With the new Roadster coming out, I thought Harley Davidson would see increasing sales, but it seems to be the opposite. They're laying off around 225 salaried employees by the end of this year and that's around 5% of the company's workforce. With less workers, production could slow down and people may need to wait longer for their motorcycles.

It's not just Harley that's on a downturn these days, other brands, ATVs, and snowmobiles aren't doing so well lately.

They'll be alright. I dont think anyone will have to wait longer when there is an inventory build up from lack of demand. Per your post it says that sales are down but market share is up. So they are still growing market share.

Interesting watch on the economy and its effects on HD.

Nor really economy, just more so the aging targeted demographic of the brand. They need to figure out how to appeal to younger riders.

Wouldn't hurt to ask dealers to host a few events now and again for current ant future Harley riders. Was reading a article about Rajasthan's first Harley Rock Riders Event and there seems to be plenty of people there from the younger demographic.

Our local dealer network, seems to have an event happening at least at one dealer per weekend. If one dealer isn't having an event, another one is.

It does seem like like most of the events are directed more towards the "traditional" Harley owner, rather than the younger demographic.

I'm not sure what the stats are but I'd imagine the "traditional" crowd is still buying the big dollar bikes, whereas the younger crowd is probably looking at the Sportsters, Streets and occasional Dyna CVO. I could be totally wrong on this, but thats my $0.02.

that what I was thinking and what helps too is that these days its easier to get a loan, even for those that shouldn't qualify.

also when you look at all these motorcycle ads targeted towards younger crowds it all starts to add up, younger demo's aren't into it as much as the older ones.

Now the crisis is in fact a lot of places...

This has been talked about the past couple of years.