Should Harley-Davidson build a Factory, Club-Style Cruiser?
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- čas přidán 13. 09. 2024
- There is a huge Sub-Culture in the Harley-Davidson world that might be Harley-Davidson's unexpected market to tap into. Matt Laidlaw goes into his insights and how he has seen this style and culture explode in the Free-style-meets-harley-cruiser world. What's your opinion on this emerging segment?
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#Clubstyleharley #Harley-Davidson #clubstyledyna
I’m in Fresno, California and your the man Matt! Club style is an American thing and should be made at Harley to sell to the whole world. Everyone wants one. Young, Old, Men, and Women want to ride in a club on a club bike. Hands down...
You’re right. I didn’t really think of that point before. This style is a purely American Style. Born and cultivated in America. Comment pinned.
I live in Austin Texas 🤠, and yes, I've seen the " Club Style" motorcycles here as well. I personally like'em.
But this so called style is nothing more than an extreme riser and cafe fairing. Y'all making a big deal about a ridiculous change that screams "look at me" and does nothing. The WC can have it.
@@MattLaidlaw Yeah, with parts around the world.
Then....they can build their own club style bike....
Knowing Harley, they may make a Club Style Factory Bike but they will make them CVO’s and they will cost $40,000.... for the rich guys.
What we need is a basic big twin standard with no frills. No options. Just tall suspension. A real fairing. Real T bars. Mid controls. Mag Wheels. Dual brakes. Done. Nothing fancy. All go. No show.
DYNATRASH amen ⚡️
already there with the Sportster 1200 Roadster, just add the tall bars and a fairing.
vector6977 no that’s a sportster. I need over 100 hp
@@tbone707 you've never used 100HP. Guaranteed.
vector6977
I’m in Santa Rosa ca. Please come see my hp. Or even better yet my 146ftlbs.
I'm in Saskatchewan, Canada and I built a club style from an 06 FXDBI. I truly love this style, I hope it brings in alot more of my generation (I'm 26) into riding
I’m in Nova Scotia I feel the same way love club style and hope it brings more to our generation (I’m 23)
This style is growing. I'm 44 and from Minnesota and you don't see them around here. But I'm going to get an FXDL and build my own. It's taken many years, but they have grown on me. I really think there is a revolution going on here. Flannels vs leather, kevlar jeans vs chaps, club style vs baggers. CZcams and Instagram are showing young and old men and women that they don't have to fit into the old stereotypes in order to ride a Harley. Because the club style has been made to fit them.
Harley can make money on this if they want to. But this is happening with or without them. The after market and indy shops will be more than willing to do this without them.
Ben Kulberg
43 from Minnesota and don't see them as well - that being said, the midwest is usually a couple years behind the coasts. I like them for a 2nd bike - around town type of thing - wouldn't be my only bike.
I'm from Minnesota too, I'm in the process of converting mine (2014 FXDL). Will be installing the T-Bar over the winter.
bkulber1 I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba and there’s several here done club style. Interesting that it’s not down there.
48 from Minnesota. Don't see them here. Can't stand this style. Looks stupid. If want my tires tucked up in my fenders. Hate the dyna short fenders. Just bought an old FXR shovel. Throwing the rear fender in the trash and looking for something different. That being said it's can see the appeal for some. If already have a decked out soft tail and like ten other guy said they are OK for short hops. If have rode mine to Sturgis then Yellowstone, Montana and back. But the older i get tested less it appeals. Dana's weren't selling so they got rid of them. Maybe in a few years they will gain some novelty again, but right now it's a limited market. You could do the same thing with a Sportster line and make them Affordable for young guys,
That's really well said actually! 20 here in SoCal. I never saw myself riding a Harley before....but after my Ninja 250, I took a complete U-turn and got an '05 FXDL and I'm in love with it. No stereotypes to really dictate who is fit to ride a Harley, but rather you modify the Harley to fit you.
Not really trying to copy any one in particular either. I just found the club style build to be super versatile--huge range, plenty of engine (even with the 88"), super comfortable, and I can mount all sorts of luggage/accessories for a long ride. Throw some suspension and an exhaust and you get a comfortable bike that can also be ridden hard.
From Dallas, TX and yes I converted my 2018 Low Rider to a Club Style bike. I love the way it looks but I love it even more because it is practical for me. The t-sport fairing keeps the wind off my chest and the t-bars are comfortable. Low handlebars hurt my lower back. The step up seat is also comfortable and keeps me in place whenever I take off at a red light. I'm only 5' 6" so the club style bike is also good for short riders. I don't think the club style bike is just good for doing wheelies and burnouts because of the aforementioned reasons above.
Start a petition, Matt. I'd sign it. Especially the part on making the Sport Glide a modern FXRT. I'm in LA, so I'm a part of that culture, and this is what the younger riders want. I'm 30 and I think they need to make that Sport Glide relevant and a flat tracker Sportster (if it survives next year).
Thanks for the comment. Consider your comment a signed petition.
I'm old mid 50's l like it!!!
Millenial Bay Area California Native. 100% agree. Rode sport bikes n motards from 16 years old until I was able to afford my first Dyna at 22. Harley needs to make a clubbed out bike that's ready to handle wheelie abuse from the factory and they'll sell like hotcakes out here. Anybody that's coming from sport bikes, dirt bikes, stunting, etc. that wants a Harley will gravitate to a dyna/fxr/18+ softail. Harley scene is huge out here. Idk what the media is spewing lately about millenials not wanting them. We usually buy them used because somebody already did all the work that saves us thousands in parts.
I appreciate the comment. Thank you. Especially from a 22 year old. I appreciate the perspective. Thanks.
Matt I live in Chicago and I have owned 2 Dynas that I built in this style. My bio-picture was my first Harley stunt build . I built my FXDL-S the same way .All the guys I know that ride freestyle Harley-davidsons are definitely 35 and under . You're so right about the younger riders loving this style. My next build will be the new softail lowrider but I'm kind of waiting for an all blacked out version. The first freestyle sport glide build I ever saw on the web was from Thailand. There is a huge dyna craze out there as well. I hope you're listening H-D . You are heading in the right direction with developing the naked type bikes & hopefully a super sport bike as well but if you want to appeal to the next generation of riders listen to Matt & build these types of bikes. I would buy one in a heartbeat! Thanks Matt for finally making a video echoing the comments I have been leaving on your channel for a while. You seem to really be in tune with today's riders. IMA creating the best Harley Davidson content on CZcams.
Hey Matt, glad you brought this up. I love good marketing so let’s run with this.
It’s not my style, but I definitely see the appeal- and here’s why. HD has been struggling for quite some time for ways to attract the newer generation, and they have... but indirectly. No one could have planned this, it evolved on its own. What’s beautiful about it is the creativity and enthusiasm of this style exhibited by these new younger riders, and if you really think a bunch of corporate suites are gonna know how to stylize one of these, you’re wholly mistaken my friend: note the “Rocker”.
Demand for these old Dynas no doubt will go up in price up but I think the best thing HD could do is as you suggest: supply a good basic platform- taller twin shock rear, dual disk inverted front end... and then LEAVE IT ALONE! These kids will establish a look that’s cool through a hodge-podge of p&a’s of their choosing. To offer a canned version? Could kill the vibe you know? Anti-establishment is what this is all about anyways. Today’s rider is pushing aside the dinosaur look of yard-wide, useless, mile-high ape-hangers of yore, for a leaner version meant for today’s youth... and good riddens, send us gray beards packin’
Perhaps HD could bring some desperately needed engineering refinement to the Sportster platform via displacement increases, performance improvements and the for mentioned suspension upgrades as a chalkboard for these creators.
I’m located just over the San Gabriels from you in the desert and I really enjoyed this video and suggest you do more of a similar vein.
That’s my 3 1/2 cents!
👍🏽
Thank you Ken. Completely agree with your points. I appreciate you weighing-in.
Well written.
Patxi del Norte
Thank you👍🏽
I think that's in the works with the new water-cooled platform coming out. Something within that platform, be it the street-fighter or custom frame, has to be under $9k.
putting more money into a new motor for the sportster is a waste. that would just increase the price to be within pennies of the streetbob. the market is so saturated with sportsters, I cant believe they are still building the darned things. plus I was not even slightly impressed with the 1200cc version, felt so gutless. hopefully they don't screw up the new liquid cooled motor.
Only way to ride, purpose built, performance bikes. I agree with you completely. I’m in Colorado , I see it everywhere not just west coast. I rode Crotch rockets, until I seen some club style bikes. So I bought a Harley and started building my bikes like this. I was the black sheep in my family for along time because I grew up on Harley’s but they didn’t make a bike that performed well like these. It would help Harley out a lot as Harley’s aren’t cheap, and it took awhile before I made enough money to by one let alone spend the money on it to turn it into something that performed well. It’s for people who like to ride hard not just cruise. Harley is really missing the buck if they don’t hit this demographic. I have a 2017 FXDLS, that I built this way but I put inverted Ohlins Front end and shocks just to make a bike handle better. Harley needs to think about performance and looks not just the style of bike to putting out.
I came from supermotos and sportsbikes also, and club style with mx bars are the only way that feels right... i also had to swap a kyb r1 front end on too but now my bike actually handles twisties like it was built that way
It’s not just the west coast, I’m from Illinois and I just grabbed a 2017 dyna just so I could modify it club style
Where are you from i need a riding buddy. I'm just outside Aurora
1225tdnelson Aurora is right by Chicago right? I’m near Peoria
What’s up Matt! I have a 2018 Street bob. I agree with you about this style man! It’s exactly how I’m going to build my bike up. Club style is perfect for LA riding. I live in Whittier CA. But it also doesn’t mean people can’t have this style anywhere else! Hopefully HD jumps on this and makes some aftermarket parts for the new softail lineup to custom make your own new style FXR / Club style bikes
I'm in Melbourne, Australia, and I bought my first harley in 2015. A low rider which I built in this style. I love the bike and how the riding position made it much better to handle it. Progressive suspension was also a big change 👌👌
I am originally from Mississippi, but now live in The Central Valley, California. I love the 'club style' look. I think my next bike is either going to be a 2016 or 17 dyna street bob. Or one of the new Soft tail street bobs. I like how basic they come. I think part of the fun and part of owning a Harley is making it your own.
I always appreciate your honesty and no nonsense approach. And, I agree. They should definitely build these bikes.
Thanks man. And thank you for watching and taking the time to leave a comment.
From KY
17 fxdb
Club style is the whole reason I got into HD just test road some bikes yesterday and they just aren’t the same. I think it’s not just the look but the performance gain as well. I like how you mentioned the taller shocks, I just put some progressive 14.5” on mine and the way that changed the riding style is crazy, she just dives into corners. If Harley re made an fxrt id buy it in a heartbeat.
I’m from the USA and I live in GA and the club bikes are my favorite and I’m 17 and I want the street bob with T bars so bad
im from ga also and i wanna build a 1992 fxr into a club style performance bike
Harley Davidson should be listening to you Matt. You know what you're taking about. This style is popular here in Florida. Palm Bay & Daytona beach
Queensland, Australia. I love the style. I think part of it is the customisation. I think having a base club-style bike which people can then make their own would be awesome.
Yea, there will still be plenty to do even if it come from the factory with some of the key features people want.
I love the style. But I think it's much more prevalent on the west coast. I see it in magazines a lot but those seem to be more west coast oriented as well. It probably would sell well across the US if it was in the HD US lineup. I'm from the southeast. I totally agree with you on the sport glide. An FXR fairing would an absolute dream!!
It’s big in Massachusetts for sure. Tall fast agile bikes with upgraded suspension is great for the shit roads in the northeast.
Irish Bull come to Fall River u wanna see shit roads !
It’s good in Maine for the same reason. Can’t really ride the regular Dyna without the club style mods around here.
I have a 114 FatBob in Ma and I want the club style bars and risers
John Rumsey check out lucky daves bars
Irish Bull agreed I ride Worcester central area
I live in Porto / Portugal and have a MY2015 Low Rider. Installed longer progressive shocks and a Racetech fork, Firebrand Loose Cannon muffler. Love the style. One of my friends has a Low Rider S with higher T-Bars, etc...
I definitely like them, I'm more of a bagger rider but these are clean looking bikes. I am a west coaster from Reno but I still think it would be awesome to see them come back
Denver, Colorado, 39yrs old, LOVE clubstyle. Clubbing out my '17 Streetbob as we speak. This is the future, huge niche, emerging in Denver big time. Good stuff, Matt.
#DynaTrash
After owning and riding lifted Dyna’s and FXR’s with performance suspension, T bars and fairings there is no way to discribe how much better these bikes handle verses factory Harley’s or baggers. We have been riding purpose built FXR and Dyna’s for years. These bikes have the big twin engines so they can handle cross country trips. They put the rider into a very comfortable position to reduce fatigue. The fairing makes 100 mph all day runs effortless. The tall suspension makes cornering at higher speeds possible, I laugh my ass off every time a Harley softail or bagger try’s to keep up with me in the twisties and they bury their floor boards and foot pegs into the pavement. It’s like the factory built Harley’s are literally handicapped. Build them. They are what real riders want.
A Note to Harley Davidson, FORWARD FOOT CONTROLS AND DRAG BARS SUCK FOR CORNERING AND RIDER COMFORT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! STOP BUILDING YOUR BIKES WITH THIS BULLSHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!
DYNATRASH Amen! 🤘😎
Exactly!
Comment is much appreciated. For us tall people the forward controls are mandatory. I don't like riding with my knees by my ears. Totally agree with your points though. Mids are way more functional.
@@MattLaidlaw Makes sense however, 95% of the American public is not as tall as you. These bikes should come from the factory with Mid controls. Let the tall guys buy the forwards. I am 5'11" , hardly short. Reaching my legs out to forward foot controls does actually feel comfortable for about 15 minutes. After that a guy of average height starts to realize that he is having to hold his feet out to keep them on the foot pegs. This is a very un-natural way to hold out your legs. With proper handlebar position and Mid controls a guy of average height can literally relax his legs and let his feet sit on the pegs. No fatigue.
True that !!
Born and raised in California lived in SoCal and road sport bikes and was looking for a cruiser and it wasn’t until I became aware of the club style that I was sold on buying a HD. The style, comfort and performance are the perfect match for anyone looking to get into HD’s
Northern CA......love my Dyna and this style. Very versatile bike once you put your personal touch on it.
27 year old Harley Rider from Wisconsin. Own a 2019 Street Bob that I've been slowly transferring to a club style bike. This video was 2 years ago and the style is still growing in popularity. I loved your Coast Glide 2 build. Would love for @HarleyDavidson to bring back the FXRT on a softail frame.
Clearly not a west coast thing as the low rider s sold well all over the world
Dyna. 05 Super Glide Harley Custom Shop motorcycle. Came Club Style but no flashy paint. Texas Here. I agree. They should make a club style bike.
Hi Matt, speaking from northern Illinois here. With our lovely winters our roads are crap here. We love the bigger heavier bikes because of that fact. I rented a softail slim a few years ago. Yes, it did have the factory seat. But after 250 miles in one day I was sore for a few days. I had the same result on a Yamaha 950 tour. We rode 560 miles in a weekend in WI. I was sore for 3 days. I now ride a 2002 Ultra Classic. 650 miles in a weekend is a breeze. That being said, I can see why the lighter, narrower club style bikes are popular on the west coast. I would think other heavily populated areas would love them too. I agree with you, Harley needs to recheck their data. They are missing out. Keep up the great videos!
At least HD can offer more options, seats bars etc... I am a old guy from Nor Cal.
You are absolutely right Matt, here in NY State lot of peeps modify their cruisers to a Club Style bike, not only HD but all kind of brands such as Yamaha Bolt for example. Great commute bikes to ride on the open country roads...
Good to know. Thanks New York!
Texas here and it’s big over here as well
Good to know. Thanks
I bought an 18 Low Rider and am looking at mods for it.
As an "Old School" biker from the 70's, this machine appealed to me however I have to admit that this look would work very well with my new bike...
From the 603 (New Hampshire)
Keep the content rolling out, Matt!!
17 FXDLS, love it, t sport fairing and Leatherpros. Va Beach Va
I'm in Wisconsin, work at St. Paul Harley-Davidson- I have a 2017 FXDLS with the FXRT fairing. When I first put the fairing on, I had a lot of push back but now that I've had the fairing on for a year, a lot more attention has been drawn to it. We have our own little "dyna bro" group here. It's growing for sure...
Seattle Checking in. We love the club style here.
Florida here. They bring out an FXRT version of the new softail with hard bags (better quality than the bags on the Sport Glide or Heritage), dual front discs and the 114 motor I'd probably forget about buying a touring model and get the new FXRT.
I like the club style and that's the direction I'm going with my 2019 street bob. I see that style of harley here in Arizona. I think Harley Davidson should make a club style bike.
I’m from Chicago and this style is all over the place. I have a low rider s and a iron 1290 club style. Would buy more bikes like this if they made it.
Yes sir. while in the military I traveled to many states and club style is everywhere with many different kind of riders. I am from Central California. My style is chicano style of course but I love anything on 2 wheels 🙏 God bless everyone.
Nevada here. Just finished 1987 FXRS-SP rebuild, yes you're right Matt. Club style is purpose built for the long haul and short trips.
Everything you said is right, I'm glad you're being honest about bikes like the Sport Glide. Whether everyone likes the club style or not is irrelevant. The reality is, a lot of people do. Not EVERYONE has to. Harley is allowed to make different bikes for different people. That's kind of the point. And Harley shouldn't water-down their entire brand to appease people who don't even like Harleys. If individuals are metric shills saying the same anti-Harley rhetoric we've heard for decades, their BS is no more relevant now.
The current popular line of attack against Harley is the "millennial" thing. The argument behind that propaganda essentially reads "young people want cheap, small, lightweight, fast, liquid-cooled, sportbikes." Funny...... just the exact type of motorcycle preferred by the perennial Harley-haters. Thus, I conclude the "millennial" talking point is just the latest repackaging of the exact same, cliched, age-old Harley trashing agenda.
One can further deconstruct the argument, and read into the people promoting it. They mainly are washed-up 55-year-old losers who infrequently ride BMWs with stupid silver boxes on them, believing they're "adventurous." Or perhaps the "moto-journalists," who conclude every Harley Davidson is "heavy" or "not worth the premium." Such individuals fundamentally oppose/fail to appreciate Harley Davidson motorcycles, and therefore fail to offer any useful feedback.
I bought my first bike, a Sportster, when I was 19. I still have it. Now I'm in my 30s, and own several Harleys. I can buy whatever bike I want, thank you very much. However, I have very little interest in buying the type of bike the media tells me fits my demographic. It's literally a lie, propagated by biased market influencers. I see tons of young people on Harleys, and lots of younger people into the older Harleys. I know multiple guys my age who bought Harley Davidsons, just within my everyday social circles of work, friends, friends-of-friends, relatives, etc.
Currently, the media perpetuates a lie which describes Harley Davidson as in severe decline. The media willfully ignores the downward trend of the entire motorcycle industry, in which Harley Davidson certainly sees maximum exposure, and exists as perhaps the ultimate bellwether. They fail to note Harley is delivering substantial new products, and thus far maintaining undeniable profitability. The media fails to acknowledge the business cycle, present in any industry, which ebbs and flows. If a strong run of motorcycle sales defined the 90s and 2000s, it stands to reason we're seeing either a correction, or return-to-mean. However, the media want us to conclude the sky is falling for Harley Davidson, and the core brand has lost relevance.
This is, however, where criticisms of Harley Davidson begin for me.... I believe the company's response to the popular rhetoric is somewhat spineless. I sense a lack of conviction in their core brand. I see it in some of their new branding attempts and current marketing. I take great offense when I hear statements akin to "lightweight scooters have to be sold in Asia in the future to support the sale of heavyweight bikes in America" ....as though the motorcycle industry were some sort of welfare state. While I fully applaud the company's global expansionism, I worry they plan to water down the brand as we know it.
The Harley brand is strong. Yet, people aren't stupid. While consumers buy the Harley logo on clothing and household items, they expect it to appear on a certain type of motorcycle, which looks and operates a certain way. In Asia, Harley sees success with their Street models. The lightweight, utilitarian, liquid-cooled bike fits the Asian paradigm somewhat better. However, Harley sells Streets in Asia by leveraging its reputation as a heavyweight "badass" bike builder. Harley branding is essentially "value-add" to a rather uninspired bike, sold at a premium. In the US, Street sales are less than stellar. I now notice dealerships simply stock very few of them, and they seem to have overcome the glut of unsold Streets from a couple years ago. In the US market, buyers correctly recognize the Street is a middling, unremarkable motorcycle, that is neither traditionally "classic badass," nor high-performance. US buyers are indeed NOT fooled by this Harley branding attempt applied to a generic, disappointing machine. Hopefully, Harley recognizes the US response to the Street as a cautionary tale.
My worst fears surround what Harley will do with the Sportster. It's certainly time for a new generation of Sporster, and we all welcome a new updated machine. But if Harley Davidson executives believe they can apply branding to a motorcycle drastically different from what we all know as a Sporster, they are vain fools. To abandon the Sportster archetype, which is itself an institution and a brand, and put forth something of a different form factor and different engine nature, will be suicidal. Many cases of business failure involve executives believing their customers will buy anything, and "fall in line" when faced with a lack of options in a product vacuum. This is a form of management narcissism, in which businesses believe they know better than their customers as to what will sell; they will "lead" their customers forward with the company's products; customers will "eventually get used to it," etc. Also included.... the attitude I currently sense coming from Harley.... taking your current, viable profit-driving customers for granted in favor of imaginary future customers, and their imaginary money.
Alas, what Harley does next with the Sportster will reveal a great deal about where the company is going. The next Sportster, should there even be one, will tell us far more about Harley's management mindset than any of the much-talked-about adventure, streetfighter, and Livewire bikes. For the Sportster is a 50+ year old core brand that sells well and people like, and these other future proposed motorcycles are simply market experiments.
Thanks again for another great video.
NTDFMaverick great comment! I totally agree with you!
NTDFMaverick I am old enough to remember when the Sportster XLCH was considered a super bike! As far as I’m concerned the SPORTSTER, SUPERGLIDE AND FLH models are the absolute bedrock and very foundations that define The Harley-Davidson motor company.. they already discontinued the Dyna (which is a super glide) and if they discontinue the Sportster as we know it then Harley-Davidson no longer exists in my eyes..they simply cease to be Harley-Davidson period. This is what happens when a bunch of liberals take control. They destroy everything they touch! Time to go INDIAN when buying new and keep my vintage Harley-Davidson’s, because they are actually REAL Harley-Davidson’s!
NTDFMaverick
calm dow mark fucking twain. jesus christ. noone comes here to read a novel. go get laid
@@maddog7999 Haha, you're kind of right. I thought the same thing once I saw it posted...
@@michaelgurgone2825 You're right to relate it to politics. The techniques used to tear down Harley Davidson are exactly the same as those used in politics. Opponents of Harley try to win the messaging war against the motor company, by publicly labeling it obsolete, in decline, etc. As such, Harley shouldn't listen to that noise, as it comes from people who'd never buy an HD in the first place. In politics, why would you take your cues from someone who'd never vote for you?
I’m getting a 2013 street bob soon, and this is exactly what I’m gonna do to it! Love the look. When Harley took away the dyna they helped to grow the fascination with this look and style bike. NOW it’s time to harvest! Bring back they dyna for 2020 and club it out! I’ll buy one immediately!!!!
New orleans La. They are popular here!
Word? Not too many of us that I've seen
I've seen alot of over the years. I know more than 15 guys with club style bikes of some sort also. I see them more and more alot of fxrs also between here and Texas.
Matt I think you NAILED IT! These bikes would be a gateway drug to the younger demographic. I’m from San Diego but live in Colorado now, I could totally see these bikes hitting BIG in Colorado, not just on the West Coast.
They can start the ball rolling by BRINGING BACK THE DYNA!!! These new Softails may have a kickass motor, ride well BUT they look like GARBAGE! Was saving to buy a new DYNA in 2017 & thought I’d wait till the new models arrived...ended up buying an FXDF 2017 2nd hand. Love me ‘old’ tech, you can keep the new models. #nothappy
On the other side of the coin are riders like myself that prefer the smooth, sleek look of the softail. Oval track race bikes have used the softail style shock system for decades because of its superiority. love my 2009 NightTrain and would never trade it for a dyna. I have a saying" ride what you like and like what you ride but just ride man, just ride", and Ride safe.
Dyna frame is infurior, and the new Softail frame looks incredibly similar in terms of exposed style points.
Ofc the rear shocks are different, but the important thing to understand that Monoshocks are better for handling than the duals.
The M8 Softail frame is superior in performance in all aspects compared to the dyna frame.
It's also far closer to a Chopper style frame as well. It'll be better in the long run for custom motorcycles.
Everyone with it handels better lol see plenty of pre 18 dynas doing just fine in that arena and looking good while doing it. The 18 up models are ugly af
I live near Montreal, Canada. I own a FXDLS 2017... and I agree totally with your editorial on the club style.. Harley should pick up on this as it’s still going strong... I personally changed my great bike by adding Legends rear shocks, a set of Biltwell 10” with pullback and tracker bars... could not be happier with this bike.. anywhere I stop people look at it and make positive comments... Harley should capitalize on this trend that is still far from over.. Thanks Matt for this video!
I have an 02' Low Rider. It's all club style. It's the main style of motorcycles that I like. Now looking back, probably because of Unknown Industries. It's comfortable with the height of the suspension, wind protection from the fairing, and symmetry with the raised bars. Besides it looking super badass IMO. I couldn't be farther from the old school chromed up, eagles everywhere. USA bandanas kinda "typical" Harley rider. Nothing against that. Just not my style. I would consider myself a 'new' rider, and can only see myself riding Harley Davidson's if I buy older and used bikes. There's no way I could buy a 18' Street Bob and "club style" it up. I can't drop 4-6k on a 15k bike. Now if I a bike came out as you mentioned, being a throwback to the FXR'S, FXRT''s, or T Sports it would make me interested. I think Harley Davidson is completely missing out on this new wave of riders and it's a shame. When I say this, this is MY OPINION, but I think with a few exceptions, most stock Harley Davidson bikes are hideous. The chrome, the sound, it's just not there for me. I have to agree with you on this video Matt, I didn't even look twice when I saw the FXDR, definitely not appealing for me.
hit the nail on the head
I am an older rider. Started out on a stripped down BMW 1953 R69 in Los Angeles. My 07 Street Bob and 11 FXDC were perfect bikes. I ran a quarter fairing on the FXDC with solid mount sissy bar. It was a great look and with mid pegs and the frame mounted highway pegs it was perfect. I moved to a Softail Lowrider because of the engine and the handling. It took me a year to adjust to the seating position and I finally added a Tallboy seat so it would sit more like the Dyna. I had hoped that Harley would come out with some aftermarket products that would allow the new Lowrider to fit into the Dyna mold but HD has done nothing but maintain the old previous Softail look. I appreciate the handling and the engine of the new Lowrider but I am sorry HD has ignored the Dyna rider who switched to the new Softail. The Club look in black with hard mount sissy bar, mid pegs and a quarter fairing is the way to go. I like the new Lowrider but it will never feel like the Dyna. Harley created the new Lowrider and completely forgot about what the Lowrider really should be.
From Germany, small but growing scene here. It was guys like "Straight Up Crew" and "Unknown Industries" that made Harleys cool for me. Cool enough to go and buy a Dyna in April this year, been working on it since then to give it a look that is inspired by these guys. Was test riding the 2018 Street Bob but that felt like my BMW GS and that's not what I was looking for.
Before I saw what Straight Up and Unkown are doing to their bikes (style and how they ride) I found Harley too boring and too "old peoples bikes" to really get one. They changed it for me in a way that I wanted one myself immediately. I hope Harley Davidson recognizes this and throws a lot of money, girls and bikes at them.
Wo kommst du her?
4 years later and I saw a group of about 8 riders rolling club style dynas and softails in OKLAHOMA. Indian dropping the sport chief this year as well. You’re a prophet.
Matt you need to be the CEO of Harley-Davidson. You know what sells. Mississippi agrees with you 100% Thanks for your awesome video. Honor & Respect
Thanks brother. I appreciate your input as well.
It’s every where Matt! I’m from Detroit but now in Charlotte NC and I’m working with a sportster and a Breakout 114.wishing there was more stuff out for the Breakout.part of the fun in having a Harley is tearing down and putting back together with the custom touches that make it the “Yours Only” look, I think your spot on with that direction
Fxr has always been the best HD frame, the T bars I would say are more west-coast then these bikes...Matt in USA and your liability lawyers, HD just can’t promote bikes made for 12 o’clock wheelies, can they build these yes will they I hate to say it NO....and yes low bars like flat track racers....Matt what hd can’t do we have the aftermarket 👍🇨🇦🍺🍺
Aggie Frazao the new softail frame is better than the FXR, at least in my experience it is.
Nick Culver your right but man it’s go no soul to it or legacy....99
FXR4 #1 4ever, funny how things go from 36 front wheels to a good old fxr
Nick Culver I like what you did with the rear shock swap... with m8
Motors putting out 135-150+ hp the dynatails will be real good,
PRECISELY how is it an improvement? Facts please.
The FXR was definitely a great frame. Still relevant today after all these years. I much prefer the 2018 Softail frame though. Longer for us tall people.
Yes you're a hundred percent correct Matt I'm 54 years old and I own a 16 FXDLS it's nice to have abs and cruise control on the nimble lowrider, of course I have 12 in Psycho MX and a clamshell fairing. Love my ride.
I'm from South carolina and I'm not on a harley but I'm doing a v star 1100 in this style because my friend put a club style fairing on his v star and I just loved the way it looks
I’m 18 in New York and a majority of my friends tell me they would only ride a sport bike and harleys aren’t cool until they see my clubstyle dyna and other performance dynas I repost and they find it so cool
The reason I do not already own a new softail is that I know I would have to pay 4 to 5K€ on top of a brand new street bob or low rider, both of which already cost 15 and 17k€ respectively. I 100% agree with you Matt. A new Low Rider S based on the new softail chassis would be a good start, and considering how well the Dyna version sold, I have no idea why they haven't realeased a new one yet.
PS: I'm from France, BTW.
I agree with you 100 percent. Harley has to build and sell club style bikes. I’m 53 years old and I’m from New York City and the club style bike has been here for years. It’s the bike that is used by the MC to get around the city and it’s only growing and getting big out here in the east coast because of the younger generation and the older generation has a big play in that. I myself own a 2015 Street Glide Special but I’m going to trade my Street Glide in for the new Harley softail Low Rider. The reason why I’m trading for a Low Rider is because it’s a pain in the ass getting around the city with my Street Glide Special and I had both of my hips replaced and was just told I have to replace both of my knees not to mention my bad back. My buddy just let me take a ride on his 2017 Low Rider S and I feel in love with it. I was able to get in and around traffic much easier in the city and the best part it was not stressful on my back , knees and hips. But what Harley needs to do is use people like yourself and you’re crew ( real people who know,live and breath the life style ) for your input so that they don’t skip a beat cause lord knows they tend to do that.
617 Boston Mass. I ride a "Club Style" 93 FXRS, Lucky Dave Mx style bars love it!!! I go to all the FXR/Dyna days the East Coast loves the "Club Style". You are 100% right about the FXRT fairing, was planing to buy a new Harley Sport Glide but the fairing is all wrong so i will put an after market FXRT on my pride and joy this winter. The day Harley brings back the FXRT fairing on the new Low Rider I will be first in line.
I’m living I’m Northern Illinois and bought a Low Rider S this year. The Club style bike in my opinion has always been in style. The best bikes Harley has made are the FXR’s and Dynas also the Street glides.
I’m in Philadelphia PA and I am seeing this style of Harley more and more with younger riders. I myself have a 2017 road glide that I turned into a performance Bagger
You’re definitely onto something here. I’m in NYC and have a breakout I’m looking to convert to club style handlebars, fairing, etc.
I am from Malta, Europe. Hope you know where this little island is. I fell in love with the style cause of CZcams I guess, and seeing some builds as from your videos. I am 50/50 on your suggestion as I am not sure I would want an off the factory bike fitted like that. Some of the fun of buying a Harley is making it your own, isn't it. Saying all this, though I think the Sport Glide would have sold more and been huge if it had a club style fairing to the mini SG one. I think to remember that you actually said that in your review and you said again in this. Spot on for the Low Rider S.
I'm from Washington State, live in Virginia. I ride a 2013 Dyna Street Bob. I love the "Club Style"! first thing I did after I bought my Dyna was ordered some 14" Lucky Daves San Diego Bars, Lucky Daves Seat, and a Memphis Shades Road Warrior Fairing. it makes a comfortable and responsive ride, also very practical for wind buffing on long rides. I don't see the style too much here in VA.
I bought a 2018 Street Bob, and while originally I didn't want to build it into a "Club Style" bike, it has sort of evolved into one for several reasons. First off, the half fairing makes the bike infinitely more usable on longer trips. That little bit of wind protection goes a very long way. Second, the 2-1 exhaust commonly seen on the style saves a lot of weight, and makes better power, especially vs. the stock 2-2. Raising the suspension is next on my list, because the bike does get pushed through corners on a regular basis, and I'm out of clearance. All of these things make the bike better in every regard as a performance motorcycle, which truthfully seems to be the one common theme for the "Club Style" bikes. I live in Victoria on Canada's West Coast, and while they aren't everywhere, a lot of us under 40 seem to have constructed these types of bikes here. All just a little different, but all with the three common themes. T Bars are still up for debate, because the stock Mini Apes aren't bad at all...
I agree with you 100%. I live in SoCal, very close to your dealership actually so I know how popular this style of bike is. I have a 17 Street Bob that I built to be a "club Dyna" and I absolutely love the bike. It's fast, handles very good and its comfortable for long rides. If Harley is looking to market to the younger crowd, this would be the perfect bike to build, I too think it would do very well.
Yes I love this club style . I would like to build one . I had a 07 Dyna Streetbob and just rode it as is . Now I ride a Heritage but would love a Dyna again.
I live in Washington State.
Midwest rider and I am building my sportster out club style. Saw it first at a motorcycle show and loved it.
From South Carolina building an FXR like this. Rode dirt bikes from time I could walk, still ride. Wanted a Harley that felt like a dirt bike this seemed like best option and cool look. Love the style hope this helps
Hi Matt, I’m from the UK and have been riding since I was a teenager (now in my 40’s). I ride every day in all weather and have ridden all types and makes of bikes. I like your point here and it’s about time someone started thinking like this. Hope this view helps and I hope you get some luck with HD listening to you here.
Harley Davidson seem to recognise the need to attract a new generation of rider. Not necessarily a younger generation, just tempt people onto their bikes who weren’t already. So they need to keep the ones they have and hit what it is people want that is either not available already and / or do what others do better. If they keep their Touring and Cruiser lines adding as they release but play more with the Dyna / Softail line and the Sportster line then they could potentially gain a lot of converts.
They released the 2018 Softails which I was dubious about but fair play, I was won over and think they got this totally right (once I got over the initial shock), but they pinned a lot of hopes on their new Fat Bob which I like, but I don’t love… quite simply it’s a good start but just not executed well enough to tempt those riding Japanese Street Bikes over. Great front forks make it turn in quickly from the front end, superb brakes but the fat tyres fight against the handling and for a 114 it’s extremely lame, basically it’s ‘ok’ but doesn’t do anything others don’t do better and with the HD price tag it just 'aint good enough. As much as they missed out on that bike the Street Bob on the other hand was quite fantastic and even flattens the Low Rider S. So they have a fantastic platform to release new styles here and this is where I’d like to see them cater for what riders want.
It’s the 2018 Softail platform where I’d suggest two new bikes; a chopper based stripped, skinny FX model and a Club-Style raised up model. There’s a whole host of younger riders who want to simply load a sissy bar with gear and travel across Europe with their friends doing chilled out kid stuff, as for the Club look well it’s simply a cool old fashioned Harley look that’s been around for a very long time but is easy to play with and acts as a surprise to others when the performance turns on.
So strip the chopper back with a high sissy bar and 12” apes; fair up the Club and add 12” T’s and release them as a basis to ride stock or inevitably build on what has been sold. The stock needs to be styled from the off to attract those wanting those looks who can’t afford the crazy prices it takes to build from a good, but fresh and unimaginative platform. I know HD would see an initial reduction in aftermarket mods sales at the initial showroom bike purchase, but the aftermarket companies would benefit in the long run as would HD.
They are missing a trick here, I’m from the UK, ride all over this country and across Europe, these two looks are everywhere and HD have had nothing to do with them, it’s all down to the riders to create who generally buy from 3rd party aftermarket companies. From what you’ve said Harley are kidding themselves, lying to you or are in complete denial. I love HD and want them to succeed but if they don’t cater for people others will.
Marble Hill, Missouri here. That's in the Southeastern corner, I'm also starting to see it more and more here and think that Harley should have done it a long time ago. I think part of it is the fact that they are sweet looking sweet riding bikes, but it also kind of growing due to the popularity of SOA. It was really popular show that appealed to a lot of people across the board and people like what they see on television. And when something that has your personal touch and style added to what you see in , rides as good as it looks then you got a win-win situation. I'm not saying that Harley should build exact replicas of the SOA bikes, because that would just be copycatting, but I do think that they should build a base to start with. They should bring back a Dyna or FXR Style bike, because they were such a popular and easily customizable recognizable bike. I personally would love to see a comeback of the FXR bikes. It's like one of my absolute dreams to have a modernized version of the Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man fxlr. I know that is off topic but that was my original plan was to buy a new Wide Glide and use that as a base, but I know Harley is wanting to build better riding bikes that appealed in the newer generation and with the Retro craze kicking in with muscle cars paint jobs and the way everybody is building all of their stuff I could see a modern FX are going over really well with a younger Harley generation. I see it in all of the Dyna based street Bob's and and super Glides that people are riding around. The old school style is coming back into play and that applies to the West Coast style Dyna FXR scene. I can't tell you how many lowrider S's and pro street Breakout that I see running around, and when I ask people about it a lot of times it has to do with the style, with the handlebars and the fairings and just the general look of what you referred to as clubbed out. And I think that is a very good description of this style of bike, calling them clubbed out or West Coast style Cruisers that instantly brings to mind the quarter fairing with the tall t bars or the super tall risers with a drag bar or a Moto Style Bar with the gauges mounted on top and either hard bags or no bags with big tall performance shocks and the crazy panel gold leaf paint jobs. I think that is a really good description regardless of how some people may feel about it. Is it stereotyping, probably, actually more than likely. But it fits, and I don't think it's lack of a better term. I personally honestly think, that if Harley was to do a club Style Dyna or FXR that it would go over with spectacular results. Not only because they would be bringing back a dyna FXR style bike, because everyone went nuts when they decided to kill the Dyna, but because it is such an iconic and recognizable bike throughout the world. So many classic Bikes have been built off that style frame, dyna's and fxrs alike. In general I think it would be a wonderful idea if they would bring back the FXR Style, and I mean completely across the board, the FXR the FX RS the fxlr the fxrt the fxrp. Bring all of those classic FXR style bikes bag to fill the Gap that the diner has left in its wake. A lot of people feel that there is now a great Gap between the Sportster and a Softails, and I'm right there with them I don't really like the new Softails the only ones that actually appeal to me is the lowrider and the new Fat Boys some what appeals to me I'm not a big fan of a few things on it but in the new Softail lineup really the only bike that appeals to me in a old school Harley look is the lowrider The Fat Bob and a Street Bob no longer have that classic Harley look to me. and I think that might be a turn away for some of the newer Riders who are looking for the Retro look, and older Riders who for a definitely lack of better terms are stuck in their old ways. I for one absolutely love the older bikes I would to get my hands on a knuckle with apes and foot clutch and a jockey shift, or even a modern version, which I have to say the new Milwaukee eight engine the top of it does remind me quite a bit of a knuckle and that is appealing to me with the Milwaukee eight when it comes to the look. All in all I honestly think that they should bring back the diner or the FXR And make a few models in there that are kind of a club. Style
I just want to say you nailed it I'm a sixty year old guy from Canada with an older dyna low rider and I've been seriously debating dropping the cash to do it up like that, unfortunately it becomes cost prohibitive it would probably be more cost effective to convert a new sport glide to club style, BTW This was the vid that got me to sub, thanks Mattt great addition!
I live in San Diego, I started on dirt bikes and went to street bikes. I’ve been seeing these club style bikes all over. Especially lane splitting on the freeway. Whenever one goes by I think renegade. I don’t have one yet but I want either a FXR or Low Rider S. Great vid.
I'm 26, from Algarve, south of Portugal. And I loved the Low Rider S to death. Not exactly the big front fairings and huge T bars, but a more toned down version of that. And the Low Rider S was the perfect balance for me, as a stock bike.
Really do not know if its club style but I own the following - FLHT with T-Bars, FLTR with T-Bars, FXRT with T-Bars. FXE with drag bars and a small fairing installed on it for the past 30 years. Try T-Bars on any motorcycle, you will find the handling will be improved 100%
From San Antonio, I personally have a super glide club style I built and I get plenty of compliments from all age groups, I've met very few people who don't like it but they have never rode a club style bike, I'm more than sure once they do they'll experience what the hype is about.
Matt , I'm from Vancouver B.C. I love the club style look. Lots of people from here love the look. Keep making ur videos.Best videos braddah!!!
New Hampshire checking in. We love the club style up here in the North East. Our roads are crap and lifting your bike with better suspension makes a huge differeance. All the young guys are going club style up here. If Harley had made the new sportglide with a 114 engine, dual front brakes and a FXRT style farring I would have bought that the day it hit the showroom. But instead they went with a small engine and the mini bat wing. No thanks, ill hold onto my 2011 dyna instead.Matt, you and few other younger Harley dealers are the only guys that get what the next gen harley rider wants. They need to start listening to you guys or their gonna loose us.
Harley should listen!! I’m from NYC own a 15 Ultra. However, I’m in the process of getting a club style dyna. These bikes are badass!
I’m from San Antonio, TX and a new rider at the age of 57 and I do actually like the look of this bike.
Matt, I absolutely can agree with you more on this club style topic. I bought a 20 m8 LRS from your dealer n I have upgraded so much as I have done on my previous clubstyle dyna FXDB. These style of taste is so demanding throughout USA n international geographic countries in my opinion. As you know n how I can tell, most aftermarket parts for this clubstyle mods are typically back order from either manufacturer or independent shop owners. I love this clubstyle bikes not only looks killer but it definitely supports function of daily riding or just weekend hopping around town. If HD comes out with general mods(fairing, t bar, and solid bags) i would not hesitate to purchase rather than piecing together post to purchase. Great video as always MATT!
hey man im from Beirut Lebanon, and ur right the club style dyna scene is growing all over the world im in the process of building my streetbob and a bunch of other dudes are as well. i really hope u can encourage Harley to start manufacturing club style bikes and selling them at the dealership as it will make our builds easier since we have to order all the parts from overseas. Really like your videos, keep it going man!
I'm still hooked on my Club Style Dyna...I.'m in Atlanta, Ga!
I'm in Orlando Florida originally from Torrance California. I ride a 2018 Road King special clubbed out with the saddleman ls seed, lucky Dave's t-bars 15 in Joker machine floorboards and I freaking love it. Every time I ride my bike around I'm always getting questions. Most recently I put on a Memphis Shades Road Warrior that just came out awesome the scene is blowing up here with Dyna FXR days. We just had an event at Donnie's Donuts in Daytona Beach for bike week that was decent it's growing and it's only going to get bigger
I love Road Kings Clubbed-Out. Such a great look. That's a bike I'd own for sure
I’m in Odessa Texas. Recently acquired a 22 Iron 883.
This is the look I’m converting the ride to.
Love the channel Holmes.
🔥🔥👇🏽👇🏽
Yeah man!!! I’m from Tucson and grew up racing dirt bikes and this style of Harley is the only reason I want a street bike. Mid controls the fearing t bars the whole thing man. Unknown industries is what made me want a Harley
Hey Matt i'm from France and i love that style, so i customized my vt600 in a club style and i met a lot of riders that love it too and ride that kind of bike
Matt I'm from Illinois 30 minutes from Chicago and I do see this style here but not as much as I seen in the West Coast. I think Harley should have came out with this style of bike in 2012.
Totally agree Matt!! I was really hoping that Harley was going to introduce a sport touring bike just like the FXRT of old. You hit the nail on the head with the pics of the FXRT. I am pretty much over the same old heavy baggers and that sport syle bike would be fantastic. This coming from a Florida rider. Thanks.
I love the club style. Most guys want to ride fast and hard.
Michigan City, Indiana. 45 miles from Chicago, on the bottom of lake Michigan.
17 FXDB here in So Cal.
Agree with the 2 bike concept, call it the Softail Superglide and Superglide touring. So simple and so perfect it would be!
Matt, I am 54 and from Oklahoma and I really like this style of bike. But I ride a Road Glide Ultra and that fits my style of ridding. I also agree that Harley should listen to Dealers like yourself and hear what the people want. I think they have made some great bikes like the Street Bob and the Fat Bob. I have ridden them both and really liked them! If I was going to have a second bike it would be one of those with T Bars on it. Great Video and Ride Safe!
It’s big here in Australia & yes the younger demographic. A year or so ago the Australian dealerships did the custom shootout challenge & my shop did a Dyna club style with all the trimmings, this culture stretches far & wide.
Here in NC. I notice a lot of us looking at club styles and the convo basically ends in "It's cool, but not for me" personally for me, I'm function over form. I personally will be getting a bike and "apocalypse proofing" it. Basically turning it into an adventure bike for the cheap. But I know guys here who just like stock or black out their bikes. My experience has pretty much been those three things. Making it better at something you enjoy doing, making it murdered out, or making it super comfy
Does HD have a dealer forum to check the pulse of the market from a dealer perspective? I would think they would use research data and global sales trends before making final decisions on style during the idea generation phase. You need to be on this forum! Back in the day, Willie G. and Clyde Fessler would hang out at Bike Week in Daytona and other events to see the trends and actually talk to riders. HD needs to be on the ground and riding in the various regional markets! They are most likely thinking globally and less regionally. This is where you have a huge opportunity to customize bikes for your market. Love your videos! Thanks Matt!
Thank you. Yes, there are Dealer counsel meetings that go over a lot including style (I assume). It's a very small body of people that are dealer owners. I'm not involved with it.
dude i couldn't agree more. I'm from Washington state so I fall under the west coast thought, however being in the Travis Pastrana era, as you mentioned, this bike style is completely appealing to me, and what draws me to Harley
I'm from NY & love my club style bikes. I own a 94 fxr & a 04 Roadster 1200R. They are Both in the process of being set up club style.
I’m from FL lived in GA the past 5 years and now in NY and all three states have a massive “club style” following