Hitting Neutral – Harley on a new course – Harley Davidson Motorcycles changes course, again. Out with the old boss in with the new boss. Out with the old plan in with the new plan.
When the last Harley Davidson CEO was in charge, he put in place an ambitious plan of 100 new motorcycles in 10 years.
The new guy thinks that is an overreach and ended the effort and has stating that 30% of new models will be cut. This is paired with a cut to production to “make them more exclusive”.
While the new streetfighter motorcycle looks like it may be on the cut list. Its engine sharing brother, the Pan America adventure bike, is coming out with the 2021 models.
The new guy also wants to drive up the parts and accessories business along with merchandise.
My Take: Who is right? According to the board of directors, not the guy that got fired. I thought trying to expand appeal by having different Harley Davidson motorcycles was an interesting idea. Not sure where cutting production will help exclusivity when there are 1000’s of bikes on the used market.
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Upshift: The King of Baggers Race – MotoAmerica is adding a touch of the surreal to American motorcycle racing. Well maybe, in the age of COVID who knows.
If you always wanted to see American V-Twins race at Laguna Seca raceway, maybe this is the year. Watching a mildly modified Harley Davidson Road or Street Glide swinging through the corkscrew is going to be bonkers at best.
The race is getting attention. Drag Specialties is the King of Baggers sponsor. A bunch of accessory companies are getting in on the action, for example Saddlemen, the motorcycle seat and luggage maker, is sponsoring bike #87 in the race.
And Indian and S&S are teaming up to run a Indian Challenger as well. It should dominate on the straights as it has more than a few cubic inches on the Harley’s.
Currently the race is schedule for October 23-25, but who knows if it will happen until it happens.
My take: OH HELL YEAH!
I JUST WANT 2 RIDE!! 