The Harley factor
Jake Zinsli
Issue date: 5/7/08 Section: Web Extras
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I went to the local Harley store in search of some answers, to see what the sales record is for someone my age. What I found was there was hardly any numbers at all. Practically nobody under the age of 25 buys a Harley-Davidson.
I was shocked, considering how many kids were signed up for the learner's course on how to ride right at that store. Almost three quarters of the sign up sheet were people under the age of 30. They were their to learn how to ride on a Harley, but the course instructor told me they would be lucky to actually sell any of the students bikes.
Harley-Davidson has been around for more than 100 years; they have built and been a part of the most innovative motorcycles in the world, but still they don't have credit with today's youth. They're not exactly hurting for sales or anything like that; they just don't sell to younger adults.
College student are typically on the poorer side of things, so getting a Harley-Davidson seems like a pipe dream. The average cost for a brand new bike is somewhere between $12,000 to $14,000. A lot of money, but not impossible. Especially considering how much the average college student spends on booze throughout the school year.
That might not seem like a reason to purchase someone's first motorcycle, but really think it through. A motorcycle is an investment, especially a Harley-Davidson. The resale value of these bike is, more than not, phenomenal. They depreciate a little bit right off the lot, but that's about it.
The purchase of a Harley is also the membership to an exclusive club. I know that sounds like buying friends, but some college kids are more used to that than other. When you're a H.O.G. member, (Harley Owners Group), you get all the treatments of royalty. There are no VIP members, everyone get the same benefits.
Lastly, the way gas prices are going we all can expect to hand over our first born child to pay for a full tank. Motorcycles are great with gas, my own bike get 55 mile to the gallon on the highway. Only about 45 in the city, but who's counting. My car just barely gets over 20.
Just to let everyone know, if Harley-Davidson is an older generations motorcycle company, than you've never seen the V-Rod. An ultra-slick, fast, new-style bike that rides like a Cadillac. One look and anyone would fall in love with it.
Basically, if a motorcycle is something you are at all interested in, you can get one. Go down and talk to your local dealership and trust me they'll make it happen. Don't settle on sticker price; make them want to sell you the bike more then you want to buy it.
I really don't think that Harley is out of date or for our grandparents to buy. They're awesome bikes and great investments. Don't let the stereotypes influence what you buy. Choose for yourself, and have fun on the road this summer.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
HarleyRider
Andrew
posted 5/07/08 @ 10:41 AM CST
Jake,
I completely agree. I started in investment banking, my first paycheck (and thus signing bonus) were immediately transferred to a dealership to purchase my 2006 HD Dyna Street Bob. (Continued…)
John P.
posted 5/07/08 @ 3:34 PM CST
I was 24 when I got my Harley. I put an order in at my local dealership and waited patiently for three months for it to be built and delivered. In the mean-time I went to York, PA and saw how they are built, Bought my helmet, some t-shirts, boots, jacket. (Continued…)
Joker
posted 5/08/08 @ 10:52 AM CST
Interesting article Jake; I have some thoughts for you.
Last year, I finally bought my first H-D, an '04 XL 1200C. I got it used for 8 grand & have added about 2 grand in extras. (Continued…)
Jay Green
posted 5/08/08 @ 9:29 PM CST
Any motorcyclist young or old, male or female, needs to pick a motorcycle that's right for them. Be mature in this decision as picking the wrong bike could be dangerous if it doesn't fit you. (Continued…)
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