How can Harley Davidson appeal to younger riders? + Poll.

[Brett]

Do they actually want to appeal to that market?

How many young guys and girls are looking for a big v-twin cruiser as their first, second or third bike?

They are generally looking at a first bike for something small and cheap to learn on - not in HDs design brief.
Second bike, a bigger, faster version of the first bike - still not in HDs design brief.
Third bike, most are probably still in the second hand market, sub $10k, still looking for fast and powerful - closer to HD but still not really what they do and are known for.

If HD wants a slice of the young new riders market, they are basically going to have to design either a Japper style road bike or something like the Triumph scrambler, but even that wouldn't most likely appeal to younger newer riders.
I believe if HD tried to enter the entry level road bike market, they would fail.

I don't think there is a simple answer to that question. Or if I was forced to, I would say they can't. Not without a dramatically new and different model range. Even then they would be up against a certain level of Harley Hate.

Yes...if they tried to enter the entry bike market they would get burnt...many others have tried and have suffered poor results. So, in essence your opinion is that as riders age, they will gravitate to the HD type bikes and that trying to target a younger market is a bit...pointless. The real issue, as discussed in my other thread, is with regards to a shrinking pool of riders I reckon.

Edit...FWIW...I agree. I think that HD are good at their market and should focus on capturing those older riders as they gravitate to tourer type motorcycles. I think that their brand is best aligned with this and I think that their core competencies lean this way too. Interesting to hear other peoples views though.

[Big Dave]

Harley did make good road sports bikes. A Buell XB is/was a great road bike for NZ.

Unfortunately, endlessly twisty roads are not that common where Harley's money belts are.

[Smifffy]

I was getting kind of turned on by the XR1200X, but then a) I don't think they make 'em anymore & b) I just realised I no longer qualify as a young rider

I think if a bunch of them turned up in some kick ass cult movies then they might get more popular, then again - kids today maybe not so much kick-ass - maybe if bieber & that sparkly vampire rode hogs all the kids would wanna too.

Till we end up with pansy biker gangs and bad asses in VW golfs....


*sigh* I REALLY don't qualify as a young biker lolz

[Ocean1]

Harley did make good road sports bikes. A Buell XB is/was a great road bike for NZ.

Unfortunately, endlessly twisty roads are not that common where Harley's money belts are.

I was getting kind of turned on by the XR1200X, but then a) I don't think they make 'em anymore & b) I just realised I no longer qualify as a young rider

Aye, both sacrificed by HD because they didn't perform in the states.

And if that had anything to do with a lack of corners there'd be bugger all proper sprotsbikes sold too.

[idb]

As has been said above...do they want to appeal to that market?
Older riders are where the money is and they won't want to be elbowing kids with their hats on backwards in bright leathers out of the way to get to the bar at the HOG rallies.

The best way would be to have a different brand like they tried with Buell.

[Big Dave]

And if that had anything to do with a lack of corners there'd be bugger all proper sprotsbikes sold too.

Yeah it does.

In the flatlands they buy an IL4 for max speed and stunting - or a cruiser.

A bike that is pretty much built aroud cornering is as suitable there as a Heritage in the Waipua Forest. Punters know that.

I wouldn't buy another Buell or any sports bike for living in Brisbane, I'd dig a Road King (I have one in the shed now) - or the mighty KLR.

[Winston001]

Yeah Brett, interesting question. I think it is much bigger than just Harley Davidson attracting new young buyers. The whole motorcycle thing is under a question mark and there is probably some deep research out there.

My (bogan) nephews lust after an early 351 Falcon or similar Holden. They make do with a very fast and powerful Japanese car. None of their friends lust after a Harley. They can't see the point.

Motorcycling is a very individual thing to do and appeals to people who are comfortable on their own. At least while travelling. We motorcyclists love to get together at the end of a run and at a rally. But on the bike - its just about being in the moment.

[bosslady]

I'm 26 and I'd never consider buying a Harley. In my eyes the perception is that Harleys are for people 50+. 40', maybe, if you're lucky. Also, seems everything targeted around my age is sports bikes bonanza. I couldn't say why or how but cruisers don't even remotely appeal to me!

[Brett]

I'm 26 and I'd never consider buying a Harley. In my eyes the perception is that Harleys are for people 50+. 40', maybe, if you're lucky. Also, seems everything targeted around my age is sports bikes bonanza. I couldn't say why or how but cruisers don't even remotely appeal to me!

Is the GN250 just an entry bike then? (I have always thought of them as cruisers in my mind)

[Ender EnZed]

For the record, I'm 21 and have had 6 other road bikes before my current Hayabusa. Naked, dual purpose, sports touring styles and all Japanese. The vast majority of the time I can pick the make and model of any Japanese bike that you're likely to spot on the road, the same for BMWs, Triumphs or Ducatis (brands that have a presence) and at least the make of most other Euro brands. Also Buells.

When it comes to Harleys there are V-Rods, XR1200s, maybe a Sproty and then the "real" Harleys. "Real" Harleys can come in differing levels of chrome or matt blackness and ever so occasionally come in the "Goldwing-esque" variety with a fairing and panniers but that's about it. I've read plenty of magazine articles about different models and the whole current range but none of it's really stuck. All the "real" Harleys look about the same as a Honda VT750 and I'm no more likely to buy one.

Is the GN250 just an entry bike then? (I have always thought of them as cruisers in my mind)

I've always thought of them as cheap and plentiful, and therefore a good starting point for newbies who don't know or can't do any better.

V-rod engine is too bulky for a nekkid.
That Roher sportsbike conversion is 260kg or thereabouts from memory.

H-D put it in a great handling chassis in 2005 and it didn't sell.

Presumably this was the V-Rod itself.

You've ridden a shit tonne of bikes; care to hazard a guess as to the differences in lap times of an average skilled, confident going fast rider on a XR1200, V-Rod, Bandit 1200, VTR1000 at, say, Manfield?

[Brett]

You've ridden a shit tonne of bikes; care to hazard a guess as to the differences in lap times of an average skilled, confident going fast rider on a XR1200, V-Rod, Bandit 1200, VTR1000 at, say, Manfield?

haha...I was just wondering something similar earlier.

[Big Dave]

You've ridden a shit tonne of bikes; care to hazard a guess as to the differences in lap times of an average skilled, confident going fast rider on a XR1200, V-Rod, Bandit 1200, VTR1000 at, say, Manfield?

It was the Street Rod.

Times I don't know. It would be more a matter of how long it would take the Japs to lap the Yanks.
Lap times don't necessarily translate to an enjoyment factor on the open road though.

Bandit is the most versatile.

[Ender EnZed]

It was the Street Rod.

Times I don't know. It would be more a matter of how long it would take the Japs to lap the Yanks.
Lap times don't necessarily translate to an enjoyment factor on the open road though.

Bandit is the most versatile.

That's a dodge.

Put the same guy on each bike and who will leave feeling like he has the biggest cock?

Edit: Assuming cock size perception is directly inversely proportional to lap time.

[Winston001]

...care to hazard a guess as to the differences in lap times of an average skilled, confident going fast rider on a XR1200, V-Rod, Bandit 1200, VTR1000 at, say, Manfield?

With respect, the vast majority of motorcyclists never go near a track. Maybe to watch a race meeting but not otherwise. People buy motorcycles for journeys on roads. Fast or medium or slow.

[Big Dave]

That's a dodge.

:-)

OK - more specific.

The race track doesn't interest me at all (other than for the photo opportunity). No idea about lap times.

What interests me is road riding, going to different places, touring and exploring on a bike. And keeping my licence so I can continue to do so.

If I had to choose one of those you mention for NZ - it would be the Bandit. Here in Brisbane it would be the V-rod.

Different tools for different jobs (and places).