Has Harley-Davidson Company sold out?

Question

As a rider who is long in the tooth, it seems to me that over the past decade, the motor company has sold its logo, brand image to everyone who has the money to do so. Teddy bears, piggy {hog} banks, Barbie on a Harley, and the list goes on.

Answer 1

Harley changed their direction many years ago. Their marketing strategy changed from selling bikes to selling a lifestyle.

Got to hand it to them though... it sure has worked. Look how many non-riders, wannabes and RUBs think the only way to go is on an HD.

Hey, whatever makes your boat float though, and right now (that being key) 'the motor company' is floating all the way to the bank.

Answer 2

I'm absolutely certain that Harley Davidson didn't contact "Mattel" or "Piggy Bank Co." or "Teddy Bear Mfg." to ask if they would put the H-D logo on their products. Ultimately, H-D is certainly being paid for the uses but, it seems MUCH more likely that it was the toy manufacturers looking to capitalize on Harley's success and image that is, as has always been, ONLY Harley Davidsons.

As for "JeffyB's" comment about price and quality. Keep in mind that "Price" and "Quality" go hand in hand. The fact that H-D is 30 yrs. "behind" in technology is because thats how they and everybody who owns a REAL motorcycle wants it. They leave the "constantly evolving image" or "copying the other guy" to the Metric companies who FINALLY realized ( after 30 years or so ) what people want a motorcycle to look and sound like. As for "Quality" ..... I think the fact that MANY 30, 40 and 50 year old Harley Davidson cycles are still on the road and in better operating condition than alot of newer metrics ( go to any reputable M/C ralley and look around, you'll see them by the THOUSANDS ).

Answer 3

Absolutely. The HD company is one of the best examples of successful branding.

When I first tell somebody that I ride a bike, the first question is whether it's a Harley or a sportsbike.

The name Harley is synonymous with the word cruiser to those who don't ride. Kind of like the names Kleenex or Xerox or Barbie are used instead of facial tissue, copier, or small plastic doll.

Kudos to HD for being able to accomplish this level of branding, where consumers refer to similar products by other manufacturers by this one company's name.

Answer 4

I don't believe they have.....I understand what you're saying, but in order to have sold out, they'd have to be going against their original principles.

Assuming that was to make and sell bikes, the fact that they've branched out into other areas isn't necessarily a bad thing.

It seems obvious that they're in business to make money, and by putting their logo on anything and everything, they're doing just that.

So perhaps they've simply AFFIRMED what they set out to do!

On the other hand, does putting their logo on a teddy bear say anything about the quality of the bear? Should we assume that it's made in America (for those who give a fat rat's *** about that), that it's safe for children to play with, and that it'll cost twice as much as any other bear?

So perhaps you're right....!

Answer 5

It all comes down to the almighty dollar, doesn't it? H-D no longer sells a good motorcycle, but they are successful selling an image and lifestyle. My hat is off to the marketing department. Their success at selling the lifestyle means the H-D doesn't have to have an innovative engineering department. So all the guys on their Electa-GlideFat-BobLow-GlideDyna-RideHot-Wheel can wear their Harley t-shirts and their Harley doo-rags from their house 3 miles down the road to the local biker bar and OOH and AHH over the antiquated motorcycles, content in the knowledge that they are living the lifestyle.

Answer 6

maybe, but look at all the people and companies that have made money off h-d over the years. not only has their logo been stolen, but their very designs and engineering. do you think it's a coincidence that s&s and all the others make evos and shovelheads and sportsters (more or less) to harley's original design? it might be old tech but it is what people want!
if you want the emblem bad enough, pay for it-nothing is free anymore.

Answer 7

Lets see... they sell a lifestyle based on being a badass American. All of their non-bike products are made in China, Malaysia, or Mexico. The bikes themselves have components from overseas - electrical, carbs, shocks, etc, with only about 60% to 70% of the bike being "American". And if you own one, god forbid you don't own the mandatory minimum amount of HD logo clothing. What good is it spending $30k on a water pump with wheels if you can't advertise it? And these days, Harleys are like a##holes, everybody has one.

Answer 8

Of course they sold out. Now its just an image thing "look I'm a poser with an expensive bike" Mild mannered dentist during the week, put on black leather dark sunglasses and a snarl now I'm a bad *** biker. These are not rebels anymore theyre conformist all in black. They are making serious bank however with this image.

Answer 9

Sounds ingenious to me? Jealous that you didn't think of the concept or what? It's called rock solid quality & setting high standards. The co. can claim that as well as owners. You buy a Mercedes and expect to pay more but you are also paying for a much higher quality & standards.

Business 101, appeal to the masses & make lots of dough!!

Answer 10

Of course they have. And as someone who has also ridden for 30+ yrs, Harleys have always been more about "image" than substance (why else would someone in thie rright mind pay $20K for a motorcycle that is 30 yrs behind in technology & quality?), so it does not surprise me at all.