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HD's problem is that they've been selling image, not so much motorcycles, for decades.
Those who like the HD image are unlikely to look for an electric bike. And those who look for an electric bike are unlikely to have an interest in the HD image. Bless them, they're doing what they can, but I'd bail if I held stock.
HD's problem is that they've been selling image, not so much motorcycles, for decades.
Those who like the HD image are unlikely to look for an electric bike. And those who look for an electric bike are unlikely to have an interest in the HD image. Bless them, they're doing what they can, but I'd bail if I held stock.
That same reasoning would imply that the Porsche Cayenne would be a flop. Opps.
That same reasoning would imply that the Porsche Cayenne would be a flop. Opps.
Not so sure I agree there. Plenty of crossover between people who shop for SUVs and who think Porsches are cool bits of engineering. There's a complementary effect - the Porsche badge makes the SUV cooler, the SUV bit makes the Porsche more practical.
The cultivated HD image is that of holding on to tradition, staying authentic and not giving a damn what the rest of the world thinks. (Not saying that matches reality, but it seems to be what they market.) Electrical vehicles are about embracing new technology and being environmentally conscious.
Seems to me that there would be very little commonality between target audiences, but I have been wrong before.
HD's problem is that they've been selling image, not so much motorcycles, for decades.
Those who like the HD image are unlikely to look for an electric bike. And those who look for an electric bike are unlikely to have an interest in the HD image. Bless them, they're doing what they can, but I'd bail if I held stock.
I'd have to agree. That's probably why their line of Buell Motorcycles failed. And HD killed the V-ROD line too. (Which were the only HD motorcycles that interested me.)
But a Harley Davidson electric bike? They would have to attract a whole new generation of younger bikers. They failed with Buell and the V-ROD. Maybe the third time is the charm?
Maybe they should just stick with their niche - real Made in the USA American cruisers. Improve the bikes. And stop with the not-made-in-the-USA stuff. It's diluting their brand. I mean, if its not a real made-in-the-USA Harley, people might as well buy the reliable Japanese cruiser clones.
A few eclectic thoughts on the subject from someone who's been riding for 50+ yrs. I had the only Harley in Italy when I toured there in 1977. My bike was my only transportation, including winters in Chicago, for several yrs.
Don't compare HD to any foreign brands. They're engineered to fill different niches. Each does well in its niche.
Harleys were built to externally leak oil on the chains back in the 30s. The reputation has stuck, undeservedly, all this time. My bike is 21 y/o. It doesn't leak. One year we were lined up waiting for the annual Freedom Run (1000s of bikes) outside Chicago. I brought along a handful of rice and piled it under my buddy's Honda. That got loads of laughs from passersby and I bet 100 stopped to take a picture.
Loud pipes do save lives. Many times I've approached numb minded drivers in cages who suddenly pick their heads up and jerk their eyes into their mirror site line as I goose the throttle to warn them I'm there. The deep rumble of older HDs can be felt before it's heard by cagers.
The Harley V-Rod is on permanent recall- because it was so UGLY.
The Buell offered many engineering innovations & advantages over its competitors, but as others have noted above, image/psychological factors have a great deal to do with purchases. The crotch-rocket snobs didn't want to associate with Harley, just like the Hog snobs don't like the rice burners.
For Eco-Freaks, remember we've had 100mpg vehicles available for decades: the 50cc scooter. Great for around town commuting. Why don't we all have one?
I applaud HD's venture into new, electric technology. It won't replace the big displacement Hog, but it'll have its niche. I think they made a big mistake in discontinuing their smaller bike line 40 yrs ago, excluding a huge potential market.
One year we were lined up waiting for the annual Freedom Run (1000s of bikes) outside Chicago. I brought along a handful of rice and piled it under my buddy's Honda. That got loads of laughs from passersby and I bet 100 stopped to take a picture.
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Loud pipes do save lives.
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The crotch-rocket snobs didn't want to associate with Harley, just like the Hog snobs don't like the rice burners.
I think you may have demonstrated why Harley marketing has some issues with reaching a younger crowd...
I think they would do better with an eTrike. Especially if they took some ideas from Polaris Slingshot.
If I were CEO I would take a long look at making the old Harley truly a part of history and in 10 or 15 years drop them completely in favor of the eTrike.
Or, for long trips the hTrike, which would be hybrid.
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