This was just before the Harley rage. Most of the Harley's I encountered were Shovelheads at that time. The Evo bikes started to appear more and more as the 90's progressed. Soon, by the mid 90's there were waiting lists. The local KC dealer network was selling bikes for $5,000 over list. People were selling their places on the waiting lists for $1,500. Times were crazy.
I still remember one trip to the local dealership where there was only one used bike in the whole place. All new bikes were given to people on the list, and the used bikes were selling for new prices. The lone bike on the floor was a hot rod Sportster that was built by the McCrearys in St. Joe. It had a paint job with yellow caution tape because it was so dangerous!
Despite my new found committment to young children, I still manage to slip out to the occasional dealership event and to see what is going on. I mainly ride for transportation now, I don't have much interest in the organized rides etc.
Last Friday I made a secret shopper visit to one of the local dealers. I could not believe my eyes. They have so many bikes it is unbelievable. I don't know what is going to come of all this.
My brother-in-law is a financial guy. He keeps up on all HD news and sales trends. He doesn't see any light at the end of the tunnel. He claims that through their failed financing programs, aquisitions that never should have happened, and continued support of unprofitable divisions, Harley has saved none of the money they made in the good times. In fact, they are in considerable debt. Now with a product that there are no longer waiting lists for.
It is hard to believe that a company that was so close to closing its doors would not learn to save something, but it happens. It will be interesting to watch.
