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Harley Davidson Sales Down – Lower Production and Job Cuts Planned

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Harley DavidsonThe fourth quarter numbers are in and the economic troubles causing adjustments at all motorcycle manufacturers have hit Harley Davidson, as well. Harley Davidson fourth quarter net income dropped 58 percent. Worldwide retail sales of Harley’s motorcycles fell 13.1 percent, including a 19.6 percent drop in the United States.

In response, Harley plans to cut 1100 jobs and lower production between 10 and 13 percent from 2008 levels which were already reduced.

Harley will also combine its two engine and transmission plants into one, consolidate paint and frame operations in York, PA and close the parts and accessories distribution center. They will also discontinue their domestic transportation fleet.

The economy is affecting all motorcycle brands, Harley Davidson is no exception, and how they respond will make a big difference in how soon they recover.

Harley Davidson Press Release:

Milwaukee, Wis., January 23, 2009 – Harley-Davidson Inc. (NYSE:HOG) reported decreased revenue, net income and earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to the year-ago quarter. The Company said it plans lower motorcycle shipments in 2009 and made public its overall strategy to deal with the current economic environment.

“We have a strong core business anchored by a uniquely powerful brand, but we are certainly not immune to the current economic conditions,” said Jim Ziemer, Chief Executive Officer, Harley-Davidson Inc. “We have a clear strategy to not only deal with the economic conditions, but also strengthen our long-term operations and financial results. We are executing that strategy with confidence and conviction.”

Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results

Revenue for the quarter was $1.29 billion compared to $1.39 billion in the year-ago quarter, a 6.8 percent decrease. Net income for the quarter was $77.8 million compared to $186.1 million in the fourth quarter 2007, a decrease of 58.2 percent. Fourth quarter diluted earnings per share were $0.34, a 56.4 percent decrease compared to last year’s $0.78.

Revenue for the full year 2008 was $5.59 billion compared to $5.73 billion in 2007, a 2.3 percent decline. Full-year net income was $654.7 million, compared to $933.8 million in 2007. Diluted earnings per share were $2.79, a decrease of 25.4 percent compared to $3.74 in 2007. The full-year results are below the previously provided company guidance.

For the full year, wholesale shipments of Harley-Davidsonâ motorcycles were 303,479 units, an 8.2 percent decrease compared to 330,619 units in 2007.

2009 Shipment Plan, Gross Margins

In the first quarter of 2009, the Company plans to ship between 74,000 and 78,000 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles, a 3.0 percent to 8.5 percent increase versus the first quarter of 2008. However, for the full year 2009, the Company plans to ship between 264,000 and 273,000 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles, a 10 percent to 13 percent reduction from 2008.

“We reduced our production levels prudently in 2008, helping our dealers achieve lower inventory levels,” said Ziemer, “and we’re going to show similar discipline in 2009. That’s not only critical for the health of our business, but for our dealers’ businesses, as well.”

For the full year 2009, the Company expects gross margins to be between 30.5 percent and 31.5 percent, which compares to 34.5 percent for the full year 2008. The decrease is primarily due to an expected unfavorable shipment mix versus 2008, the allocation of fixed costs over fewer units, and expected unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates versus 2008. Given the volatility of the current economic environment, the Company also indicated it would not provide EPS guidance for 2009.

Strategy for the Current Economic Environment

The Company is executing a three-part strategy that includes a number of measures to deal with the impact of the recession and worldwide slowdown in consumer demand, with the intent of strengthening its operations and financial results going forward.

“Our strategy is focused on three critical areas: to invest in the Harley-Davidson brand, get our cost-structure right, and obtain funding for HDFS to help our dealers sell motorcycles and our retail customers to buy them,” said Ziemer

Investing in the Brand

The Company is reinforcing its support of the Harley-Davidson brand, accelerating its ongoing marketing efforts to reach out to emerging rider groups, including younger and diverse riders. In addition, the Company will continue to focus on product innovations targeted at specific growth opportunities with its strong core customer base and new riders.

In the U.S., the Company said its Sportster® motorcycle trade-up program is being well-received by dealers and consumers and is generating new floor traffic during the winter months. The program lets riders who already own a qualifying Sportster motorcycle, or who buy a new Sportster motorcycle, receive back the original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price value when they trade up to a Harley-Davidson Big Twin or VRSC motorcycle at participating dealerships.

Outside the U.S., the Company will continue to support the product, dealer development and marketing activities which, during the last several years, have helped drive strong retail sales growth.

“Among other things, the Harley-Davidson brand stands for strength and resilience, and we’re managing the business in this economic climate in ways that we believe will build long-term value into the brand,” said Ziemer.

Adjusting the Cost Structure

As a result of motorcycle volume reduction and the Company’s commitment to improve its cost structure, Harley-Davidson plans to:

· Consolidate its two engine and transmission plants in the Milwaukee area into its facility in Menomonee Falls, Wis.

· Consolidate paint and frame operations at its assembly facility in York, Pa.

· Close its distribution facility in Franklin, Wis., consolidating Parts and Accessories and General Merchandise distribution through a third party.

· Discontinue its domestic transportation fleet operation.

The planned volume reduction and restructuring actions are expected to result in the elimination of about 1,100 jobs over 2009 and 2010, including about 800 hourly production positions and about 300 non-production, primarily salaried positions. About 70 percent of the workforce reduction is expected to occur in 2009.

“We obviously need to make adjustments to address the current volume declines,” said Ziemer. “But we are also determined to do that in a way that will make us more competitive for the long term. Our management group will engage with union leaders, through our partnering relationship, regarding these changes.”

On a combined basis, Harley-Davidson expects the volume reduction and changes to operations to result in one-time charges of approximately $110 million to $140 million over 2009 and 2010, and ongoing annual savings of approximately $60 million to $70 million upon completion of the restructuring actions.

Obtaining Additional Funding for HDFS

The Company said it is evaluating a range of options to provide the necessary liquidity for the wholesale and retail lending activities of Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS).

“We’re evaluating options in order to obtain the necessary funding to support Harley-Davidson dealers and customers throughout the year,” said Tom Bergmann, Chief Financial Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. and interim President of HDFS.

Posted on Filed Under: American Motorcycles, Motorcycle Business

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Comments

  1. Is anyone here really surprised at this news? Maybe it’ll make Harley think about diversifying their lineup a bit…

  2. I’m not suprised at all, I hope this brings a change to harley, and the poor attitudes at “some” of the dealers. They need to work on a midsize bike.

  3. Why should HD think about diversifying their lineup? In the past 40 years they have tried several different types of bikes and as things are now,it is cruisers that works and sells.It wasnt more than 30 years ago that HD was allmost bankrupt.They have done a great job since and allmost every other motorcycle maker has several cruiser models in their line up.Why??
    I allways wonder why some Americans pick on HD! You should be proud instead that they have made such a fine recovery since the start of the 80ties.
    I hope all the best for HD and all their workers

  4. I agree…especially when people are looking to scale back, Harley should be pushing high volume, low priced models through their Buell lineup. They have the Blast, but I have yet to see one on the road. Like ever.

    At least where I live, the Big 3 Japanese dealers are all terrible. Full of rude, apathetic salespeople. I take my bike to an independent place for service. Harley/Buell dealer is MUCH better…everybody is friendly, helpful, etc. Nothing remotely affordable to me though…if you want a Buell its either the Blast OR everything is over a Liter. No practical middleweight bikes.

  5. Be careful what you wish for, Phoebe. HD’s idea of diversifying is the v-rod, which is, well, a v-rod. Don’t expect them to build a sport bike (Buell) or a dual sport (Buell’s Ulysses). I think they hit a home run with the Nightster, which had to bring in more first-time HD owners who appreciate a no-nonsense, good looking, and affordable bike. Add a longer wheelbase hard tail option (with stock rake) and I’ll buy one.

  6. I do believe that HD’s idea of diversifying was purchasing MV Agusta. Which, considering the relatively drastic measures it is now taking, and the fact that the purchase was made at possibly the most expensive time in history to do so (given exchange rates), may have been very ill-advised.

  7. Im hoping that HD brings over some Cagiva (Aermacchi) small bikes to round out their line up. Cagiva maybe be the jewel in the MV purchase, Maybe a batch of HD guys would like a Dual Sport to fill out their home fleet, Or a lite commuter for around town. The XR1200 may be the start of some fresh thinking at the MoCo. Has anyone heard ANY rumors since the purchase of MV? I think HD could teach the CIA something about keeping secrets!

  8. HD is doing what they normally do when sales look bad. they pull in tight, cut down production, and try and weather out the storm. i have a harley, but i’m not particularly fond of the dealerships up near me. i will say that they do a good job of surviving.

    there hasn’t been an Aermacchi bike since ’74 right? i don’t think we’ll see an Aermacchi, it would be in direct competition with the Buell Blast. the blast is a great bike for what it is. HD uses it as their training bike in the riders edge program and many people buy it as a first bike to learn on. the downside of the bike is it is not very friendly on the eyes. it hasn’t changed appearance since it came on the scene. i think they could greatly improve sales of the Blast if they gave it a new look and started advertising it’s great fuel economy. look what kawasaki did to there ninja.

    i really probably won’t buy another harley. i was thinking about getting the Vrod streetrod, but they discontinued it. i did think it was a bit big though. if i were king of the HD company i’d add a cafe style bike to the lin-up with a 600-750cc version of the vrod engine and keep it as minimalistic as i could. sort of model it after the yabsa shown on this sight not long ago. something that could compete for sales with the sv650. they really have nothing in that area.

  9. TaxMan, The Aermacchi HDs were sold in the U.S. at least until 1976(I have 2 of them). After HD sold the Company to Cagiva they continued to produce the bikes into the early 80s. Cagiva is a very successfull manufacturer in Europe and vastly outsells its flagship brand MV Augusta. I also hope to see a midsize bike at HD, Hopefully Cagiva can bring a mid size bike to us without the cost of developing a whole new design. I think a V rod engine may be to heavy for a Mid size bike, Thus Buell went to Rotax for its new power plant. Maybe a Rotax in a mid size HD?

  10. Why are some Americans so eager to see an American Co. suffer or fail? That’s like wanting your mom to get sick,I just don’t understand it.I searched but could not find any sales numbers but I’d bet that Harley is still outselling all the other companys.I didn’t really see any hateful responses here, I’m just anticapating the inevatable gleefull to the sales downturn response.

  11. It’s tough all over . I like HD I owned 4 of them . Then I got into roadracing and bought a Buell Firebolt and I have never looked back . I’m thinking about buying a Ulysses when the time is right . Hopefully it will all turn around sooner than later . I will say this though some HD riders brought some of the anti HD stuff on themselves buy acting like a bunch of turds . Same can be said for the squids also .

  12. I agree with John, we should be wishing Harley well. But they should give more options. After gas hit $4 a gallon last summer more people than ever were considering motorcycles or scooters. But in this economy people need an entry level option, not just high priced, fancy bikes aimed at aging baby boomers. Not criticizing harley bikes per se or anyone that rides them, but just saying why not open it up with a few cheapo models a lot more people could afford. A boost in sales from that could help take up the slack from declines in other areas.

  13. I can’t think of any motorcycle or car company that I really want to see fail. Sadly, Harley Davidson doesn’t offer a bike under their brand that I actively wish to own, though the Nightster is pretty close. A Buell, on the other hand, is something I would love to own (make mine a CityX or Ulysses).

    When gas goes back up again it might not be a bad idea for Harley to create a modern day version of the Topper. Though this time with a mini V-twin, and the option of manual or CVT. Give it 1950s and 1960s Americana styling and make it of high quality and they could give Vespa a run for their money at the top of the scooter totem pole.

  14. Forgot that they now own Cagiva…my Suzuki DR200 does an admirable job hauling me to college and the occasional offroad jaunt (not much in SoCal) but in another couple of years a V-strom or a DR650 will be next in line unless I see some tempting Italian dual-sport exotica. I won’t hold my breath.

    They had to have some reason for spending all that money on MV though. Probably to pick a fight with Ducati I imagine. That’s an awful small segment of the market but WAY more profitable than the 600cc dual-sport utility market me thinks.

  15. Do you really think Harley’s poor sales numbers are due to poor dealers, bad machines, or a narrow product line? It’s the economy!! Bike sales for ALL makes are down and I would venture to guess that they’ll stay down through this recession. Sorry to say but motorcycles are purchased with discresionary income. Who has that these days?

    I find it interesting the the same people who call for diversification of the model line seem to be the same people that like to kick a brand when they’re (percieved) to be down. Less money=less brands=less models=less choices.

  16. I feel that if harley had produced the Nova that they would not be in as much trouble as they are now. If you think back to the hot rod and muscle care era, you see American companys putting thought in to their designs and engineering. Performance was the number one goal of many companys. They were not going to let Japan, Europe or someone else beat them in performance. I just dont see that drive in harley. Performance and striving to be No. 1 is an amercian tradition, not Harley.

  18. I agree with ROHORN.How can some of you say Harley is in BIG Trouble!Compared to the other companys I’m sure thier doing fine,we’re in a bad economy or haven’t some of you noticed.For Steve Parker,It would have been interesting if Harley had come out with the Nova,I wish they would have but not at the expense of the V twin,they had to make a choice because of expenses and they chose the Vtwin and I’m glad they did, I have a 03 Dyna Superglide and love it,and might not have been interested in waterver the Nova had evolved into.And to Jeff,yea some Harley riders are turds,usually the guys trying to play a part and dressed in the biker uniform, but I see most of my felloew Harley riders as friendly and helpful, and I’ve seen a lot of really stupid jackass’s on sportbikes passing at ridiculous speeds on the shoulder and ziggzagging right and left through traffic.When we hear of a fatality on a bike here we almost take it for granted it was some squid on a sport bike.

  19. Harley has an XL 883 Sportster priced at about $7500, I think this is a very competative price on a very capable machine. Why so many think a Harley costs $20000 is beyond me, You can also buy a Super Glide for about $12,500 for those who must have a Big Twin. American quality at a reasonable price, Maybe the HD haters should actaully go inside a dealer and check out an HD, The metric cruisers look simalar from a distance but up close an HD is worth the small price premium.

  21. Exactly TinMan2, I paid around 13,000 for my 03 SuperGlide brand new and that was with the 100 year anniversary Premium.The uninformed seem to think you can’t buy a Harley for under 25,000. The metrics have a cheesy look to them, with the over styling and plastichrome and big weld seam on the bottom of the gas tank.Some people look at them with the unfocused stare like those pictures that have other stuff in them and think they look just like a Harley.

  22. HD isnt about bikes.. its about marketing, selling the name and related swag. Why else would you have to go into a dealership that cost more than the one that sells Bentlys, to buy a $40 T-shirt with a little HD logo on it?

  23. Harley isn’t about bikes?Your lame. Your kind of attitude is most likey driven by jelousy.Harleys have raced in every kind of racing there is over the years,up until very recently the fastest Motorcycles in the world was a single engine sporty at 265mph set in the early 70’s and a double engine Shovel at 318 mph, both naturally asperated.At the drags naturally asperated Top fuelers run low 6’s over 230mph and I could go on.People like you insinuate the only reason anyone has a Harley is image,your saying all those people are fools. I could care less what anyone thinks when I ride, and I know all the people I ever riden with feel the same.

  24. The ones that are image driven are people who own the Japanese copys of Harleys, why else would someone by a product that is commonly mistaken for something else by the clueless ones who don’t know the difference?And why would someone on one of those copys have a Harley patch on his jacket, I’ve seen that many times. You don’t think those people aren’t on those for the image?

  25. John, Good Point, Ive never seen an HD rider with a “star” patch on his coat, but Ive seen many possers with an HD patch leave the cafe when my friends and I pull in with our Harleys. We are not 1%s and we dont dress like pirates but we can still spot a wanna be from 50 feet away.

  26. I personally know two people with Harley gear that ride “Metric” cruisers. They also happen to own Harleys too but prefer riding the other bikes. No sense in buying two sets of gear with different patches. One guy’s Hog is in pieces with engine problems, the other’s aggravates his bad back.

    I have no beef against Harleys. I just wish they made a 350-400 pound sport bike, something in the 650 category that would put an SV650 to shame. It would have been something if Harley bought Moto Morini like they had planned a while back. I’m not old enough to enjoy big cruisers. That’s why Harley has never seen any of my money, chances are, many other people’s money too.

    -todd

  27. Harley doesn’t only have cruisers, my SuperGlide isn’t a cruiser.Your buddies ought to sell thier Harleys and Harley “gear” then they could gear up with the Metric attire they prefer.That sounds like prefering to drive the Toyota over the Vette.

  29. Well this is going great, love the comments, I’m sure harley will make some adjustments for a larger customer base. Even though I do not ride a Harley I hope they stay in business.
    Could not help this last part. Yeah give me a Toyota over a vette any day, as I don’t want people to think I’m an old grey hair, beside I prefer to drive faster than 45mph.
    Back to the harley fun. How cool if Harley built a 400lb hooligan single, I hope they do someday.

  30. Bob, Yeah give me a Toyota over a Vette any day. Are you INSANE? Has your Hatred for any thing American made you into a Moron? Harley does not need to make adjustments for a larger base, You would be impossible to please anyway, Hopefully you will be happy with your toyota and your hooigan bike,welcome to thr 3rd world.

  31. well there’s not liking what American companies offer and there’s hatred for anything that isn’t American. Usually I find that people who are all “Buy American” are just racist. They don’t like anything that doesn’t come from white people. Those same people don’t have problems with BMW’s or Triumphs, just “JAP” bikes.

    I’d buy a Harley if they had something that was styled and sized the way I like and as reliable and competent as those darn JAP bikes. I don’t like Corvettes either but an MR2 would be sweet, or a 911… There are a lot of people who don’t “hate” American stuff it’s just that the whole “Super Size Me” thing doesn’t appeal to everyone.

    Here’s to hoping Harley does OK. I have a feeling they will, they’ve weathered storms before, with or without government help or bowling balls. It’s all about the bottom line, just like any other mega-corporation Harley needs to scale back to keep share holders interested in retaining their stock.

    -todd

  32. Knew it wouldn’t take long before one of you guy’s played the race card.There may be an element of that for some but not for me and probably not for most, what has this type of stuff continuing between American and Jap stuff is what I see as almost reverse racism, your so embarrased to be an affluent American or part of a powerful nation that you want to show how nonracist and open to the worlds view you are.For me anyway it started years ago that guys that rode Jap bikes had no problem starting a conversation with me or other Harley riders around me to let us know how superior thier choise of motocycle was.Check out Youtube for all the Japanese men and women that proudly ride Harleys. I dig that,I think all Harley riders like that. If it was a race thing that would bother us.

  33. Im pretty sure that Racist is to strong a word for this. The Jap Chopper builders (Chico for one) are very well respected by the American bike enthusisists. The Harley scene in Toyko is more intense than it is here, check the web. It is about the machine, and the originality of design. not the Race of the builder. That said, Imitations are denegrated in any society, Everyone I know respects an Asian in line 4, a fine design, but an v-Twin copy gets no respect. Be proud of your heritage.

  34. Interesting that nobody has lamented the loss of Trevor Deeley. I, and about a million others, counted Trev as a good personal friend for over 50 years before his passing.

    When Harley was on its knees in the early 80’s, Trev was asked to sit on the board … the first non-American to do so. His contributions in no small way, effected a turnaround of the company’s fortunes as history has shown. Even when he decided to retire from the board, they made him a “Director Emeritis” … a title he held to his death. In fact, two days before his passing, he was on the phone with Milwaukee discussing design changes and improvements. I can’t help but think that if he was still here, an action and survival plan would be well in place.

    Let’s not forget the recent “aquisition” of MV Agusta either. What must the average HD employee think when faced with layoffs? Perhaps that money would be better in HD’s accounts to weather the storm? Morale means so much and few company directors understand it.

    Rightly or wrongly, a nagging reputation for “unreliability” hangs over the company’s products. I’m sorry but when I go out and buy a brand new machine, I don’t expect that I’ll have to go back and buy all kinds of “accessory” parts to make it run properly. I’m waiting to see the Milwaukee engineering department make use of the talent that they got with MV Agusta, especially with the Cagiva boys. Let’s not forget that Harley’s attempts to move up from a century old air-cooled V-twin building the V-Rod was met with an engine that wouldn’t run. Only when they sent the thing to Porsche did they get a head design that worked.

    I’m not saying that Harley doesn’t have some brilliant engineers because they probably have. But I strongly suspect that, they too, have fallen for the myth that the farther away the guy is, the more expert he is. Far too often the office politics have repressed the brilliant innovations of their own people. Examples of this are seen everywhere – Ford and GM going to Lotus to design better suspension and traction control systems … because they won’t recognise their own talent … and the list goes on.

    I’m sure that HD will weather the current storm as they have in the past. I just hope that they do it by improving the product and appreciating their customers.

    A viewpoint from Canada, eh?

  35. Well lets see, F.I. on every bike in the line up, ABS on Tour and V-Rods, Throttle by wire, 6 spd trans,computer controled heat reguation,and Superior Fit Finish and overall Quality!!! We all do not want or need lite weight bikes or Hyper Speed Bikes, That is why HD owners tend to be older, They grow into a Harley and reach a point that they can afford a Harley. Asperational Product.

  36. Hawk, where do you get this idea that they built the Vrod motor but it wouldn’t run so they went to Porsch? Harley wanted to use thier VR1000 race motor as a starting point and went to porsch to help make it a more streetable motor, emmision and sound wise.At the time many engineers were involved with the upcoming TwinCam motor so the help from Porsch was utilized.Harley engineers worked along with the Porsch guts.The VR1000 was a fully HD design.

  37. Hey Tin man or girl or whatever you are. I never said I have a hatred for American cars so learn to read before you ramble on and on.
    YES harley better make some adjustments, change is good, new models are good, and new customers are good.
    Now before you go off the deep end, nobody is burning the American flag, just giving opinions.

  38. Bob, Words mean something, When you post that you would rather drive a toyota then a Vette what are we to think? Yes, all are free to give opinions, But opinion based on facts has more value. The fact is that HD is a productive and profitable company that is copied by bike makers all over the world.

  39. For those who didn’t take the time to dig all the way through HDI report:

    HDI’s factories shipped ~10,000 fewer bikes than the dealers sold in ’08, drawing down inventories.

    32% of all the bikes they built in ’08 were exported. Export sales were up in all regions.

    Buell sales were up 14%.

  40. John- Why are some of us rooting for an American Company to go under?

    I wouldnt say most are rooting for them to go under. I would say most are rooting for a more diverse lineup, and lower priced bikes.

    I did read a bit about them trying to get a federal bailout, and its my personal opinion that any company that gets one of those should fail and re-organize.

  41. BOB, have you been living under a rock??? A TOYOTA over a CORVETTE? Really? If so, what TOYOTA exactly? Out of all the comments here, that’s the only one I think is completely RIDICULOUS.

    That mentality is precisely why the perceived quality of Big 3 American car companies is so poor, and why the hill they need to climb is so steep. Here’s an exercise for you that may help open your mind: go to any struggling GM dealership, sit in a new Malibu, Traverse, or maybe even the 505hp Z06…if you still think poorly of them, then you have other issues and cannot be pleased. Sorry for the direct attack, but that statement needed called out.

    -brian

  42. Wow, a lot of trash talking here these days …

    HD is not about to go down, as any other companies around, it seems like they make some move to maintain their profitability and take care of the finances. Can we say then that they place more importance in the value of the stock for their shareholders, than in the value of their workers’ life ?
    I don’t know, just seems to me that like everywhere speculators have replaced investors. That’s kinda disappointing, HD has not been built by short term volatile speculators, more likely by passionated and commited people.

  44. B Case you ask what toyota? New V8 4 Runner, easy choice for me.
    Also I never said harley was going down, I doubt it will happen any time soon. Do I own one NO do I want one well not currently.
    Now Am I a Good American? Well lets see, USN Retired does count for something and nope not living under a rock, how about a grey ship, where did you spend the last 22 years?
    Now its my turn. Don’t ever turn my words around when it comes to what is good for this country. I proudly served this country and it was NOT for any American Company, no it was for freedom in general.
    And I’m NOT sorry for that attack. Now turn these words around.
    I say its time for a new subject. This one has turned dull.

  46. No GM for me, I stick with successful companies, Ford, Toyota. Now go back to your rock before the bank repos it. Of all the comments yours is the most RIDICULOUS.
    Your Mentality is precisely why the Big 2 are in such trouble.
    HAHAHAHAHAHA

  47. Bob, You lived off our tax dollars for your whole working life, Your career was your choice, Your choice to brag up toyota and denounce GM shows how bitter you are, The GM suvs are the best in the world in every measured catagory, If you choose to buy Asian I guess thats ok, BUT do not delude yourself, Your buying 2nd best.

  48. Well those tax dollars I lived on saved your ass. Lets see 2nd best, don’t think so. I think Its #1. yep Toyota is #1, not sure where chevy is, someplace near the bottom.
    I’m not Bitter, Although I’m bored because its like I’m talking to a little kid. I think bitter describes you. Now I’m going to stop posting as it really is a waste of time talking to you. Oh I almost forgot, I still get those tax payers checks, and I will for the rest of my life, so I guess you are paying for my Toyota, thanks.
    Now go brush your tooth and get ready for bed.
    I’ll catch you on the next discussion.

  49. Geesh… Lots of trash talking going on here. But, that’s the beauty of living in America… I own a Harley Ultraclassic. I’ve owned a Kawasaki (’79 LTD 1000), Yamaha (’81 Maxim) and a Honda (’81 Goldwing). The Harley is my favorite as it’s big enough for me (6’4″, 240#) and, at about 2500 rpm @ 70 mph, it’s not screaming as tho it’s about to explode. And, at 44 mpg, it’s a lot more thrifty than my ’00 F-150. So… My $.02 on the story? H-D will do what all the other companies are doing, surviving. When the dust settles and the pieces are all swept up, H-D, along with most of the other THINKING companies, will still be in business. And, FWIW, the choice of a Harley or a Honda or a Victory is just a personal as that of Coke over Pepsi or 7-Up over Sprite… Doesn’t make any of us any better/worse than another. Y’all have a nice weekend…

  50. I do not want to see HD fail but would not shed a tear if my local dealer went under. They are heartless ripoffs. As far as the line goes thats up to harley they have had a few winners in the past few years one being the deluxe which was there top seller for a few years.Thing is they are building these bigger motors with all the EPA junk that goes with it seems like nothing can run as well as it could with all this crap they have to install. They will weather it out and do what they have to to survive. Harley is still #1 in my book and if they were to fail it would be the end of an era that i had never hoped to see

  51. After reading through all of the comments, I really don’t think anyone in there right mind would want to see HD go under in anyway. But you have to be honest and look at the other comparable bikes out there. Look at the new Kawasaki Voyager, compared to the Electra Glide Classic, In Canada your getting a far supperior bike with the Kawasaki and it’s 5 thousand dollars cheaper before tax. Thats almost 6 grand cheaper and your getting a better bike?????? Now if Harley lowered there prices to a realistic price they would definatly sell more bikes,