What do you want to see from Iron Heart Racing?
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I think that the Iron Heart Racing aesthetic could fit into the wider retro / custom scene, and I could see the gear working on my Thruxton.
I think that's a good point actually. I don't know how hard this will be marketed directly at HD riders (young or old) or if that is just a catch all phrase for bikers who want a certain type of aesthetic with their clothes. I doubt riding a Harley and being young is a pre-requisite for the sort of style IHR will capture.
On another note, I'm also increasingly getting the impression that this is a West Coast thing.
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@neph93 my round town riding gear consists of a Rev'it Fargo jacket and Rockefeller jeans, with a pair of TCX Fuel Gore Tex boots.
I could see a Harley rider wearing similar gear. They'd probably swap the jacket out for something a bit more black, maybe wear an open-face helmet, and probably add skulls and flames.
I don't know how well Harley are capturing younger riders. Something like the new Fat Bob is more likely to appeal to a twenty or thirty something than their usual demographic. But I also suspect that a Thruxton, Ducati Scrambler, or R nineT would be more desirable again.
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I think they’re using Harley Davidson as a “catch all” term, rather than a specifically narrowed demographic. I’m sure the appeal will stretch to the retro, chopper, low rider and possibly even classic cafe racer and touring bike enthusiasts.
Unless it was only marketed in HD dealerships and publications, or had some HD branding, I fail to see how it would not.
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The OD zippered type 3 makes me reconsider my dislike of that jacket style, so good.
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@Megatron1505 It is rather good. Seeing the type III vest represents the first time I haven’t felt bad about owning the “Sonny” vest since I knew it existed. It now seems like it was meant to be…
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I think they’re using Harley Davidson as a “catch all” term, rather than a specifically narrowed demographic. I’m sure the appeal will stretch to the retro, chopper, low rider and possibly even classic cafe racer and touring bike enthusiasts.
Unless it was only marketed in HD dealerships and publications, or had some HD branding, I fail to see how it would not.
Thank you, that is what I tried to say before the little Excourse, the Riders I know dress all the same more or less, without connection to their preferd Bike Brand. Younger HD Rider means to me that the All Leather Bodysuit Hayabusa guy isn´t the aimed pear Group.
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Which is what leads me to think that IHR and IHI are aiming for the same sort of customer base in the US that IH already serves in Japan.
My point was more that the marketing should aim to be more inclusive, than just saying, "It's clothing for Harley riders." Motorcyclists can be quite tribal.
So does anyone want to take bets on how long it'll take @neph93 to buy the vest?
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I’m not sure the marketing does say that it’s for younger Harley riders, unless I missed something. Maybe it was mentioned here but I don’t think it’s part of the marketing.
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Let’s wait and see if it’s full of Kevlar and costs 800USD first. In that case it might take a week or two… [emoji51]
Don't threaten Reuben with a good time.
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This might be sort of off topic for this thread, but if sales in Japan are dropping, has H considered making some "non-biker" wear? It wouldn't have to abandon the IH aesthetic, standards, etc., but some of the complaints you see about current productions have to do with features that are geared towards bikers, so maybe tweaking things for more of a mainstream appeal (e.g., shorter arms on certain pieces) would help.
Any idea of brands like the Flat Head, PBJ, etc popularity in Japan is dropping too?
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I'm just finishing up a job in Myrtle Beach, SC., which is known for it's large biker crowd and scene. One day for lunch, by accident myself and 2 co-workers went to lunch, the place we wanted was closed, but across the street was a bar called Suck Bang Blow. We ate there, on that day it was a very mellow crowd, and friendly. The Barman was showing me pictures of they're events they get thousands of attendees. Maybe some Iron Heart people should attend and display what they got. www.suckbangblow.com
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Above, I stated Myrtle Beach, I'm actually in Murrells Inlet, just south of Myrtle Beach. Also a beautiful area.
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All Japanese brands in our space are having a hard time at the moment. We are better protected than most because of the size of our International sales. I predict we will see some well-loved names disappearing in the next couple of years…..
I hate to hear that. Why is this happening?
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I hate to hear that. Why is this happening?
I hope I am not stepping on a mine field here.
Aging demographics, and the need to connect with a younger generation. I also think the younger generation don't really want to wear what their dad (however young…) used to wear when they are growing up. They are bombarded with a lot of choices, mass marketing, fast fashion with cheaper and disposable clothing.
How many chambray / plaid / UHF shirts do you really need?
Pricing is probably another factor. The market is small and IH is a niche product (IMHO), not a lot of people willing to spend $$$ on a shirt / a pair of jeans. If they do, IH is probably not at top of the list unless you are a denim head.
