Cars have definitely gotten expensive. The average transaction price is over $36k. But that means a LOT of people simply no longer buy new cars. The used car market is 2.5+ times the size of the new car market and with the average age of vehicles in the US over 11 years, most cars will change hands several times in…

It doesn’t take much to house a motorcycle. Put a cover over it and it takes up a little more space than a bicycle. And a good used motorcycle doesn’t require much maintenance at all. If you live in the right environment, a motorcycle can be your weekend or even daily vehicle. In many parts of the world that’s what…

My comment was about how someone can get into motorcycles, not help manufacturers. Just like teenagers learning to drive, when you first start riding there’s a better than average chance that you’ll do something that can cause damage to your bike. Better that you learn on a smaller used bike than a new one. But…

It doesn’t sound like you’ve kept current with Harley developments. They introduced water cooled heads on some of the touring models several years ago. The newer Milwaukee Eight engines used in all of the big motor bikes went to 4 valves per cylinder and air/oil cooling. Now every Harley includes a small radiator.…

30% market share is low volume? That’s a very interesting conclusion.

I do think that cell phones are definitely not helping with motorcycle safety. Drivers are distracted and riders always come out the worst from any direct interaction with a car. I ride very defensively. I always wear a helmet and protective gear. I’ve switched some of that to Hi-viz to have greater visibility. I’m…

I definitely think that’s part of it. I’m in my 50s. For my generation, getting your license meant freedom, the ability to get out of the house and do what I wanted when I wanted. I hear from parents that their teenagers aren’t really interested in getting their license. They’d rather do stuff online with their…

All of which are low volume halo vehicles.

I don’t currently own a HD. But I’ve been on motorcycle threads enough to see all the riders who think if you don’t ride a sports bike or adventure bike, etc that you’re not really a true rider.

Losing HALF the market impacts virtually everyone.

I don’t currently own a Harley but I’ve had two, one bought used and one bought new. I never had a problem other than basic maintenance with either. The days of needing to be a mechanic to ride a motorcycle have been over for a long time.

I had a Magna as my first bike. Great bike. I wish I’d held onto it. The only problem is the quite small gas tank.

If what you’re saying about what millenials value is true, it doesn’t have anything to do with Harley or any other brand. The overall US motorcycle market is down by HALF compared to its 2005 peak. That’s certainly impacted Harley, but it’s hit everyone else in the business as well.

The Millenials are a big problem for both the auto and motorcycle industry. For whatever reason, they’re not nearly as interested in either compared to earlier generations.

I doubt many new motorcycle buyers make their decision based on ABS or traction control. Riding a motorcycle in an inherently dangerous hobby. Some studies show that it’s 20 times more dangerous than driving a car over the same distance. If that’s something you’re not comfortable with, I don’t think adding ABS will…

I wouldn’t call 10+ years recently. My 08 Harley had dual front calipers(Brembo), ABS, air adjustable suspension, etc. Heated grips and seats were available. Harley has been very successful with their carbon fiber belts. To each his own.

Not every bike gets every technology. And retro styling is popular worldwide.

Very true and given that most bikes in the US are not ridden much, lots of nice, much cheaper used bikes to choose from.

You can’t afford a new motorcycle. Most young people can’t and never have had that ability. That’s why every new rider should look to the used market. In the US, the vast majority of riding is for recreation. As a result, it’s easy to find 5-10 yr old bikes that are virtually new at a fraction of the price of a new…

You’re way out of date on Harley. My 2008 Harley had Brembo brakes and ABS. The V-Rod came out in 2002. Innovation isn’t only defined by technology btw. Like any market, there are people who are interested in the latest technology and the vast majority who are looking for something that does what they want in the way…