[BraveMan]

A couple of points:

1. The V-Rod based touring bike is a no-brainer. Several dealers in the Wisconsin area are already rolling their own versions, some of which look pretty enticing.

2. HD aquiring Ducati would be a win-win for both firms, IMHO. Ducati would benefit from a strong dealership support structure in the United States (something they've historically lacked) and HD would benefit from an influx of race-bred sporting technology augmenting Buell's current contributions.

[BraveMan]

Could you please alert the Hooligans?

[napscoordinator]

Harley shares fell 3% Monday to close at $60.64.

Actually that is not too bad. I began buying my Harley stock back in 1995 or so and I believe it was around 33 dollars. I use the DRIP program and just send 50 bucks a month towards it. I guess now I am getting less than a share a month. lol.

[pikachu]

Ducati would be ruined by the Motor Company. Springer font ends on the new Supermotard and leather fringed saddle bags on the 1098 would probably be dictated by the boys in Milwaukee.

The new touring bike from Victory will probably kick the crap out of the Ultra line if HD is not careful.

[doorgunner69]

Some dealers are worried that the supply of Harleys is outpacing the demand, creating unhealthy competition among dealers,

Can't have competition now, can we?

And maybe demand is slowing as all the poseurs buying in to the "lifestyle" have become bored and moved on to the latest fad? This may be a blessing, forcing HD to move into the 21st century of design, which the V-Rod was a start, instead of wallowing in bogus imagery.

[Clam Digger]

Discounts on their main product line, clothing and bandana’s, or the secondary stuff like motorcycles?

[SFC Chromey]

1- I agree with the V-Rod. They need to start doing more with that machine.

2- Being a Duc owner, I have heard these rumors floating year in and year out for over 10 years. It isn’t going to happen. Also, what races have Buell won? Buell is a marketing gimic, even though I like their bikes- for the street- thay are definitely NOT racing machines. The last Buells I saw race AMA, broke their motors.

Leave it to Harley to be behind the curve. Fuel costs are making import bikes of all brands sell like hot-cakes. Harley’s are seen more as status symbols or trophies than practical transportation.

This situation is reminiscient of the 70’s when US auto makers didn’t change to meet the buying public car needs. To keep their sales up, Harley needs to look at making some changes.

[SFC Chromey]

One course may be a leveraged buyout, like what Texas Pacific Group did with Ducati a few years back. They listed Ducati ADR’s on the NYSE, and raised some solid amounts of cash. TPG recently sold their controlling interest back to key management and it is de-listing the ADR’s. It would be cleaner than the AMF-Harley days, in my view, because Harley’s names would stay front and center.

[Tallguy]

The V-Rod based touring bike is a no-brainer. Several dealers in the Wisconsin area are already rolling their own versions, some of which look pretty enticing.

I always thought the basic design of the V-Rod power plant was going to end-up on all, or most of the heavyweight bikes Harley produces. It's probably the only way to meet various emissions requirements that are ratcheting up the pressure on the 'Evolution Engine'.

[martin_fierro]

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[tacticalogic]

I think anyone could have seen it coming just by paying attention to the classified ads in the newpaper. Not long ago, a used Evo for sale was rare, and the buyer was always asking top dollar.

[Poser]

I’ve got a Y2K Electra-Glide that’s getting up in mileage. I’m not planning on buying another HD soon because the MSRP is too high.

I’m looking for a V-Strom 1000 with a few farkles and will keep the E-Glide for longer trips.

[Dinsdale]

Baby boomers are getting old.

Simple as that.

Invest in adult diaper companies not motorcycles.