| Author | Message | ||
     Jon |
Harley Davidson re-hiring Erik Buell? I'll take my answer on the air. | ||
| Jon |
BTW, I have always understood "jack asses" to be a term of respect. (Message edited by jon on May 25, 2018) | ||
| Jon |
So anyway... | ||
| Torquehd |
My thoughts on HD rehiring Erik Buell is that electric motorcycles should be more aerodynamic. Which is not an answer to your question, because I don't imagine your hypothetical question would ever be a real question. But seriously, regarding Erik's current and future endeavors - Electric motorcycles seem like they should be fighting to reduce parasitic drag as much as possible in order to combat the range limitations of batteries. Why do they all look less aerodynamic than a cow? | ||
| Slaughter |
Why would they? Why would he? Question is absurd. | ||
| 86129squids |
Hunnnhh???? | ||
| Aesquire |
Cow has better drag. Two reasons it's not popular today. Style. Actually, just style. The rider is the most drag on a naked bike. Square edges on the downtube are minor drag sources. You need to fair the back of the rider more than the front. The market is limited for HPV or speed record looking bikes. Search images for "human powered vehicle" . It can be done. | ||
| Jon |
HD is losing their base to rocking chairs. Cutting Buell loose was losing ground in a younger demographic. A sick and misguided demographic, yes, but still. I don't believe in electric bikes. I believe they exist. But I don't like them. There's no exhaust fumes or fuel lines to get clogged. | ||
| Teeps |
Who's approaching whom in this scenario? | ||
| Jon |
HD approaches Erik. The purpose is to recapture the essence (and market for) minimalistic bikes. Raw, compelling in style and power plant. Their current line of motorized bicycles is a waste. They need Erik now like never before. So they blow him up with an offer that can’t be refused. They eat some humble pie. They move forward. Use him. Tie to the bow of your ship and sail into battle. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
The guy is 68 years old. His fingerprints are all over the motorcycling world already. I am positive he would give HD the finger and continue to enjoy his retirement. | ||
| Jon |
He’s not retired. And how do you know he can retire. (Message edited by Jon on May 26, 2018) | ||
| Hybridmomentspass |
Id love to see him go to HD and mix things up a bit Id love to see a street 750 with some real power. Lighten it up, power it up. It'd be a huge hit | ||
| Hybridmomentspass |
Also, to think that HD is sinking due to old riders dying is silly - there are SO MANY young riders that flock to harley. Some new, some used. But even the used bikes still generate funds for HD through parts/accessories etc. | ||
| Willmrx |
I can't see Erik giving Harley or anyone else the finger. I think he would just simply say no thank you, with a huge smile on his face! Me on the other hand, would tell them to suck it! He has way more class than I do! (Message edited by willmrx on May 26, 2018) | ||
| Crusty |
What do any of you jack asses think about... | ||
| Court |
Erik, for the over 30 years I’ve known him, has exuded class and decorum .... even at those times I think may have merited a meltdown. He’s focused, disciplined and more likely motivated by a challenge than a threat or reward. If the challenge is tough ... you’ll picquet his interest .... impossible will invoke his passion. He also has a keen sense of balance and values nothing more than his family. While he may get involved in something ... I’d be inclined to suggest the 7 days a week ... 16 hours a day and 4 days without sleep are in the wake of his amazing career. Erik Buell has given motorcycling so much more than “just” Buell motorcycles. Court | ||
| Phelan |
Motorcycling in general is dying. The "younger demographic" is also phasing out. The latest generation as a whole is not interested in motorcycles. It is going to take something next level to change that, and I think it will take time, maybe 10-15 years for the market to come back to decent levels. It's quite cyclic (pun intended) and it's on the downswing still IMO. (Message edited by phelan on May 26, 2018) | ||
| Court |
Texting .... and, in general, the need to be connected every moment of the day ....have resulted in a near sea change to motorcycling. The combined elements of far greater risks ... due to distracted drivers .... in concert with a nearly neurotic fear of missing a text message and not being able to respond in seconds have conspired to deprive a generation of the joys of motorcycling. | ||
| Ourdee |
True that. | ||
| Jon |
Hybrid - Younger people are not supporting the HD brand. Partly because they cannot afford them. And why would they? Erik’s working right now. I doubt anyone here really knows what Erik would do if offered. | ||
| Torquehd |
Why ask us what we think about it, and then turn around and tell us that no one here knows? Of course no one knows what would happen in a hypothetical situation that is not likely to ever happen. Are you here for conversation or just trying to stir up an argument? Considering your crass thread title, I'm inclined to believe it's the latter. | ||
| Jon |
It's true that I am at times crass. Are there any other crass people in this forum besides me? Going out for coffee with my gal on the back of my S2. I'll try to think of some more comments to post for when I return. Until then, don't take any of this too seriously. And don't rearrange the furniture while I'm gone. | ||
| Rick_a |
The last time motorcycles were a thing for younger folks is when gas prices spiked. People bought motorcycles because they are generally better on gas. Then people realized that riding daily is crazy and motorcycles get expensive...just when gas prices dropped. The cool thing these days is that there's more choices in quality motorcycles I've ever seen. The bad thing is dealers may stock one of every model as sales appear to be slow with a few exceptions. It's not just a Harley thing. I'd like another bike to just rack up miles on. It sure as hell isn't going to be a Harley... | ||
| Torquehd |
I've always thought (at least here in the states) motorcycling was a niche, and represents a small percentage of the population. I think it has always been that way, and always will. Unless we become like much of Asia, where scooter life is the norm. Which is not likely in my lifetime. As for the reduced growth of HD, the best thing they could do is make some models that are not Harleys. Harley Davidson is not in the motorcycle business, they are in the Harley Davidson business. We all know the story, and how we got to where we are today. | ||
| Hybridmomentspass |
Jon - get out and you'll see otherwise. Lots of 20-somethings riding, and I see A LOT on HDs. Look up things like Born Free, Smokeout etc Those are two big events, each on opposite ends of the country, that draw millennials | ||
| Jon |
I live in the Bay Area, Calif. Mecca for motorcycle. Lots of the usual Japanese makes, and a goodly amount of Ducs, ktms, spanning all styles. Not many youngsters on dressers. Yeah. HD is in the lifestyle business, good point. | ||
| Hybridmomentspass |
Youre right, HD only sells dressers lol | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
https://www.forbes.com/sites/moneybuilder/2013/11/ 13/harley-davidsons-downfall-baby-boomer-demograph ics/amp/ The realities of HDs demographics concern haven't changed. There is a significant hole in the customer base that must be filled. Part of the problem is that HD relies almost exclusively on nostalgia. That nostalgia dims considerably during the 25 year potential demographic gap. | ||
| S1owner |
I would like to see Indian get Eric involved! |
