Is this the beginning of the end for Harley?

RetroGrouch

RetroGrouch

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When H-D starts copying Honda, I can hear the fat lady warming up.

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http://street.harley-davidson.com/en_US?source_cd=social14030214
 
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What's a copy about it? (taking into account that all bikes have the same basic components)
 
Seems like a smart move to me.

"Critical to this story is the fact this new Harley will be built in India using locally sourced parts. India already has a facility in which it assembles “Complete Knockdown Kits” for five H-D models, making them exempt from some onerous local tariffs." http://www.motorcycle.com/top10/top-10-new-motorcycles-watch-eicma.html/2
 
Hipster Harleys! I like them, moves like this might keep HD around once their core riders need walkers. There wasn't much in their catalogue I would actually consider buying before but this would turn my head.
 
The end of smaller metric cruisers maybe. HD has been carefully positioning itself to compete in asian markets AND introduce some degree of liquid cooling to the brand.

Doesn't look half-bad to me and I'm not a cruiser enthusiast. Imagine what it looks like to a newer rider on a budget who really wanted a Harley, but settled for a Shadow instead.
 
[video=youtube;WoMtLTHNvMY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WoMtLTHNvMY[/video]

how cute..lol.
 
Flywheel said:
The end of smaller metric cruisers maybe. HD has been carefully positioning itself to compete in asian markets AND introduce some degree of liquid cooling to the brand.

Doesn't look half-bad to me and I'm not a cruiser enthusiast. Imagine what it looks like to a newer rider on a budget who really wanted a Harley, but settled for a Shadow instead.
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Targeted strictly for young riders who know little about motorcycles but think they look rad and awesome. Anyone buying this bike is buying it strictly for the brand name and not much else. Well, maybe the murdered out paint job. Paint anything matte black these days and kids will swarm to it like flies to a s***house. If you don't have all the Benjamins for a Sporty, buy the Honda Shadow 750 RS or the Yamaha Bolt, you'd be much better off.
 
Catering to the hipsters - smart business move
 
RetroGrouch said:
... Well, maybe the murdered out paint job. Paint anything matte black these days and kids will swarm to it like flies to a s***house. ...
Click to expand...

truth. and that goes for anything, whether it's motorcycles, cars, or even bicycles.
 
Doesn't look much different from the Star Bolt (still sounds goofy) commercial, except the riders wore flannel.
 
:puke:

:sad2:

That's nasty. What an awful design. Horrible seat, gas tank, cowl, and lights. Actually, the whole thing is horrible, it doesn't have one nice line anywhere.

Stick to the Sportster and you'll be fine. Many nice bikes to choose from, either 883 or 1,200cc... who would buy these things?

But do yourself a favour and buy japanese. I test rode the Yamaha Bolt and it is almost a perfect winner for the price.
 
Harley does nothing: "bahahah 1940's technology, only posers would ride this POS."

Harley changes things a bit: "Harley's going down, why would anyone buy this crap."

Poor ****ers can't win on this board.
 
This is their modern take of the XLCR and a good execution of the concept also.
Compare the two; no copying done here. It was an original design at the time.

Anyone here ever try out a V-rod? Great engine. It's about time they put it in something that looks somewhat more recognizable as a Harley.
 
I don't really care for the look of them - they look very round, and a bit too basic. The video has them sounding okay, but it's hard to tell whether that's been edited (it could even be a different bike, heh).

If this somehow gets more people into riding, then that's great. I don't think it's any better than what other companies are offering, and I don't think it's the best entry level bike, but some people really need a Harley, I guess, and this should appeal to them.

For a company that plays to an image that claims to be raw and rebellious, they play it very safe from a styling and spec perspective.
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