Harley-Davidson tries to lose its geezer appeal (ride, bike, motor)

[RedJacket]

For Harley-Davidson, Michael Adams is a godsend.
When the 22-year-old college senior showed up for a $25 rider training class at a community college last year in Michigan, his aspiration was to someday buy his ultimate American icon: a Harley.
But he quickly found he was in enemy territory.

Harley-Davidson tries to lose its geezer appeal - Business - Autos - msnbc.com

Good luck with that.

[RcHydro]

I think they are etched in stone as a geezer manufacturer. They need to build a decent mid-sized bike. Not the huge, overweight, under powered, over priced bikes they keep buiding. Buy that wont happen.

[catman]

Judging from that last paragraph, I doubt they will have much luck. But I'm a "geezer" who rides something other than a Harley.

[RcHydro]

I started riding almost 40 years ago, and have owned lots of different bikes. None were Harleys, never even considered one. Until they build something worth having. I will never own one.

[43north87west]

Originally Posted by RedJacket

For Harley-Davidson, Michael Adams is a godsend.
When the 22-year-old college senior showed up for a $25 rider training class at a community college last year in Michigan, his aspiration was to someday buy his ultimate American icon: a Harley.
But he quickly found he was in enemy territory.

Harley-Davidson tries to lose its geezer appeal - Business - Autos - msnbc.com

Good luck with that.

Reading the article, it appears that Harley Davidson is already making progress. I agree, the appeal is skewed toward older people, but brand images don't turn overnight. Look at how long it's taken the Big Three to outrun the image that their products aren't worth buying. It has taken well over a decade.

Wait another 20 years and I wouldn't be surprised if geezers were riding sportbikes and wearing moto-wear. Can you imagine a bunch of guys rolling in for an early bird special on sportbikes? Wait 20 years and see what happens.

[whiteboyslo]

Step 1, issue a giant 'mia culpa' to Buell

Step 2, hire him back, give him funds, and get out of his way

But yeah, they'll always be 'geezer' to me. I could care less about ANY cruiser, HD or otherwise.

Mike

[hoffdano]

I have zero interest in huge v-twins, regardless of the style. The other thing Harley is: they seem to be the preferred bike of fat people.

[Dport7674]

Plenty of young guys are buying sportsters and they'll graduate to a bagger sooner or later.

I see three 20 somethings riding a sportster for every one sport bike rider.

They should be buying a Triumph, but whatever.

[RcHydro]

Originally Posted by Dport7674

Plenty of young guys are buying sportsters and they'll graduate to a bagger sooner or later.

I see three 20 somethings riding a sportster for every one sport bike rider.

They should be buying a Triumph, but whatever.

My next bike will be a Triumph. Nice detailing on their bikes.

[Grandpa Pipes]

Originally Posted by RedJacket

For Harley-Davidson, Michael Adams is a godsend.
When the 22-year-old college senior showed up for a $25 rider training class at a community college last year in Michigan, his aspiration was to someday buy his ultimate American icon: a Harley.
But he quickly found he was in enemy territory.

Harley-Davidson tries to lose its geezer appeal - Business - Autos - msnbc.com

Good luck with that.

Geezer's equals money to buy these bloated motorcycles that are the American He Man machines!

Geezers are baby boomers with money to spend.