5 Interesting Facts from Harley-Davidson’s Annual Report

Particle Man · 02-26-2011, 08:32 AM

Their business model (domestic) appears to be based more on brand loyalty than evolution. The thing is, while brand loyalty still exists to some extent, it isn't nearly the same as in years past. Hell, how many people just on this board have switched brands just because they found either a bike better suited to their needs or just a plain ol' better deal?

Riding these days is about more than just a logo and matching gear (and shirts, and pants, and underwear...etc). The message is still somewhat the same (do your own thing), it's just allowed to actually be unique to the individual.

In order to survive, HD has to evolve. True, motorcycles are really toys that are the first to go in a crunch, but they can also be a cheaper alternative to big elaborate vacations and such (snowmobile sales were up in this area in January for that reason). They need to break back into that space. They need to go back to selling (and focusing on) motorcycles, not a lifestyle; they need to stop living in the past.

Would anyone here buy an old CRT display just because it's a favorite brand name? I know I wouldn't. Why? Because there are better ones out there (and taking the parallel even further, at a cheaper or even MUCH cheaper price). The people buying TV's and stuff these days are the same ones buying motorcycles.

02-26-2011, 08:32 AM	#10
Particle Man Custom User Title Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Central NY Moto: 2003 SV650S Posts: 14,959	Their business model (domestic) appears to be based more on brand loyalty than evolution. The thing is, while brand loyalty still exists to some extent, it isn't nearly the same as in years past. Hell, how many people just on this board have switched brands just because they found either a bike better suited to their needs or just a plain ol' better deal? Riding these days is about more than just a logo and matching gear (and shirts, and pants, and underwear...etc). The message is still somewhat the same (do your own thing), it's just allowed to actually be unique to the individual. In order to survive, HD has to evolve. True, motorcycles are really toys that are the first to go in a crunch, but they can also be a cheaper alternative to big elaborate vacations and such (snowmobile sales were up in this area in January for that reason). They need to break back into that space. They need to go back to selling (and focusing on) motorcycles, not a lifestyle; they need to stop living in the past. Would anyone here buy an old CRT display just because it's a favorite brand name? I know I wouldn't. Why? Because there are better ones out there (and taking the parallel even further, at a cheaper or even MUCH cheaper price). The people buying TV's and stuff these days are the same ones buying motorcycles.