HARLEY-Davidson has been cautioned that it could lose business if significant alterations are not made following the unveiling of its 2025 lineup.
Despite this, the legendary company insists that it produces the “best damn motorcycles in the world.”
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On Friday, Harley-Davidson finally revealed its 2025 motorcycles.
However, the response from motorbike enthusiasts has been mixed.
A significant concern highlighted is the pricing of the newly introduced and refreshed motorcycles this year.
A frustrated individual voiced on social media: “There’s no reason prices can’t be lowered.
“All the other manufacturers are managing it; why not Harley?
“Sales figures are significantly down [while] Indian’s sales are increasing.
“If this trend continues, Harley may find itself out of business as average middle-class consumers will find them unaffordable.”
Another rider remarked there was “no way” he would purchase a new Harley this year.
He added that it would be “more sensible to buy older models for ten grand less.”
Additionally, there was some pushback following Harley‘s promotion of its 2025 Road Glide on social networks.
The company claimed the model features a “powerful Milwaukee-eight 117 V-twin engine, supple adjustable suspension, and sharknose fairing engineered to slice through the wind.”
The 2025 Road Glide is advertised with a starting price of $27,999.
But one user cautioned: “Well Harley, you’re headed for trouble.
“The only factory touring bike is a street glide with a trunk and two speakers priced at $31k. You seem to have forgotten your customers.”
Yahoo! Finance reported on Tuesday that Morgan Stanley raised concerns about the company facing “long-standing affordability challenges.”
What are the new and refreshed Harley-Davidson motorcycles for 2025?
The 2025 model lineup features:
The Street Glide Ultra for extended touring and the Pan America 1250 ST adventure sport motorcycle.
Harley-Davidson has also refreshed six classic Cruiser models for 2025: Low Rider S; Low Rider ST; Breakout; Heritage Classic; Fat Boy; and Street Bob.
The brand’s Sportster S has received updates as well.
A range of limited-production Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) motorcycles are included in the collection, featuring four models: CVO Street Glide; CVO Road Glide; CVO Road Glide ST; and CVO Pan America.
The motorcycle maker emphasized that these new models round out the collection of 2025 Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring, Cruiser, Sport, Adventure Touring, and Trike motorcycles.
Morgan Stanley’s analysts indicated that “weak consumer confidence might hinder demand recovery.”
This insight follows the closure of several Harley-Davidson dealerships throughout 2024 for various reasons.
TOUGH STANCE
But the company stated on Friday after the launch of its new models: “For over 120 years, we’ve crafted the best damn motorcycles in the world.
“We’ve persevered through wars, economic downturns, and many trying times.”
The all-new 2025 model range includes the Street Glide Ultra designed for long-distance touring, perfect for riders seeking exploration and adventure.
Harley-Davidson has also rejuvenated six classic Cruiser models for 2025: Low Rider S; Low Rider ST; Breakout; Heritage Classic; Fat Boy; and Street Bob.
ARNIE’S BIKE
Its iconic Fat Boy was famously portrayed as the motorbike of choice by toughman Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
Harley’s Sportster S has also received enhancements with an upgraded suspension system to ensure a more comfortable ride.
Harley-Davidson claimed regarding the Sportster S that riders will enjoy “unleashing on-demand torque for an electrifying rush of acceleration and excitement.
“Its lightweight build, technology features, and striking design cater to both experienced and new riders eager to stand out on a motorcycle that deviates from traditional aesthetics.”
Additionally, there is a collection of limited production Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) models, offering both luxury and performance.
The CVO collection’s 26th annual lineup features four super-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 across America.
However, several stores shut down for various reasons throughout 2024, not always providing a clear explanation.
Here’s a summary of some Harley-Davidson locations that closed last year and their reasons:
The San Francisco location closed in June after operating for 110 years due to ‘chaos’ caused by new management.
Miracle City Harley-Davidson in Titusville, Florida, closed in September without offering a reason for closure.
Harley-Davidson’s historic location in New York City closed on September 28, citing 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.
Furthermore, the dealership in West Bend, Wisconsin, temporarily closed for the season from November 2 until April 1, 2025.
Atlanta Harley-Davidson enthusiastically stated on social media: “Unleash the throttle on new models featuring completely new factory custom paint schemes, redesigned and re-tuned suspensions, larger engines, technology upgrades, heated handgrips, and much more.”