Harley's sales drop. Imagine that!

[34nineteen]

That said, I've met some Millennials who have done some amazing things... and some Gen X-ers (like myself) whose highlights in life are looking for validation on this forum (luckily Cooter tells me I'm pretty), and finding a way to move back into my parents basement.


You called it out like a champ with this... "but you guys created the world we grew up in"

 

[herwawan]

I have Bluetooth in my motorcycle helmet.

Best reply ever.

On another note, f**k this pointless multi-generational conflict. We've been blaming each other for everything and nothing - that's not leading anywhere although it's always been like that. The parents of my parents thought they were all punks going nowhere. I've been hanging out with people both much older and younger (sometimes dangerous jailbait though, let's be real THAT is a real conversation) - the only thing that matters really is just listening to each other, learning what we can from each other, and understand there's more positive to take from our differences than negative.

The Harley-Davidson case is overly complicated because the motorcycle market itself isn't doing great in the USA. Safety concerns, development of the ride-sharing economy, new energy, automation, public transportation, etc ... The world of transportation is transforming insanely fast. Plus, HD definitely has some intense challenges to address, because of its history, its strategy and other factors. It's going to be a hell of a lot of risks to take for them to try to move the MC market in a good direction - that's not easy.

I don't want to cede to pure "brand bashing". They did great things by the past, some more discutable choices as well (Buell, but also remember the context and how bad the economy was at the time). I'll just watch and see what happens, hoping for the best. And try to support the brand if I can with my wallet if it feels like going in the right direction!

 

[34nineteen]

Here's a great example of multi-generational issues. I remember growing up that this was a bad thing.

 

[Cooter]

Well said Herawan. If everyone (old and young) took responsibility of their actions and for their own situation, there would be no squabbling.



Damn them hipsters make a good cup of coffee though....:eagerness:

 

[BuellyBagger]

so typical of this board and the internet in general. thread commenced to discuss new bike sales and has now made a left turn and deteriorated into name calling and military-responsibility opinions. and for what it's worth Bub.......my boomer generation served admirably and proudly in both the military and police departments here at home. i happen to be one of them. :mad-new:

So, yeah... back to the point of the thread then. Any one else hear about the Harley internship where they are getting college grads to spend a year riding around on a bike, that they get to keep as long as they fulfill their ambassadorship by posting it all in social media and showing off how cool the life style is. http://fortune.com/2018/04/21/harley-davidson-internship-travel/

 

[BuellyBagger]

I think it's a cool idea, I'd have done it@ college age!

 

[Cooter]

Thats really cool! I'll totally get a facebook account and a man bun for a free Harley and a ride around 'Murica! What a good idea


Lunatic, thank you for your service. As much as I appreciate the men and women who choose to get paid to be first-responders, their job will never compare to the realities of a real war or actually being in service to our country.

 

[optomist]

Just to balance things out--I ride with my Grandson who has a new R1--Hard to keep up with, even with the 1190RX!

The bad stats show that the highest fatality's are in the 50ish demographic. Mostly these are guys who can finally afford the time and $ but have never ridden before. Practice makes perfect and these guys just plunk down the cash and head out.

Lunatic, One thing I noticed, 10 or 15 years after I gave up riding, was there 3-4 times as many guys zooming around doing what I used to be doing. I thought that was pretty cool and healthy. Nowadays--not so many out there. Hard to put one's finger on "why"--Could be the fault of the school system that does its best to feminize young men, basic social squashing and risk averse -- beats me.

Opto

 

[optomist]

Sorry to blab, but the dirt bike crowd all seem to be young guys --

 

[airbozo]

I'll add that the guys doing the longer trips seem to be over 50, but the guys and girls I see on the road for weekend rides are younger than 50.

 

[optomist]

Bozo,

I guess the whole thing boils down to time management. If one can break free of the 9-5, Mon-Fri --that is when the cafes are empty, the PoPo's are taking the day off, and the roads are pretty empty. I always try to ride during the week. So yeah young crowd on the weekend is pretty accurate.

Opto

 

[Cooter]

I just try to be the best ambassador of motorcycling I can be.

I have introduced many many kids to dirt bikes, (some took to it, others never again), and taught tons of friends how to ride whatever current POS bike I had at the time. I ride with courtesy in traffic, and represent myself as well as I can. Theres a reason I have 5 helmets and jackets that aren't even my size!

BTW, I have refined a pretty easy fail safe teaching technique for newbie riders that has served me (and them) well.

I love when their eyes light up and they 'get it'. The freedom, the speed, the excitement. Makes me happy to share what I love so much



Kumbaya my Lord.... kumbaya...... lol

 

[optomist]

Yes and kumbaya was definitely present on the side of the road up in Challis last year.

 

[Lusiphur]

I didnt read all the comments, but at the moment, if HD brought back Buell, they could make a ton of moola.
Buell style bikes have been the top sellers for the past couple of years, as well as all this retro stuff.
Lots of buahy bearded IPA drinkers out there

 

[BuellyBagger]

I didnt read all the comments, but at the moment, if HD brought back Buell, they could make a ton of moola.
Buell style bikes have been the top sellers for the past couple of years, as well as all this retro stuff.
Lots of buahy bearded IPA drinkers out there

I love ipa's...

 

[jl551c]

I have to say that I ride less on weekends and won't even attempt to ride on 3 day weekends. I'm 57 and retired, so this isn't a big deal. Too many cars on the road, too dangerous, especially here on the central California coast where tourists are looking for a place to park or a place to eat and not paying attention to the road.
I used to give my old gray haired Aunt rides in the car a lot before she passed, you know, just to get her out of the house. She was always astonished at the amount of cars on the road. I think she was right. It's crazy how many more cars are on the road now than 20 years ago. Hell, I drive by the local High School and the parking lot is packed full of more expensive cars in it than I want to afford. Everyone has a car. So my point is it's more dangerous due to more cars on the road than in the past and I think this is one reason fewer people are buying motorcycles of any brand.

I have Bluetooth in my helmet as well !!!

 

[Cooter]

Then I'd only have to stay in front of them for 80 miles max before they ran out of juice! :eagerness:

 

[jl551c]

Then I'd only have to stay in front of them for 80 miles max before they ran out of juice! :eagerness:

Yea, no kidding. Haha

 

[njloco]

When the Green deal takes over, we'll all need electric bikes and cars, and solar powered houses that have been totally rebuilt with electric barbecues, ranges and ovens, the list goes on and on !

 

[Lusiphur]

Trillions of dollars later and I'll still be rocking petrol in my air cooled Buell.