114767 Resource 106832 108325 108325 1138729242840 1138729242840 Controlled Harley Aims for Growth in 2006

Stock Drop Creates Pressure for Younger Riders

<p>After years of consistent growth, Harley Davidson stock finally dropped, leading the Milwaukee guys to forecast growth plans for 2006.</p><p>Whether or not they are peaking in sales to baby boomers, the company has announced that it is going after a younger market.</p><p>This is a good thing.</p><p>There is a huge place for traditional Harleys.</p><p>Hopefully, there will also be a huge place for non-traditional Harleys.</p><p>It used to be said that Harley made a bike that was too heavy, didn't handle that well, wasn't that fast, and wasn't built that well.&nbsp; On the other hand, Harley enthusiasts responded that the bike is a lifestyle, that being the fastest isn't what all motorcycle riding is about, and that comfort has a big place in the heart of motorcycle riders.</p><p>Then Harley really upped its quality, gave its riders exactly what they wanted, and so forth.&nbsp; Harley clearly showed the world how to do it.</p><p>However, there are still a lot of riders out there who want lighter, faster, sharper handling bikes.&nbsp; </p><p align="left">It will be a great thing, indeed, if Harley has to stretch a little to service this market.&nbsp; I for one get nervous when, at my age, I am one of the younger attendees at a motorcycle event.</p><p align="right" /> 9 application/xml false growth Harley younger rider Harley targets younger riders www.michaelpadway.com Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.1; SV1; .NET CLR 1.0.3705; Media Center PC 2.8) 63.205.182.177 63.205.182.177 mpadway false true false false true 201650 false false true false false false true 106832 blog blogsite/MichaelPadway/web