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  #11  
Old 01-03-2019, 11:22 PM
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Default Harley Davidson goes electric

This may not appeal to the traditional Harley crowd, but then the traditional Harley crowd is steadily declining and Harley needs to appeal to a new audience. This may appeal to the same demographic that has eschewed the rumble of a muscle or sports car and gone for the quiet rush of acceleration of a Tesla.
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Last edited by Antonmb; 01-04-2019 at 01:23 AM.
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  #12  
Old 01-04-2019, 10:40 AM
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OK here is one of my 2 bikes.

This is near the Top Of the World in WY/MT at about 10k feet and near one of the lakes. Takes a lot of TQ and range when you have to loop 150-200 miles between gas stations.

Also the sound and feel... really this is what it is all about. Bike is a 2000 Road King Classic with a big bore stage 2 kit, has 145 rear wheel HP Vs 96 stock and gets 50-55 Mpg riding 2 up.
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Old 01-04-2019, 11:06 AM
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Beautiful machines Dave. While motorcycle sales may be declining in the US, they are up in Asia. That’s where the growth will come from in the coming decades. Seems like electric is a good bet for those markets.
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Old 01-04-2019, 11:23 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by W9TR View Post
Beautiful machines Dave. While motorcycle sales may be declining in the US, they are up in Asia. That’s where the growth will come from in the coming decades. Seems like electric is a good bet for those markets.


Great point !!!

HD has to build products for where the customers will be. There are a bazillion electric scooters/bicycles/motorcycles in China, India, SEAsia. If 2% of those become bikes HD builds, they will need many more factories...

I am sure at some level, HD could care less where the market is for the products they make.
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  #15  
Old 01-04-2019, 11:39 AM
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Good looking bike, Dave. Great scenery too.
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  #16  
Old 01-04-2019, 11:39 AM
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While H-D does rely on the Asian, European and India markets to sell some bikes, the US is by far it’s biggest market. India is still growing in demand but not for big displacement bikes for obvious reasons. Too expensive and not practical on their congested roads. China sales are trending down lately. Precisely the reason H-D introduced the smaller displacement models but those are not selling well here and are perhaps still way too expensive to go up against
the bikes made in India. People just can’t afford them there.


The other problem I see with electrification in general (both cars and bikes) is they appeal to a different group. H-D is an icon built on many decades of creating rather unique bikes that feel, look and sound in a specific way that appeals to their loyal customers. A long term Harley customer was typically very loyal and very unlikely to buy a Japanese alternative. Certain cars and suvs also fall into that category.

With the age of electrification upon us, I really do not see how the “loyal” part will play out. The electric vehicles and bikes are so “ household appliance” like and purpose specific that they leave very little room for emotional attachment

Imagine a few decades from now where a Ferrari fan will have to make a choice, will it be a $250k electric Ferrari or a $50k Tesla or a $25k Acme special electric car... what will be the difference besides the shape and a badge?? What will be the motivation to spend so much more on a particular brand?

Last edited by PHC1; 01-04-2019 at 11:41 AM.
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  #17  
Old 01-04-2019, 03:47 PM
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Other than Japan, a lot of Asia is poor. I don't see them being able to afford a Harley even if they wanted one.

It is not just motorcycles. There is very little interest in history, or owning any part of it. The price of just about every antique or collectible type item is down. People are not interested. Today it is about fast and easy at the cheapest price possible. Most people would rather spend time online than outside.
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  #18  
Old 01-04-2019, 04:26 PM
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I think you are underestimating the wealth that is accumulating in China, Korea, even India and across SE Asia. I don’t have the data anymore but I think many of you would be surprised at the number of people who are considered middle class in China.

Also, HD, like any smart company, is likely looking out 10 years and beyond.

No doubt most electric two wheelers in Asia are cheap as hell. Less than $400 will buy you an electric motorcycle in China. That is simply mass transportation.

I am thinking that HD could be seeing an emerging market for wealthier people in China etc who may want a statement motorcycle sometime in the future.

I just wouldn’t discount the money that is there for companies that make things they want to buy.
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  #19  
Old 01-04-2019, 04:49 PM
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With the "social credit" system being instituted in China I'd love to see how long the trend of copying the West lasts. Harley sells about 147k bikes in the US vs approx 30k in total Asia Pacific markets.



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Old 01-04-2019, 04:51 PM
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