Originally Posted By: Robenstein
Originally Posted By: loneryder
I'm with alarmguy. My 14 Ultra Ltd with the 103 is more than enough to handle. I's just staged 1 and it will jump out from under me. I'm in my 60's and it seems to me that most of these big HD cruisers are purchased by old guys. Do they really want a bigger heavier bike to wrestle around?? When I had a twin cam 88, I wanted to get more power/speed out of it but with this 103 no way.
Average age of a Harley buyer is around 50 last data I saw.
I don't think this has as much to do with Polaris/Victory/Indian as some claim. Development of any new engine is going to be due to Uncle Sam's regulations more than market demand.
Based on the average age that would mean a huge number of Harley riders 50 to 70 year old equal the number of riders 18 to 50 years old for an average of 50.
Also, the older riders, more affluent are the ones buying the big cruisers.
You dont need to make an engine larger to meet EPA regulations. Just about every Metric bike on the market has a smaller engine and much of Harleys product line as well.
I also dont know how a larger engine equates with more weight and if it even does when it comes to Harley, all I know is past history these bikes keep getting more heavy to the point that some older riders are turning to the Yamaha vstar 1300. Also, the new 2016 FJR 1300 REALLY looks appealing, power, comfort, electronics, interstate ready for sure, over 6 gallon gas tank, makes this super sport cruiser a lightweight at 650 wet pounds.
(im really liking the thought but never actually looked at one)
The only concern I had was seeing the new Springfield with its large engine coming out another 40 lbs heavy then the Road King.
I could be wrong on this next statement but I did read the new Rushmore liquid cooled bikes add another 100 lbs in weight? All I am saying is some smart manufacturer will realize their is a market for an aging population that still wants the power and comfort of the large cruiser in a lighter more nimble package. Its completely doable, even a modest 10% weight reduction from current levels should be possible without much sacrifice in power, if any at all. Then hold the line! I do assume it would be more costly (aluminum frame maybe a replacement for the vtwin etc)
Ok, im just rambling on
) Its also quite possible I might the only one buying such a bike ... unless ... FJR 1300.