"Go home Harley, you're drunk"

Wallkeeper

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For ages it has been bugging me that the fairing on the new Harley adventure bike looked kind of familiar. Then yesterday I realised where I'd seen that odd angular design before...
ROFL!!! well, at least it does not remind us of a urinal.......
 

Checkswrecks

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A friend really wants one. His point of view is that Harley has always had strong brand identity.
 

EricV

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The biggest problem for Harley to produce and sell innovative designs, especially new engines, is the customer base. It really doesn't matter how good it is, the HD customer wants the "potato-potato" V-Twin. The problem for HD is that there isn't enough of them and time marches on, but no one looks at them if they want something other than a V-Twin.

Indian built the Inline 4 motorcycles. The original intent was to phase out the V-Twins. They were, and remain, far more impressive in technology/performace than any V-Twin. They just didn't sell. Everyone wanted a Chief or if they couldn't swing that, a Scout. Now, the Inline 4 is highly collectable and well regarded, but it was a lesson Indian and Harley won't ever forget. You can build it, but if it doesn't sell, it doesn't matter if it's a better bike.

Harley has over sold the 'lifestyle' and now they are pigeon holed as a cruiser builder. No one cares if they produce other bikes, if you want a Harley, you buy a V-twin. If you want an ADV bike or a Sport bike, you don't even consider Harley. In part, because every time you tell anyone you own a Harley, they expect a V-twin and pirate leather.

The suggestion that they create a splinter brand, Acura Vs Honda, for example, is a very good one. Then owner's of the new bikes can say I ride a xxxxxx instead of saying they ride a Harley. I always wanted to build a bike from the V-4 Johnson outboard motor. Fun project and all that. But... I could say I rode a Big Johnson, not a Harley. People would pay more for a Big Johnson. :D

Harley needs to split off the non-Big Twin designs to a new brand and not directly associate that with Harley. Don't sell it in Harley dealerships, etc. You don't go to the Honda dealership to spend the big bucks on your Acura. You don't go to the Toyota dealership to buy a Lexus. Only Volkswagan has attempted to go upscale with the parent brand. And that's not doing so well for them. Many people simply won't pay $60k for a Volkswagon. Kind of dumb, considering they have Audi and Porche in the house. But that's another thread.
 

EricV

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Buell didn't so much fail, as get cut off at the knees by HD. And they marketed them to HD fans, from HD dealers mostly, so not separated as much as they need to attract new, non-HD buyers, (IMHO).
 

Sierra1

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The impression I've always had is that if you want a Harley, nothing else will do. It's never been a quality thing, but it's always been a Harley thing. I've know guys that have Japanese cruisers, but are working on getting a Harley. Eric may be right about them developing a separate company to market other styles of bikes. Because, in my opinion, when people say they have a Harley, they want everybody to have a certain image of them and their bike. I'm a function over form kind of guy, hence the Tenere being MY choice. If you want a Harley, be my guest, just don't expect ME to get one. It is also my opinion that Victory wasn't much of a threat to H-D, but I think Indian is going to REALLY hurt them; although they are essentially the same bike.
 

Talltourer

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It is also my opinion that Victory wasn't much of a threat to H-D, but I think Indian is going to REALLY hurt them; although they are essentially the same bike.
Indian has that heritage/hipster/old school vibe that Polaris was never able to fuse in their Victory line. they do look good and you dont feel like you need to have to wear the whole HD catalog when you ride one.
 

Sierra1

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Oh yeah, forgot about their clothing line. ASS-U-MING that all H-D clothing that we see is "officially licensed", that could be their biggest money maker. Like NFL kickers are the leading scorers; 1 point at a time. I can't remember the last time I saw a motorcycle shirt that wasn't H-D. And throughout my daily routine, I will see at LEAST one H-D article of clothing; male or female. Indian needs so step up it's clothing line marketing. Damn, I love my Tenere. :p
 
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Nerd_ADV

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HD had an off-brand... and they fucked it up so bad it failed. Remember Buell? Awesome bikes for the era.
I wouldn't call them awesome bikes. They were innovative and interesting, but they definitely had their issues.
 
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