http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/mcn/2008/july/7-13/jul1108-harley-davidson-buys-mv-agusta/?R=EPI-101662   

WOW! I got nothing for that - except astonishment. Maybe we'll be seeing some really good apperal though.
LA

Better them than Duc if someone has to go....still such a shame....

 

Woah.

Hopefully this will be a good thing in the survival of MV/Cagiva.

Quote from: CDawg on July 11, 2008, 06:46:42 AM

Better them than Duc if someone has to go....still such a shame....

history lesson:  http://www.cybermotorcycle.com/euro/brands/aermacchi_history.htm

Ok then. i guess i won't be buying an MV anytime soon then. 

...Yeah, at least it wasn't Ducati! (whew)

Shame that those two noble brands have to live under such taint now.  damn shame. 

the real question is why?

why would HD want to buy a motorcycle company when moto sales are down overall and mv is inherently a very expensive product almost more so than even the HD products.

Quote from: sbrguy on July 11, 2008, 08:35:34 AM
the real question is why?

why would HD want to buy a motorcycle company when moto sales are down overall and mv is inherently a very expensive product almost more so than even the HD products.

They are hoping to fill the entire lifecycle of a motorcycle owner.  MV and HD both represent higher disposable income groups.  The thinking is when someone is mid- 30's, 40's they buy a MV and then as folks age they transition into HD's.

How good is the MV/Cagiva distribution network in Europe?

HD can't diversify outside of their "core product" group -- it truly has been stifling the company for years. (and its actually hurting them now due to a massive reduction in sales)

Buell is a great niche product for them and is profitable.  But the brand hasn't spread internationally as they have hoped for.

Cagiva -- remember what their core product group is.  Mito and Raptor.  More money is needed for development.

MV Agusta -- the premier lustful Tamburini masterpiece is over 10+ years old in design.  They are at the final tweak / special model stage which is amazing as sales are still pretty decent.  Think now of what the extra money (which HD has) that can be used to design a new replacement superbike and a few other motorcycles.

The important thing is that Tamburini is staying on -- as well as his entire design team.  I'm sure they have years of product design that hasn't gone anywhere due to no funds to actually develop / prototype and manufacture.

The HD merchandising group is going to have a field day with the possibilities in regard to clothing, etc.  Why not -- they are good at it.

One thing about the HD ownership group (and board of directors) -- it actually has an incredible love for Italian motorcycles.  I've learned and worked with some interesting people that past few years that really has surprised me given my MotoCreations DesmoDevil project.  

Here's a link to H-Ds press release:

http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/HD_News/Company/newsarticle.jsp?locale=en_US&articleLink=News/0292_press_release.hdnews&newsYear=2008&history=news

Quote from: MotoCreations on July 11, 2008, 09:06:46 AM
HD can't diversify outside of their "core product" group -- it truly has been stifling the company for years. (and its actually hurting them now due to a massive reduction in sales)

Buell is a great niche product for them and is profitable.  But the brand hasn't spread internationally as they have hoped for.

Cagiva -- remember what their core product group is.  Mito and Raptor.  More money is needed for development.

MV Agusta -- the premier lustful Tamburini masterpiece is over 10+ years old in design.  They are at the final tweak / special model stage which is amazing as sales are still pretty decent.  Think now of what the extra money (which HD has) that can be used to design a new replacement superbike and a few other motorcycles.

The important thing is that Tamburini is staying on -- as well as his entire design team.  I'm sure they have years of product design that hasn't gone anywhere due to no funds to actually develop / prototype and manufacture.

The HD merchandising group is going to have a field day with the possibilities in regard to clothing, etc.  Why not -- they are good at it.

One thing about the HD ownership group (and board of directors) -- it actually has an incredible love for Italian motorcycles.  I've learned and worked with some interesting people that past few years that really has surprised me given my MotoCreations DesmoDevil project. 

All very good points.  I see nothing but good coming out of this.  Harley haters, I think you are way off the mark.  If this hadn't happened MV would likely have once again gone under.  With their respect for tradition, I hope that Harley will recognize that MV is roadracings most successful label and
will infuse the money necessary to bring them back to glory. 

Quote from: sbrguy on July 11, 2008, 08:35:34 AM
the real question is why?

why would HD want to buy a motorcycle company when moto sales are down overall and mv is inherently a very expensive product almost even more so than even the HD products.

Fixed it for ya!

Although the MV stuff is more expensive than HD, at least you get a pretty good value with MV vs. the cheap parts bin crap that comes on the HD's.