09-29-2020, 01:13 AM
I'll play along with Guth's question on what would we do to save Harley if we were in a position to effect change.
I have no special insight into the motorcycle market and no detailed market data/metrics of trends etc. to support my suggestions. I'm just a guy that likes to ride all types of motorcycles.
For better or worse Harley is wed to their V twin motors much like Guzzi is to their iconic V twin. So I wouldn't pursue in the short term any new from the ground up non V twin motor.
Harley's strength: I know there are always outliers but customer service, community outreach, strong dealer network with exceptionally well maintained sales floors and customer lounges, aftermarket support, brand related merchandise are a just a few things Harley is doing right.
For starters:
1) I'd send out a company wide e-mail stating that ANYONE who disparages the Sportster line in any fashion (Girls bike...entry level etc.) will be removed from the staff and any dealership who fails to abide by this policy will lose their franchise. I'd send people out undercover to check compliance.
2) Expand the Sportster line to include:
a. a throw back 'mild' chopper model with a slightly extended springer front end. I believe there's always a market for this style of bike in the Harley lineup. Provide a robust accessory option for the bike...Tall sissy bars....raised white letter tires....King/Queen seat etc. I see this particular niche as being weak throughout the bike market....
b. a lightened air cooled desert sled/scrambler model....probably in the 750/883cc range . I'd want it to come in around the 460 weight mark knowing that it would mostly be ridden on pavement...Harley is already behind the timeline to fully exploit their popularity.
c. Reengage with E. Buell and discuss the feasibility of bringing a water cooled 1200cc V twin Sportster sport bike into the line-up with a 3 year target date to have it in the showroom. Let Eric know that he will have control over the mechanical/technical side but the end product will NOT look like a Transformer or insect from ANY angle. Remind him of this on a daily basis if need be. Outsource the bodywork to an Italian design studio.
d. Start now at designing a lightweight water cooled version of the 'Dirt Glide' ATV bike. Maybe even can it and go smaller in mid stream. I just can't see the full size going toe to toe with the BMW/GS. The market has been begging for lightweight ATV bikes (and Yamaha, Royal Enfield, Guzzi are a few that have responded and seem to be selling well) for sometime and again, by the time Harley gets one on the market the boom will probably already be past. A shaft drive should be high up on the list for this bike.
e. Cull their cruiser line. It's too dominant a part of their overall line-up. Maybe have a classic version (chrome/leather etc.)..a stripped bagger version and the full monte open road two up faired option.
f. Not sure what I'd do with the CVO...I'd have to see sales numbers.
These comments are just off the cuff thinking while I drank 1.5 cups of coffee this morning and are subject to refinement. Good chance I'd run the company into the ground if even half of this was implemented.
I have no special insight into the motorcycle market and no detailed market data/metrics of trends etc. to support my suggestions. I'm just a guy that likes to ride all types of motorcycles.
For better or worse Harley is wed to their V twin motors much like Guzzi is to their iconic V twin. So I wouldn't pursue in the short term any new from the ground up non V twin motor.
Harley's strength: I know there are always outliers but customer service, community outreach, strong dealer network with exceptionally well maintained sales floors and customer lounges, aftermarket support, brand related merchandise are a just a few things Harley is doing right.
For starters:
1) I'd send out a company wide e-mail stating that ANYONE who disparages the Sportster line in any fashion (Girls bike...entry level etc.) will be removed from the staff and any dealership who fails to abide by this policy will lose their franchise. I'd send people out undercover to check compliance.
2) Expand the Sportster line to include:
a. a throw back 'mild' chopper model with a slightly extended springer front end. I believe there's always a market for this style of bike in the Harley lineup. Provide a robust accessory option for the bike...Tall sissy bars....raised white letter tires....King/Queen seat etc. I see this particular niche as being weak throughout the bike market....
b. a lightened air cooled desert sled/scrambler model....probably in the 750/883cc range . I'd want it to come in around the 460 weight mark knowing that it would mostly be ridden on pavement...Harley is already behind the timeline to fully exploit their popularity.
c. Reengage with E. Buell and discuss the feasibility of bringing a water cooled 1200cc V twin Sportster sport bike into the line-up with a 3 year target date to have it in the showroom. Let Eric know that he will have control over the mechanical/technical side but the end product will NOT look like a Transformer or insect from ANY angle. Remind him of this on a daily basis if need be. Outsource the bodywork to an Italian design studio.
d. Start now at designing a lightweight water cooled version of the 'Dirt Glide' ATV bike. Maybe even can it and go smaller in mid stream. I just can't see the full size going toe to toe with the BMW/GS. The market has been begging for lightweight ATV bikes (and Yamaha, Royal Enfield, Guzzi are a few that have responded and seem to be selling well) for sometime and again, by the time Harley gets one on the market the boom will probably already be past. A shaft drive should be high up on the list for this bike.
e. Cull their cruiser line. It's too dominant a part of their overall line-up. Maybe have a classic version (chrome/leather etc.)..a stripped bagger version and the full monte open road two up faired option.
f. Not sure what I'd do with the CVO...I'd have to see sales numbers.
These comments are just off the cuff thinking while I drank 1.5 cups of coffee this morning and are subject to refinement. Good chance I'd run the company into the ground if even half of this was implemented.