I was watching a show last night how Martin Guitars has survived through the Great Depression and now the Great Recession 160+ years in business. During the hard times the offer a cheaper no-frills guitar made in America with American Quality. People buy them because they know they are getting a world class guitar...they will be in business for another 160 years.
I think this is where HD made a mistake. People "want" a HD motorcycle. This company has incredible brand loyalty. Just to get new customers who buy Jap bikes to get the "look of HD" They needed to offer no frills bikes along with the high $$ bikes. People would still buy them to get that HD quality and brand. Then in better economic time would buy the high $$ bike HD has to offer.
To me it looks like HD has let a lot of people down. Workers and investors and innovators like Erik Buell. People who believe in the HD brand, quality, and family.
Just a shame