HARLEY-Davidson has received a caution that it may jeopardize its business if significant changes are not made following the reveal of its 2025 lineup.
Nevertheless, the legendary brand insists that it produces the “finest motorcycles in the world.”
On Friday, Harley-Davidson finally presented its latest bikes for 2025 .
However, the response from motorcycle enthusiasts has been mixed.
A primary concern centers around the pricing of the new and updated bikes available this year.
One individual expressed frustration on social media : “There’s no reason the prices shouldn’t decrease.
“Other companies are doing it, so why not Harley?
“Sales are plummeting [while] Indian sales are climbing.
“If this trend continues, Harley may be out of business as regular middle-class consumers won’t be able to afford them.”
Another motorcycle enthusiast stated there was “no chance” he would purchase a new Harley this year.
He noted it would be “more sensible to buy the older models for ten grand less.”
There was also criticism directed at Harley for its promotion of the 2025 Road Glide on social media.
The company claimed that this model features a “powerful Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin engine, smooth adjustable suspension, and a sleek sharknose fairing designed to slice through the wind.”
The 2025 Road Glide carries a starting price of $27,999.
However, one critic warned: “Well Harley, you’re finally headed towards extinction.
“The only factory touring bike is a street glide with a trunk and two speakers for $31k. You’ve clearly decided your customers don’t matter.”
Yahoo! Finance reported on Tuesday that Morgan Stanley emphasized the firm is facing “prolonged affordability challenges.”
What are the new and updated Harley-Davidson motorcycles for 2025?
The freshly introduced 2025 models feature:
The Street Glide Ultra tailored for long-distance touring and the Pan America 1250 ST , a dynamic adventure sport motorcycle.
Additionally, Harley-Davidson has updated six classic Cruiser models for 2025: the Low Rider S; Low Rider ST; Breakout; Heritage Classic; Fat Boy; and Street Bob.
The brand’s Sportster S has also seen enhancements.
A selection of limited-production Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) motorcycles consists of four models: CVO Street Glide; CVO Road Glide; CVO Road Glide ST; and CVO Pan America.
The company noted that these new models complete the 2025 lineup of Harley-Davidson’s Grand American Touring, Cruiser, Sport, Adventure Touring, and Trike motorcycles.
Analysts at Morgan Stanley also mentioned that “weakened consumer confidence may hinder demand recovery.”
This comes on the heels of several Harley-Davidson dealerships having closed for various reasons throughout 2024.
TOUGH STANCE
Nonetheless, the company stated on Friday, after presenting its new lineup: “For over 120 years, we’ve been producing the best damn motorcycles in the world.
“We’ve successfully navigated through wars, recessions, and numerous challenges.”
The fresh 2025 models include: the Street Glide Ultra for long-distance touring and the Pan America 1250 ST adventure sport motorcycle.
The company described the new Street Glide Ultra model as optimal for long-distance touring for riders seeking freedom and adventure.
Harley-Davidson has also updated six legendary Cruiser models for 2025: the Low Rider S; Low Rider ST; Breakout; Heritage Classic; Fat Boy; and Street Bob.
ARNIE’S BIKE
Its legendary Fat Boy gained fame as the favorite motorcycle of tough guy Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator 2 : Judgment Day.
The Sportster S has also been enhanced with an upgraded suspension system for a smoother and more comfortable ride.
Harley-Davidson stated that riders will enjoy “on-demand torque for an electrifying surge of acceleration and excitement.
“Its lightweight design, technological features, and striking style will entice experienced riders, newcomers, and those eager to stand out on a motorcycle that breaks from conventional styling norms.”
Furthermore, there is a limited collection of Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) models, providing opulence and performance.
The 26th annual CVO collection features four ultra-premium motorcycles: CVO Street Glide; CVO Road Glide; CVO Road Glide ST; and CVO Pan America.
Harley-Davidson closures in 2024
There are over 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships in the United States.
However, multiple locations shut down for various reasons throughout 2024 – some providing no explanation whatsoever.
Below is a list of some Harley-Davidson outlets that closed in the previous year and their reasons for closing:
The San Francisco shop closed in June after 110 years due to ‘chaos’ caused by new management .
Miracle City Harley-Davidson in Titusville, Florida, shut down in September with no reason specified .
The legacy Harley-Davidson location in New York City closed on September 28, with the owner mentioning economic issues .
Reiman’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Kewanee, Illinois, ceased operations in October after the owners sold the business to the Walter Brothers Harley Davidson dealership in Peoria, Illinois.
Additionally, the dealership in West Bend, Wisconsin, temporarily closed for the winter season from November 2 until April 1, 2025.
Atlanta Harley-Davidson celebrated on social media: “Rev up for new models, featuring all-new factory custom paint schemes, redesigned and re-tuned suspensions, larger engines, tech enhancements, heated handgrips, and much more.”