Harley Davidson in trouble

Session 5

Session 5

Ambassador of Strings & Wings
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Over the last 5 years sales for Harley Davidson have dropped by 44%. Much due to higher sales for Triumph ,Indian and Norton Motorcycles. Sales down in Europe. Is this a return to the days when Harley almost went belly up? Times are changing fast, time will tell if they can pull a hat out of a bag like they did last time. With the World struggling and consumers demanding more for their buck, it will be an up hill battle for Harley Davidson.
 
Session 5 said:
Over the last 5 years sales for Harley Davidson have dropped by 44%. Much due to higher sales for Triumph ,Indian and Norton Motorcycles. Sales down in Europe. Is this a return to the days when Harley almost went belly up? Times are changing fast, time will tell if they can pull a hat out of a bag like they did last time. With the World struggling and consumers demanding more for their buck, it will be an up hill battle for Harley Davidson.
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I think they need to understand that they can't trade on past glory. Their bikes are neither cruisers (way too noisy) or racers (way too heavy). They need to make up their minds what they are and make some modern models that people want to ride for reasons other than nostalgia. They could succeed but it's going to take some courage at the top.
 
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A lot of it has to do with the economy, Harley has been sourcing out parts manufacturing to China and Japan and with the sanctions the USA has imposed, Harley has had to raise prices and most die hard Harley owners want a bike made in the USA without imported parts. Trump even suggested Harley moving production to India and that isn't gonna fly. Mine is a late 60's Deluxe all USA made and I like it that way.

Harley Deluxe.jpg
 
I have always been a Honda and Yamaha fan, But I have to tell you now a days, these new Triumph and Nortons are just drop dead Gorgeous!!! And the reliability factor now is very good. I can see they did their homework this time for their rebirth. And Man it shows!!
 
guitarweasel said:
A lot of it has to do with the economy, Harley has been sourcing out parts manufacturing to China and Japan and with the sanctions the USA has imposed, Harley has had to raise prices and most die hard Harley owners want a bike made in the USA without imported parts. Trump even suggested Harley moving production to India and that isn't gonna fly. Mine is a late 60's Deluxe all USA made and I like it that way.

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Beautiful bike GW.

As for nostalgia, I liked my bike out of all the ones I tried out, therefore I got it. No nostalgia involved.

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Session 5 said:
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This Norton is really SSWEEET!!!!!
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Visually desirable YES. The New Norton isn't worrying any other manufacturer when it comes to taking sales away.

Quote from a Norton forum ...

"I remember reading an interview with Stuart Garner in 2013 where he said that Norton were producing 12 bikes per month, but that shortly after beginning shipments to the US and Canada they would be doubling their assembly staff and doubling production.

So if that was correct, you can estimate the number produced since 2010:

2009 through 2013 – 12 per month = 144 per year x 5 years = 720
2014 through 2015 – 24 per month = 288 per year x 2 years = 576

Estimated total produced prior to 2016 = 1,296 bikes."
 
Still on Norton sales.
I've been a keen motorcyclist since the mid 60's, I've owned a few Nortons, I live in an area that is affluent and motorcycle friendly all year around. I've NEVER seen a New Norton on the road. Harleys and Triumph are common place.
 
In the 70s-early 80s I had a midsize Honda street bike. Always thought an early/mid 70s Sportster would look awesome parked in my garage.
 
Because Triumphs are better---
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(Ive owned almost all brands over the 40 years Ive been riding---)

The triple Cylinder Triumph is my love--


Wonder if Trump will bail Harley out like Reagen did last time they almost went under.....
 
Session 5 said:
I have always been a Honda and Yamaha fan, But I have to tell you now a days, these new Triumph and Nortons are just drop dead Gorgeous!!! And the reliability factor now is very good. I can see they did their homework this time for their rebirth. And Man it shows!!
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I had a Sprint with 99,000 original miles on it-- (previous owner was a LONG HAUL rider)---had a sprag clutch go out-- replaced it-- and sold the bike last I heard its STILL on the road.....

1998-Triumph-Sprint-Executive-Motorcycles-For-Sale-43407.jpg
 
Triumphs have made a comeback here in Canada, although Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki are the forerunners over here. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Triumph, I have seen some beauties over here. They have come a long way and have greatly improved their reliability. Very nice bike you have there eSGEe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
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