Not exactly a wide range of bikes though other than the Pan American they only really sell cruisers, I’m surprised there aren’t less than is the case.
Pretty sure they have the full range, if that's what you meant? Last two visits at the weekend were like a Ghost town and staff are very keen for you to test ride a Livewire. If you look at the sales figures, even in America you start to understand why. Manager was "right up my street" and very easy to get along with.
I meant they don’t sell anything more as a brand than cruisers or the Pan European, no sports bikes, naked in the KTM SDR segment. They’re all a little too similar to each other IMO, I’ve owned one and do like them but wouldn’t buy another anytime soon. Dropped into HD Chapel Ash a few months ago and they were very friendly but not overly keen to sell you something, I may try a Livewire in the spring just out of interest, you never know I may buy one…….
yes, agree. i'm not going to start knocking H.D.'s because they just don't do it for me anyway now, and for many years, but at a glance/in my ignorance i would struggle to choose one from another (as you said) and, backhand compliment - the Livewire was the only bike that appealed on looks! The company is between a rock and a hard place when it comes to the sector they choose to sell in, it's a great shame.
Yes, their model range is an alphabet soup. The Livewire is the only bike in the range that I would buy, maybe my Son more so as he really isn’t so bothered about ICE engines.
Maybe a gross stereotypical assumption; these days HD have a relatively distinct typical buyer. Aspirational rebels, but in reality they're well heeled baby boomer professionals living the dream and blowing off steam from their otherwise regular lives riding a few miles to have a skinny latte with their mates. Somewhat insulated from financial hardship they can afford the high prices, do fairly low annual mileage and change bikes fairly regularly. Not unlike quite a proportion of Ducati riders really, though I reckon a higher proportion.
Yep - the old “I’ve hit ‘x’ age, time to get a Harley” business. There also seems to be that draw to being part of a ‘club' - wearing HD branded everything - each to their own but the thought nauseates me.
As you say, a definite parallel with Ducati customers to a large extent, but H.D. are trapped in this bubble where their customer base seemingly won't allow them to hardly deviate at all whereas Ducati caters for a customer happy with a smaller engine, in a variety of shapes and colours. Having said that, they must have held their breath at the launch of the "born again" Scrambler which eventually sold in 2015, thankfully it was adopted well worldwide eventually. I remember the marketing used a "stand alone" brand approach, with only subtle links to Ducati reminiscent of Enzo first launching the Dino.
bl**dy hell talk about greenhouses and stone throwing! Have you seen the average Ducati trackday rider!!! Diane’s ‘Ducati leathers’ etc, an arai helmet which has Ducati in it and was probably £200 more! Not saying it’s everyone but there are plenty of Ducati owners on here who will have all the stash whether they admit it or not.
If by "all the stash", you mean, helmet, leathers, gloves, then nope, I have none if it, the Ducati liveried helmets are Arai, I can't get one to fit my head properly, I wear either a plain brown vented jacket, or, a Suzuki GSXR jacket (owned for 20 years this year, new armour though), both textile, not leather I do have some beanie hats though, and a Foggy hoodie coming soon
I couldn’t be said to be in a greenhouse and throwing stones because my bike and its’ cover are the only Ducati branded things I own, for the same reason I mentioned above. As I also said, each other their own. With HD’s, I’m sure you’ll agree there is that ‘club’ mentality and perceived superiority over ANY other road users……
My only guilty indulgence in Ducati branded tat. A Ducati Corse beanie. Somewhat embarrassed by the Corse tag with my previous 1260s Multi but now I have a Pikes Peak, that has a matching OEM badge (pseudo Corse...), I maybe feel more qualified/inclined to wear it... My best mate did buy me a T shirt when he visited the factory a couple of years ago... as I gift that doesn't really qualify
You are correct Chris. I was going to buy a HD when I purchased the Scrambler but it needed to be light enough for my partner to ride, Ducati have a very good spread of differing bikes.
