Rhonda's Escape

Monday, April 28, 2025

Not Just Bikes - Fashion

My Fashion Choices

Google AI:

While Harley-Davidson is primarily known for motorcycles, it's also a major player in the apparel industry, including t-shirts. Harley-Davidson offers a wide range of apparel, from casual wear like t-shirts and hoodies to riding gear, and its clothing line has become a fashion statement enjoyed by both bikers and fashion enthusiasts.

My Notes on Harley's future: Harley Davidson, as a company, seems hell bent on destroying itself - again. Historically, poor quality and not responding to its customers (the Japanese bike invasion) nearly did it in. This time it is being out of touch with it's customer base. Same playbook different generation. Their '25 (pre-tariff) prices are unrealistic and there is nothing in their inventory to attract younger riders. One only needs to visit a dealership to see their vast unsold inventory and how deep the hole.

Even if someone is interested, like myself a year ago, the dealer buying process is fraught with lies, fraud and misdirection. "Buyer beware". I went in with researched numbers and a specific product /cost in mind. I should have never accepted what happened during their buying process. Impulse buying exceed all good sense.

Although never a Harley cult "HOG*" purest, what is happening to an American icon is sad to witness; like a car accident you can not look away from. No longer can it say it is "Made in America"; which was part of its flagship existence. So, it will likely devolved into a limited niche product / ghost, that old guys riminess about over coffee and Metamucil. Maybe it is destine to become just a fashion brand.