Wall Street Journal article on HD's future plans regarding model numbers, sales, dealerships etc. My understanding  is that they're cutting right back on everything.  One can only hope that they don't wreck their future by having a limit on spare parts and poor after sales service.

limited spare parts and poor aftersales service .. is all part of the harley davidson experience : /

You mean like the AMF era?

I completely agree with you and wouldn't recommend a Street 500 to anyone, you can get a lot more bike for the money from other manufacturers BUT I certainly would not call the platform a flop, they've sold shitloads of them! One of their highest selling models in recent years. 

On the Livewire.  Isn't it's role as a statement of intent, this is what we can do, bring the first large scale e motorcycle to the market ahead of the industry large players like the Japanese etc.  Yes it is expensive but it's more of a warning shot to other manufacturers and a image enhancer for the Motor Company.  Would get people's interest who would normally not consider a Harley Davidson.  Plus it costs a lot to be a first to adopt new technology.  Imagine if you bought one, what would that say about you?  Imagine the first time you pull up to the lights next to one, what are you thinking about the person riding it?

They already offer both of the above!

Livewire is not 40k US.....its 30k US and the Australian release is imminent. Pre order started around July and only from selected dealers. Cost here is 40k or roughly 28k US

The Livewire has already been released, one passed me on the highway last week (I was in my cage) and it was fucking weird just hearing an electric whine go past the window.