Harley Davidson for Sale

‘Harley Davidson for sale’ was the headline banner in many of the leading newspapers during its sales takeovers in the latter part of the 20th century. It had also some scything critics in 1950 when it was severely reprimanded but the tariff commission for striving to damage imported bike allocations into its home markets with restrictive practices. Also the many Hollywood films churning out gang ruffian films using Harleys in the 50’s and 60’s, and the notorious attachment to hells angels chapters, did not do any favors for the sales ratios in the general public’s eye.

Probably the most threatening time of the Company, though, was during the years of the great depression. Prior to this, Harley Davidson sales had been increasing year on year and the Company had just launched a new model. Harley Davidson sales went from 21,000 in 1929 to 4,000 when the recession hit hard. Dramatic measures were called for to keep in existence and the Company diversified into manufacturing power plants using its engines and the introduction of a small service car to bolster flagging order books.

It is probably only the unique standing and reputation the bike maker had that kept it alive with the onslaught of the Japanese bike manufacturers who began to swamp western markets with their modern, powerful and efficient new designs. The Harley senior manage held steadfastly to the branded image and what the Company stood for which would inevitably help to stem the tide. This was not the case with many European motorcycle manufacturers. The British bike industry was decimated and many famous names were left floundering behind the Asian invasion. Household names such as BSA, Triumph and royal Enfield took severe beatings and either went out of business or were down sized or taken over and became small concerns.

Some people claim, that whilst there is a demand for motorcycles, there will always be Harley Davidsons for sale as they were one of the early forefathers of the industry. Whether this transpires remains to be seen. The Us economy and home manufacturing are under severe pressure at present and whether this mother of all motor bikes survives is a matter of opinion. Harley’s that go on sale keep their value and are in big demand; lets hope it is not only the second hand market that this famous bike institution is successful in the coming years.