Every day that passes, this will fester even more. More of us will move on to other brands, because that is what I'm doing. The CEO statement that he is the Taliban is unforgivable.
I'm not sure the brand is ruined. But the management has GOT TO GO! The ceo and the board of directors. If the public saw them given the boot,...it'd be a first good step to rebuild the brand. Drop prices while keeping jobs HERE in America. Certainly there's a way. Maybe automate the assembly line a bit more? I don't know. And simplify the designs. Too many computer chips and code. It doesn't have be so complicated. They think throwing every last high tech, space-age doo-dad is the way forward for the historic brand. Maybe not. They don't have to compete with bmw, honda or the others. They only have to compete with themselves and be the best at what they've always been about. My opinion of course.
I believe you're right, they are headed for a massive rebranding and trying to get back to what made Harley-Davidson great. They are trying to do the exact same thing with Bud Light.
Yes that is the plan... The slow demolition of the economic enterprise zone known as the USA... Nations have borders and leaders that have goodwill for their citizens.
J. I agree that The CEO is a dick and needs to goI am a 2 yr Vietnam Veteran who puts America, It's people add nation first however I have enjoyed all off the 15 or so motorcycles of Japanese . English and American loved each one have had more Harleys though however I do not believe that is anybody but my business what bike I chose to own or ride but mine!
It's not about bikes. It's not about beer. It's not about tractors. It's about these evil people forcing their crap down our throats! It changes from the top down or it doesn't change. Period
71 years old, Harley was my dream from 12 . Spent most of the past 20 years building and riding my custom Harley . This is the first time in my entire life i don't feel i can be proud of the Harley Brand. Dump the CEO, and remember your core customers Harley!
Who are their core customers? You have a 20 year old custom bike, I just traded my 30 year old bike in on my last purchase. We certainly aren't their core customer anymore. That is the problem the MOCO is having, their core customer base is aged out, sales are down 50% over the last 10 years, and overseas sales now account for 50% of their sales. We aren't the core anymore.
My opinion is, even if they get rid of the CEO and the entire board, the major shareholders (Blackrock etc) will just replace them with like minded screwballs.
Correct. This way above the CEO. It's deep deep money and it ain't gonna change unfortunately. With the plastic parts in the M8 engine and some models and eventually all made overseas this is no longer a premium brand that can command a premium price. Sorry. I allready bought a Roadmaster instead of a UL as it is just dollar for dollar a better machine. May eventually get a Pursuit too.
Exactly and Polaris/Indian are owned by the same people. Harley's corner cutting has made a lot of opportunities for independent shops and aftermarket manufacturers.
Just like in football. When things are not meeting expectations you don't get rid of the team, you get a new coach. In this case a new CEO and new board
As others have mentioned they recently got 89 million from the government for electric bike production. Isn’t it great that 89 million of our tax dollars went to produce a bike that no one in this country will buy? Do you think they would have received that grant if they weren’t pushing DEI?
Globalization of businesses is the priority with Governments promoting DEI and are willing to bail out Woke companies when they adhere to their Woke Ideology.
@@spamfriedmice4800 it’s pretty damn insane how many billions of tax payers money has been given to the wealthiest people in this country. If people really wanted electric vehicles there would be no need to spend so much to push them on people. Obviously doesn’t work because most people still don’t want them.
My bikes paid off and I am not buying a new one. I am not renewing my HOG membership and I am not buying anymore tees or hats etc. If we all did that it would bring things to a screeching halt. I feel bad for the workers thou they are in a catch 20 situation.
@@amanda1500 If you care about this country, we all have to vote for the republican party. We can see what the democrats have done to this country over the last 4 years and they'll do even more damage in the next 4 if they are installed again. Vote RED across the board and MAGA.
The stupidity of this board and CEO cannot be overstated. They took what is literally the most loyally followed brand of any product and instituted multiple policies that could not have been more effective at alienating those customers if they had consciously tried. H-D is more closely associated with traditional American values than any product I can think of. How many songs mention Harleys? How many times do you see the Bar & Shield on a car or truck? How often do you see a Harley-Davidson tattoo? They don’t write songs about Kawasakis and you will look a long time before you find a Suzuki emblem on someone’s bicep. This level of loyalty is absolutely unmatched, and this group members made up of the biggest fools in the world managed to undermine it in ways no one thought they would ever see. There is absolutely no way this gets forgiven or the H-D company gets saved unless the board and CEO are removed and replaced with people who do not suffer from the woke mind virus. Until then, we need to stay the course. GO WOKE, GO BROKE! NO EXCEPTIONS!
@PeterAngles-jq7gr Who are "the majority" and who are the "others"? And what are "traditional american values"? Interesting that you'd cite "history", because I already had a specific period in mind when similar rhetoric was used to justify terrible atrocities. 🤔
I’m gen X and I remember hearing how Harley was going under because not targeting young riders back when I was a kid and all the boomers were riding metric bikes. If someone was under 25 and riding a Harley it was likely their dad’s bike..
@lanejohnson7656 I'm an Xer too when I was in my 20's. I wanted Buell,but they were out of reach.I didn't want some boomer bike. But I did want something that was American. I don't think kid's care about that no more.
The CEO has been around for 4 years out of the 120+ years they've been around. He doesn't get to define the brand forever. I'll be riding my Road King long after he's gone. Once they see revenue dropping, that dude will be out on his ass. I'm not interested in buying a new Harley at all, or getting any service stuff done at the dealer. But there's enough great deals on used bikes, enough aftermarket support, and enough independent shops that I'll be riding for a long time without giving Harley a penny.
Until that shoe salesman is off the board TOTALLY, then to hell with The Motor Company. Won't buy a new one, won't go to a dealer, won't buy a t-shirt. I'll buy an OLD pre-2007 (when Zeitz joined the board) Harley or a new Indian.
Apparently, Harley-Davidson relies on "The Chicken-coop rule" whereas the "chickens at the top shit on the chickens below". If they don't do something about that clown at the top and the board, nothing is going to change.
I sold my 1998 Heritage Softail Monday. Sunday I fly to California to pick up my 62 DuoGlide Panhead and ride it home. I was going to custom build a ride but this guy made me a deal I couldn't turn down...pre-woke, pre-AMF, pre-radical...sweet.
Sounds like a dream come true! Neighbor bought a 62 police special when I was a couple years from my license, I still enjoy the memories of working on it.
I don't if Harleys reputation can be rebuilt over night, but I feel that getting rid of the ceo and the board of directors will make Big step in the right direction.
@@amanda1500i saw that too. It always boils down to “follow the money.” These globalists have said over and over again that they will kill us off and have us pay for our own demise and cleanup. Completely evil.
I`ve had 3 Harleys and will never even sit on another. Just bought my son a Yamaha V-twin and then a Vulcan 1500cc V-twin. I`ve simply had it with everything woke and if that includes Harley at their own behest, so be it.
I love harley davidson motorcycles. It's too bad politics have to enter into everything😢. I plan on keeping the hd I have. I plan to only buy aftermarket parts for it. Which is what I've been doing for the past few years
💯 my plan. I pay off my current street glide next year and was set on selling both my street glide and breakout and getting a new street glide, CVO depending on paint scheme.. Not happening. Unless things change I will keep what I have and further customize them.. Both my bikes are pre zeitz.. Good bikes and no reason taking it out on them. I won’t even buy a Harley branded piece of bubblegum..
I would NEVER harm, debage, or sell any of these expensive bastards that I own unless I am in the market to do it on my own accord. If changing the CEO will put 15,000 dollars back in my pocket for each bike I’m all for it. If not, all of this boycott ish doesn’t matter. My two cents.
I got yelled at over a comment I made to a Harley guy. He was talking about how lucky he was to finally find a Harley mechanic that he could trust and depend on. I commented that I did not need a good mechanic because I drive a Honda.
I’ve been a long time rider who over the years have spent a ridiculous amount of money on motorcycles- harley will not see one more dollar from me until the loser at the top is kicked to the curb
I've got three Harleys sitting in my garage right now plus and old Triumph, three more old Triumphs in my shop and a couple more Harleys. I can't imagine buying a new Harley, I bought a 2005 883 Sportster last year just because I couldn't pass on the asking price. It's been more than twenty years since I bought parts from a dealer, don't need to, the aftermarket supplies everything I need. I've probably bought forty of so bikes since the late sixties, sold way too many of them. Funny, Harley doesn't carry any parts for my flathead, go figure.
@@SaltMinerOU812 I've got a 42 WLA, a 2005 Sportster and a custom bike I built in the nineties, and four sixties and seventies Triumphs, I will pass them on to my grandkids when I leave this world, standing, no kneeling.
@@JohnMcClain-p9tHD won’t even look at my ‘97 EVO, so I wrench it with a manual and parts I get from a Mom-Pop bike shop. That bike will outlast my grandkids. My newest HD is a 2008 King Classic. It’s for sale. I plan on getting something else, maybe Motoguzzi. Still haven’t had one of those v twins.
I’ve been thinking about this a little, the bikes in of themselves (inanimate objects) are not woke. They don’t care, they beautiful machines meant to ride. I say keep your Harley, don’t de-badge it, ride it, but don’t buy anymore and definitely don’t buy merchandise. Just ride-
Agreed. I personally don't give a flying farnarkle about HD policies/politics. They don't affect me. I bought the bike because I love V twins. All the other stuff is bullshit.
Making it a "premium " brand is really hurting the customers. Bikes are more and more expensive. This CEO doesn't understand what makes a Harley a Harley. It was something people saved to buy and enjoy. They were to be a lifestyle and a toy. But having to finance for 6 or 7 years is a real stretch. Good gor the used market at least.
They could get away with that 20 years ago when the economy was good and rich Boomers in their 50s were their target buyer. But now the Boomers are retiring from riding, the economy is in the shitter and nobody has 30k for a new toy. They gotta take a cue from Honda, Royal Enfield and Triumph and build some inexpensive entry-level bikes for young people. And not some junk like the Street models. It's gotta be good, cheap and cool! If they can hit those three points, they can succeed.
Harley has been mismanaged for years. The dealerships are like used car lots ran by non motorcycle people. Harley Davidson has to clean house and bring back small dealerships ran by old bikers like how it was in the 60's and 70's.
Harley started to go downhill quickly in 2017 when they killed the real Softail and the Dyna. The final nail in the coffin for me was when they killed the real Sportster in 2022. Since then they haven't made anything I would buy. I've been wanting Jochen Zeitz gone for years. These recent events just confirmed how toxic he is for the company. If they think they're going to impress me with screens, tech, and ride modes it's doing exactly the opposite.
Japan's government is filing charges again Harley Davidson for trying to force their dealerships to get more bikes or loosing their dealerships. Owners were buying Harleys and reselling them as used. Even some of the workers were doing it too. The government was filling charges of Harley being a monopoly.
Speaking purely for myself, I am 'heeled' enough to be able to sell both my Harleys and head to another brand. That's how pissed off I am, and until the CEO and BOD are all fired and run out of town, NOTHING will change. Word.
It would be great if we had an aftermarket now like we had in 2000... all those companies using s&s engines and kraft tech frames, pm brakes, andrews tranny's...etc, its too bad what happened to the chopper era.. it could have morphed into a super cruiser era.
68y0 here. Seems over my lifetime that choppers come in vogue about every 15 years or so. Then get stale after 3 years or so only to revive again. Almost seems as if every generation goes through the chopper fad.
Until Harley fires the CEO and replaces the board, then Harley is doomed. I've already had friends sell their Harley and buy an Indian. My Harley RG is old and I will not sell it just because Harley went WOKE, I repair mine with aftermarket parts anyways, and I don't have a Harley badge on my bike anywhere. I removed them when I repainted it and never put them back on. It looks a lot cleaner without badging.
The CEO/Board have a plan. This isn't going to change it. They want to increase share value and make bigger profits. Whether some owners get upset and sell their bike or not is irrelevant . I ride a Harley because it's fun and my view of Harleys is based on stuff from the 70s. What the current board get up to doesn't matter to me. However I do wish they would make more reliable bikes with better quality components. Anyone who buys a different brand bike because of the recent goings on really didn't want a Harley in the first place.
HD reliability will continue to suffer with bikes manufactured in Asia. A lot of junk comes into our country from overseas without any benefit to the customer. You will still pay a lot if you decide to buy foreign products that often breakdown sooner than later. That's the direction global business is going.
if you are selling because of said crap, that's sad unless you still making payments. if so, they just roll your H.D loan onto your goldwing. My ultraclassic is a 05, nothing harley left on in it or on it that's harley, except paint and tank badges. I won't sell it.
Not sure this is a sign, but this past Saturday, Aug 31 2024, I took my Indian Scout 60 to the Indian bike shop for its regularly scheduled "spa treatment." You know, state inspection and routine maintenance. While waiting, I sat in the shop's comfortable waiting area next to the show room floor. I witnessed three Harley riders looking at the floor models. i knew they were Harley riders because I overheard them tell the sales staff what they were currently riding. I spoke to one of them when my Indian Scout was finished with its spa treatment. He asked me how I liked riding an Indian bike. I told him I love it and have always wanted an Indian ever since I saw a picture in my high school history book of a soldier in WWII riding a Indian Scout with a rifle holster attached. He also asked if I ever owned a Harley and I told him I never had a desire to own one. He then confided to me he was trading his Harley for an Indian because of the boycott.
@@dcccharles4569 Im ^ ft tall and I have had to adjust the handlebars, but it is ok for me. Mine is a 2018 California 1400 touring. The other two are 1973 Eldorados. The smaller ones are a challenge to fit, but the 1400 touring is a nice ride. I would ride that across country. I have with the Harley and it is an uncomfortable ride
@@martincvitkovich724 the ones in Magnum force are the LAPD eldorado version. They have a reputation for lasting forever and very dependable. They always bring you home. I have 2 of the old Eldorado bikes. One of those is a Hot Rod and one stock. The Hot rod will get to 90 mph in less than 100 feet. I did it before. Top speed of the El Dorado is only about 100 or so. My California 1400 touring has a speedometer that goes well over 100, but I don't want to find out the top speed. I've had it to about 110 and there was more to go. The 1400 has 3 tunes built into the computer and anti lock brakes. I've had 6 spinal surgery and I am comfortable on my Guzzi. Not long on the Harley. Guzzis are a small number of the bikes made but they are hand built for quality. Try one sometime. I think that you might like it. Especially if you want a touring bike. The small new ones are good for around town.
When are these jokers going to realize that electric motorcycles don't scream "Freedom ". Gas n go is how it's supposed to be. None of this plan your trip around charging stations as opposed to the sites you want to see.
I switched to indian in 2020 glad I did I like the older hds up to 2016 the new bikes are to expensive and prone to breakdowns I will never buy a electric bike ! How many dudes will be dressed in Drag on the assembly line at HD electric plant😮
I saw a video that has nothing to do with any of this controversy but it did raise some pretty good points about motorcycles and electric vehicles. There are countries where the cities are so congested that a lot of the parking (up close) is for motorcycles. To help encourage bike riding and produce less congestion and what else? POLLUTION Motorcycles produce less pollution than cars already so why on earth would you want to push an electric motorcycle when they are already far better than cars are when it comes to the carbon footprint. Electric bikes sound good in countries where the riding is stop and go all the time but here in America we have wide open roads that EVs are totally unnecessary for.
If they make it through this mess , it will be forever be a stain on the history of Harley second only to the AMF years. I can’t believe shovels are so expensive, they were the motor responsible for ‘unreliable’ ‘leaking’, ‘slow’ etc. comments we still hear today! Harley fans quickly forget and haters will always be quick to remind us. The CEO must GO!
Here’s my problem. Went to dealer needing a new exhaust gasket….26 dollars just for a little F ing gasket! It’s insane! They have turned Harley into some luxury brand sorta thing and completely ran off their real supporters all these years. They have made it near impossible for average Joe to enjoy Harley’s now. I’m not getting rid of my 2016 heritage softail anytime soon but it’s certainly my last one. I’ll never buy another one. They have priced me out.
@@Scott-rr7dy no I’ll go to a local private owned rubber and gasket company we have here and show them the old one. They can find one exactly like it for a fraction of the cost. 👍
@@Scott-rr7dyWhy don't you go to an engineering shop that sells o rings along with your old one and buy them from there like i do.Costs me about a dollar an o ring and leaves you 55dollars to buy a few bottles of beer for after the job.
I’m 52 y/o. I remember those AMF bikes and the EVO bikes, the one year wait list to purchase one. I’ve never owned another other motorcycle other than Harley-Davidson. To date I’ve owned 9 Harley’s. I am extremely brand loyal. However, I started to dislike what the company was doing when they unveiled that electric bike that’s nothing more than a battery and priced it at $30,000!!! Next, it I noticed how their marketing changed with the people they were using to promote their products Lastly, their latest foul is the acknowledgement of their DEI program. It’s clear the CEO must be replaced and Harley desperately needs an American to lead the company. Why? Because only an American understands the brand and its core demographic. Yeah yeah, much has been written about the need for HD to attract other due to the aging demographic etc. Last I checked I witnessed loads of younger riders both male and female at biker rallies. So the younger people still want a real motorcycle to ride that has tons of history and a sound like no other bike has. Not to mention the feeling that you get that only comes from riding a Harley-Davidson. There’s just no other. Or is there?? If Harley does not make those moves I noted above, then I hate to admit this, but my next bike will not be a Harley! I really want HD to read this and contact me so they can hear it directly from a consumer that has been a loyalist. Bonus: I live just 45 minutes away from their York facility in Pennsylvania. I’ve toured the plant many times. But that is still closed for public tours. Another huge mistake by the company! #harleydavidson 1966 Sportster (Used) 1993 883 Sportster (New) 1995 Wide Glide (New) 1997 Heritage Springer (New) 2008 Softail Deluxe (Used) 2018 Softail Slim (Used) 2020 Street Glide CVO 2022 Street Glide CVO (New) 2008 Softail Deluxe (Used)
More of a japenese bullet bike guy, although i did buy a new Harley once. I can't believe this iconic American brand went woke. I see a Harley now, and I basically think the rider is a complete homosexual. Good job Harley for fucking up one of Americans most iconic brands!
Yuppies are what saved HD, back in the 80s. With them getting older, the brand was already in a risky position. It’s not like they have done anything to really be competitive with other brands. This could rush in the inevitable fall of the brand…inevitable if they don’t do anything to make the brand competitive with younger riders.
From reasearch I've done...Harley has not walked away from DEI. They are simply renaming it but they are still doing it. Unless the CEO is removed, they will never recover. I traded my Harley in January and will never purchase one again after all this. I own a Honda now and maybe my next one will be an Indian...but not a Harley. Oh, and they are still moving a manufacturing site to Thailand so it is still going the wrong way
Started riding HD in 1985 when I bought the only new bike I ever purchased. 1985 XLS roadster. Since then I’ve owned different bikes which I purchased used. I’ve had issues with the motor company’s decisions all along but love the bikes. In almost 40 years of riding I can count on both hands I’ve needed to go to a dealer for anything except for maybe to grab a shirt as a souvenir for a trip I was on. I’m almost 60 and have settled on a 2016 FLD switchback. This most likely will be my last Harley since the newer bikes simply don’t appeal to me and once again the motor companies path is pushing me away. I won’t de badge but simply stay away from dealers and if I decide to purchase another it will be pre 2017. Really they lost me with the end of the Dyna.
If you are the average rider you made a good choice. Too many of the new bikes are lucky to get 2500 miles a year. That is a lot of money per mile to have a new bike.
I don't know why people think Harley Davidson is in trouble. I was at 2 dealerships in Florida on Thursday, and Friday, people are still buying bikes and merchandise.
They could but will they? I hear that Vangaurd owns a big share of stock, so shareholders are woke, board members are woke and the CEO is woke, looks unlikely or at least it will take a pretty bad fall to do so.
They just aren't worth it anymore, too expensive as it is and we are already seeing the issues surface with the new bikes. A lot of electrical gremlins, they are under warranty now but how much is it going to cost when you're paying out of pocket?
There are so many other issues to ding Harley Davidson for (i.e.the stupidly expensive maintenance cost by the dealerships). It really is bizarre to see Harleys own riders relish its demise. Somewhere in this controversy, the well-being of the company and the quality of the bikes should be held as the paramount issue.
No recovery, without major changes. They need to dump 2/3 of their bagger cruiser lineup. HD must come out with quality entry-level bikes for REASONABLE price-point. The CEO must GO. The board must GO. The HD brand is toast without these major changes. Their customer base is pissed. If they think business as usual, they are sadly deluding themselves. I personally WILL NOT be purchasing another new Harley-Davidson. They are done as far as I'm concerned. marcus
Why would they cut 2/3 of the baggers? Thats where the money and the sales are. No entry-level bike at a "reasonable price point" will be made in the USA. Every other manufacture makes their "cheap" bikes in SE Asia too.
I have always enjoyed Harley Davidson. Hope they can recover. Don't feel. I should switch to anything at this time. But time will tell good luck Harley, Davidson.😢😢
I have a cousin with over 100,000 on his 1200cc AMF Harley . It was his first bike . He’s also had several others through the years but he refuses to let that one go . He’s gone into it several times . But still has it and it still runs
“Under New Management” is the only thing that will save HD. I totally agree with your comments….turnover of ENTIRE board is probably the only way HD can recover.
I went by a Harley Davidson dealer in Colorado. I saw 2 guys taking a riders course in the parking lot, and 2 cars in said parking lot. I am assuming that those cars were the riders vehicles. Mid day. Just about everytime I go by a Harley Davidson dealer, when I see cars in the parking lot, I assume that those vehicles belong to the employees of the store. Not any customers.
I started second-guessing my decision to buy a new Harley when I saw the direction they were taking with regards to their own used products, independent dealers and shops, and our right to repair. This bullshit is meaningless in comparison, in my opinion.
No real apology. I was going to get some bars and lighting for my bike before I found out about all this. I'm now going to an independent shop. My local dealer ,Oly, Wa. is great but I cannot see funding things I don't believe in.
The other problem is people like me that trade in their bike every 2 or 3 years. Dealers are over stocked with used inventory. The auction buyers are offering the dealers very low offers because they are selling for pennies on the dollar at the auction or some no offers at all. That means the trade in value the dealer can offer is garbage.
I’m 63 years old and been riding Harley Davidson for 40 years, I am done with them, not one more penny for their products or bikes. IM AWAKE NOT WOKE !!! American made by AMERICANS LOL !!!! Where did their CEO COME FROM ? LOL
“F our customers, we run this ship (into the ground)” I’ve got my ‘19 RKS, have no interest in any future HD purchases until sounder leadership is in place. Early 40’s, 6 figure income - prime customer. They’re not impressing me.
Young people are either on crotch rockets, naked bikes, or other Japanese cruisers. Im 23 my first bike was a Harley but I sold it and 2 days ago got a 1900CC Yamaha Raider and I'm loving it. Would obviously prefer an American brand but the way this country is headed I would rather support the Japanese with their high focus on hard work, loyalty, quality and performance for an affordable price.
The problem is their core customers are dying off and the days of big iron just for having big bike are gone . Their market is buying caskets not bikes . The tough guy biker image is also dying with them . I would to see them dominate a lightweight electric high tech crazy fast sportster class built around performance. It’s time to reinvent who they are or disappear
I don't think that's the question, they purposely are destroying the brand, it's an objective. They do it slowly to try not to loose that much money. Bye bye H&D, this is the end if it. Tops 5 to 10 yrs.
They can, but it will take a lot of work. Don't forget that Indian is patiently waiting for the new customers. It will take a few years for the snot to blow out of the whole bungled handling of the situation.
Indian is just as woke as HD. Polaris gave a statement about removing references to their DEI programs from their website, shortly after the fallout about HD started.
The CEO's entire reason to buy into Harley was to "Rebrand it" They will still be sending Production to Taiwan (So much for Real American Bike) The backtracking is all smoke and mirrors the funding to all those less than acceptable groups will simply be laundered through third party groups. DO NOT KID YOURSELF The German CEO is 100% out to sink the Image of Harley
I've been Riding mototcycles since i was 8 years old on a mini bike to start with. I'm 64 now and do to injuries i'm kind of broken down. I've done alot of TRIALS bikes not TRAIL bikes when young. I've had mostly Hondas when it came to street bikes 2 were goldwings. But no Harley's, They have allways struck me as over rate, very over priced, obsolete, and unreliable. Frankly I could never justify the purchase cost. I have no desire to own one, and i'm Canadian so i don't have that patriotic connection. How ever as a freedom loving conservitive. I don't like what this CEO and board are doing to the brand. They need to go, and the only way to get that to happen is hit them in their corperate wallets. Sometimes you have to risk losing something in order to gain somerhing else. Something more important. Harley can alway be revived at a later date. INdian was, royal enfeild was too.Maybe it's just time for Harley to go.
I left harley a long time ago. Harley disrespected their loyal customers far too long. I still have my 2008 ultra classic but I also own 2019 Indian roadmaster. 😊
If it is ruined, it can't be rebuilt. If the three brands that rose together, leading the rocket fueled marketing tsunami of the late 80s all go down together, that's fine with me. So long, Harley-Davidson, Jack Daniel, and Camel.
I’m not gonna lie I was in the market for a new touring bagger for my and my fiancé and I’ve always liked my Harley’s. Maybe it’s just dumb luck but I’ve never had a single mechanical issue out of the multiple Harley’s I’ve owned and would gladly take the one I have across the country if I needed, that being said after this whole debacle I will not be purchasing a new Harley until they realize that the 1% doesn’t make up the majority of their customer base. I’m not a huge Indian fan but I do like the Chieftains and will gladly own my 103 softail and new Indian. I seriously hope Harley-Davidson isn’t so blind they’d let a board and garbage CEO drive their company into the ground. Hopefully there will be a big enough drop in stocks and sales to scare the company into cleaning house and getting back to normal.
I had conversations with Harley Davidson and Indian motorcycle dealer sales people. What I gleaned was that used Harley Davidson motorcycles have taken a major hit on their trade in value.
I don’t understand how they think they can sell more bikes by closing dealerships. I live in the UK and 2 showrooms have closed near me, riders at one of the local weekly bike meets are worried and discussing where they have to get to to get their bikes serviced. In the UK bikers like to buy local and don’t appreciate having to take a valuable days holiday (25 per year) and travel 30 miles, then stand around waiting for their machine so they can ride home.
I am an 85 year old rider. Since 1956. Love is a feeling one should not feel for a machine but it is a feeling Ive l had for Harleys . Yes i know a machine cannot reciprocate, There is something about them that really have strong feeling for.Is it the rumble of the engine, its unique appearance or the feeling of happiness rolling down the road? I dont know but is there. My 2007 street glide not new. It does not have all the high tech crap, but it gets me where I want to go. Age and increasing weakness have required me to have a "jockey shift" installed, my left leg no longer is as the strengh to shift gears, and I had a sidecar mounted to minimize my falling over. This will probably be my last bike. Thanks for all the years. I wish Harley Davidson all the best and that you overcome your difficulties.
Do you feel like Harley-Davidson can recover and rebuild their reputation?
Yes ,But they would have to remove the CEO and Board members ASAP or it looks ugly for Harley.
...the CEO would not only need to be REMOVED, but also deported back to Germany and have his U.S. passport permanently 86'd.
Every day that passes, this will fester even more. More of us will move on to other brands, because that is what I'm doing. The CEO statement that he is the Taliban is unforgivable.
Did you read any articles about the 89,000,000 government grant they received to build electric motorcycles?
I'm not sure the brand is ruined. But the management has GOT TO GO! The ceo and the board of directors. If the public saw them given the boot,...it'd be a first good step to rebuild the brand. Drop prices while keeping jobs HERE in America. Certainly there's a way. Maybe automate the assembly line a bit more? I don't know. And simplify the designs. Too many computer chips and code. It doesn't have be so complicated. They think throwing every last high tech, space-age doo-dad is the way forward for the historic brand. Maybe not. They don't have to compete with bmw, honda or the others. They only have to compete with themselves and be the best at what they've always been about. My opinion of course.
The entire board needs to go!!!!
That's about the only way to make it right.
If you do not ride you are not a .member of the board plan and simple 😂😂😂😂
If they don’t fire their CEO and replace their Board of Directors, I believe they will be done
they need to be done ,then later come back to roots
I believe you're right, they are headed for a massive rebranding and trying to get back to what made Harley-Davidson great. They are trying to do the exact same thing with Bud Light.
Yes that is the plan... The slow demolition of the economic enterprise zone known as the USA... Nations have borders and leaders that have goodwill for their citizens.
They don’t care. They will just sell it off and give themselves bonuses.
I’m not brand loyal and own 4 different brands including a Harley. They need to get rid of the board of directors completely.
J. I agree that The CEO is a dick and needs to goI am a 2 yr Vietnam Veteran who puts America, It's people add nation first however I have enjoyed all off the 15 or so motorcycles of Japanese . English and American loved each one have had more Harleys though however I do not believe that is anybody but my business what bike I chose to own or ride but mine!
Same, I love all motorcycles but any company that goes woke, doesn’t get my hard earned money
@@MrWhitelightning73 Define woke!
Anyone that was loyal to Harley I think they have them looking around now.
@@GixxerFoo
Absolutely. And there are Many options.
It's not about bikes. It's not about beer. It's not about tractors. It's about these evil people forcing their crap down our throats! It changes from the top down or it doesn't change. Period
Very well said.
Agree 100%. These child groomers have to go.
@@geraldscott4302 Well stated, agree 100%. It's just a few trying to control millions.
Give that man the money pot - BINGO!
They have done this before and the USA was on the wrong side of WW2
71 years old, Harley was my dream from 12 . Spent most of the past 20 years building and riding my custom Harley . This is the first time in my entire life i don't feel i can be proud of the Harley Brand. Dump the CEO, and remember your core customers Harley!
How about just being proud of being an AMERICAN 🇺🇸 FK THEM IM MOT A BIKER . But im a patriot! Your bike means nothing! Your heart means everything!
David, Rode my firstharley in 1973 AMF xlch 1000 sporty, @ 13 yrs old , Glad you got the bike, But sad zHarley is losing their Minds,
I ride an
Problem is HD is running out of 71 year olds
Who are their core customers? You have a 20 year old custom bike, I just traded my 30 year old bike in on my last purchase. We certainly aren't their core customer anymore. That is the problem the MOCO is having, their core customer base is aged out, sales are down 50% over the last 10 years, and overseas sales now account for 50% of their sales. We aren't the core anymore.
My opinion is, even if they get rid of the CEO and the entire board, the major shareholders (Blackrock etc) will just replace them with like minded screwballs.
Bingo
Correct. This way above the CEO. It's deep deep money and it ain't gonna change unfortunately. With the plastic parts in the M8 engine and some models and eventually all made overseas this is no longer a premium brand that can command a premium price. Sorry. I allready bought a Roadmaster instead of a UL as it is just dollar for dollar a better machine. May eventually get a Pursuit too.
#1 Comment right there. EVIL, grab an old Harley and a Bible folks. God bless
Exactly
and Polaris/Indian are owned by the same people.
Harley's corner cutting has made a lot of opportunities for independent shops and aftermarket manufacturers.
Vanguard is the major shareholder, not BR. Just FYI.
Just like in football. When things are not meeting expectations you don't get rid of the team, you get a new coach. In this case a new CEO and new board
According to some articles I read, they recently received 89,000,000 government grant to build electric motorcycles.
You are not a Bengals fan … huh?
As others have mentioned they recently got 89 million from the government for electric bike production. Isn’t it great that 89 million of our tax dollars went to produce a bike that no one in this country will buy?
Do you think they would have received that grant if they weren’t pushing DEI?
How do you think Elon got rich?
Globalization of businesses is the priority with Governments promoting DEI and are willing to bail out Woke companies when they adhere to their Woke Ideology.
@@spamfriedmice4800 it’s pretty damn insane how many billions of tax payers money has been given to the wealthiest people in this country. If people really wanted electric vehicles there would be no need to spend so much to push them on people. Obviously doesn’t work because most people still don’t want them.
@spamfriedmice4800: At least people buy Elon's product. Nobody wants a Livewire.
not the first time HD has got a bail out either!
My bikes paid off and I am not buying a new one. I am not renewing my HOG membership and I am not buying anymore tees or hats etc. If we all did that it would bring things to a screeching halt. I feel bad for the workers thou they are in a catch 20 situation.
The workers are in a real bad spot there, l'm the same way as l don't plan on buying anything new from them either.
There are articles stating that they recently received 89,000,000 government grant to build electric motorcycles. All part of the ESG plan.
The Company changed the HOG magazine name, the writing is on the wall.
@@amanda1500 If you care about this country, we all have to vote for the republican party. We can see what the democrats have done to this country over the last 4 years and they'll do even more damage in the next 4 if they are installed again. Vote RED across the board and MAGA.
@@magoolew5131 seems to me 2 heads one snake, as far as politicians go.
The stupidity of this board and CEO cannot be overstated. They took what is literally the most loyally followed brand of any product and instituted multiple policies that could not have been more effective at alienating those customers if they had consciously tried. H-D is more closely associated with traditional American values than any product I can think of. How many songs mention Harleys? How many times do you see the Bar & Shield on a car or truck? How often do you see a Harley-Davidson tattoo? They don’t write songs about Kawasakis and you will look a long time before you find a Suzuki emblem on someone’s bicep. This level of loyalty is absolutely unmatched, and this group members made up of the biggest fools in the world managed to undermine it in ways no one thought they would ever see. There is absolutely no way this gets forgiven or the H-D company gets saved unless the board and CEO are removed and replaced with people who do not suffer from the woke mind virus. Until then, we need to stay the course.
GO WOKE, GO BROKE!
NO EXCEPTIONS!
"...traditional American values..." ???
What does that mean?
@@Rem700R5MN America has ALL different people! We are all Americans!
@PeterAngles-jq7gr Are you sure they aren't just your "values"? 🤔
Very well put straight to the point sums up the entire situation perfectly
@PeterAngles-jq7gr Who are "the majority" and who are the "others"? And what are "traditional american values"?
Interesting that you'd cite "history", because I already had a specific period in mind when similar rhetoric was used to justify terrible atrocities. 🤔
You should not be pushing getting a "good deal"; you should be recommending the boycotting of the company!
Remember that HD is only doing this for an immediate reaction to the storm. As soon as the storm is over they will go back to DEI.
When your entry level motorcycle is 11,995.00 you have a serious problem.
I’m gen X and I remember hearing how Harley was going under because not targeting young riders back when I was a kid and all the boomers were riding metric bikes. If someone was under 25 and riding a Harley it was likely their dad’s bike..
@PeterAngles-jq7grBINGO!!
$23k Street Glide $36k after dealer markup and reach around fees!!!
You want to see the prices in Australia!
In Brazil it's even worse. Sad.
@lanejohnson7656 I'm an Xer too when I was in my 20's. I wanted Buell,but they were out of reach.I didn't want some boomer bike. But I did want something that was American. I don't think kid's care about that no more.
I won't buy another unit the CEO and the broad has been replaced. I will keep my 2018 ultra limited.
De-badge it, mine is
the problem is, it's like being married to a woman since 2018 only to find out she was born with a penis.
My surplus Police model came unbadged and it's staying that way.
I am right there with you!
The CEO has been around for 4 years out of the 120+ years they've been around. He doesn't get to define the brand forever. I'll be riding my Road King long after he's gone. Once they see revenue dropping, that dude will be out on his ass.
I'm not interested in buying a new Harley at all, or getting any service stuff done at the dealer. But there's enough great deals on used bikes, enough aftermarket support, and enough independent shops that I'll be riding for a long time without giving Harley a penny.
Exactly my thoughts and scenario. 3 bikes we own ranging in age from 78 to 09 and Harley gets not one penny of my money
Until that shoe salesman is off the board TOTALLY, then to hell with The Motor Company. Won't buy a new one, won't go to a dealer, won't buy a t-shirt. I'll buy an OLD pre-2007 (when Zeitz joined the board) Harley or a new Indian.
I always thought the twincam sounds the best anyway 🍻
Apparently, Harley-Davidson relies on "The Chicken-coop rule" whereas the "chickens at the top shit on the chickens below". If they don't do something about that clown at the top and the board, nothing is going to change.
I sold my 1998 Heritage Softail Monday. Sunday I fly to California to pick up my 62 DuoGlide Panhead and ride it home. I was going to custom build a ride but this guy made me a deal I couldn't turn down...pre-woke, pre-AMF, pre-radical...sweet.
Also Kickstart only. 😂
Yeah I owned a 63 panhead. It was rough over long distance.
@@browngreen933 74's not that hard to kick!
A fly-n-ride with a Panhead has the potential for a great story. Please check back in a week and let us know how it went.
Sounds like a dream come true! Neighbor bought a 62 police special when I was a couple years from my license, I still enjoy the memories of working on it.
I don't if Harleys reputation can be rebuilt over night, but I feel that getting rid of the ceo and the board of directors will make Big step in the right direction.
They recently received 89,000,000 government grant to build electric motorcycles. I saw articles from last month. Why isn't anyone talking about it?
Me agree 😂
@@amanda1500i saw that too. It always boils down to “follow the money.” These globalists have said over and over again that they will kill us off and have us pay for our own demise and cleanup. Completely evil.
Only if Trump is named CEO
I`ve had 3 Harleys and will never even sit on another. Just bought my son a Yamaha V-twin and then a Vulcan 1500cc V-twin. I`ve simply had it with everything woke and if that includes Harley at their own behest, so be it.
Idiots use the term Woke .
Japanese will not allow woke shit in there country. I'm going back too.
One of the major problems with Harley is that they are just way too expensive for what you get. Young riders simply can’t afford to buy a new Harley.
I love harley davidson motorcycles. It's too bad politics have to enter into everything😢. I plan on keeping the hd I have. I plan to only buy aftermarket parts for it. Which is what I've been doing for the past few years
No reason to sell it. They aren't making money off it anymore anyways.
Totally agree
💯 my plan. I pay off my current street glide next year and was set on selling both my street glide and breakout and getting a new street glide, CVO depending on paint scheme.. Not happening. Unless things change I will keep what I have and further customize them..
Both my bikes are pre zeitz.. Good bikes and no reason taking it out on them. I won’t even buy a Harley branded piece of bubblegum..
If you buy SE after 2024 your 🏳️🌈 lol...
I only see reported damage on youtube videos. My local dealers are full of customers and I dont see any boycott in the real world outside of youtube.
Because you live in reality.
I would NEVER harm, debage, or sell any of these expensive bastards that I own unless I am in the market to do it on my own accord. If changing the CEO will put 15,000 dollars back in my pocket for each bike I’m all for it. If not, all of this boycott ish doesn’t matter. My two cents.
It’s about not supporting the evil and the sick POS
It’s 100% just dudes online getting butt hurt.
It's going to take some time to really see the fall out, it won't be overnight and quite as dramatic as it was with the beer.
If you buy one before they fire the ceo because you can save money you just set the price for your values
I got yelled at over a comment I made to a Harley guy. He was talking about how lucky he was to finally find a Harley mechanic that he could trust and depend on. I commented that I did not need a good mechanic because I drive a Honda.
Its going to take at least 3 downward sales quarters to move anyone out at the top.
They recently got 89,000,000 government grant to build electric motorcycles. I recently saw articles about it from last month. ESG...
@@amanda1500 I read US Senator Bob Casey had that put into the Inflation reduction act
@@carlbruhn1772 is that the Pennsylvania governor, then yes.
If not more if the government you guys have a lot depends on your election comeing up.
It's going to take a while, I imagine the board and CEO are going to ride it out until that starts to fall.
I’ve been a long time rider who over the years have spent a ridiculous amount of money on motorcycles- harley will not see one more dollar from me until the loser at the top is kicked to the curb
Same, I was thinking about a new road glide but not now 😊
I've got three Harleys sitting in my garage right now plus and old Triumph, three more old Triumphs in my shop and a couple more Harleys. I can't imagine buying a new Harley, I bought a 2005 883 Sportster last year just because I couldn't pass on the asking price. It's been more than twenty years since I bought parts from a dealer, don't need to, the aftermarket supplies everything I need. I've probably bought forty of so bikes since the late sixties, sold way too many of them. Funny, Harley doesn't carry any parts for my flathead, go figure.
I'll never buy another post woke bike. 2020 and older if i decide to replace my 2015 deluxe
@@SaltMinerOU812 I've got a 42 WLA, a 2005 Sportster and a custom bike I built in the nineties, and four sixties and seventies Triumphs, I will pass them on to my grandkids when I leave this world, standing, no kneeling.
@@JohnMcClain-p9tHD won’t even look at my ‘97 EVO, so I wrench it with a manual and parts I get from a Mom-Pop bike shop. That bike will outlast my grandkids. My newest HD is a 2008 King Classic. It’s for sale. I plan on getting something else, maybe Motoguzzi. Still haven’t had one of those v twins.
I’ve been thinking about this a little, the bikes in of themselves (inanimate objects) are not woke. They don’t care, they beautiful machines meant to ride.
I say keep your Harley, don’t de-badge it, ride it, but don’t buy anymore and definitely don’t buy merchandise.
Just ride-
Exactly.
Agreed. I personally don't give a flying farnarkle about HD policies/politics. They don't affect me. I bought the bike because I love V twins. All the other stuff is bullshit.
Making it a "premium " brand is really hurting the customers. Bikes are more and more expensive. This CEO doesn't understand what makes a Harley a Harley. It was something people saved to buy and enjoy. They were to be a lifestyle and a toy. But having to finance for 6 or 7 years is a real stretch. Good gor the used market at least.
They could get away with that 20 years ago when the economy was good and rich Boomers in their 50s were their target buyer. But now the Boomers are retiring from riding, the economy is in the shitter and nobody has 30k for a new toy. They gotta take a cue from Honda, Royal Enfield and Triumph and build some inexpensive entry-level bikes for young people. And not some junk like the Street models. It's gotta be good, cheap and cool! If they can hit those three points, they can succeed.
Harley has been mismanaged for years. The dealerships are like used car lots ran by non motorcycle people. Harley Davidson has to clean house and bring back small dealerships ran by old bikers like how it was in the 60's and 70's.
KEEP the BOYCOTT GOING! FHD! ✊️
Harley started to go downhill quickly in 2017 when they killed the real Softail and the Dyna. The final nail in the coffin for me was when they killed the real Sportster in 2022. Since then they haven't made anything I would buy. I've been wanting Jochen Zeitz gone for years. These recent events just confirmed how toxic he is for the company. If they think they're going to impress me with screens, tech, and ride modes it's doing exactly the opposite.
@@jamessouthworth1699 I agree with you mate
Japan's government is filing charges again Harley Davidson for trying to force their dealerships to get more bikes or loosing their dealerships. Owners were buying Harleys and reselling them as used. Even some of the workers were doing it too. The government was filling charges of Harley being a monopoly.
That's insane! They are forcing dealers to take bikes and they can't sell them here, corporate is absolutely crushing the dealers.
Speaking purely for myself, I am 'heeled' enough to be able to sell both my Harleys and head to another brand. That's how pissed off I am, and until the CEO and BOD are all fired and run out of town, NOTHING will change. Word.
It would be great if we had an aftermarket now like we had in 2000... all those companies using s&s engines and kraft tech frames, pm brakes, andrews tranny's...etc, its too bad what happened to the chopper era.. it could have morphed into a super cruiser era.
No reason it couldn't happen now, & it seems like HD has given people a reason to try.
68y0 here. Seems over my lifetime that choppers come in vogue about every 15 years or so. Then get stale after 3 years or so only to revive again. Almost seems as if every generation goes through the chopper fad.
Until Harley fires the CEO and replaces the board, then Harley is doomed. I've already had friends sell their Harley and buy an Indian. My Harley RG is old and I will not sell it just because Harley went WOKE, I repair mine with aftermarket parts anyways, and I don't have a Harley badge on my bike anywhere. I removed them when I repainted it and never put them back on. It looks a lot cleaner without badging.
The CEO/Board have a plan. This isn't going to change it. They want to increase share value and make bigger profits. Whether some owners get upset and sell their bike or not is irrelevant . I ride a Harley because it's fun and my view of Harleys is based on stuff from the 70s. What the current board get up to doesn't matter to me. However I do wish they would make more reliable bikes with better quality components. Anyone who buys a different brand bike because of the recent goings on really didn't want a Harley in the first place.
HD reliability will continue to suffer with bikes manufactured in Asia. A lot of junk comes into our country from overseas without any benefit to the customer. You will still pay a lot if you decide to buy foreign products that often breakdown sooner than later. That's the direction global business is going.
It’s more about not supporting sick people trying to change a normal way of thinking
Even if they fire the CEO, people on Twitter are still going to cry. There's people who don't even own a motorcycle bitching.
When you drive the ship to ground, you don't blame the passengers.
Indian is owned by Polaris, while Indian doesn't have a DEI policy on their site, Polaris sure does
I will never buy another Harley Davidson product again I'd rather buy metric.
The best way now to send a message is to stop buying anything at the dealer.
I'm already looking to replace my Ultra with a Gold Wing. I'm done.
if you are selling because of said crap, that's sad unless you still making payments. if so, they just roll your H.D loan onto your goldwing. My ultraclassic is a 05, nothing harley left on in it or on it that's harley, except paint and tank badges. I won't sell it.
You wont be disappointed w a Goldwing. My 2008 harley sits in the garage while i ride my goldwing everywhere.
Me too brother!
Harley has done absolutely nothing to salvage the brand and everything they can do to destroy it.
A local dealer just dropped a 23 sportster $5,000. I’ll bet they’re overstocked. I’m keeping my 09 sportster running and won’t ever buy a new Harley.
My 04 Sportster is " prewoke" era and will last me to the end of my life , i'll just keep that and buy aftermarket parts to keep her running.
Not sure this is a sign, but this past Saturday, Aug 31 2024, I took my Indian Scout 60 to the Indian bike shop for its regularly scheduled "spa treatment." You know, state inspection and routine maintenance. While waiting, I sat in the shop's comfortable waiting area next to the show room floor. I witnessed three Harley riders looking at the floor models. i knew they were Harley riders because I overheard them tell the sales staff what they were currently riding. I spoke to one of them when my Indian Scout was finished with its spa treatment. He asked me how I liked riding an Indian bike. I told him I love it and have always wanted an Indian ever since I saw a picture in my high school history book of a soldier in WWII riding a Indian Scout with a rifle holster attached. He also asked if I ever owned a Harley and I told him I never had a desire to own one. He then confided to me he was trading his Harley for an Indian because of the boycott.
I have a 2003 road king classic and 3 Moto Guzzi s. I would buy a new Guzzi over a new Harley at this point.
Heard Guzzi is coming out with a new California model !
gUZZI IS ONE BRAND i HAVEN'T TRIED. How do you like them? I seen them in Eastwood movies and feel they may be a solid ride
I've always liked the Moto Guzzi, however, I'm tall, and I cannot ride one comfortably. My ride is also a 2003 Road King Classic.
@@dcccharles4569 Im ^ ft tall and I have had to adjust the handlebars, but it is ok for me. Mine is a 2018 California 1400 touring. The other two are 1973 Eldorados. The smaller ones are a challenge to fit, but the 1400 touring is a nice ride. I would ride that across country. I have with the Harley and it is an uncomfortable ride
@@martincvitkovich724 the ones in Magnum force are the LAPD eldorado version. They have a reputation for lasting forever and very dependable. They always bring you home. I have 2 of the old Eldorado bikes. One of those is a Hot Rod and one stock. The Hot rod will get to 90 mph in less than 100 feet. I did it before. Top speed of the El Dorado is only about 100 or so. My California 1400 touring has a speedometer that goes well over 100, but I don't want to find out the top speed. I've had it to about 110 and there was more to go. The 1400 has 3 tunes built into the computer and anti lock brakes. I've had 6 spinal surgery and I am comfortable on my Guzzi. Not long on the Harley. Guzzis are a small number of the bikes made but they are hand built for quality. Try one sometime. I think that you might like it. Especially if you want a touring bike. The small new ones are good for around town.
When are these jokers going to realize that electric motorcycles don't scream "Freedom ". Gas n go is how it's supposed to be. None of this plan your trip around charging stations as opposed to the sites you want to see.
I switched to indian in 2020 glad I did I like the older hds up to 2016 the new bikes are to expensive and prone to breakdowns I will never buy a electric bike ! How many dudes will be dressed in Drag on the assembly line at HD electric plant😮
Different strokes for different folks
I saw a video that has nothing to do with any of this controversy but it did raise some pretty good points about motorcycles and electric vehicles. There are countries where the cities are so congested that a lot of the parking (up close) is for motorcycles. To help encourage bike riding and produce less congestion and what else? POLLUTION
Motorcycles produce less pollution than cars already so why on earth would you want to push an electric motorcycle when they are already far better than cars are when it comes to the carbon footprint. Electric bikes sound good in countries where the riding is stop and go all the time but here in America we have wide open roads that EVs are totally unnecessary for.
And remember, electric vehicles are powered by fossil fuels 😂
@@MrWhitelightning73 that I knew.
If they make it through this mess , it will be forever be a stain on the history of Harley second only to the AMF years.
I can’t believe shovels are so expensive, they were the motor responsible for ‘unreliable’ ‘leaking’, ‘slow’ etc. comments we still hear today!
Harley fans quickly forget and haters will always be quick to remind us.
The CEO must GO!
We should have seen this coming. First they paired with Bud light, now this.
Here’s my problem. Went to dealer needing a new exhaust gasket….26 dollars just for a little F ing gasket! It’s insane! They have turned Harley into some luxury brand sorta thing and completely ran off their real supporters all these years. They have made it near impossible for average Joe to enjoy Harley’s now. I’m not getting rid of my 2016 heritage softail anytime soon but it’s certainly my last one. I’ll never buy another one. They have priced me out.
Yeah Johnny, you have to buy a whole o ring kit for your primary, 60 bucks, just to get 1 o ring, that's 40 dollars, by itself😅
@@Scott-rr7dy no I’ll go to a local private owned rubber and gasket company we have here and show them the old one. They can find one exactly like it for a fraction of the cost. 👍
@@JohnnyRebKy Thanks John 4 the heads up. I too go to a mom and pop shop for my Harley goodirs.
Goodies
@@Scott-rr7dyWhy don't you go to an engineering shop that sells o rings along with your old one and buy them from there like i do.Costs me about a dollar an o ring and leaves you 55dollars to buy a few bottles of beer for after the job.
I’m 52 y/o. I remember those AMF bikes and the EVO bikes, the one year wait list to purchase one.
I’ve never owned another other motorcycle other than Harley-Davidson. To date I’ve owned 9 Harley’s.
I am extremely brand loyal.
However, I started to dislike what the company was doing when they unveiled that electric bike that’s nothing more than a battery and priced it at $30,000!!!
Next, it I noticed how their marketing changed with the people they were using to promote their products
Lastly, their latest foul is the acknowledgement of their DEI program.
It’s clear the CEO must be replaced and Harley desperately needs an American to lead the company.
Why? Because only an American understands the brand and its core demographic. Yeah yeah, much has been written about the need for HD to attract other due to the aging demographic etc. Last I checked I witnessed loads of younger riders both male and female at biker rallies. So the younger people still want a real motorcycle to ride that has tons of history and a sound like no other bike has. Not to mention the feeling that you get that only comes from riding a Harley-Davidson.
There’s just no other. Or is there??
If Harley does not make those moves I noted above, then I hate to admit this, but my next bike will not be a Harley!
I really want HD to read this and contact me so they can hear it directly from a consumer that has been a loyalist.
Bonus: I live just 45 minutes away from their York facility in Pennsylvania. I’ve toured the plant many times. But that is still closed for public tours.
Another huge mistake by the company! #harleydavidson
1966 Sportster (Used)
1993 883 Sportster (New)
1995 Wide Glide (New)
1997 Heritage Springer (New)
2008 Softail Deluxe (Used)
2018 Softail Slim (Used)
2020 Street Glide CVO
2022 Street Glide CVO (New)
2008 Softail Deluxe (Used)
More of a japenese bullet bike guy, although i did buy a new Harley once. I can't believe this iconic American brand went woke. I see a Harley now, and I basically think the rider is a complete homosexual. Good job Harley for fucking up one of Americans most iconic brands!
Yuppies are what saved HD, back in the 80s. With them getting older, the brand was already in a risky position. It’s not like they have done anything to really be competitive with other brands. This could rush in the inevitable fall of the brand…inevitable if they don’t do anything to make the brand competitive with younger riders.
From reasearch I've done...Harley has not walked away from DEI. They are simply renaming it but they are still doing it. Unless the CEO is removed, they will never recover. I traded my Harley in January and will never purchase one again after all this. I own a Honda now and maybe my next one will be an Indian...but not a Harley.
Oh, and they are still moving a manufacturing site to Thailand so it is still going the wrong way
Started riding HD in 1985 when I bought the only new bike I ever purchased. 1985 XLS roadster. Since then I’ve owned different bikes which I purchased used. I’ve had issues with the motor company’s decisions all along but love the bikes. In almost 40 years of riding I can count on both hands I’ve needed to go to a dealer for anything except for maybe to grab a shirt as a souvenir for a trip I was on. I’m almost 60 and have settled on a 2016 FLD switchback. This most likely will be my last Harley since the newer bikes simply don’t appeal to me and once again the motor companies path is pushing me away. I won’t de badge but simply stay away from dealers and if I decide to purchase another it will be pre 2017. Really they lost me with the end of the Dyna.
I'm poor, bought a used 91 electra glide. I'll rebuild it cheaper than a new one.
If you are the average rider you made a good choice. Too many of the new bikes are lucky to get 2500 miles a year. That is a lot of money per mile to have a new bike.
I don't know why people think Harley Davidson is in trouble. I was at 2 dealerships in Florida on Thursday, and Friday, people are still buying bikes and merchandise.
They could but will they? I hear that Vangaurd owns a big share of stock, so shareholders are woke, board members are woke and the CEO is woke, looks unlikely or at least it will take a pretty bad fall to do so.
If I hit the Lottery and won a million bucks I STILL wouldn't buy a new Harley-Davidson.
They just aren't worth it anymore, too expensive as it is and we are already seeing the issues surface with the new bikes. A lot of electrical gremlins, they are under warranty now but how much is it going to cost when you're paying out of pocket?
@@GixxerFoo good point. Give me a horse and buggy. Lol
Their products are unaffordable. They are also limited in number and selection. The clothing line sucks.
It is going to take months if not years to recover from this if at all!
The government is already giving them 89,000,000 grant/taxpayers $ to build electric motorcycles.
There are so many other issues to ding Harley Davidson for (i.e.the stupidly expensive maintenance cost by the dealerships). It really is bizarre to see Harleys own riders relish its demise. Somewhere in this controversy, the well-being of the company and the quality of the bikes should be held as the paramount issue.
No recovery, without major changes.
They need to dump 2/3 of their bagger cruiser lineup.
HD must come out with quality entry-level bikes for REASONABLE price-point.
The CEO must GO. The board must GO. The HD brand is toast without these major changes.
Their customer base is pissed. If they think business as usual, they are sadly deluding themselves.
I personally WILL NOT be purchasing another new Harley-Davidson. They are done as far as I'm concerned.
marcus
Why would they cut 2/3 of the baggers? Thats where the money and the sales are. No entry-level bike at a "reasonable price point" will be made in the USA. Every other manufacture makes their "cheap" bikes in SE Asia too.
@@davidhill850 because nobody is going to buy them any longer.
I have always enjoyed Harley Davidson. Hope they can recover. Don't feel. I should switch to anything at this time. But time will tell good luck Harley, Davidson.😢😢
let them hands do the talking man, dont hold back. Favorite hand talker on you tube. Reminds me of my drill instructors in the MARINE CORPS
Lol I can't talk without the hands!
@@GixxerFoo You also sound exactly like the project farm guy - related? lol.
I have a cousin with over 100,000 on his 1200cc AMF Harley . It was his first bike .
He’s also had several others through the years but he refuses to let that one go .
He’s gone into it several times . But still has it and it still runs
The brand can recover but not sure the lore can. Consumers decide who gets rich.
“Under New Management” is the only thing that will save HD. I totally agree with your comments….turnover of ENTIRE board is probably the only way HD can recover.
I went by a Harley Davidson dealer in Colorado. I saw 2 guys taking a riders course in the parking lot, and 2 cars in said parking lot. I am assuming that those cars were the riders vehicles. Mid day.
Just about everytime I go by a Harley Davidson dealer, when I see cars in the parking lot, I assume that those vehicles belong to the employees of the store. Not any customers.
I started second-guessing my decision to buy a new Harley when I saw the direction they were taking with regards to their own used products, independent dealers and shops, and our right to repair. This bullshit is meaningless in comparison, in my opinion.
No real apology. I was going to get some bars and lighting for my bike before I found out about all this. I'm now going to an independent shop. My local dealer ,Oly, Wa. is great but I cannot see funding things I don't believe in.
just gave 3,400 to an independent here in crapoly.
"IT'S THE WATER!"
The other problem is people like me that trade in their bike every 2 or 3 years. Dealers are over stocked with used inventory. The auction buyers are offering the dealers very low offers because they are selling for pennies on the dollar at the auction or some no offers at all. That means the trade in value the dealer can offer is garbage.
I’m 63 years old and been riding Harley Davidson for 40 years, I am done with them, not one more penny for their products or bikes.
IM AWAKE NOT WOKE !!!
American made by AMERICANS LOL !!!!
Where did their CEO COME FROM ? LOL
Noone has money for these bikes. The pricing is absurd
The whole lifestyle is over .. it's not the same anymore
I think you're right, it's been dying and it's not the same anymore
“F our customers, we run this ship (into the ground)”
I’ve got my ‘19 RKS, have no interest in any future HD purchases until sounder leadership is in place.
Early 40’s, 6 figure income - prime customer. They’re not impressing me.
A large majority of HD motorcyclists are becoming retired seniors and physically unable to ride their monstrous bikes. They’re dying out.
Young people are either on crotch rockets, naked bikes, or other Japanese cruisers. Im 23 my first bike was a Harley but I sold it and 2 days ago got a 1900CC Yamaha Raider and I'm loving it. Would obviously prefer an American brand but the way this country is headed I would rather support the Japanese with their high focus on hard work, loyalty, quality and performance for an affordable price.
Same. I prefer the European motorcycle brand Triumph. They’re super reliable and cheaper than a Harley Davidson.
The problem is their core customers are dying off and the days of big iron just for having big bike are gone . Their market is buying caskets not bikes . The tough guy biker image is also dying with them . I would to see them dominate a lightweight electric high tech crazy fast sportster class built around performance. It’s time to reinvent who they are or disappear
I have 59 flh and 80 fxwg the last real Harleys . No way I wouldn’t even walk in to a stealership
HD Inc's best days were when they had two motors and made 125,000 units per year.
I don't think that's the question, they purposely are destroying the brand, it's an objective. They do it slowly to try not to loose that much money. Bye bye H&D, this is the end if it. Tops 5 to 10 yrs.
They can, but it will take a lot of work. Don't forget that Indian is patiently waiting for the new customers. It will take a few years for the snot to blow out of the whole bungled handling of the situation.
Indian is just as woke as HD. Polaris gave a statement about removing references to their DEI programs from their website, shortly after the fallout about HD started.
They did the smart thing and got out ahead of it!
That's just it, the fall out isn't going to be overnight but it will be felt.
There's a lot that bothers me, one thing that drives me nuts is the fact that if your bike is 10 yrs old you can't get a dealer to work on it
Harley hasn’t changed. They put out the letter, change the names of their woke policies and keep doing what they’ve been doing.
The CEO's entire reason to buy into Harley was to "Rebrand it" They will still be sending Production to Taiwan (So much for Real American Bike) The backtracking is all smoke and mirrors the funding to all those less than acceptable groups will simply be laundered through third party groups. DO NOT KID YOURSELF The German CEO is 100% out to sink the Image of Harley
Go woke, get broke
I'll never buy another Harley, and I will not be renewing my HOG membership.
I've been Riding mototcycles since i was 8 years old on a mini bike to start with. I'm 64 now and do to injuries i'm kind of broken down. I've done alot of TRIALS bikes not TRAIL bikes when young. I've had mostly Hondas when it came to street bikes 2 were goldwings. But no Harley's, They have allways struck me as over rate, very over priced, obsolete, and unreliable. Frankly I could never justify the purchase cost. I have no desire to own one, and i'm Canadian so i don't have that patriotic connection. How ever as a freedom loving conservitive. I don't like what this CEO and board are doing to the brand. They need to go, and the only way to get that to happen is hit them in their corperate wallets. Sometimes you have to risk losing something in order to gain somerhing else. Something more important. Harley can alway be revived at a later date. INdian was, royal enfeild was too.Maybe it's just time for Harley to go.
The values of the managers of Harley-Davidson didn't change. They will simply continue to do what they have been doing for years but secretly.
"...thought the AMF years were bad" 😂
Noticed you're using my line bro 👍
"that worked for Harley Davidson" my big take away from the riff .... That since Thailand and elsewhere will be putting them together.
I left harley a long time ago. Harley disrespected their loyal customers far too long. I still have my 2008 ultra classic but I also own 2019 Indian roadmaster. 😊
If it is ruined, it can't be rebuilt.
If the three brands that rose together, leading the rocket fueled marketing tsunami of the late 80s all go down together, that's fine with me. So long, Harley-Davidson, Jack Daniel, and Camel.
I’m not gonna lie I was in the market for a new touring bagger for my and my fiancé and I’ve always liked my Harley’s. Maybe it’s just dumb luck but I’ve never had a single mechanical issue out of the multiple Harley’s I’ve owned and would gladly take the one I have across the country if I needed, that being said after this whole debacle I will not be purchasing a new Harley until they realize that the 1% doesn’t make up the majority of their customer base. I’m not a huge Indian fan but I do like the Chieftains and will gladly own my 103 softail and new Indian.
I seriously hope Harley-Davidson isn’t so blind they’d let a board and garbage CEO drive their company into the ground. Hopefully there will be a big enough drop in stocks and sales to scare the company into cleaning house and getting back to normal.
Harley hasn't been competitive for decades. Mediocre bikes at inflated prices.
I had conversations with Harley Davidson and Indian motorcycle dealer sales people. What I gleaned was that used Harley Davidson motorcycles have taken a major hit on their trade in value.
I don’t understand how they think they can sell more bikes by closing dealerships. I live in the UK and 2 showrooms have closed near me, riders at one of the local weekly bike meets are worried and discussing where they have to get to to get their bikes serviced. In the UK bikers like to buy local and don’t appreciate having to take a valuable days holiday (25 per year) and travel 30 miles, then stand around waiting for their machine so they can ride home.
63 and was about to replace my 2007 Ultra Classic Electraglide when this shit went down. Goodbye Harley baggers, hello Honda Goldwing F6B DCT.
I am an 85 year old rider. Since 1956. Love is a feeling one should not feel for a machine but it is a feeling Ive l had for Harleys . Yes i know a machine cannot reciprocate, There is something about them that really have strong feeling for.Is it the rumble of the engine, its unique appearance or the feeling of happiness rolling down the road? I dont know but is there. My 2007 street glide not new. It does not have all the high tech crap, but it gets me where I want to go. Age and increasing weakness have required me to have a "jockey shift" installed, my left leg no longer is as the strengh to shift gears, and I had a sidecar mounted to minimize my falling over. This will probably be my last bike. Thanks for all the years. I wish Harley Davidson all the best and that you overcome your difficulties.