HD needs to do something, maybe fire management and start from scratch.
The overpriced thing they have now that has a problem with catching fire isn't the way to go. It's no wonder they've split the thing off as it's own Brand, much like they did to Eric Buell before they off loaded him, that way if it fails it doesn't affect them as badly in the perceptions of the public.
If they want to pursue powered bicycles, small commuters and scooters I can see sales and money in that. An expensive cruiser and especially a touring bike with a 200 mile range between charges is a fail and non-starter
Yeah Harley has been desperate to try and figure out a way to expand its brand into a wider audience, remember when they bought the Italian sport bike manufacturer MV Agusta in 2008, for $109 million, then promptly sold it two years later?
They’ve got to find a way to bring in younger buyers, their traditional V-Twin buyers are aging out. I always felt like they missed an opportunity with their Porsche designed V-Rod motor. 122 hp water cooled , 4 valves per cylinder.
I rode that bike once and the motor was outstanding, but they stuffed it into the V-Rod, which I found to be an uncomfortable bike.
I remember coming back from the test ride and saying to the salesman what a great motor that was, if it was only in a different bike and he said everyone says the same thing.
And as you mentioned Eric Buell, he was such an innovative guy who could’ve helped give Harley the sport bike line up they wanted, but they shackled his creativeness and forced him to use their motors.
All I know is all the Japanese brands increased their sales last year, while Harley had a loss year.
