The only issue is the V-Rod is looked down upon by the majority of Harley riders. The Buell is looked at with as much disrespect. There is definitely a divide and the typical Harley rider is aging and they are not being replaced by new, younger consumers. Harley knows this as well--by continuing to support Buell and with the purchase of MV Agusta(www.mvagustausa.com) I think they're well aware of the fact they need to diversify their product line. I think the comment about not wanting to ride your father's bike holds water. It has nothing to do with money-the euro streetfighters and the Japanese superbikes cost just as much as your mainstream Harley. It has everything to do with being associated with an expensive, over the hill, underperforming relic. We live in a society that emphasizes technology--people want 4 valve heads, titanium exhausts, magnesium wheels and carbon fiber bodywork regardless if they will ever make use of the benefits that the technology offers. Continuing to develop platforms such as the V-Rod, the XR, Buell, and a continued investment in MV will pay huge dividends long term.......

Zoom: They don't put much chrome on cars these days even though that is associated with classic styling. When everyone starts doing it, then it's no longer cool. That is generally when people stop paying a premium for one thing and look for something new. That is the problem Harley faces. Harley used to stand for unique individuality or freedom from the typical. I do agree with you on the V-Rod, it was a long overdue step forward. The reason younger kids don't buy Harley's has nothing to do with cost. Sport bikes can be just as expensive and in some cases more expensive depending on the performance level. There are two reasons:

1. I don't want to ride my fathers/mothers bike
2. I want top notch performance and reliability

When gas was four dollars a gallon driving a motor cycle all summer long could save a considerable amount of money. Not that it "justifies" a 15,000 dollar motorcycle, but it certainly eases the pain of purchase.

Harleys were more fun when they were less respectable and had kick-starters. My first(of 3)Harleys, I bought new in '78...it was a left-over '77. It was great riding a bike you had to know how to fix...gave meaning to the karma and the zen and MC maintenance school of thought.
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I now ride a Ural...not an American bike, but you need to be "old-school biker savvy" to ride 'em and wrench 'em. See www.ural.com
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These rides have kickstarters and come withn a tool kit...and best of all, the dog can go for a putt...pure class!
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I do wish Kutter well and that all riders be safe and grow old with their bikes.

Full story here.
http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2009/jan...

Oh, how I loath the duplicate on-line content.

"Recession aside, I question how long people will continue to pay 15-20,000+ dollars for a motorcycle who's style and originality has been severely diluted in the last ten years and price is nearly double most bikes."

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I'm not sure how a classic style can be dilluted. Also, not all HD's are exactly the same style. The V-rod, for example, has a markedly different style than the traditional hog. This is a luxury purchase, and people are willing to spend the extra money for a true American made cycle.

"Nearly every bike company on the road has a Harley look alike. Moreover, custom bike shops are popping up all over the place (most do use Harley motors though)."

The only American made, mass produced motorcycles are HD, Buell (w/HD engines), and Victory, so many people are willing to pay more for HD's. Also, the "custom" cycles come with a much higher price tag, and sometimes less reliablility. Foreign mass produced, American mass produced, and American custom are three distinct market segments.

"Younger kids prefer sport bikes and Harley's target market is getting increasingly older."

Now you're just making assumptions. "Younger kids" have lower income, so they may "buy" more sport bikes, because they are cheaper. I also don't see many older people riding sport bikes, so I don't think "young kids" are HD's target market anyway. The rise in popularity of custom bike shops, which produce more expensive cruisers, only illustrates the popularity of the style. I don't see many custom bike shops making sport bikes.

"Moreover, for the extra cost, Harley doesn't offer increased reliability. It used to be seeing a Harley was a rarity, but now it's almost as common as seeing a Toyota Prius these days."

Yes, HD reliability isn't at the top, but it sure has come a long way. Increased reliability is also one reason HD's have become more popular. Older generations of Harley riders required more wrenching ability to keep their bike going. As reliability has increased, so has the market.

"The only plus side for Harley, or any high end bike for that matter, is if gas prices go back up and the gas savings can make up for the high cost of the bike."

Even when gas was $4/gallon, it didn't make economic sense to buy a scooter, much less a regular cycle. The initial cost, additional insurance, and limited riding season (at least in Wisconsin) out weighs any fuel savings. Motorcycles are a luxury.

I will always have a soft spot for Harley Davidson Motorcycles !!! If you really want to see a motorcycle OVER the top check-out... www.bosshoss.com I was at the gas station this pass fall and got to see one of these up close !!!! I really couldn't believe what I was seeing,when he started his bike up I was ...well you'll understand. I WANT ONE !!!!

Unidentified-you won't get hammered over that. I love Harleys too. Love all motorcycles, regardless of the brand. With Harley, it has everything to do with a lifestyle. They are very pricey bikes, no question about it. Harley has done an amazing job of building a lifestyle. Probably better than any company out there. I think they messed up a little when the supply was equal to the demand. Before it was hard to get one, but like you said, now it's easy. I think this has hurt them some. The only downside to custom bike shops, is their lack of warranty and resale value. The japanese look alike bikes, will never sound the same and still lack the tough look, but I wish all the manufacturers and Kutter all the best.

Recession aside, I question how long people will continue to pay 15-20,000+ dollars for a motorcycle who's style and originality has been severely diluted in the last ten years and price is nearly double most bikes. Nearly every bike company on the road has a Harley look alike. Moreover, custom bike shops are popping up all over the place (most do use Harley motors though). Younger kids prefer sport bikes and Harley's target market is getting increasingly older. Moreover, for the extra cost, Harley doesn't offer increased reliability. It used to be seeing a Harley was a rarity, but now it's almost as common as seeing a Toyota Prius these days. I wonder going five years forward, even if the economy has recovered, if Harley can maintain it's popularity. The only plus side for Harley, or any high end bike for that matter, is if gas prices go back up and the gas savings can make up for the high cost of the bike. Don't get me wrong, I love Harley's and I wish Kutter all the best, but I certainly wouldn't buy stock in Harley Davidson. I'm sure I'll get hammered for those comments, but I began thinking this even before the economic collapse. Obviously Wisconsin is a strong market for Harley, so I can see where Kutter feels safe expanding.

localboy, in some defense of TheJoker there has been a drop in sales for Harley as the economy has hit them too. But you must realize a business plan, e.g. expansion, etc., is not based on 6 months or a year. It would be forecast out at least 5 years for small businesses and longer for larger. So apparently, even in this recession, she sees a turnaround in the future and can financially weather the storm. This does not mean we are not in a recession now.

Who knows how it came to a name thing ? More importantly , who cares .. I think someone missed their meds and are now trying to become famous .

How is it our local business community keeps amazing us everyday with economic good news? Good thing these business owners don't listen to TheJoker.

Eitherway, it is again, great news for our community. Especially since she mentioned using local contractors.

Didn't they just lay people off? Interesting!!

how the heck did this turn into a debate about childrens names??? Stay on topic people.

Good grief! People can name their children whatever they want. Whatever your resentment is, get over it already.

LOVEISGOOD-back at ya!!

I get it spark .. You know i still love you !

AS for my first comment being removed ... Who knows .. no reason for it !!!!!!

I heard they were closing. That was a joke. Total joke. Some of you will know what I'm speaking of. This is great news! Good for Kutter!

Gazette Staff - Why was LOVEISGOD's first post removed? It didn't seem all that bad, but I can't review it because it was removed.

ihavealife - Oh fine , I love you too .

Feel better ?

Our entire US business tax system is based on the idea that business expenses are deductible and business investments are depreciable. It's not like you have to do something special for that; it's intrinsic to the system.

LOVEISGOOD....NICEISGOODALSO!!!!!

Smokey , Take a breath . It was not a put down by any means . I have a deep respect for Joanne and her company ! She is a great lady who is doing very well for her self . I love it !

Who cares if she needs a tax write off!! Why dont you mind your own bussiness!When somebody does something good and moves ahead in life people like you,who has nothing better to do,has to try and bring someone else down!GET A LIFE!!

Kutter already attracts a lot of visitors during their events, so anything they can do to keep the riders coming is good news for Janesville. If a business person actually waits until the economic recovery is official, they will have already missed out. Kutter will be ready when the economy turns around. Congratulations!

Very good things ! Don't get me wrong . She has a great business going . She knows what she is doing !

I'm sure that Rudy is proud to see how far his business has come, and all the great things it has done for the community. Glad to see they are continuing to do things to help, especially in these times that are tough. Can't wait to see the new addition. Good Job!

Things may have changed over the years, but I've heard good things about this company.

Kutter is certainly taking a big risk considering Harley sales have been hurt by the economy. However, it's nice to see a local business investing locally during such uncertain times and I'm sure they will get a good reception as a result. The Janesville community has given Kutter a lot of business over the years and it's nice to see they aren't giving up on Janesville.