EXPENDABLE, HD would have redeemed themselves a helluva lot more if that was their response to this mess. FIRE HIS ASS! IVE LOST WORK OVER MUCH LESS SCREWUP IN MY LIFE THAN THIS GUY! HES NOT SPECIAL!!
Saw a really good video from the perspective of an Indian salesperson; he explained how auction prices are currently so low on HDs, used inventories on their bikes are so high, and so many people are under water on their new expensive HD bikes that the market is saturated/people aren't going to be able to offload their HDs easily. That said - his recommendations were: 1) don't hurt your local dealerships - if you can spend money that doesn't go to corporate, great. 2) HD makes tons of cash on their other products - stop buying/wearing/supporting their giant merch industry, their loan services, etc 3) de-badging/covering up is another alternative if someone wants to dump their bike but can't afford to.
Just remember Harley heritage will remain. Think about your favorite Harley. If the company becomes another AMF disaster, that older bike will still be great. HD will recover. How long it takes is up to them. There are plenty of aftermarket companies selling parts. Next, HD will lobby against THOSE companies instead of embracing competition.
@roc20621 Yes, it was a great video with an overall positive message towards HD. He never once took a stab at the brand or it's riders, but rather informing the current market situation on used HD's as well as other brands and the challenges and risk dealers are under pressure at the current moment. It was done with some class and respect. I traded my RGS in for a Chieftain limited 2 years ago and absolutely enjoy it. I, too, hope to see HD riders continue to ride and keep their bikes and support their local shops. Hopefully, we will see HD make the necessary changes that acknowledge and respect their core customers' loyalty.
No - people all over the world ride Harleys and understand the purpose and rationale of why we ride. Sure each person has their own reasons but the overall feeling is we ride for fun, to relax and do something alone that still lets you connect with people. When one Harley rider meets another no explanation is needed - we just ride. Don't care who you are, how much money you make or who you sleep with. Just ride. Someone who understands this is who should be CEO - like the old shirt read - Shut Up and Ride !!
Sorry, not sorry. They aren't changing. They are lying, because uninformed people will just fall in line. The new CEO is terrible for this company. People love the scout line. It's huge right now. It's selling, because people like it, not because it's an Indian. HD needs to do this. Make what people want. Lower price bikes, more options on the lower end.
The CEO of any American company absolutely does NOT have to know the customer base. It's likely that no one ever even knows a company's true politics anyway. They only want to create an image. HD hasn't been the biker bro friend for alot longer than 2013, brother. Those bikes have been at a price point that the 70s biker couldn't comfortably since the 90s. And man, those ppl who have bought 9, 10 bikes from Harley... ain't looking to buy another. Cause they ain't ridin much anymore. Plain and simple... Harley tried something to bring in new riders and sell bikes. Didn't work not because they weren't "staying true to their customer base", but because young riders don't have the $$ it takes to own a $40,000 motorcycle.
Unfortunately Indian motorcycles is not an option either. Polaris, the parent compay of Indian, is heavy into the DEI movement as well. We need to help HD and Indian learn from their missteps. Carrot and stick method.
Not true. A bunch of white crybabies claimed the Indian Warbonnet logo was cultural appropriation. A bunch of American Indians said, "No way" and tons of Native Americans LOVE Indian Motorcycles and often choose them over Harley Davidson. See REDRUM MC. Jason Momoa is a member of that club. I'm not outing him as a member because he has been vocal about it. See Demon's Row Podcast, see Cliff NYC REDRUM MC. L&R to everyone out there keeping freedom alive AND fighting for it!
I disagree with people who keep saying “He doesn’t know the people of Harley Davidson.” He knows very well the customer base of Harley Davidson, so let’s not kid ourselves here.
I bought a 2023 Road Glide from a Dealership in CA 6 days ago and basically was not treated like i felt I would have if i was a different ethnicity..didn't get not one free item nor RING the bell...wow!!
What I wonder and no one is addressing fully, how much stock does Vangaurd own, do they have a controlling shareand are they the ones pushing this? Because if the stock holders and board members are on the same side it will be almost impossible to undo this.
Stockholders, board members and investment firms like Vanguard and Blackrock ultimately have to answer to consumers, who are the source of their money and power.
I agree with you. Personally, I put little faith in HD corporate so long as the CEO and members of the BoD are in favor of DEI practices. As for LGTB support, thats on them and while I do not support that group I do support the company’s right to if thats what they and the shareholders want. Bigger concern is the transition to all electric within the next 5 yrs or so. Will they stop servicing today’s bikes because they no longer fit the company’s standards for climate control? Its very possible. Maybe not in year one or two, but it can certainly happen. My understanding is they already do not work on their own brands that are of a certain age, so why not stop working on non-electric motorcycles too? Look at what Polaris did with Victory? It’s not beyond a company to just close the doors on their consumers. Just something to consider.
The company I work for implements a DEI program but they gave us a course to learn about what they do. Its basically saying that it doesn’t effect front line, ground level employees. Its more for the corporate culture. They still hire people based on work background and experience. They are just not allowed to push aside any potential candidates based on personal aspects. It really hasn’t effected anyone in my company. For Harley, I believe it was about money and appeasing the corporate watch dogs
The statement also says that DEI is essentially baked into their corporate culture whether they have an official department titled as such. Along with using various demographics as a litmus test in hiring corporate positions they are really looking at the candidates worldview. That is how "woke" activities become the default. The CEO's own environmental footprint isn't likely to change any time soon.
Proof is in what they actually do next HD BOD & CEO have done serious damage to the brand. I just did a 2600 mile trip on my SG and my friends and I stopped at a half dozen HD dealerships all were ghost towns. Spoke to one of the dealerships people they are pissed about all the DEI stuff and it’s hurting them big time
I think it's hilarious that people will boycott HD because of their support of DEI and LGBT, but will keep riding when they have extemely poor quality and reliability.
@@jmh4gggI'm not really a Harley supporter, but I think that reliability issue mostly went away Years ago with the evo engine. They are overpriced, but the free market system sets the prices. Sadly wealthy people got into riding a while back and caused that.
@@chrishoesing5455 When did wealthy people riding Harleys hurt YOU!? Hint: They don’t. If you’re purposely NOT buying the product and supporting an American legend with your boycott attitude, it’s you!
Too late, I already traded my 21 Road Glide limited for a new Indian Challenger. They did this to themselves, and the only way things will change is when sales start to drop.
DEI is still on their website. Anyone can verify this. See their sustainability page. It is still there. BTW Indian is woke too. Look up Polaris statements on their website. Further, Indian banned the colorized logo for DEI reasons.
Harley turned into a fashion show years ago! Use to pickup a new t shirt every now and then,but can't even afford one now much less a new bike ! Guess I'm stuck in the 60's,think I will just stay Old School!
I hear you. Tshirts for $40 to $50. Ball caps for $35. Button down or polo shirts for $90 to $110. They lost their minds nowadays. I pretty much cut out buying gear and merchandise there. I used to buy a ton of clothes and other things when the prices were more "reasonable." Also, the quality of the t shirts is awful now: they shrink on the first wash by at least one size, and the material feels cheap. The graphics on the shirts are mostly boring too.
@@RoadKing-ky2bs yep, the quality went way down. Back in the early 80s you could get a pair of pants and T-shirt that would last and were more durable. That use to be a thing to do on a weekend or vacation,ride out to different states and grab a new shirt from various dealers .I feel like the quality in most everything is at about 10 percent of what it use to be. Don't really care for the newer bikes either. Use to be able to fix things on the side of the road to ride it back home to work on it,but now with all the new technology designed into them you have to have a rollback on speed dial. Don't get me wrong they maybe nice but when the new wears off and you get stranded off somewhere the thrill is gone . I could go on &on but I think you already know ! Stay safe
If you 100% avoided companies with DEI, you would have to build your own things from your own raw materials. My local HD was packed this past weekend as they had a special event.
@@logangodofcandyYou can't avoid it that's the point. No longer liking a company that says they are going to continue having the best work force as possible along with it being diverse just means you want to keep it white, which is has been historically. So what exactly is the issue. If everyone is the best at their job that they hire what's wrong?
I debadged my 2 1/2 year old Heritage Softail. It just did not want to be a Harley anymore, and who am I to tell it what it should be? It has indicated to me that its pronouns are Vespa, and Moped, and it is asking for a Vespa Decal, but I am stalling a little to see if it changes its mind. I also have a 30 year old Fatboy that seems perfectly happy to remain a Harley, so I'm happy about that.
this American company has made me angry with their practicing of DEI, which all major companies do now. So as a statement about my discontent, the next time I need to drop 30K on a motorcycle I'm gonna send my money to India." That's how folks sound. Harley losing market share has very little to do with DEI and more to do with making crappy bikes and not innovating. Not to mention their "core customer base" is... dying off. They certainly aren't buying a lot of bikes. Trikes? Maybe. Bikes? Not so much.
If you don't think racism is practiced everyday in some form in this country you've been living under a rock. The racism that people of color have to deal with in places where there is a small population of color are ridiculous. Your Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and many more places where people of color are discriminated against all the time. There definitely needs to be diversity training because you have people that have never associated with a person of color and they strictly follow stereotypes. There's a reason why there are discrimination lawsuits going on all the time.
You seem like a reasonable person. I am curious, would you be able to be friends with someone who disagreed with 80% of your politics. At the end of the day, it is normal for people to disagree on things, but what's important is for people to still accept eachother as Americans and humans and be able respect eachother despite the difference of opinions. I am a center left kind of Harley enthusiast but I am always open to friendships with all kinds of good decent human beings.
I can say one thing to you. Would you be alright with people crossing the border with drugs and the intent to kill people? Well, that's what we are living with right now. That's my political statement.
You could be friends with a genocidal communists or hardcore racists, or people supporting child sexual abuse? You can't be friends with evil. Stop calling the people that want America to be communist China "Americans." They aren't and they hate America.
It's easy to be friends with people on opposite sides of the political spectrum, as long as you don't bring up politics and instead focus on the things you have in common. When the things you have in common (like motorcycles or movies or whatever) are run by companies, they need to stay neutral too. Take for example Star Wars, which has become a huge culture war wedge since Disney bought and wokified it. Now the right can't stand it and the left feels the need to defend it on idealogical grounds. That was not the case with the original trilogy in the 70s-80s. Everybody went into the theater and sat down and loved the show. Nobody had any idea what political leanings of the person next to them held, nor the director, nor the actors. It was neutral ground. And we need a lot more of that in the USA.
@@jakeviolet2195 Agreed......a divided country is what they want. In that way, they have been successful. The more propaganda they push, the more successful they become.
Was doing some price checking on parts. and they have raised their prices about 20% from the most recent big book within the last month. Really bad timing.
The Moco has donated around 5 million annually to the murdered warrior project and also to Hanxs helping veterans not to mention the countless millions they have spent on kids programs promoting STEM and trades. But let's forget about all that for the pennies that they spent on the so-called woke initiatives
I won’t get rid of my current motorcycle. BUT I will not spend another penny on anything Harley Davison. No clothes trinkets etc. I will deal with the shop while I still have a warranty but in my opinion the aftermarket has better options and local shops do better work at a better price.
We live in a diverse country. The American Constitution guarantees it. Harley will find a cheaper place to assemble their machines and would-be ‘blue collar’ bikers who’ve chosen the ‘rebel’ lifestyle will continue buying and riding overpriced dinosaurs. Just my opinion.
Nobody hires just because your skin color or your sexual orientation or otherwise. they hire because of your qualifications, despite the aforementioned. But most people want to justify hate with so-called preferential treatment.
I haven't actually read H-Ds DEI policies and while I believe hiring to fill a quota does nothing to enhance productivity, it has an obligation to mitigate any hostile work environment and not tolerate discrimination among its employees. That being said, if the company is contributing to LGBTQ lobbying despite opposition from its core customer base, that's simply irresponsible to its shareholders. Still, if you're racist, xenophobic or homophobic that's a personal problem. Lastly, I find it offensive the company is relocating a portion of its US production to Thailand given it received local, state and federal tax breaks.
Most humans today are racist, xenophobic, and homophobic. Being opposed to such things is a modern western ideal, which is harmful to society. You want people to be part of what your society already is. You do not want large portions of people in your community to form their own community and subvert the things that make your society what it is. Sexual degeneracy is never okay. It should never be allowed openly in society. The simple fact that s majority of lgbtp advocate for openly acting terribly is their fault and it is a bad thing that they are doing to harm society. Multiculturalism is never good. You can have people from any culture, but they must adopt your culture and become one of you, otherwise, they are dividing. I'm not a bigot, because people who don't look like me avoid me and go form their own communities. They are bigots. The American right will let anyone be part of the American right. They aren't bigots. You just aren't allowed to divide them and create conclaves that harm society
DEI is discrimination. Discrimination in favor of one group is discrimination against all others. The only difference between wokeness and old fashioned racism is which groups they think are the good guys and bad guys.
I bought my first used Harley in 1962 and have been riding, mostly Harleys, on a daily basis ever since. So I know something about the company and the brand. The MoCo has NEVER understood who their core customers are. They have ALWAYS assembled poor quality, poorly designed, overpriced motorcycles. If you want to make a Harley reliable you need to be a very good mechanic. Or have more money than brains to pay them to do the needed upgrades. I love my Harley but to get it to run, sound and ride the way I want I had to invest a LOT of time and $$$ into correcting the bike I rolled out of the dealership on. This latest insanity is a gift to Indian. H-D has been working hard to go out of business for decades. At this I suspect they will one day be successful.
In 1971 I bought a 51 Pan, never took it to the dealer and it always ran good, in the mid 70's , after my 51 was ripped from my garage, I bought a 49 Pan. Never had to take it to the shop either and it always ran good w/o spending money on it.
Until the CEO and the BOD are completely replaced with those who are true believers in building good motorcycles rather than boosting their social credit by embracing DEI, NOTHING WILL CHANGE!
Absolutely anytime a business starts to pick sides politically they are on thin ice. When they not only go political but start to back socialism and the woke agenda, they become an advocate against their own customers. When a company through greed for profit or political correctness places itself outside the customer’s benefit and beliefs it becomes a lost cause.
I definitely agree. CEO and all the board of directors need to go. Harley is definitely in trouble with all this crap. Example, I was in the market for a new bike. I bought used from an individual instead. Saved a ton of money and not a dime went to the Motor Company. I will however do some business with a dealer who has been very good to me. Mostly in parts and services.
It seems like the drastic drop in HD prices could have the potential to actually save the company. Current corporate loons will eat it but whomever picks up the pieces has a fertile field to harvest. (If they are competent)
Love my 2023 Indian. Adjustable windshield, 130+ torque, 3 ride modes, air adjustable rear shock, seat that cools and heats your ass(unlike Harley just blowing hot air) and most American bike out there. Freaking Cadillac.
I sold my last H-D 2 years ago. Currently run an Indian that I bought new in late 2018. Riding both bikes for a while, I decided I liked the Indian better. Now with this DEI agenda embraced and promoted by H-D, they've proven that senior management and the board of directors are totally out of touch with their customer base. I won't buy a product from a company that spends part of my purchase dollars on LGBTQ activities. RIP H-D
I am originally from Germany and have been a Harley rider for decades. The real problem i.m.o. is that a shoe salesman from a second tier sports brand is never able to look eye to eye with bike riders. Nationality is secondary to that. Somehow all the woke company policies are pandering to some imaginary people representing how Los Angeles looks like. Everyone here in Europe is flabbergasted by statements many US companies are producing these days. Completely missing customers' sentiments.
If HD wants to run woke and go broke, that’s their decision. Hegshot makes a good case for switching to Indian. I’m going to take a close look at purchasing a Challenger next year, instead of a Road Glide. Hegshot has it right.
Harley absolutely did this to themselves and to say they are “saddened” is just insulting to all of our intelligence. Do they expect us to believe they haven’t seen what has happened to other companies that have tried this bullshit and really think this wouldn’t happen? They are getting what they asked for and I agree that Zeitz and the board need to step down. I don’t believe they are sincere. And it goes beyond this issue. I don’t believe Zeitz and the board really care about motorcycles or riding. I have been on Matt Laidlaws channel and folks like that who haven’t really said anything and I think they need to. Zeitz is screwing with their jobs and livelihoods.
Sorry, but I feel like it is impossible to “embrace” diversity. In a nutshell shell, to identify differences in people based on race or culture is just another form of racism. If you want to enforce something then enforce morality. Treat everyone the same, as a human being and just focus on making the best product you can for who ever wants to buy it. If you don’t like HD for this or that then just don’t buy one and move on.
I agree. They are doing the public apologies, the ones they don't mean. From here, they are going to try and hide it. Unfortunately is there any one to run the motor co if the board is not there? He has to go atlest. He can go to honda or something. And Indian/Polaris has the same DEI policies, just under different name.
BUT I bet all the aftermarket parts and the clothing line at the dealership’s will still be made in China. I never buy the garbage at the dealership. It’s literally like shopping at Walmart or Dollar General.
Couldn't agree more. I just bought my fourth Harley but unlike my three previous ones I bought this one used. Only 6000 miles on it so as new but no money went to the Motor Company. This way I keep supporting my dealer but not the woke business. The statement they posted is a good start but as long as Zeitz and the others run H-D I'm fine keeping the bike i have. No more new Harleys as long as the management stays.
HD has fallen before. We got some of their best bikes ever from the rebuilding. They have a lesson coming, and its coming today. Love your bikes. The history is rich and the spirit will live on. The corporation today, can go to H.
Glad to hear from one someone that is a big Harley rider. Would like to hear from a few of the other but not a word. I ride a Harley kinda pissed me off. Have to wait and see what happens. Sounds like they need to clean house. Quit worry about PC and get back to what Harley is all about. Not gonna be easy.
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Till CEO and board is fired they have done nothing
you can't fire a board of directors. The board can fire the CEO. The board consists of stockholders. Are you going to take their stock from them? Wouldn't that be communism?
Have the CEO return Harley money, 43 million, and then resign.
The HD letter is lip service... blaming the consumer.....HD needs to get rid of the CEO and look closely at who is on the board. Build motorcycles and stay out of politics.
Except that the board of directors doesn't care about the company. They care about money and the agenda.
I agree 100% 🇺🇸 A new CEO is a must!
Yeah, blaming the customer really pissed me off. Sure, it's our fault that we disagree with an agenda that is 100% out of alignment with the riding community.
So Harley addressed the controversy with an accusation against customers.
Yup, exactly correct! We are sorry you (us) people are wrong!
KEEP THE BOYCOTT GOING! FHD! ✊️
So when I'm out of a job I can thank all you boycotting folks. American jobs right?
MrCcruth1969, Actually you can blame your current CEO and Board of Directors for DESTROYING an iconic American company. The boycott is the direct result of their STUPIDITY! 👌
What about the CEO saying they are the "sustainable Taliban "
That was a kick in the guts to me and my brothers in Arms both here and gone.
@@officialwildcardadventuresCEO is a moron, and he needs to be replaced with someone who embraces what Harley Davidson is, with a view to the future and ahold of heritage. Would truly enjoy a veteran on the board.
I think, he's a sustainable goofball.
Regards from Germany.
@@peterposto8984 guten tag bruder
Massive insult
They need to keep the manufacturing here in America period. Bring down the cost of entry-level bikes, and dealers need to service all of their bikes no matter how old.
I have three Shovels and I wouldn't trust any of the current crop of Harley-Davidson "technicians" to touch any of them
They need to fire CEO! Now!
Yes, before it's too late
I think Harley Davidson did this to themselves, and they are the ones picking a side that almost 100% of their customer base disagrees with.
It is more than DEI crap, the corporation has been screwing their customers for years. Never again for me. Better bikes with Indian and BMW.
HDs have always been overpriced, poorly designed, horrid performance..it's only with the new DEI giving the excuse to bail which frankly is fine. The ironic part is the move isn't going to attract new or more progressive riders for the reasons stated above....it's almost like nostalgia and "America" are not viable sales strategies.
As long as the current CEO and Board is in place, they’ll not get one penny of my money.
This goes deeper than just extreme DEI. That was just the final straw for a lot of us. Jochen Zeitz needed to be fired for decisions he's been making for years now.
Talk about misunderstanding their market. Their CEO needs to go.
When a company puts its shareholders before its customers, it will have neither customers or shareholders before long
Here's the thing. All companies that have them put their shareholders before their customers. Ask anyone in finance, the only fiduciary responsibility they have is to the shareholders.
@jaalin8622 Did you not read the post ??? With NO customers there will be NO shareholders.
Consumers, start buying stock, even if it's one or two shares a week, we'll eventually take the company back.
Set the board's salaries 100k/year
CEO at 200k. Only elect board members that own and ride.
That's not how capitalism works. No executive worth their salt would take that salary. Nobody who knows how to run a company would do it.
Individual investors are not going to wrest control of Harley from the institutional investors. And even if they could, those millions of people could not agree on which direction to take the company. The way capitalism works is people vote with their wallets. Where the biggest cohort of consumers go, the company necessarily follows. The company may try to resist temporarily, to pursue some idealistic notion of corporate activism, but ultimately resistance is futile. The market will decide.
Great idea!
Let's start a Redit movement
@@logangodofcandy Ludicrous executive remuneration packages have nothing to do with capitalism. And just because you pay more doesn't mean that you get more for your money.
It's sad that EVERYTHING has become political, it's just sad. What beer you drink, what bike you ride, what movies you like, where you shop, it's all political and divides us
The rich keep us fighting amongst ourselves so that we never look up and see the shit they're doing to us. Make sure, if possible, you join a union!
Wrong ceo, fire him. He's not immune to dismissal. No different than any other employee
The CEO needs to get the same treatment as any other employee in the company responsible for such a large F-up. What makes this guy any more important than a line worker assembling triple tree's? CEOS ARE JUST AS EXPENDABLE, HD would have redeemed themselves a helluva lot more if that was their response to this mess. FIRE HIS ASS! IVE LOST WORK OVER MUCH LESS SCREWUP IN MY LIFE THAN THIS GUY! HES NOT SPECIAL!!
Saw a really good video from the perspective of an Indian salesperson; he explained how auction prices are currently so low on HDs, used inventories on their bikes are so high, and so many people are under water on their new expensive HD bikes that the market is saturated/people aren't going to be able to offload their HDs easily. That said - his recommendations were: 1) don't hurt your local dealerships - if you can spend money that doesn't go to corporate, great. 2) HD makes tons of cash on their other products - stop buying/wearing/supporting their giant merch industry, their loan services, etc 3) de-badging/covering up is another alternative if someone wants to dump their bike but can't afford to.
Just remember Harley heritage will remain. Think about your favorite Harley. If the company becomes another AMF disaster, that older bike will still be great. HD will recover. How long it takes is up to them. There are plenty of aftermarket companies selling parts. Next, HD will lobby against THOSE companies instead of embracing competition.
@roc20621 Yes, it was a great video with an overall positive message towards HD. He never once took a stab at the brand or it's riders, but rather informing the current market situation on used HD's as well as other brands and the challenges and risk dealers are under pressure at the current moment. It was done with some class and respect. I traded my RGS in for a Chieftain limited 2 years ago and absolutely enjoy it. I, too, hope to see HD riders continue to ride and keep their bikes and support their local shops. Hopefully, we will see HD make the necessary changes that acknowledge and respect their core customers' loyalty.
Indian is just as woke as Harley. I don't understand why people think Polaris isn't woke.
...a locally owned & operated FAMILY HD shop? Hasn't The Motor Company bought up most of them ?
@@johngriffim8616 from what I understand, there are still some.
Does this mean we need an American CEO? Someone who really understands the heritage of the brand?
No - people all over the world ride Harleys and understand the purpose and rationale of why we ride. Sure each person has their own reasons but the overall feeling is we ride for fun, to relax and do something alone that still lets you connect with people. When one Harley rider meets another no explanation is needed - we just ride. Don't care who you are, how much money you make or who you sleep with. Just ride. Someone who understands this is who should be CEO - like the old shirt read - Shut Up and Ride !!
Jochen Zeitz is the Klaus Schwab of the motorcycle industry.
The board and CEO need to go!
I think what you said is the truth I'm 64 and us baby boomer got a lot of life still in our bones amen
And money.
Sorry, not sorry. They aren't changing. They are lying, because uninformed people will just fall in line.
The new CEO is terrible for this company.
People love the scout line. It's huge right now. It's selling, because people like it, not because it's an Indian. HD needs to do this. Make what people want. Lower price bikes, more options on the lower end.
I think Zeitz needs to go. I don't think much will truly improve with Harley until a new CEO is in place.
Harley Davidson will go broke and they did it to their cell because the board members are in on this
The "trust" is gone. Sad.
Every dollar given to HD will be spent pursuing their agenda.
Amazing how executive management screwed up Harley. And with a pledge to make all their products 100% electric??? WTF.
Harley's statement is so condescending it's a downright insult to their customers
The CEO of any American company absolutely does NOT have to know the customer base. It's likely that no one ever even knows a company's true politics anyway. They only want to create an image. HD hasn't been the biker bro friend for alot longer than 2013, brother. Those bikes have been at a price point that the 70s biker couldn't comfortably since the 90s. And man, those ppl who have bought 9, 10 bikes from Harley... ain't looking to buy another. Cause they ain't ridin much anymore. Plain and simple... Harley tried something to bring in new riders and sell bikes. Didn't work not because they weren't "staying true to their customer base", but because young riders don't have the $$ it takes to own a $40,000 motorcycle.
Why is it no one is talking about the actual motorcycles themselves? Harley Davidson is producing junk.
Because Harley culture was all HD had left.
Unfortunately Indian motorcycles is not an option either. Polaris, the parent compay of Indian, is heavy into the DEI movement as well. We need to help HD and Indian learn from their missteps. Carrot and stick method.
Not true. A bunch of white crybabies claimed the Indian Warbonnet logo was cultural appropriation. A bunch of American Indians said, "No way" and tons of Native Americans LOVE Indian Motorcycles and often choose them over Harley Davidson. See REDRUM MC. Jason Momoa is a member of that club. I'm not outing him as a member because he has been vocal about it. See Demon's Row Podcast, see Cliff NYC REDRUM MC. L&R to everyone out there keeping freedom alive AND fighting for it!
Even if they are, at least they were upfront about it and didn't try to make excuses.
DEI does not force employers to hire anyone. It's a policy and not a law
I’m not gay, but my motorcycle is.
I'm not a girl but my boyfriend likes to think that I am 😊
I disagree with people who keep saying “He doesn’t know the people of Harley Davidson.” He knows very well the customer base of Harley Davidson, so let’s not kid ourselves here.
I bought a 2023 Road Glide from a Dealership in CA 6 days ago and basically was not treated like i felt I would have if i was a different ethnicity..didn't get not one free item nor RING the bell...wow!!
What I wonder and no one is addressing fully, how much stock does Vangaurd own, do they have a controlling shareand are they the ones pushing this? Because if the stock holders and board members are on the same side it will be almost impossible to undo this.
Stockholders, board members and investment firms like Vanguard and Blackrock ultimately have to answer to consumers, who are the source of their money and power.
I agree with you. Personally, I put little faith in HD corporate so long as the CEO and members of the BoD are in favor of DEI practices. As for LGTB support, thats on them and while I do not support that group I do support the company’s right to if thats what they and the shareholders want.
Bigger concern is the transition to all electric within the next 5 yrs or so. Will they stop servicing today’s bikes because they no longer fit the company’s standards for climate control? Its very possible. Maybe not in year one or two, but it can certainly happen. My understanding is they already do not work on their own brands that are of a certain age, so why not stop working on non-electric motorcycles too? Look at what Polaris did with Victory? It’s not beyond a company to just close the doors on their consumers. Just something to consider.
The company I work for implements a DEI program but they gave us a course to learn about what they do. Its basically saying that it doesn’t effect front line, ground level employees. Its more for the corporate culture. They still hire people based on work background and experience. They are just not allowed to push aside any potential candidates based on personal aspects. It really hasn’t effected anyone in my company. For Harley, I believe it was about money and appeasing the corporate watch dogs
The statement also says that DEI is essentially baked into their corporate culture whether they have an official department titled as such. Along with using various demographics as a litmus test in hiring corporate positions they are really looking at the candidates worldview. That is how "woke" activities become the default. The CEO's own environmental footprint isn't likely to change any time soon.
They had a communist agenda, hired all communists, and they aren't stopping that
Proof is in what they actually do next HD BOD & CEO have done serious damage to the brand. I just did a 2600 mile trip on my SG and my friends and I stopped at a half dozen HD dealerships all were ghost towns. Spoke to one of the dealerships people they are pissed about all the DEI stuff and it’s hurting them big time
I think it's hilarious that people will boycott HD because of their support of DEI and LGBT, but will keep riding when they have extemely poor quality and reliability.
It's American poor reliability. The racism, sexism, and evil communism of the company are anti-American, any way you look at it
@@jmh4gggI'm not really a Harley supporter, but I think that reliability issue mostly went away Years ago with the evo engine. They are overpriced, but the free market system sets the prices. Sadly wealthy people got into riding a while back and caused that.
It’s not DEI hurting HD…it’s misinformed people hurting HD, their employees and dealerships with the ‘go woke, go broke’ boycott stupidity.
@@chrishoesing5455 When did wealthy people riding Harleys hurt YOU!? Hint: They don’t. If you’re purposely NOT buying the product and supporting an American legend with your boycott attitude, it’s you!
Too late, I already traded my 21 Road Glide limited for a new Indian Challenger. They did this to themselves, and the only way things will change is when sales start to drop.
DEI is still on their website. Anyone can verify this. See their sustainability page. It is still there. BTW Indian is woke too. Look up Polaris statements on their website. Further, Indian banned the colorized logo for DEI reasons.
They need a change in leader ship
I see a lot of people calling for replacement of Zeitz and the BOD. Out of curiosity, who do you propose to be the CEO and new members of the BOD?
People that espouse old fashion American values not the woke values that have been pushed over that last several decades by liberals
Harley turned into a fashion show years ago! Use to pickup a new t shirt every now and then,but can't even afford one now much less a new bike ! Guess I'm stuck in the 60's,think I will just stay Old School!
I hear you. Tshirts for $40 to $50. Ball caps for $35. Button down or polo shirts for $90 to $110. They lost their minds nowadays. I pretty much cut out buying gear and merchandise there. I used to buy a ton of clothes and other things when the prices were more "reasonable." Also, the quality of the t shirts is awful now: they shrink on the first wash by at least one size, and the material feels cheap. The graphics on the shirts are mostly boring too.
@@RoadKing-ky2bs yep, the quality went way down. Back in the early 80s you could get a pair of pants and T-shirt that would last and were more durable. That use to be a thing to do on a weekend or vacation,ride out to different states and grab a new shirt from various dealers .I feel like the quality in most everything is at about 10 percent of what it use to be. Don't really care for the newer bikes either. Use to be able to fix things on the side of the road to ride it back home to work on it,but now with all the new technology designed into them you have to have a rollback on speed dial. Don't get me wrong they maybe nice but when the new wears off and you get stranded off somewhere the thrill is gone . I could go on &on but I think you already know ! Stay safe
If you 100% avoided companies with DEI, you would have to build your own things from your own raw materials. My local HD was packed this past weekend as they had a special event.
If everyone avoided it, all the companies would drop dei. You are the reason evil succeeds. You make excuses to help it
@@logangodofcandyYou can't avoid it that's the point. No longer liking a company that says they are going to continue having the best work force as possible along with it being diverse just means you want to keep it white, which is has been historically. So what exactly is the issue. If everyone is the best at their job that they hire what's wrong?
I've been looking pretty hard at Indian. HD might just push me all the way out
Indian also has dei program they just removed it from their website
I debadged my 2 1/2 year old Heritage Softail. It just did not want to be a Harley anymore, and who am I to tell it what it should be? It has indicated to me that its pronouns are Vespa, and Moped, and it is asking for a Vespa Decal, but I am stalling a little to see if it changes its mind.
I also have a 30 year old Fatboy that seems perfectly happy to remain a Harley, so I'm happy about that.
If I was running a business I would make sure my workforce is qualified not try to fill in quotas .
this American company has made me angry with their practicing of DEI, which all major companies do now. So as a statement about my discontent, the next time I need to drop 30K on a motorcycle I'm gonna send my money to India." That's how folks sound. Harley losing market share has very little to do with DEI and more to do with making crappy bikes and not innovating. Not to mention their "core customer base" is... dying off. They certainly aren't buying a lot of bikes. Trikes? Maybe. Bikes? Not so much.
Going to Indian isn't any better, they are woke as well and have been doing DEI for years
Where's the proof?
@@jakeviolet2195 all over do your research
Yes, they scrubbed their DIE shit from the websites when HD was outed. They ran like chickenshts
Are all dark complexions dei hires? How do you know which are dei hires?
I don't believe a Word of what they're saying at all, in the Words of a Famous 4 Star General, Action Speaks Louder than Words!
It's all smoke & mirrors. Harley corporate ain't backing down. They will still go ahead with their agenda
If you don't think racism is practiced everyday in some form in this country you've been living under a rock. The racism that people of color have to deal with in places where there is a small population of color are ridiculous. Your Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and many more places where people of color are discriminated against all the time. There definitely needs to be diversity training because you have people that have never associated with a person of color and they strictly follow stereotypes. There's a reason why there are discrimination lawsuits going on all the time.
You seem like a reasonable person. I am curious, would you be able to be friends with someone who disagreed with 80% of your politics.
At the end of the day, it is normal for people to disagree on things, but what's important is for people to still accept eachother as Americans and humans and be able respect eachother despite the difference of opinions.
I am a center left kind of Harley enthusiast but I am always open to friendships with all kinds of good decent human beings.
I can say one thing to you. Would you be alright with people crossing the border with drugs and the intent to kill people? Well, that's what we are living with right now. That's my political statement.
And let me add that young girls are being sold into sexual slavery, fact.
You could be friends with a genocidal communists or hardcore racists, or people supporting child sexual abuse?
You can't be friends with evil. Stop calling the people that want America to be communist China "Americans." They aren't and they hate America.
It's easy to be friends with people on opposite sides of the political spectrum, as long as you don't bring up politics and instead focus on the things you have in common. When the things you have in common (like motorcycles or movies or whatever) are run by companies, they need to stay neutral too. Take for example Star Wars, which has become a huge culture war wedge since Disney bought and wokified it. Now the right can't stand it and the left feels the need to defend it on idealogical grounds. That was not the case with the original trilogy in the 70s-80s. Everybody went into the theater and sat down and loved the show. Nobody had any idea what political leanings of the person next to them held, nor the director, nor the actors. It was neutral ground. And we need a lot more of that in the USA.
@@jakeviolet2195 Agreed......a divided country is what they want. In that way, they have been successful. The more propaganda they push, the more successful they become.
These clowns are not changing their stance on dei
Matt Laidlaw for CEO!!
Was doing some price checking on parts. and they have raised their prices about 20% from the most recent big book within the last month. Really bad timing.
The Moco has donated around 5 million annually to the murdered warrior project and also to Hanxs helping veterans not to mention the countless millions they have spent on kids programs promoting STEM and trades. But let's forget about all that for the pennies that they spent on the so-called woke initiatives
H-D hasn't backed off anything, they're just going to be a lot more secretive about it, this goes way deeper than a simple lack of good judgment.
I won’t get rid of my current motorcycle. BUT I will not spend another penny on anything Harley Davison. No clothes trinkets etc. I will deal with the shop while I still have a warranty but in my opinion the aftermarket has better options and local shops do better work at a better price.
We live in a diverse country. The American Constitution guarantees it. Harley will find a cheaper place to assemble their machines and would-be ‘blue collar’ bikers who’ve chosen the ‘rebel’ lifestyle will continue buying and riding overpriced dinosaurs. Just my opinion.
Buy a Chienese or Japanese bike. We know they not woke
Nobody hires just because your skin color or your sexual orientation or otherwise. they hire because of your qualifications, despite the aforementioned. But most people want to justify hate with so-called preferential treatment.
I'd buy a Harley if they bring back the Night Train in yellow flames color.
I haven't actually read H-Ds DEI policies and while I believe hiring to fill a quota does nothing to enhance productivity, it has an obligation to mitigate any hostile work environment and not tolerate discrimination among its employees. That being said, if the company is contributing to LGBTQ lobbying despite opposition from its core customer base, that's simply irresponsible to its shareholders. Still, if you're racist, xenophobic or homophobic that's a personal problem.
Lastly, I find it offensive the company is relocating a portion of its US production to Thailand given it received local, state and federal tax breaks.
Most humans today are racist, xenophobic, and homophobic. Being opposed to such things is a modern western ideal, which is harmful to society.
You want people to be part of what your society already is. You do not want large portions of people in your community to form their own community and subvert the things that make your society what it is.
Sexual degeneracy is never okay. It should never be allowed openly in society. The simple fact that s majority of lgbtp advocate for openly acting terribly is their fault and it is a bad thing that they are doing to harm society.
Multiculturalism is never good. You can have people from any culture, but they must adopt your culture and become one of you, otherwise, they are dividing. I'm not a bigot, because people who don't look like me avoid me and go form their own communities. They are bigots.
The American right will let anyone be part of the American right. They aren't bigots. You just aren't allowed to divide them and create conclaves that harm society
DEI is discrimination. Discrimination in favor of one group is discrimination against all others. The only difference between wokeness and old fashioned racism is which groups they think are the good guys and bad guys.
Their moto should be, "American made motorcycles, for everyone, worldwide." Plain, simple, and truly "all inclusive"
I bought my first used Harley in 1962 and have been riding, mostly Harleys, on a daily basis ever since. So I know something about the company and the brand. The MoCo has NEVER understood who their core customers are. They have ALWAYS assembled poor quality, poorly designed, overpriced motorcycles. If you want to make a Harley reliable you need to be a very good mechanic. Or have more money than brains to pay them to do the needed upgrades. I love my Harley but to get it to run, sound and ride the way I want I had to invest a LOT of time and $$$ into correcting the bike I rolled out of the dealership on. This latest insanity is a gift to Indian. H-D has been working hard to go out of business for decades. At this I suspect they will one day be successful.
In 1971 I bought a 51 Pan, never took it to the dealer and it always ran good, in the mid 70's , after my 51 was ripped from my garage, I bought a 49 Pan. Never had to take it to the shop either and it always ran good w/o spending money on it.
Until the CEO and the BOD are completely replaced with those who are true believers in building good motorcycles rather than boosting their social credit by embracing DEI, NOTHING WILL CHANGE!
Get a ceo that been riding bikes for years they are part of the team
Do you have a link to your gun channel? I am looking for it. But I can’t seem to find it .
I get a new HD every year but am done with them. Was in negotiations for a 24 and told the dealership I would not go forward. Look to other brands.
Good going !
Absolutely anytime a business starts to pick sides politically they are on thin ice. When they not only go political but start to back socialism and the woke agenda, they become an advocate against their own customers. When a company through greed for profit or political correctness places itself outside the customer’s benefit and beliefs it becomes a lost cause.
How dare harley acknowledge the existence of a group of people someone told me I should hate.
They need to get rid on the CEO he is a joke
I definitely agree. CEO and all the board of directors need to go. Harley is definitely in trouble with all this crap. Example, I was in the market for a new bike. I bought used from an individual instead. Saved a ton of money and not a dime went to the Motor Company. I will however do some business with a dealer who has been very good to me. Mostly in parts and services.
That’s why all businesses needs to stay out of politics no matter what u stand for and stay in your lane do what u do best
It seems like the drastic drop in HD prices could have the potential to actually save the company. Current corporate loons will eat it but whomever picks up the pieces has a fertile field to harvest. (If they are competent)
Harley is done
Love my 2023 Indian. Adjustable windshield, 130+ torque, 3 ride modes, air adjustable rear shock, seat that cools and heats your ass(unlike Harley just blowing hot air) and most American bike out there. Freaking Cadillac.
I sold my last H-D 2 years ago. Currently run an Indian that I bought new in late 2018. Riding both bikes for a while, I decided I liked the Indian better. Now with this DEI agenda embraced and promoted by H-D, they've proven that senior management and the board of directors are totally out of touch with their customer base. I won't buy a product from a company that spends part of my purchase dollars on LGBTQ activities. RIP H-D
I am originally from Germany and have been a Harley rider for decades. The real problem i.m.o. is that a shoe salesman from a second tier sports brand is never able to look eye to eye with bike riders. Nationality is secondary to that. Somehow all the woke company policies are pandering to some imaginary people representing how Los Angeles looks like. Everyone here in Europe is flabbergasted by statements many US companies are producing these days. Completely missing customers' sentiments.
Done with them. Really pissed from all the $$$ I spent with them. But they don’t just care - they hate us.
Being concerned about the corporate policies is one thing but is the product any good and has it improved from previous years?
If HD wants to run woke and go broke, that’s their decision. Hegshot makes a good case for switching to Indian. I’m going to take a close look at purchasing a Challenger next year, instead of a Road Glide. Hegshot has it right.
Harley absolutely did this to themselves and to say they are “saddened” is just insulting to all of our intelligence. Do they expect us to believe they haven’t seen what has happened to other companies that have tried this bullshit and really think this wouldn’t happen? They are getting what they asked for and I agree that Zeitz and the board need to step down. I don’t believe they are sincere. And it goes beyond this issue. I don’t believe Zeitz and the board really care about motorcycles or riding. I have been on Matt Laidlaws channel and folks like that who haven’t really said anything and I think they need to. Zeitz is screwing with their jobs and livelihoods.
Long live for the oldest USA motorcycle company 1901 Indian motorcycle.
Sorry, but I feel like it is impossible to “embrace” diversity. In a nutshell shell, to identify differences in people based on race or culture is just another form of racism. If you want to enforce something then enforce morality. Treat everyone the same, as a human being and just focus on making the best product you can for who ever wants to buy it. If you don’t like HD for this or that then just don’t buy one and move on.
Harley is moving to Tiawan.
I agree. They are doing the public apologies, the ones they don't mean. From here, they are going to try and hide it.
Unfortunately is there any one to run the motor co if the board is not there? He has to go atlest. He can go to honda or something. And Indian/Polaris has the same DEI policies, just under different name.
The CEO as to go .
BUT I bet all the aftermarket parts and the clothing line at the dealership’s will still be made in China.
I never buy the garbage at the dealership. It’s literally like shopping at Walmart or Dollar General.
Couldn't agree more. I just bought my fourth Harley but unlike my three previous ones I bought this one used. Only 6000 miles on it so as new but no money went to the Motor Company. This way I keep supporting my dealer but not the woke business. The statement they posted is a good start but as long as Zeitz and the others run H-D I'm fine keeping the bike i have. No more new Harleys as long as the management stays.
HD Getting the Indian FTR banned from flat track was also a pretty weak low road path to take. WTF is their sense of healthy competition?!?!?
HD has fallen before. We got some of their best bikes ever from the rebuilding. They have a lesson coming, and its coming today.
Love your bikes. The history is rich and the spirit will live on.
The corporation today, can go to H.
Result: next new bike, which is this coming spring, Indian. Thanks HD execs & board.
Glad to hear from one someone that is a big Harley rider. Would like to hear from a few of the other but not a word. I ride a Harley kinda pissed me off. Have to wait and see what happens. Sounds like they need to clean house. Quit worry about PC and get back to what Harley is all about. Not gonna be easy.