Asphalt and Rubber is calling Harley Davidson's Sporter Forty-Eight the Gen X Sportster. I can't wait to hear what my bro (b. 1962), who owned a Harley for years, has to say about this. I'll never get on another motorcycle, but I have to admit, this is one hot looking bike!! In recent years, some have worried that the HOG brand will fade like Levi Strauss. Do you have an opinion?
Excerpt:
"While Harley-Davidson is clearly targeting the under 40 crowd with the Forty-Eight, we’re still not sure the cruiser brand has really figured out to appeal to the next generation of rider yet."
Photo Credit: TheMM via Flickr with Creative Commons
8 comments:
That's a beautiful bike!
Harley fade?? Not if they start targeting the under 30 crowd. That's the group that will buy "crotch rockets". Those bikes appeal to the younger generation. And they are MUCH cheaper and MUCH faster. Yes, There's the VRod but it comes with a Harley Price Tag.
The Japanese motorcycle makers have figured out how to grab a large chunk of the GenX'rs by selling bikes that LOOK like Harley's. They make a "Heavy" bike that is affordable and still looks cool.
We own a '04 Sportster and '01 Indian.
We dumped our Harley Stock.
Harley Davidson needed to start targeting bikes at younger people, isn't the average Harley buyer in their 50's? If they don't fix their image they will soon be selling bikes next to mobility scooters.
I love Harleys, but how many younger riders can afford a softail? The need to start making attractive bikes at below their entry level prices. At least they are staring to try...
Harley has a unique distinction in the industry and in American tradition. You don't see many enthusiasts sporting Yamaha or Suzuki tattos do you? Harley's is a history and loyalty that few other brands have ever enjoyed. While it may appear that the base is aging, new riders will continue to be attracted to the new dark customs, and to the Harley "mystique".
I love the Harley 48, I think it is the hottest stock Harley ever...I've owned a varitey of bikes over my 23 years of riding: from sport to cruisers, including two Sportsters...
I love crotch rockets but often talk myself out of riding them, for obvious reasons...I turn 40 this summer and I would love the 48 to be the next bike I buy.
LOVE the forty eight! I would love to ride one to my class reunion this fall.
Bob
I dunno. Love the 48 but it's a total knock off of a zero engineering bike.
I'M 52 &I'v been through alot of bikes over the years of riding
Had a Ultacycle Ground pounder,
That was a mistake, noth'n but Cr@#%p The last bike was a harley dresser, That bike took me around the US , deffinatly the BEST BIKE EVER , after a few years without , In total fell for the forty eight
Bought it on site , Fabricated a custom seat to drop 2 " and 3' back
16" apes its a great bike with a bad attitude . Lov'n It
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