Harley Finalizes MV Agusta Sale

[RocketDaryl]

Yeah, but it's true with Triumph. With Harley, you'll just be unique with the other 200,000 Harley riders.

 

[RocketDaryl]

Of course, you can't really be unique without the HD bar and shield tattoo on your arm.

 

[Vinkster]

Wait just a minute ... didn't Triumph just do that? LOL

Actually what Triumph did, was similar, but with a completely different outcome.

They introduced the new Thunderbird to appeal to the traditional HD zombie. Then they changed up their already very very unique Rocket to actually be LESS unique. They blacked it out and completely embraced the Muscle Bike genre of cruisers. By going with a trend, they did the opposite of their motto "Go Your Own Way". But since the Rocket is and always will be a relatively low production bike when compared to nearly every other bike from any manufacturer that sells to a global market, you will still retain the uniqueness you desire. The new HD's that are advertised to be unique are just new trim models of a bike known to be ubiquitous and lacking character. The Sportster line in particular, is their main focus for the new "Unique" bikes. And that model range has been known not only as a starter/ woman's bike, but not even considered to be in the same league as the bigger, more popular HD's by the HD community itself.

So whether accidentally or through excellent reverse psychology by Triumph's marketing department, the Rocket is even more unique than ever. And they are even more affordable. That's just mind boggling and contrary to most successful business models that imply a higher price tag for non-traditional products.

That is my opinion, evaluation, and rant. Take what you like and toss back the rest.

 

[Sidecar Flip]

HD should have never bought MV (I stated that a while ago) in the first place. Most of you don't remember the HD Rapido of Italian fame. I can understand that. HD went down the lasagna road before and should have learned that Italian motorcycles need to be left in Italy.

Just ask Piaggio.

 

[JoseyR3Wales]

The real reason is Harley is losing their ass at the moment and needs the cash more than the diversity.

Of course, they won't use the cash to do anything fresh. They'll simply do the same thing they've done for 50 years. They'll polish the turd with enough slick advertising that they'll have the poor bastards that buy one of their bikes thinking he's Peter Fonda by the time he's leathered up and riding out of the lot.

LMAO, that is sooooooooo true. Cretins straddling a crankshaft, with the sound of an old farm tractor.

 

[Jamie]

HD should have never bought MV (I stated that a while ago) in the first place.

Hi Flip!

You were right! ... and HD has turned repentant!

Well... sort of (please read on)

The recent, official press release reads:

"Our decision to divest [from MV] provides an optimal path to long-term growth"

Mmmh...

Back in 2008, the same strategists had said:

"Our decision to invest [in MV] provides an optimal path to the [European] sportsbikes long-term growth opportunity"

And the very same in-house strategists (none of them having a motorcycling industry background) got promoted and generously rewarded (bonuses and stock options galore) for their business acumen.

They are now IN CHARGE!

A few more garage sales after MV, following Buell's liquidation, an "Indian strategy" (sic) and with talks about labor cost issues and possible plant closures, and Harley will be on an optimal path to... its own museum.

Jamie

 

[webmaster]

I agree; HD's efforts to potentially diminish their presence in Milwaukee will affect their brand. There's nothing wrong with restructuring in order to control costs, but I'm not sure how their brand recognition would survive it.

I would think HD's leadership shares the same concern, they didn't exercise the leadership to make use of Buell or MV Augusta. Instead they fell-back on the ol tried-n-true strategy of supporting their base customer market.

What I can't determine is their vision for the future Harley Customer over the next 1-3 years.

 

[Sidecar Flip]

Dealing in the world market, like I do, I believe that HD yearns to deliver a bike to it's potential customers that breaks from the V-twin mold but they are, should I say 'scared' that it will alienate them from their establisged customers who 'worship' the antiquated and underpowered V-twin.

I also believe that HD is making a grave miscalculation in considering a move from Wisconsin, not that they don't have plants elsewhere. One, they are union and two, their base customer is a blue collar rank and file. Alienating the union is bad for bottom line.

At some point, HD will be forced from the V-twin push rod configuration because of EPA mandates whether they want to or not. They can build a technologically advanced V-twin but will the custome base embrace it?

HD should divest into other markets like lawn care procucts or hard goods like appliances.

Everyone wants a HD washing machine. If it leaks, it's normal.

 

[Power-Tripp]

There is nothing wrong with a pushrod valvetrain and 2-valve head. it is compact, inexpensive, and can do many things better than an OHC 4-valve design. Especially when low rpm torque is a priority over a wide powerband.

The problem is the combustion chamber and port shapes.

Look at the modern Chevy LSx engines. Very efficient and compact.

 

[Jamie]

There is nothing wrong with a pushrod valvetrain and 2-valve head. it is compact, inexpensive (...)

Don't disagree, technically-speaking.

But " inexpensive" ? Certainly NOT, according to Harley's price lists . I don't believe that Harley's annual rehashes of its previous century "technology" justify today's price tag as far as the engine, tranny and chassis are concerned.

Jamie