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The new Harley range features bigger engines, more ABS models, a 10th anniversary V-Rod, two new models and higher price tags. So far Harley-Davidson Australia has released the prices only for their 2012 Sportster models which are up between 6 and 10.5 per cent.
Marketing manager Adam Wright says they are "realigning' their prices with the US. "We have had the Sportster at a very good price point for a number of years and sales have been very strong, but now we have realigned pricing with the US," he says.
While prices for other models have not yet been released, they are not expected to increase as much because they were not offered at such heavily discounted levels. "It's hard to comment on other prices because we haven't released the prices to dealers yet," he says. "We will release our pricing strategy closer to model release dates."
Usually Harley releases its new models in August, but this year they are being spread out over several months. "We're delaying some of the product release, some due to production scheduling and some is due to inventories at dealers," he says.
With Harley sales down 3.1 per cent to 2955 in the first half of the year there is plenty of floor stock left over, despite Harley announcing substantial discounts from July 1. "We're hitting budget numbers, but we want to make sure that dealers aren't swamped in stock," Wright says. "We also want a decent amount of stock in our warehouse before releasing new models."
Managing director Peter Nochar says stock is at "planned levels". "We are currently projecting a lower year-end stock in 2011 compared to 2010 providing we continue to hit our sales budgets."
First bikes out of the racks are the 2012 Sportsters available now with some minor styling updates to the SuperLow, Iron 883 and Forty-Eight. The most updated Sportster is the XL1200 Custom which gets a chunky 16-inch front tyre, pull-back bar and new LED taillight. It also debuts Harley's factory customisation, allowing customers to choose from seven option categories (wheels, handlebars, seats, paint, foot control position, security system, and engine finish).
The Sportsters will be followed in November by the new Dyna range with the Twin Cam 103 (1690cc) engine rather than the 96 (1584cc) in all but the Street Bob and Super Glide Custom.
The Dyna range also expands with the new Switchback model which has ABS, colour-matched hard saddlebags and detachable windshield as standard.
At the same time, Harley will release its new Touring range including the Road Glide Custom with Twin Cam 103 engine, ABS and cruise control and its Custom Vehicle Operations models (Ultra Classic Electra Glide, Street Glide and Softail Convertible), all powered by the Twin Cam 110 (1800cc).
However, Wright says Tourers and CVOs may be delayed because of problems with the supply of radios from tsunami-ravaged Japan.
In December, Harley will release its Softails which now come with the bigger and more powerful Twin Cam 103 engine.
The new V-Rods are also released in December featuring a 10th anniversary model with new straight-shot exhaust, new wheels, pullback bars in silver and polished finishes, "chrome speed" screen visor, chrome powertrain with platinum crankcase and heads, and 10th anniversary emblem.
In July, Harley reduced the prices on 10 current models, including the Fat Boy (was $32,250, now $29,250 ride-away) and Dyna Wide Glide ($28,895 to $25,750). Prices on Harley branded apparel and merchandise was reduced by more than 17 per cent.
Harley Sportsters (rideaway prices)
XL1200X Forty Eight $18,250 (was $16,625 + 9.8%)
XL1200C 1200 Custom $17,995 (new model)
XL883N Iron 883 $14,250 ($13,400 + 6.3%)
XL883L Super Low $14,250 ($12,895 + 10.5%).
