HARLEY SALES DOWN - LAYING OFF WORK FORCE

[adventurous1]

HD sales are down in the U.S. more than double what I earlier thought.

"....it plans to streamline its operations, reorganize and reduce its workforce during the fourth quarter in a move that will cost the company $20 million to $25 million."

http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Har.../18/id/754026/

Been using my '06 custom roadliner for daily rides (it has 65K miles) Was thinking about getting a used breakout or Indian Classic for my short 100 mile Sat or Sun rides up / down the coast or thru the canyons. Though I'm digging the B on the shorter runs though it's just a beast in day to day commuter traffic - especially here in So CAL. Whewwwww daddy. But, The tours? The B is wicked !!

[F6B1911]

I'd be curious if the H-D market is fully saturated, or if Indian cut into their sales?

[willtill]

Hard to say.

[adventurous1]

Depending on which reports one reads Indian / Victory has captured 8 to 10 and up to 15 % of the V-Twin market. Who knows?

Last October-ish HD's CEO said they were cutting back 250 employees (about 4 %), now a year later, more cut backs.

Even if Victory and Indian collectively sold 30 to 40K bikes in a yr that's easily 15 to 20 % of HD's U.S. sales (185K ish). So yeah, guess Polaris is making a dent. Just have to keep turning out bullet proof bikes. "Build it, and he will come." to quote a movie phrase. And on that note, Polaris marketing team might want to keep spending $$$$ for product placement in movies and TV.

[unsub]

Is their demographic just getting too old and either dropping off the sport altogether or moving over to a more relaxed ride? Seems to me HD went through a similar cycle (no pun intended) in the late eighties when they reinvented the "bad" image and lured the younger generation in.

Regardless of who is at the helm of HD they seem pretty much stuck in the 20th century with their product.

[Retired Army]

Now for the burning question. Will Harley move production out side of the U.S.?

[Maddoggie501]

I'd be curious if the H-D market is fully saturated, or if Indian cut into their sales?

I believe if you do some research you will find the entire motorcycle industry is in a slump

[ReserveBum]

I believe if you do some research you will find the entire motorcycle industry is in a slump

The sales are not there from the younger crowd. It appears most riders are of the older persuasion and ....you know the rest of that story

[willtill]

The sales are not there from the younger crowd. It appears most riders are of the older persuasion and ....you know the rest of that story

Yep. Viagra. Pirates on Viagra.

Wat is the world coming to?