Finally, a reason to buy a Harley

[Talking Heads]

Originally Posted by Seeker

One thing you cannot fault Harley on is the success of their marketing machine

Why not?
The marketing is a smokescreen for the fact that the product is sub-standard over-priced crap.
Harley Davidson are stuck in a rut of their own making.
Adapt or die.

(unless a protectionist government bails you out multiple times)

[Talking Heads]

Originally Posted by Seeker

I am surprised at the depth of the vehemence against Harley.

You shouldn't be.
This site is pitched at enthusiasts of a bike which is the direct polar opposite of a Harley.

[Talking Heads]

Would I buy a Harley?


Yes, but only for use as a stationary ornament.

[Bibio]

South Park got it right.. now every time i see a bunch of harley riders i smile and think "fags". now with the statement of mr tango i'm also thinking another South Park episode "they took our jobs"..

so my mind is now thinking about harley "fags", riding around shouting "they took our jobs".

yes i have a weird and twisted mind.

[Bibio]

technically the harley v twin should be one of the most well balanced v twin engines out there due to the forked big end conrod configuration which allows for a true in line v twin. harley cant even get that right and instead its one of the worst twin engines out there for vibration. harley are your typical american junk that live on "nostalgia" and a thriving aftermarket network that is needed to rectify the original piece of junk.

FFS they even designed tv shows to get people interested in the declining market of "choppers" to keep the industry from collapsing as most sensible people are turning Japanese (see what i did there).

[garynortheast]

Originally Posted by Bibio

FFS they even designed tv shows to get people interested in the declining market of "choppers" to keep the industry from collapsing as most sensible people are turning Japanese (see what i did there).

Careful Bibs or they'll all be having a fit of the Vapors!

[Talking Heads]

Originally Posted by Seeker

Well, if they can make a large profit from (in your words) "sub-standard, over priced crap" it follows that their marketing machine must be good.

The marketing machine is at fault for allowing Harley Davidson to continue selling crap motorcycles, thereby limiting their market, which is why they need such a herculanean marketing effort.
It goes round and round in a vicious circle.


There are more people who won't ever buy a Harley than will.
Its these people Harley need to be building new products to appeal to.
Street Rod you say?
Err... no. Just no.

[Talking Heads]

Originally Posted by Seeker

I am not sure you understand the purpose of sales and marketing, it is not there to improve the product - they want to push product out of the door as quickly and cheaply as possible to maximise profit.

Its really simple.
The marketing effort enables them to turn a profit selling crap.
So because they are still able to succeed by selling crap there is no incentive to improve the product.
What would have happened if Harley had been allowed to go to the wall?


Did John Bloor start off the Triumph renaissance by building the same old rubbish that sent Meriden down the pan?
Park a 2018 Sportster next to a 2018 Street Twin and compare the two.
Night and day.
Triumph still use brand hype and marketing, but unlike Harley they don't let it prevent them from building a decent product.

[Talking Heads]

Originally Posted by Seeker

Triumph are doing well with their bikes but in 2017 they sold 63304 bikes whereas Harley sold 242800 and their bikes cost more. Harley are excellent at selling whatever you, I or anyone else think about their bikes.

in 2017 Triumph increased global sales by 11%
Harley saw a reduction of 6.7%

Originally Posted by Seeker

...and I'm done.

Are you sure about that?

[ophic]

I'd buy one