maverick

Is $3.25 Gas Helping Harley Davidson?

There is no Harley that gets 70 mpg in typical use. Even the smallest Sportster would have be driven at a steady speed at the lowest speed recommended for fifth gear, probably something like 45-50 mph where air drag (which rises exponentially with velocity) isn't yet dramatic. The big bikes probably get 35-40 mpg in everyday use, and the Sportsters probably get 40-50 mpg in everyday use. All that shaking is energy being wasted. The previous comments about discretionary spending are dead-on, plus Harley has a much bigger problem looming. Their new water-cooled engine has not been widely accepted by it's customers, and not just because of it's high cost. The hog image is mainly dependent upon the sound from the (now intentionally) improperly balanced crankshaft configuration, but appearance isn't far behind. The customers prefer the appearance of the old, air/oil cooled engines. But those engines must be assembled with a more sloppy piston clearance to avoid siezing in hot weather, and that makes passing ever-rising emissions regulations difficult. Harley may not be able to sell air/oil-cooled engines at some point, and their sales will collapse. Catalytic converters can be added, and even direct-fuel injection, but these will drive prices dramatically higher. Plus they break from tradition as well in terms of technology and appearance, creating additional marketing troubles.