Harley Introduces New Water-Cooled 500 & 750 V-Twins - the Revolution X Models
- Thread starter Dallara
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EricV
Riding, farkling, riding...
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In regards to the new models, Harley is a boutique brand now. They sell more in apparel than bikes, all over the world. They have HD 'dealers' that don't even sell bikes in some countries. But you can get a Tee shirt with 'HD of Singapore', or what ever location it is, on it. People buy those on line or at indi shops all over the US too. That's been going on forever. I remember HD of Moscow shirts selling like hot cakes in the '80s just so guys could have one in their collection of HD shirts.
So, with that in mind, the entry level bikes are still Harley brand products. Nearly all large manufacturers are building their products from globally sourced components, and many walk that fine line between the percentage of US parts that allow them to label it "Made in the USA", while others quietly removed those labels to replace them with "Made in the USA from globally sourced components" with the later four words in smaller print.
I see a big segment of buyers that want a Harley, just because of the brand name recognition, and aren't going to be hanging out with the HD crowd, but want a "Harley" in the garage, and may or may not ride it a lot, (like most US motorcycle owners), but still want that name recognition. And some Veteran HD guys that want to buy the wife or kid a 'Harley' but aren't, or can't, pony up the big bucks for one of the big twins. In some cases, wisely so, as the intended rider might not be ready for that size bike yet.
If it gets riders onto the brand, it's a success for HD. If younger buyers instead go buy a Yamaha Bolt, and laugh at the new HD offerings, that's a fail for HD. I see both happening, as some will always be brand conscious, while others will buy strictly based upon the specs and what it will do for them.
**** edit - Just looked at the HD web site and they are really marketing the image, brand loyalty, sound and not surprisingly, the ability to customize these new bikes to individualize them. Smart marketing, whether you like the bikes or not.
So, with that in mind, the entry level bikes are still Harley brand products. Nearly all large manufacturers are building their products from globally sourced components, and many walk that fine line between the percentage of US parts that allow them to label it "Made in the USA", while others quietly removed those labels to replace them with "Made in the USA from globally sourced components" with the later four words in smaller print.
I see a big segment of buyers that want a Harley, just because of the brand name recognition, and aren't going to be hanging out with the HD crowd, but want a "Harley" in the garage, and may or may not ride it a lot, (like most US motorcycle owners), but still want that name recognition. And some Veteran HD guys that want to buy the wife or kid a 'Harley' but aren't, or can't, pony up the big bucks for one of the big twins. In some cases, wisely so, as the intended rider might not be ready for that size bike yet.
If it gets riders onto the brand, it's a success for HD. If younger buyers instead go buy a Yamaha Bolt, and laugh at the new HD offerings, that's a fail for HD. I see both happening, as some will always be brand conscious, while others will buy strictly based upon the specs and what it will do for them.
**** edit - Just looked at the HD web site and they are really marketing the image, brand loyalty, sound and not surprisingly, the ability to customize these new bikes to individualize them. Smart marketing, whether you like the bikes or not.