RE: Tough time continue at H-D - 2

Zitat von wessie im Beitrag #14

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Zitat von Richard230 im Beitrag #13

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I was hit with the Harley tariff when I bought a 1986 Honda VFR700FII. It sold for $4,500, while the 750 version of the same motorcycle (with a slightly shorter stroke) sold for an additional $700. I might add that the old VFR is still being ridden by my son-in-law and now has over 120K miles on the clock, having suffered no mechanical problems along the way (only electrical).

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My money is on the VFR's voltage regulator. Honda still has trouble making (or buying from China) voltage regulators that last longer than a battery (usually the cause of the battery failure).

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Zitat von wessie im Beitrag #17

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Zitat von Richard230 im Beitrag #16

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Zitat von wessie im Beitrag #14

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Zitat von Richard230 im Beitrag #13

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I was hit with the Harley tariff when I bought a 1986 Honda VFR700FII. It sold for $4,500, while the 750 version of the same motorcycle (with a slightly shorter stroke) sold for an additional $700. I might add that the old VFR is still being ridden by my son-in-law and now has over 120K miles on the clock, having suffered no mechanical problems along the way (only electrical).

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My money is on the VFR's voltage regulator. Honda still has trouble making (or buying from China) voltage regulators that last longer than a battery (usually the cause of the battery failure).

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I think the bike has gone through 10 VRs during its lifetime. Now it has two voltage regulators linked in parallel. That seems to be working OK during the past few years. Great engine, lousy electrical system.

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Poor cooling was the usual root cause. I know one mechanic that extended the wiring and fitted the VR in the front of the fairing on CBRs and VFRs so they got decent airflow to cool them. Some owners fitted CPU fans

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Here is the latest regarding H-D's marketing and financial "rewire" plan: https://www.motorcycle.com/features/harl...ming-in-q4.html

Thanks for posting this article. It sounds like HD is making desperate efforts to keep the boat floating. I really hope their adventure tourer sells. It feels like they are about 10 years behind the curve on that one, as adventure bike popularity already exploded, but what do I know. I have little interest in adventure bikes, partly due to my short inseam, so I'm not their target market. It seems to me that HD should try to get ahead of the next trend in motorcycling. Electric bikes really seem to have a lot of appeal to the younger generations. Especially, as more and more younger people move to cities and are looking for commuters, not to mention the lack of interest and ability to operate a manual transmission. That Bronx looks like it has potential, but I'm guessing it will be as or more expensive as a Duc Monster and it won't be as good. The Bronx does seem to fit much closer to the trends I'm seeing, though. Vintage looking with modern tech, highly customizable like the Duc Scrambler and R9T, etc. seems to be the big current trend on the horizon. HD is already making most of it's profits from "life-style" and customization, so it seems like a natural fit. I really just want another XR1200, though.

Zitat von Chubs McFun im Beitrag #20

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Thanks for posting this article. It sounds like HD is making desperate efforts to keep the boat floating. I really hope their adventure tourer sells. It feels like they are about 10 years behind the curve on that one, as adventure bike popularity already exploded, but what do I know. I have little interest in adventure bikes, partly due to my short inseam, so I'm not their target market. It seems to me that HD should try to get ahead of the next trend in motorcycling. Electric bikes really seem to have a lot of appeal to the younger generations. Especially, as more and more younger people move to cities and are looking for commuters, not to mention the lack of interest and ability to operate a manual transmission. That Bronx looks like it has potential, but I'm guessing it will be as or more expensive as a Duc Monster and it won't be as good. The Bronx does seem to fit much closer to the trends I'm seeing, though. Vintage looking with modern tech, highly customizable like the Duc Scrambler and R9T, etc. seems to be the big current trend on the horizon. HD is already making most of it's profits from "life-style" and customization, so it seems like a natural fit. I really just want another XR1200, though.

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Indian and BMW, both, had sales increases in the second quarter. Similar price point motorcycles to H-D, so something else is going on...

I have to get State inspections for my motorcycle in NC. Basically, they just check that my tires have enough tread depth and my horn and lights work, no emissions on bikes currently. The HD dealer is the closest inspection place that I'm willing to take my bike. Over the years I've brought them 2 Suzukis, and a Yamaha to inspect. They are always reasonably polite, and always ask if I want to "upgrade" to a HD. However, I get looked at like I'm bearing the plague from most people there, patrons and staff. All of that is fine, but what sticks in my craw is that they won't do ANY service to any bike that isn't HD/Buell. No oil changes or tire mounting. Nothing. I asked specifically when they said I needed a new tire to pass inspection. I was gob smacked. What kind of business turns away a captive customer? "I'm sorry sir. Your motorcycle isn't safe to operate without a new tire. We have tires, and all the equipment needed to mount those tires, but we won't sell any of it to you, because you don't ride a REAL motorcycle." Or at least that is what it felt like. This attitude is the biggest reason HD is declining.

Also in my opinion, Indian is making better cruisers, and still has the nostalgic Americana name recognition and feel that HD has which is a major selling point for both brands. You can spend >$20k on an Ultra Classic with classic styling a fixed windscreen, or spend the same money for a Chieftain with similar styling, an electric adjustable screen, more power, and and and. Plus Indian has the FTR1200 which is just a cool bike. *cough cough* XR1200?

Zitat von Chubs McFun im Beitrag #23

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I have to get State inspections for my motorcycle in NC. Basically, they just check that my tires have enough tread depth and my horn and lights work, no emissions on bikes currently. The HD dealer is the closest inspection place that I'm willing to take my bike. Over the years I've brought them 2 Suzukis, and a Yamaha to inspect. They are always reasonably polite, and always ask if I want to "upgrade" to a HD. However, I get looked at like I'm bearing the plague from most people there, patrons and staff. All of that is fine, but what sticks in my craw is that they won't do ANY service to any bike that isn't HD/Buell. No oil changes or tire mounting. Nothing. I asked specifically when they said I needed a new tire to pass inspection. I was gob smacked. What kind of business turns away a captive customer? "I'm sorry sir. Your motorcycle isn't safe to operate without a new tire. We have tires, and all the equipment needed to mount those tires, but we won't sell any of it to you, because you don't ride a REAL motorcycle." Or at least that is what it felt like. This attitude is the biggest reason HD is declining.

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Zitat von Richard230 im Beitrag #25

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I have a friend who owns a 900cc Buell CityX and he says that the local H-D shop won't work on that bike, either. At one time they had a special guy that they could call in once a week to work on Buells but he finally retired and they have lost interest in the Buell brand. So now he does all of his own maintenance and buys his parts from somewhere online.

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Anyone for a small Chinese-made H-D motorcycle? https://www.motorcycle.com/mini-features...iang-qj350.html

In this area, years ago, the local HD dealer had a satellite location that I visited. Towards the back of the showroom I noticed a (brand new) Buell ADV bike. Had read up on them in magazines, but it was the first time actually seeing one. I started asking questions about certain features and details on the bike. From the expression and answers received, you would have thought I was asking personal questions about an incarcerated family member. It's as if they were offended that I didn't ask about a "real" Harley.

Zitat von duccrazydave im Beitrag #28

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In this area, years ago, the local HD dealer had a satellite location that I visited. Towards the back of the showroom I noticed a (brand new) Buell ADV bike. Had read up on them in magazines, but it was the first time actually seeing one. I started asking questions about certain features and details on the bike. From the expression and answers received, you would have thought I was asking personal questions about an incarcerated family member. It's as if they were offended that I didn't ask about a "real" Harley.

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Zitat von wessie im Beitrag #4

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In Europe, there is a strong youth culture riding mopeds and scooters..

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