Ya spend like $20K for a new bike and then have to spend more for a real windshield, suspension, handlebars, etc... to make the ride better. Do you think they sit around the meeting room at HD HQ and say, if we put this piece of crap uncomfortable seat on this new Road Glide, we can make more money by selling the aftermarket better seat? Just saying. I've spent a lot so far, that and this forum does not help with saving money.
Realistically, there is no way that the bikes could be made to fit everyone's ergonomics from the factory. Be thankful there are so many after-market choices.
I almost never buy H-D after-market parts, so your illustration wouldn't be what the moco has in mind for me:
Vance & Hines headers and mufflers
Performance Machine intake
Wild One bars
Performance Machine grips
MadStad windshield
Magnum cables
Progressive Monotubes
Ohlins rear shocks
Captain Itch Crotch Cooler
etc, etc, etc...
Yep, I think it's very likely. Look at the size of their parts and accessories catalog and tell me they don't sell anything out of it. Everything they sell is $$$ in the MoCo's pocket and the dealer's pocket.
I know how much I've spent and I did all the work myself. For every person like me that does it themselves, there's 100 guys that do none of it themselves and pay the dealer to do it, spending as much as double or more what I spend.
I don't think it compares to autos. I never heard of someone buying a brand new car and changing the seats and steering wheel. Not saying they don't but come on..
I don't think it compares to autos. I never heard of someone buying a brand new car and changing the seats and steering wheel. Not saying they don't but come on..
I do know for a fact that Motorclothes is marked up just a bit over 100%. I can only imagine what the parts are marked up, maybe not 100%, but who knows.
If it weren't for Sancho & Madstad & Avon & Progressive .., I'd enjoy it whole lot less. I rented a Street Glide while I was away and what a piece of crap, felt like I was riding a little sewing machine.
Of course they do it on purpose. But personally, I like it. If people want a bike that looks like everyone else's bike, there's BMWs and Hondas and the aforementioned Kawasaki (Vulcan). Part of the beauty of the Harley to me is the fact that virtually no two are alike. The MOCO knows most everyone is going to change certain features, so they give the buyer a variety of choices (and make a pretty profit at the same time). And they don't seem to have a problem with alternative aftermarket types. For those who don't want to customize, there are the CVOs, which, interestingly, are priced lower than the sum of the upgrade parts.
Love it or hate it, you have to admire their marketing strategy. They sell you an incomplete motorcycle, and give you the phone book thick P&A catalogue for free.
That book, is the last thing you're ever gonna get for free from them.
But as Pargenz said, it's pretty boring not having the option to personalize the bike. I rode a Beemer for 2 years, and about the only parts you could buy were a different seat and windshield...
Not to split hairs but HD is OEM, not the aftermarket. "Aftermarket" is everybody BUT the manufacturer.
And yes, they know you're going to buy a lot of extra stuff. They even created HOG to keep new riders/owners coming back into the dealership regularly. That's why you get a free membership with the purchase of a new bike, dealers give member discounts, etc. Once a month you get to see what your buddy bought (and your old lady gets to see what the other girls have) and decide you can't live without it. If you don't believe me, look at all the stuff members of this forum buy sight unseen just because somebody else likes it.
I think that HD under powers the engines on purpose, because one of the first thing most new bike owners get is the exhaust, SE air kit and some kind of tuner.
Like stated before, there is no possible way for them to make a bike comfortable for everyone that buys them. They use the "average" male technic. So i doubt they do it intentionaly but i have no doubt they try to capitalize on that.
When is the last time you saw an all-stock Honda civic? It depends on the car as well. My Camaro has very little left that is factory. Plus, I'm convinced these big baggers are made for ppl much larger than myself. That doesn't make me love it any less though. Harleys definitely aren't meant for broke people though lol.
+1 I didn't think I would buy a damn thing for this bike, but it's like an itch you can't ever scratch. Every time I look at it, I can think of another creative way to spend bucks
It was fine when I got it, but that apparently doesn't matter a bit!
Just had the same conversation with a buddy the other day. Purchased my 2011 RGC last July, $3K later its just starting to ride the way I like. Love it or hate it, I wouldn't ride anything else.
My road glide is unfortunately only one of my expensive itches. Got the boat and the '67 mustang to feed too. The RG is actually the cheaper itch, at the moment.
Why is the %^&&( would you design a tourpak lid that doesn't align itself when closed??
This part shoudl be a frickin' free recall item.
The one of my '01 Ultra worked fine, you'd think they would get better with time.......
kind of annoyed i had to spend a g doing monotubes and shocks - seems to me hd could update the forks. although i have read several threads where dudes dialed in the air shocks
so far hd has chased me away from their products - all my mods have been after market. as a matter of fact shortly after purchasing my bike with an extended warranty i cancelled the warranty and spent the cash on a stage 1. yeah if break down on a tour it'll cost but chances are i'd got greif on mods from dealer anyway
now i have found multiple good indys - no more long waits and attitude
Harley has about perfected the business growth model--create a product line that targets all income levels, then offer a wide range of add-ons, under the guise of 'customizing', that feeds the general demand to personalize the individual ride. Those who can only afford a basic Sportster can enter the motorcycling world fairly cheaply, then either upgrade or modify as their budget allows. Harley retains the bulk of the 'after-purchase add-on' market by making it easy to choose from a dealer assortment (smart move, considering the number of successful aftermarket companies out there). HOG and the dealer network promote corporate loyalty (and free advertising), and this, along with the sanctioned rallies, help sustain long-term corporate growth. Few other product manufactureres come close.
I was late to the party got my first new out of the box Harley springer classic black cherry in 2005 loved that bike.I just purchased my 6th Harley 2020 RoadGlide special. These new Harley’s are the best they have ever been.Ride,handling, really comfortable seat.This is what I enjoy it is a sport.hobby a community.Some are into planes, boats, muscle cars, some own them all.It is expensive, but you will not enjoy yourself more.I had an old salesmen tell me years ago.” some day you’ll be laying in bed looking at old pictures of your motorcycle adventures and be able to say I did that”! As a 63 year old rider there are two things that help when I thought as you do.There are some very smart tech and wrench savvy members here and in reading led me to trade my 2010 RGCustom for a 2020 S and the other much easier tip is to lower your expectations.Happy New Year
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Road Glide
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