Comments on: Has Harley Ditched it’s Brand for the Hollywood Spotlight?

By: Chris Wilson

Chris Wilson — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:12:00 +0000

I think Harley-Davidson did a great job of riding a brand that was originally handed to them by Hollywood. How much of a hand in the original appeal that Harley had, I’m not entirely sure, but it was the stories, not the marketing, that built the Harley brand.

Its not secret that Harley makes more money in a year in fashion merchandise than it does on its actual bikes, and they’ve worked that appeal very well over the past decades. There’s no crime there, but they’re still living on past stories. I don’t think Hollywood is their problem, but I certainly don’t think that simply matching bikes up to faces is the answer. Looking at Easy Rider, it wasn’t Peter Fonda or Dennis Hopper that sold Harley bikes, it was the story of Wyatt and Billy and their discovery of America, that sold the bike.

I think Harley could seriously use some Hollywood, but it needs to be more than endorsements and some nice product placement. Agreeing with Stuart, above, its not likely that the hero of the 00′s will drive a Harley, but how about the 10′s? the 20′s? Fuel efficient in a world of ever expensive fuel. Easier and cheaper to maintain than a car. Freedom in a world of SUVs and Minivans. Possibilities are endless and stories abound. They just need to be told.

As a side thought, and speaking of bad-asses, even Jim Kirk in the newest Star Trek movie has a motorcycle. It was low key and non-obtrusive, but it was in two very significant scenes. And it WASN’T a Harley. Its a small thing, but if they’d stop missing these smaller base hits, it might not matter if they don’t find their next home run right away.

By: Stuart Foster

Stuart Foster — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:27:30 +0000

As a member of generation y I completely agree with this assessment. Harley seems to be a brand from yesteryear. Harley riders have lost their appeal (Wild Hogs, anyone?) and today’s badass is more likely going to be driving a tricked out Honda or Suzuki. They are cheaper and faster…hard to argue the non-appeal.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:05:48 +0000

When I was young I thought Harley was a brand that had total disregard for appealing to anyone. That’s what made them great to me. Bikers used to be hard core tough as nails “live to ride” outcasts. Now we have every body riding these things. The outlaws are out-numbered by retirees with a good credit score. Harley became main stream. Ask a true biker if they like it. I think this is one reason why custom bikes is such a large industry. Once a brand like Harley tries to appeal to anyone, I think they have lost something.

I’m not sure it’s Harley’s fault. Maybe the customers have shaped the perception of this brand. I don’t see any soft people in Harley ads. Their branding is some of the best around.

I’m going to make a prediction… exclusivity is a coming trend. It’s too easy to reach a large amount of people. I will bet there will be products you can’t buy, only given.