Buell is gone.

[bedlamite]

Here's an interesting take on it from Superbike Planet:

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Oct/091016expldeleted.htm

[bedlamite]

Apparently there is a group of investors interested in Buell:

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-industry/buell-linked-to-takeover-bid/8513.html

Here's one more viewpoint on Harley's Business plan, or rather lack thereof:

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2009/10/harley-didnt-calculate-savings.html

[Strings]

Wasn't I saying something the other day about HD having problems in today's market, Bedlamite?

Not raggin' on Harleys, mind you. But it's looked (for quite a while) like their business plan has been "do the same, harder" for years. That isn't going to get them very far...

Maybe they should be looking into, I dunno, beginers' bikes?

[charby]

Wasn't I saying something the other day about HD having problems in today's market, Bedlamite?

Not raggin' on Harleys, mind you. But it's looked (for quite a while) like their business plan has been "do the same, harder" for years. That isn't going to get them very far...

Maybe they should be looking into, I dunno, beginers' bikes?

or at least bring the price of their bikes down to the same price as comparable imported bikes.

[brimic]

or at least bring the price of their bikes down to the same price as comparable imported bikes.

I've looked at the prices vs Yamaha/Victory/Honda, in most classes of Motorcycles, Harleys are pretty comparable in price.
Now if you are talking about value then you are spot on.

[dogmush]

I don't know brimic, my main issue with Harley's is that they're over-priced vs. the compitition.  They've com a long way in addressing reliability and comfort, but they still charge a heck of a "Harley Premium".

Basic no-frills models.

2009 Softail Custom 96ci $16,995
2009 Yamaha Roadstar 102ci $12,398
2009 Honda VTX1800 base 110ci $13,699


They get closer when you go to the tricked out touring models But Harley's still the most expesive:

2009 Ultra-Clasic Electra-Glyde 96ci $20,999
2009 Yamaha Royal Star S 79ci $19,690
2009 Honda VTX1800 T 110ci $14,899*

I actually like the new Harley's, and would consider rocking a new Night Train if it wasn't $3000 more then comparable other bikes.  Their pricing baffles me, since they tend to be a little behind on new tech and cool items, and yet always charge more.  I guess it's because they could get more in the past, but that might very well be changing.

* Honda's touring VTX doesn't include things like a tail bag and other options the others have as standard.  I strongly suspect a comparably equipped VTX would be ~$18,000-$19,000.  And a Goldwing is about $22k, but a different class of bike.

[brimic]

2009 Ultra-Clasic Electra-Glyde 96ci $20,999
2009 Yamaha Royal Star S 79ci $19,690
2009 Honda VTX1800 T 110ci $14,899*

* Honda's touring VTX doesn't include things like a tail bag and other options the others have as standard.  I strongly suspect a comparably equipped VTX would be ~$18,000-$19,000.  And a Goldwing is about $22k, but a different class of bike.

Goldwing =Ultra Classic pretty much an apples to apples comparison.

2009 Softail Custom 96ci $16,995
2009 Yamaha Roadstar 102ci $12,398
2009 Honda VTX1800 base 110ci $13,699

Compared against a Harley Dyna, the prices are pretty close. AFAIK, there isn't too much difference between the Dyan and Softail other than the Softail has a slightly wider frame, hidden rear shocks (to get that 'custom' hartail look) and a solid mounted engine versus the rubber mounted engine in the Dyna.


Edit: just looked more closely at the Roadstar, and it is more similar to the Softail.

[dogmush]

Goldwing =Ultra Classic pretty much an apples to apples comparison.

Yeah, I almost went there, but a Goldwing comes standard with CB, Intercom, reverse, and ABS amongst other things, that aren't even a factory option on the Ultra Classic.  So in the end I kept it to V-twins.  I think a tricked out VTX would be really close, the price just wasn't as quick to find. 

I could be a little off though, because I'm really more of a sportbike guy so I don't keep track of all the newest cruiser stuff.  I borrowed a Roadstar Silverado 1700 this summer for a 600 mile trip though, and I can tell you it was worlds nicer to ride then the Harley's I've rented.

[agricola]

Oddly reminiscent of the demise of the British motorcycle industry, this - there comes a point at which people dont want to pay that much to express loyalty when they can get a better, cheaper and more enjoyable motorcycle from elsewhere.  We eventually realized that, which is why Triumph came back and is doing what it should have done then.

[coppertales]

A responsible adult I am.......I keep three '82 KZ1100s up and on the road nowadays....I always thought Buells were ugly but each his own.  I never was a sport bike rider.....chris3