Sir Trout, my thinking is that the reason the Harley prices have lasted this long (sales down 36% this year) is the housing "extraction" of equity. Now that the "equity" is gone, so will the high selling Harley wagon profits be gone. Baby Boomers were borrowing on their houses and they screwed up with variable financing. Now they owe more than their house is worth so they are crying the blues. Well, I say to them, "you can always keep your fricking Harley and live in a Vega on the side of the Highway!" I did not refinance to buy those 1910 technology puppies. I just kept an old empty oil quart can next to the bike for overflow recycling and a clean rag to wipe off my boot from Harley puppy puke!
Now that my back is 560,000 pound of rock better, I ride a CBR-F with a chit eating grin on my face and a clean pair of boots that only require shoe polish.
Only American car I would buy? A 1964 Cadillac Coupe De Ville. Last year of the "wings." Frick, they don't make those anymore, nope won't buy American anymore. I like Mercedes.... Hel.l, their cabs are made by Mercedes in Germany. Cabs last forever....

 

So, I take my friend motorcycle shopping. Nice Vulcan 800 with all the upgrades on it. Bags, chrome, lighting bar, windshield, rack on back, pipes, jet kit, etc. This is a used bike for a first time owner. I say, "nice bike, but let's go look at the Harley Sportsters." Well, we get over to Reno Harley and some young gal has a mini skirt on that I thought was a pair of short pants (man am I fricking getting old - didn't realize muff showing equipment when I saw it!). So, she swings a leg over a Big Twin and my friend almost dropped the Sporty. He wanted to know if that is how all Harley gals dress. I told him she probably works there and is hired to "help sales". Sure as chit, she did work there!!!
Now he wants a Harely!!! Great marketing plan Harley...
The Sporty? 2003 Anniversary year with 1,500 miles on it for $6,000 and a shot of muff on the side! Kawi had at least $3,000 worth of extras, but did not have the gal on the side plate to look at so, I think the Harley is going to win!!!
We will see next week after he sleeps on it and his Linda Blair head spins and he pukes on some priest with green chit! I told him his new wife may say no to the short skirt and muff show!!!
P.S. Being old and pissy, I ask my friend what he saw. He says, "Cameltoe and more!" No wonder why he wants a Harley over a better bike in the Vulcan 800 liquid cooled bike...