I know I shouldn't feel bad for Harley (corporate) or its dealers since they brought much of their current troubles on themselves but everytime I hear some Harley-related bad news, I can't help but cringe a little.

The Frederick News-Post Online - Frederick County Maryland Daily Newspaper (http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/blogs/blog.htm?bid=55)

I know I shouldn't feel bad for Harley (corporate) or its dealers since they brought much of their current troubles on themselves but everytime I hear some Harley-related bad news, I can't help but cringe a little.

The Frederick News-Post Online - Frederick County Maryland Daily Newspaper (http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/blogs/blog.htm?bid=55)

I went tot he Harley Dealer in Mechanicsburg, and I don't know how they stay in business.. The amount of money they are required to put into the buildings, and the amount of inventory they have on the floor.. boggles the mind.

Just a guess, but I'd say about 2 Million (probably closer to 4) in inventory on the floor.. probably 7 - 10 Million for the property and the building. I don't understand how they can do it. Harley corporate is putting these dealerships in a TOUGH spot.

I went tot he Harley Dealer in Mechanicsburg, and I don't know how they stay in business.. The amount of money they are required to put into the buildings, and the amount of inventory they have on the floor.. boggles the mind.

Just a guess, but I'd say about 2 Million (probably closer to 4) in inventory on the floor.. probably 7 - 10 Million for the property and the building. I don't understand how they can do it. Harley corporate is putting these dealerships in a TOUGH spot.

This it very true. Harley corporate now requires them to build huge cathedrals. It is stupid.

This it very true. Harley corporate now requires them to build huge cathedrals. It is stupid.

They gotta sell the image of "you meet the nicest people on a Harley". Catering to 1% of an available customer base isn't a good business plan and that's what the old shops did.

They gotta sell the image of "you meet the nicest people on a Harley". Catering to 1% of an available customer base isn't a good business plan and that's what the old shops did.

they cater to those who like classic American motorcycles. they have created a "brand" and they sell it well. There is nothing wrong with that. Saddling their franchisees with staggering costs is not a good move though. Harley's finance arm going out on a limb and financing people with questionable credit to move bikes was dumb too. Borrowing money from Warren Buffet fot 8% is a stupid move