The future of Harley-Davidson

[NovaCB1100_imp]

That Zero looks a lot better than the one I tested. Well maybe not better, more modern. It was a great experience. First stop I came to I thought the thing died lol, but I twisted the throttle and off it went. I thought the suspension on the one I rode was board stiff, other than that it was a great ride. Too bad they are so expensive. At $6-8k it would be a fun toy.

The Zero rep I spoke with told me the company is committed to making great motorcycles, that are "also electric" which is pretty evident with the RS/F at least. It looks and feels like a great bike and happens to be electric. The USD forks and trellis style frame kind of make it look like a Monster or Streetfighter, and TBH it's looks are what piqued my interest first.

It's an absolute blast to ride! I'm just not quite there yet on going electric as my only bike....which is actually the crux of the issue for HD on the Livewire as well. If HD is really committed to diversifying their product lines they will have to face a few realities such as a decrease in ridership as we know it (although female ridership is actually increasing, which is good) and how to evolve an image they have actively cultivated into what that will look like in the future. I'm not sure if they can do it, but I hope so.

FWIW, I grew up steeped in HD everywhere and my folks still ride Harleys, as do all of their friends. I even worked in a HD shop over a few summers and wrenched on them as an apprentice, but I never got the bug. I always preferred Triumphs, Nortons, Ducatis, and of course Hondas!