Glass is Half-Full for Harley Buyers
Harley may be having a tough go since the economy has-- to put it politely-- slowed down, but their business is growing overseas and they deserve consolation in knowing that many of their competitors are also suffering. Temporary factory shut-downs aside, this is a brand iconic enough to encompass auxiliary revenue streams and branding opportunities that range from events and apparel to co-branded trucks. Though there will always be a contingency that wishes ill upon them, Harley certainly isn't going away any time soon, and they continue to expand their product lineup with bikes like the Softail Cross Bones.
So it's a mixed bag for Harley buyers when BloggingStocks.com offers up some harsh opinions about the Milwaukee-based company; on the one hand, they suggest the short-term outlook is bleak and that an increasing number of Harleys are entering the secondary phase of their life cycles. But on the other, they also observe that second-hand Harley inventory is rising, and that there's a "very slight decline in asking prices." Author Gary E. Sattler says that, "This does spell good news if you're in the market for one, and if that's the case, I envy you." I can't say I disagree.
Photo © Tim Boyle/Staff - Getty Images NewsClick to enlarge
Comments
I just did a spot check on ebay, and I don’t think reality is setting in yet. Just once I’d like to see an H-D seller say I “spent” a lot of money on chrome and pipes and crap you may not want rather than say “invested”
A 2000 FLSTC with 50k miles with a buy it now of $17K. Forget about it.
Scottie,
They can ask, but they won’t necessarily receive… I haven’t stepped into a Harley dealership in a while, but I’m betting they’d be a lot more inclined to move inventory nowadays– new or used. Remember their deferred purchase incentive? That was back in November, and the financial landscape hasn’t gotten any better since.
Basem
I’d like to see how many crossbones hd has sold in the US, thats one ugly bike with a goof ball name to match, can’t blame that on the economy…
There is one thing H-D does better than anyone else in the industry..and they do it better to a degree that 2nd place is a very distant 2nd…..
Market accessories, clothing and trinkets & trash. Everyone else – take lessons…this is how you sell accessories.
They don’t garner a 38% gross profit just by manufacturing bikes in union shops in MN and OH. I’m not sure of the US content of the bikes, but look at the labels on almost everything else – China. Not saying there is anything wrong with that, just saying… look at the label.
I went to Berlin, Germany last month, while there I visited the Harley shop and bought a shirt that was made in the USA. When I returned to America I checked my other Harley shirts and found them to be made in Honduras, etc.
How many times has it to be said of H.D.OVER PRICED AND OVER RATED. Willie D. must have been sniffing exhaust pipe smoke when he come up with the cross bones
P.S.—Buy Honda stock
Crossbones, the retro looking HD…
What is that statement all about?
They have been looking retro for the past 30 years now…
Anyway… I still think Bassem must have something going on with HD… there’s not one week there;s at least 1 (out of 3) articles on HD… LOL
Hi Frank,
I try to cover topics that interest my readers, and based on responses it seems lots of people are interested in Harleys.
You’ve also probably noticed that I cover everything from scooters to trikes to sportbikes (and even electric motorcycles and concepts), so I think it’s fair to say that keeping the site diverse is important to me.
Thanks,
Basem
Basem…
1. I’m just busting you… of course I understand.
2. You must agree though that 2 out of 3 articles are on HD’s though…
Keep it up!
Frank
Hey Frank,
Thanks for the encouragement… I think
2 out of 3? My Harley coverage isn’t that frequent.
As long as people respond passionately about Harley (or any other brand), I will keep those debates alive. It doesn’t hurt that no other motorcycle manufacturer has received this much mainstream news coverage in recent history; to turn a blind eye to Harley would be silly.
Cheers,
Basem