motowebmaster

I don't think it's just speculation:

Harley-Davidson Roars on Takeover Rumor - Forbes.com

There have been articles bouncing around for some time, but it gives some reason to kill Buell and sell Augusta. If Honda isn't the suitor, then someone else may be.

Let's be honest, a Honda-owned Harley-Davidson company would be unusual. Even though some of the motor company's parts can be linked to overseas sources, that is normal in a global economy.

On the other hand, are things truly so dire that we must settle for giving one company such a large share of the market - I don't think so.

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The Prophet

Interesting..

There is also a wild rumor about Yamaha getting involved in the Buell brand name. Rumor is an appropriate description I would say.

Typo (I hope) in the Forbes article says the HOG stock rose to $62.--, actually it's $26.--

"I Hope" because I transacted at $19.-- a while back, and I'm kicking myself constantly over it. This helps explain why other folks are filthy rich... and I'm not.

Hey, I DID say previously that a Chinese invester would take over HD, so I wasn't that far off! (Is that PC?).

Just think, soon you can mow your lawn, drive your car, generate some electrical power, and ride your "American Iron" motorcycle to the nearest bar - All under the Honda Banner.

I doubt this Honda takeover. Cripes! Folks can invest in Indian (!), and Norton (!), both of which were pretty far down the tubes at the time, don't forget Triumph as well. That said, why wouldn't some US based group - with perhaps more capital than sense, and hopefully with some solid foresight into the near/far future - take over the HD brand?

Wish them well.

Bob

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motowebmaster

Wow, I wonder if Yamaha did get involved with Buell if it would be a "Star" brand; such as a Star 1125R

Speedtrip

Wouldn't make sense for either Yamaha or Honda to take Buell as it would compete with their well established sport bike range. The Buell line still uses HD based engines in all but it's two 1125 models, just don't see HD selling it.

motowebmaster

I would agree on the Buells that use Harley Engines, but the 1125 uses a Rotax powerplant.

It couldn't compete with an R1, and it would likely frazzle FZ1 Enthusiasts.

Speedtrip

Can Am would make a better match for Buell and the two 1125's would be a nice start.

The Prophet

Reading all of the various HD "new strategy" reports, I gather that:

a.) The idea of developing a "sportbike" style offer for a younger generation is out, as they realize it's a little late in the game for that, and development expenses would be considerable.
b.) They also peek into the future and realize that the next generation of potential buyers coming up do not match in numbers, nor enthusiam for bikes overall, as compared to the passing Baby Boomer generation.
c.) The idea now is to "develop the brand", meaning create a bigger and bigger following of the "lifestyle/attitude" genre, and sell more and more accessories, clothing, trinkets, and lucrative service contracts. This may not be a bad idea, as there still remain a very large contingency of current owners. Why not focus on selling them more... stuff?
The strategy also contains a section on offering and developing more "events" and "gatherings", again, not such a bad idea.

Granted, these look like short term, 3 to 5 year strategies, but from a pragmatic perspective, maybe the best move of all. "Wait n' see", but sell more big margin accessories in the meantime.