Should Harley have acquired BDM?

[armad]

bottom line..it all comes back to one thing..this country is now a dump. need new direction very fast.

Although you sound negative, I have to agree, it is the truth for several reasons. So much money has been sucked out of the average person and small buisiness. The crash of a few years ago caused this for sure. The Wall Street types and bankers have the cash and are sitting on it. The actual currency is devalued more and more every day. Politicians forgot We the People and it is now Me the People. The American dream is shot. It will take decades to turn it around and may never turn around if the greed and feed mentality of gov. and large buisiness doesn't change. BUT, I had my dog out the other day when it hit 70 degrees for one day, and it felt great to ride. It helps put things in a more positive light.

 

[coach]

I'm having to go through some expense of correcting what the EPA has done to Harely. For example: for the past couple of years catalytic converter are installed in all their bikes and for those of operate it requires a temperature of 700' in the chamber. Do you know what that feels like in traffic, in FL, or any place south of Alaska?

I felt the heat immediately, thinking it was just break-in time, until I did a little reading. These type of restrictions would kill BD's.

I'm able to make corrections, but now it is ECM's, and EFI's, Power Commanders and header pipes without cats. So....Hope that BD can continue to operate and produce under the radar of agencies like this. Enjoy the freedom.

 

[Moespeeds]

The last thing HD wants is the aggravation of servicing BD's. That is the number one issue, and why Harley doesn't build a big inch solid mounted bike. They break too much, and cause too many service headaches.

 

[erldawg]

If Harley wanted to inject a buzz into it's market it would have designed a chopper / custom a few years ago while sales were still booming I really don't see them as needing to aquire another brand. I also see the Harley Rocker as a feeble attempt to capture that market.

Harley has reinvented itself before and if wanted to it would again. Like a few others here have said sales are poor in all the motorcycle markets.
A great deal of Harley's market comes from the aftermarket, t-shirts, accessories, clothing, jackets, and loyal customers. The HOG memberships topping over a million not positive on the actual count brings in millions when the memberships are 40+ each year.

 

[BBChopper]

Interesting concept. The one thing Harley has never had which a lot of Harley owners have turned their bikes into is a Chopper. I certainly don't count the Rocker. Might have worked out. A real factory Chopper. BUT, it wouldn't be like a BD. TOO much of a leap I think.

The Rocker is as much a chopper as the Furby!!

 

[pauldeepsea]

Harleys have their own style BDM had theirs like them both! If you want a chopper how about the Honda Fury? FUCK NO! Watch those damn things will be around forever.

 

[AIH SWANK]

I'll probably get crucified for saying this, but I recently bought an 06 Street Glide, and am growing to really like it!! I have an 05 AIH and really like riding it, the Glide makes me feel like a PUSSY!! BUT, I commute 31 miles each way to work, wanted to save some gas, so I got the Glide. I appreciate that you can just throw a leg over it and go, tires are inexpensive, and there is storage for my work stuff. The radio, cruise control, and wind protection are nice as well. It will never replace the chopper, so I have no plans on getting rid of the chopper. But it's nice to have a second bike that doesn't require a lot of maintinence.

I agree with Moespeeds that HD wants NOTHING to do with maintaining these solid mounted choppers!!! 2 completely different beasts. Comparing a HD to a BD or AIH is like comparing a Cadi to a Shelby, 2 completely different beasts!! Harley has a formula they use to make their bikes, they are all very similiar when you get down to the meat of the bikes, they want nothing to do with another whole product line.

I'm also guessing Polaris was not ready to get out of the bike business, but was more interested in shedding some debt and liability. That's the business world as we know it today, form a LLC, shed it when it is no longer profitable, suck all the money out of it, then wipe your dept and liability free and start over with a govt grant and tax breaks!!!

 

[Moespeeds]

Hey Swank if you look at my AZ trip pics, 3 of the guys who were with me have K9's, and rented Street Glides out there. All 3 want a street glide now! That's a kick ass bike, and there's alot you can do with it to cool it up.

 

[KnotSo]

I'll probably get crucified for saying this, but I recently bought an 06 Street Glide, and am growing to really like it!! I have an 05 AIH and really like riding it, the Glide makes me feel like a PUSSY!! BUT, I commute 31 miles each way to work, wanted to save some gas, so I got the Glide. I appreciate that you can just throw a leg over it and go, tires are inexpensive, and there is storage for my work stuff. The radio, cruise control, and wind protection are nice as well. It will never replace the chopper, so I have no plans on getting rid of the chopper. But it's nice to have a second bike that doesn't require a lot of maintinence.

I agree with Moespeeds that HD wants NOTHING to do with maintaining these solid mounted choppers!!! 2 completely different beasts. Comparing a HD to a BD or AIH is like comparing a Cadi to a Shelby, 2 completely different beasts!! Harley has a formula they use to make their bikes, they are all very similiar when you get down to the meat of the bikes, they want nothing to do with another whole product line.

I'm also guessing Polaris was not ready to get out of the bike business, but was more interested in shedding some debt and liability. That's the business world as we know it today, form a LLC, shed it when it is no longer profitable, suck all the money out of it, then wipe your dept and liability free and start over with a govt grant and tax breaks!!!

Most of us have had a Harley and many of us still do. Yet when I open the garage door, it is the Big Dog that makes me grin the most.

Harleys and hondas appeal to the masses, while AIH and BDM's and Bourgetts appeal to a select few. Some will spend 30K making a scoot the way they want it while others will find their ideal ride for 20k.
I have bought the harley and spent a lot maintaining it and making it "mine" and still it looks like all the other HD's and since I was a kid I loved the chopper look and the pro streets were always a dream. After riding damn near everything out there I could not help but go with the Mastiff.

Harley is no longer focused on selling to the hardcore 1%ers, but they do appeal to the masses for many reasons, and their buyers want the HD brand for many reasons. So all are happy in the HD camp.

BDM prolly wished the masses wanted their bikes, but many still think a chopper is uncomfortable, too hard to corner and any other reason they can think of. Yet, when those naysayers actually ride one, their tone changes quickly.

Everyone has their own idea of the perfect scoot whether HD, Honda or a Saxon, we all have options and in the end all that really matters is that we ride.

Bottom line:
There is a motorcycle for everyone, and for those ppl, their choice is the perfect choice for them,at that time. Perhaps later, their choice will be different.

 

[aspen874]

well put Knotso!

 

[KLRDOG]

 

[NascarNutCase]

bottom line..it all comes back to one thing..this country is now a dump. need new direction very fast.

We could use a new direction yes, but I beg to differ on this country being a dump. My job has taken me to quite a few different countries throughout the world and I can testify that we have our problems yes, but it doesn't get any better anywhere I've been anyway. Where else can you shake your fist at your president and call him a jerk and still be breathing in the next hour.
I think the corporate structure has a lot to do with the average guy's woes. The only thing that drives a corporation is dividends and unfortunately the only one that benefits is the upper managers while the little guy gets the 2% raises.Just my two cents.

 

[coach]

AIH SWANK....you are a pussy. All you guys on the AZ trip are pussies. I'll be the first to admit....I'm a pussy. I saw a documentary on the HA's, half of them were riding dressers/baggers....I don't have the ka-honies to call them pussies, but just saying.

I loved my BDChopper. There is a time and a place. I wish I could afford both. If you want to lay-down some miles you can't beat the HD touring bikes. I guarantee you this thou.....you will never, ever hear me speak the words, Honda Goldwing, Suzuki or the like.....never never never. I'm a pussy with limits.

 

[Nukeranger]

:bang::bang::bang:My answer is No, No, No:bang::bang::bang:BTW, I am not emotional (Far from it) and my answer to the original question is NO. As far as being crucified for riding another bike, I won't do it. I respect all. My other bikes are Triumphs with one BSA in the mix and the group I ride with have BMW, Triumph, Kawasaki, Ducati, Suzuki, etc. There are absolutely no problems
Wait a minute, I think I missed the main point. What was that main point? Somebody remind me!

 

[Boomer]

Coach makes a great point....(EPA emissions stuff) and IMO why BDM parts will be more profitable than BDM. Sell parts & kits and let the local dealer make the cash on the back end with paint and aftermarket.

As for this original topic. I'd bet my bikes it wasn't even on the radar. If Harley wanted a chopper, they would make one....not buy BDM. Of course, the Rocker was a pathetic attempt. Harley now make cash from clothing, not bikes.

Perhaps a more valid question was why Polaris didn't acquire BDM. My guess is wasn't on the radar either...b/c the debt situation and Sheldon already had the plan of BDM parts.

If I would have know "this" situation last summer when I bought my Wolf, I would have bought a Ness Lowliner V (with the Victory 106) and had them chop the rear fender a bit.

Arlen Ness Production Choppers

 

[allenmp]

I like the bdm they all look different they are powerful and awesome I ride with Harley they all look the same not saying they aren't good bikes but wouldn't give up my 03 chopper for one I would have to sink more $$ into to make it perform or look as good

 

[2004BC]

My 81 Shovelhead FXB Sturgis doesn't look like all the other Harleys, but there isn't an original part left on it that hasn't been replaced or customized. I love it but when I ride it's the BD!

Although sometimes I take it out for a blast from the past!

 

[Brew]

Sweet looking scoot BC, I would be proud to ride that!...:2thumbs:

 

[reloaderbmg]

My thoughts on BDM as long as they sell their parts they will be in business if and when the economy rebounds they will make a comeback as long as they keep that edge..

amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[2004BC]

Sweet looking scoot BC, I would be proud to ride that!...:2thumbs:

Thanks Brew! You make me want to go out to the garage tomorrow and spend an hour trying to kick start that beast, or at least until my knee blows out!!!:lol::lol::lol: Happy trails to all no matter what you ride!!!