Excellent video, speaking as a UK chopper rider I love your thoughts of mounting the new engines in old style Harleys but I think the frames are not up to it. HD’s have always looked cool but the new models look plastic and then of course the home mechanic can’t touch them. Gimme “Old Skool” every time.
Agree. I think Harley should start changing their name to "Harley -Euro -Davidson". When you stop making the tried & thru Road King standard, something stinks.
Harley was ALMOST onto something with the Pan America and Sportster S. Then they made the Pan America cost more than a freakin Africa Twin or any other world class ADV bike. There goes that. Then they make the sportster S, and it’s finally fast, but now has ergonomics for toddlers. Anyone over 5’7 looks like an elephant on a unicycle on a S. They can’t live off of ‘glides’ forever. Something has to change or they’ll be a very small exclusive customer base company in the future. They’re not a motorcycle for the blue collar man or woman anymore.
I completely agree with one of your statements. I bought a 23 Honda Rebel 1100. Looked at a few HD's, and instantly thought, why would I spend twice the money for half the features. Love the look and sound of HD's, but too much money for what you get. Especially if it's your first bike. Even if I end up buying a HD cause I need something bigger for a passenger, still not gonna get rid of my REBEL. TOO MUCH FUN TO RIDE!
You're right on both accounts. Without the traditional HD look it's just another metric bike. Without an entry bike HD is closing off new riders from joining the brand. 😢
One of the reasons I dislike H-D is because of the Government involvement in the 80's, the consumer should choose winners and losers NOT the Government. Additionally, Trump will put tariffs on all goods manufactured outside the U.S. including H-d.
I had a 2022 Nightster with rev max 975 engine rode more like a metric bike I owned, rode it for a year. Traded it in for a 2023 Low rider S. Nightster just did not look or feel like a Harley, I tried to like the bike the performance it has was great but again like a metric bike felted more like the Yamaha I owned rather than a Harley. I had to take it in 4 different times for electrical issues, dealer fixed them under warranty but the issue was having to take it in. I really enjoy the Low Rider S I would say best bike I owned.
In terms of entry-level classic style bikes, Royal Enfield is also a force to be reckoned with. They make gorgeous classic style bikes at approachable power and price levels, without the "Harley culture" that turns a fair amount of young people away from the brand. I was able to get a fantastic 650cc/47HP cruiser for 7.3k MSRP that came with a simple but effective GPS navigation pod and a fancy paint scheme. HD offers nothing close to that value!
Small displacement with more power. Put those Harley's on a diet. They can make an engine half the size and more power. Cut cost in good ways. I like the fast x Harley. I think the digital sportster gauge would be nice in a road king. I don't like the Rebel look or The Buell super cruiser. They both could use like a Bott frame. It would be cheaper and easier to make. The 500 cc and less is the biggest seller in Europe.
I don’t Harley has any interest in making affordable bikes. Honda and the other manufactures want more customers so they price reasonable. Even the Indian Scouts are way better than the Rev Max bikes. I have a Nightster Special and as good as it is, I just won’t keep it.
Harley employs over 6,000 people according to Google. I won't not buy and hurt all their workers just because a few of the top people made a decision I disagree with.
It all starts at the top, and the board definitely don't know Harley Davidson. Harley Davidson is pulling to far from thier roots. Look at what made Harley different, American made, distinctive look and sound, plus easy to own and customize or maintain. I get there is a need to keep with the times, but don't Shun your current owner and don't make these bikes overseas! I do love my 24 Roadglide, but I've been tempted to crossover to Indian a couple times.
The average Harley rider is over 50 years old. New riders aren't coming. The Sportster and Nightster S aren't selling because riders over 50 don't want them. Other manufacturers do the Nightster thing better for far less. The beginner Harley is a used Harley. New Harley's should be luxury bikes aimed at wealthy riders in their 50's. Focus on that.
Well, if they make those rev max bikes over sea, and sell them in America, President Trump will put a tariff on them. No help for companies building outside the US.
Because Harley has always had the mindset of, you'll take what we give you and you'll like it.
Excellent video, speaking as a UK chopper rider I love your thoughts of mounting the new engines in old style Harleys but I think the frames are not up to it. HD’s have always looked cool but the new models look plastic and then of course the home mechanic can’t touch them. Gimme “Old Skool” every time.
Agree. I think Harley should start changing their name to "Harley -Euro -Davidson". When you stop making the tried & thru Road King standard, something stinks.
On top of the price, the Harley QC is dismal.
Harley was ALMOST onto something with the Pan America and Sportster S. Then they made the Pan America cost more than a freakin Africa Twin or any other world class ADV bike. There goes that. Then they make the sportster S, and it’s finally fast, but now has ergonomics for toddlers. Anyone over 5’7 looks like an elephant on a unicycle on a S. They can’t live off of ‘glides’ forever. Something has to change or they’ll be a very small exclusive customer base company in the future. They’re not a motorcycle for the blue collar man or woman anymore.
I completely agree with one of your statements. I bought a 23 Honda Rebel 1100. Looked at a few HD's, and instantly thought, why would I spend twice the money for half the features. Love the look and sound of HD's, but too much money for what you get. Especially if it's your first bike. Even if I end up buying a HD cause I need something bigger for a passenger, still not gonna get rid of my REBEL. TOO MUCH FUN TO RIDE!
Harley-Davidson has turned me into an Indian rider. Goodbye H-D
You're right on both accounts. Without the traditional HD look it's just another metric bike. Without an entry bike HD is closing off new riders from joining the brand. 😢
I agree with you.
They're intentionally not playing in that part of the market, and I think it's a big mistake.
One of the reasons I dislike H-D is because of the Government involvement in the 80's, the consumer should choose winners and losers NOT the Government. Additionally, Trump will put tariffs on all goods manufactured outside the U.S. including H-d.
I had a 2022 Nightster with rev max 975 engine rode more like a metric bike I owned, rode it for a year. Traded it in for a 2023 Low rider S. Nightster just did not look or feel like a Harley, I tried to like the bike the performance it has was great but again like a metric bike felted more like the Yamaha I owned rather than a Harley. I had to take it in 4 different times for electrical issues, dealer fixed them under warranty but the issue was having to take it in. I really enjoy the Low Rider S I would say best bike I owned.
My 2024 Vivid Black Street Glide was 32k out the door.. I love my Harley 🥰
In terms of entry-level classic style bikes, Royal Enfield is also a force to be reckoned with. They make gorgeous classic style bikes at approachable power and price levels, without the "Harley culture" that turns a fair amount of young people away from the brand. I was able to get a fantastic 650cc/47HP cruiser for 7.3k MSRP that came with a simple but effective GPS navigation pod and a fancy paint scheme. HD offers nothing close to that value!
It's definitely not doing themselves any favors, H-D dealers are starting to close/fail (like Los Angeles H-D in Fullerton)
They should never have gotten away from the evo in my opinion 🇨🇦
I have a 06 Sportster. I do believe that Harley has lost its way. 😢
I kind of thought Harley may use that writer's edge course bike as an entry level bike the 350 but it don't look like they are
Small displacement with more power. Put those Harley's on a diet. They can make an engine half the size and more power. Cut cost in good ways. I like the fast x Harley. I think the digital sportster gauge would be nice in a road king. I don't like the Rebel look or The Buell super cruiser. They both could use like a Bott frame. It would be cheaper and easier to make. The 500 cc and less is the biggest seller in Europe.
And that's why I bought a 2002 1200C last year...just to have one
Does the "small veteran owned business" have a name?
I don’t Harley has any interest in making affordable bikes. Honda and the other manufactures want more customers so they price reasonable. Even the Indian Scouts are way better than the Rev Max bikes. I have a Nightster Special and as good as it is, I just won’t keep it.
Old Sportsters wouldn’t pass emissions for the European markets. Plus Harley is too big, heavy, and expensive for the Asian markets.
Harley is actually making a single cylinder bike , the x440 in India. Just came across my feed...I hadn't heard of it??
All I ever hear is horror stories of Harley's dismal QC. They're too expensive to be this trash.
Mines been awesome. Tires, oil, mods, and a water pump recently, but it is a 2014.
@@1hdoilfielddad244 That's awesome! Have you been on any new ones lately?
@@MiketheNerdRanger no i havent, the new look of the touring line isnt for me. I have heard theyve been problematic for alot of people.
Harley doesn't learnfrom its mistakes.They are junk now
Indians look pretty cool 😎
I want to see a Harley Davidson Grom fighter. 125cc and 10hp.
When Harley went woke. I will never buy another Harley
💯
Gasp, Harley wants to hire people you don't like??
Harley employs over 6,000 people according to Google. I won't not buy and hurt all their workers just because a few of the top people made a decision I disagree with.
Yep. Same ✋
It all starts at the top, and the board definitely don't know Harley Davidson. Harley Davidson is pulling to far from thier roots. Look at what made Harley different, American made, distinctive look and sound, plus easy to own and customize or maintain. I get there is a need to keep with the times, but don't Shun your current owner and don't make these bikes overseas!
I do love my 24 Roadglide, but I've been tempted to crossover to Indian a couple times.
The average Harley rider is over 50 years old. New riders aren't coming. The Sportster and Nightster S aren't selling because riders over 50 don't want them. Other manufacturers do the Nightster thing better for far less. The beginner Harley is a used Harley. New Harley's should be luxury bikes aimed at wealthy riders in their 50's. Focus on that.
Well, if they make those rev max bikes over sea, and sell them in America, President Trump will put a tariff on them. No help for companies building outside the US.
🎉🎉🎉
Black Rock, Vanguard bought up more Ukraine farmland than what Russia annexed took over from Ukraine. Let that sink in for a few minutes.
What does that have to do with motorcycles.