What will Harley do next?

[XB08]

Pink Fatboys?????

[badinfluence63]

Pink Fatboys?????

I've seen a couple.

Aparently females are the new target customer. There are more and more female riders. And more coming.

The local HD shop here is owned by 2 women. And my experiences have been pretty positive. More so then the previous owner. I stopped going in while he owned it.

[Ryethil]

No one would buy them.

Zigactly. Say what you want about Harley, they DO know their market demographics... if they figured the world wanted a Hayabusa killer or a BMW GS clone or a KTM kicker, they would be building them already. They have tried to dabble in markets other than the cruiser/touring world, but have never had any roaring success and will continue to stick with what works best for them. Dealers know that a room full of Road Kings and Fat Boys will sell out a lot quicker than one filled with XB12's and Ulyssess...Ulyssessees... what the hell is the plural of Ulysses, anyway

IMHO, your partially right. The problem is that when ever HD tried to build for other markets, the outcomes looked and acted like a transplanted HD. They're sort of stuck in the same position of British Bikes back when. They don't seem to be able to produce something new or don't care. The Buell was one of the bright spots, (I own a Buell) so was the V-Rod, though it was a translation more than a new concept.

NOTE TO BUELL OWNERS: the preceding comment was NOT meant as a slag against the brand... I happen to like Buells, it's just that most Harley dealers do not seem to like them as much as the enthusiasts do.

Not a problem, I'm used to taking stuff because my Buell Isn't a real Harley. Yeah, around here they're a special order item . Though one of our local dealers has a couple of mules to try out. I like the new Buells like the 1125CR. I haven't put my order in yet, kind of looking at buying a Street Bob or Low Rider. My next sportbike maybe a Norton Commando anyway.

Pink Fatboys?????

Well, red with purple stain heavily breathed on Sportster C.

I can be one of the boys because I ride a "Real" Bikes. But I take a load of trash because they don't understand that I love to ride like they do. And I confuse them because I'm nobody's "b*tch". So this new trend towards women riders is just plain exciting. Though maybe a smaller Sportster around a 500- 650 might be an idea. However, when they get used to riding, most women I know can handle a lowered Xl883 or XL1200. Anyway, expect to see more of us. And please don't be scared of us because all we want to do is ride too.

[Gummiente]

However, when they get used to riding, most women I know can handle a lowered Xl883 or XL1200.

My wife skipped all that and went for a new Vulcan 800 Classic as her first bike back in '01. Then in '06 she got her dream bike, a new Softail Deluxe, and rides it every chance she gets.

[slimcolo]

XBOB wrote:
Pink Fatboys?????

There is no such thing as a pink Harley, they are coral, ask anyone who has one.

I would like to see Harley make some smaller bikes like a 45 or a 30.50 again, possibly a Dual sport (Ulysses just don't cut it) Maybe bring back the XR, and not just a hopped up Sportster and call it an XR. and put the Sportster shift back on the right side. Put a kicker back on.

And take the cops off of those fast Electra Glides and FXRPs and put them back where they belong, on a Servi-car, with top speed under 50. Also replace the Police cruisers with Smart cars.

Who knows what will happen now that Harley dealers are carrying other brands. The COS dealership now carries Buell, MZ Agusta, Moto guzi, Ducati, BMW, Kymco and Hysung and have extended HD policy of not stocking any parts for bikes over 10 years old to these brands as well. (a BMW shop that will not even stock tune up parts for airheads)

[HYPERR]

Who knows what will happen now that Harley dealers are carrying other brands. The COS dealership now carries Buell, MZ Agusta, Moto guzi, Ducati, BMW, Kymco and Hysung and have extended HD policy of not stocking any parts for bikes over 10 years old to these brands as well. (a BMW shop that will not even stock tune up parts for airheads)

I have noticed that trend recently, as it is no longer a license to print money being a HD dealer. Correct me if I'm wrong but it was mandated by the Motor Company for their dealers to be exclusive and stand alone HD dealers? When did they lift this restriction?

[slimcolo]

Correct me if I'm wrong but it was mandated by the Motor Company for their dealers to be exclusive and stand alone HD dealers?

Yeah i remember when they tried to get the HD shop in Cheyenne to drop Honda. They couldn't do anything as the shop had sold both marques years before HD started that policy. I wonder if this means that Harley dealers will start selling aftermarket harley parts too.

[jaskc78]

the women riders thing is full-on at Harley. was in the local shop today for a test ride and they had quite a few female advertisements playing over the intercom/PA/radio system in there.

[Ryethil]

However, when they get used to riding, most women I know can handle a lowered Xl883 or XL1200.

My wife skipped all that and went for a new Vulcan 800 Classic as her first bike back in '01. Then in '06 she got her dream bike, a new Softail Deluxe, and rides it every chance she gets.

Stop, you're making me jealous. I love my Sportster but a big twin is just so satisfying.

So my idea of a smaller Harley is a bust. I'll never live it down.

As for HD and women riders. At least now the sales people don't look for my "Man" or talk over the top of my head.