How Harley Davidson Can Make Going Green Cool
And make a lot of green.
Being that today is Earth Day I thought I’d take going green, a personal passion of riding my Harley, and capitalism and throw them all into one idea. I firmly believe that Harley Davidson can make going green cool, build an even stronger brand, and make a boat load of money by coming out with a few electric motorcycles.
Say What?!!
Alright, I already know that many of you are upset by just reading that last paragraph and my father is briefly thinking of disowning me for saying such a thing but please hear me out. I am not what one would label a “tree hugger” but I do try to do my part where I can. I have been riding motorcycles for over five years now and I own a Harley Davidson Road King, which I love. I realize that many love the experience of the heavy touring bikes and the loud pipes. I’m not talking about any of Harley Davidson’s lines going away. I’m talking about Harley Davidson adding something new.
Suggestion
Harley Davidson add two new electric motorcycles to their product line, based on the Sportster Family and/or Dyna Family. I’m thinking specifically The Sportster 1200 Low or the Street Bob. With latest designs in lithium batteries and other battery power sources, bikes could charge off of standard 110V or 220V input and go for nine hours with less then four hours of recharge time. There are already companies out there like Zero Motorcycles starting to come out with electric bikes based off the passion of one or two people. See video of Zero Motorcycle founder, Neil Saiki, with the bike on Jay Leno’s Garage here.
Who Would Want It?
I would but I realize I am not enough for a product line to be profitable so here’s what I believe to be the market. A good chunk of people in rural and urban areas that are earth conscious, know gas is only going to continue to get more expensive, and like to go on their motorcycles for cruising around the area for a few hours or get around locally without struggling to find parking…and want to look cool doing it. Just because we’re earth friendly and financially savvy doesn’t mean that we want to ride a lime green scooter or some tiny little car that looks like a penny racer. People in California, most metro cities, and much of Europe would be all over this. Once again, I am not saying that any current Harley Davidson owners will be converted to let go of their cruisers. I truly believe this would be another market for them entirely.
Why Would People Buy It?
First and foremost, the Harley Davidson brand name. If Harley Davidson can come out with quality products that have at least 8 hours of riding time and can hit cruising speeds of up to 70 (Both of these have been achieved by others.) and puts the Harley Davidson brand on them,they will go…fast! In two minutes I can think of about ten celebrities that are known Harley riders AND earth friendly. People see them on these bikes and all of a sudden going green isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s finally cool to do it!
Why Should Harley Davidson Even Think Of Doing This?
There’s three answers to this. Here they are in order of priority.
The Money
Everyone’s thinking of how to make cars more fuel efficient but there are plenty of motorcycle riders out there. If Harley Davidson comes out with a line of one or two bikes that are quality built with a good shelf life and are earth friendly to dispose of, they will literally own a whole new market. There is a ridiculous amount of money to be made. As time goes by and they learn from the two new lines, should the electric trend continue to prevail, they’ll have the experience and know how to offer other lines at a profit and when the market wants them instead of playing catch up and rushing out a crappy product.
Pride and PR
At a time where the American automobile manufacturers are getting their asses handed to them for multiple reasons in every area that matters to their customers, stock holders, and employees, how great of a story is it that a Midwest legend not only didn’t fall by the wayside but sees the future coming and takes it to a whole new level?! An electric motorcycle that’s built with Harley Davidson quality and actually cool to drive while helping the planet! That’s a feel good story that will be in every blog, news cast, business review and podcast for a long time.
The Environment and Less Dependence on Foreign Oil
This will actually help the planet both in terms of carbon footprint and use of natural resources. If you’re answer to that is, “Whatever Tree Hugger.”, let me play to your proud American side. This will also help to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil. Does that have your attention?
To close, Harley Davidson, please tell me you’re looking at this market. There’s too much money in it not to look at it. If you ever need a test driver, I’m here for you.
