{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"LAB-410-Harley-Davidson's New CEO | What is the New Direction of Harley?","description":"After steering Harley-Davidson through a turbulent five-year transformation, CEO Jochen Zeitz has stepped aside, making way for newcomer Artie Starrs. While Harley calls Zeitz\u2019s departure a planned retirement, many point to mounting pressure from activist investors like H Partners and a disappointing second quarter as catalysts for change. Zeitz will remain on as senior advisor through early 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by his Hardwire strategy\u2014streamlining operations, spinning off LiveWire, and focusing the brand on profitability over volume. SUPPORT US AND SHOP IN THE OFFICIAL LAW ABIDING BIKER STORE Starrs, known for his leadership at Topgolf and Pizza Hut, represents a cultural shift for the 121-year-old motorcycle brand. Though new to the motorcycle industry, he\u2019s already taken steps to win over skeptics\u2014purchasing a Heritage Classic and enrolling in a rider course. His focus appears to be revitalizing Harley\u2019s retail and dealer experience, improving financial flexibility through strategic moves like the HDFS loan sale to KKR and PIMCO, and reintroducing more accessible models to attract younger riders. The board is betting that his franchise and consumer-brand expertise will translate into new growth. CHECK OUT OUR HUNDREDS OF FREE HELPFUL VIDEOS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND SUBSCRIBE! As Harley grapples with aging demographics, global competition, and shifting rider preferences, Starrs\u2019 challenge will be balancing the premium heritage Zeitz reinforced with a new era of inclusivity and affordability. The next twelve months will reveal whether Harley can expand its base without losing the brand\u2019s soul. In this episode, we unpack the leadership drama, investor influence, and what these changes mean for riders, dealers, and the future of America\u2019s most iconic motorcycle manufacturer. NEW FREE VIDEO RELEASED:  The Glacier Ride On Harley's That Tested Us All (And Changed Everything!)-A Motorcycle Documentary Film  Sponsor-Ciro 3D  CLICK HERE! Innovative products for Harley-Davidson &amp;amp; Goldwing Affordable chrome, lighting, and comfort products Ciro 3D has a passion for design and&amp;nbsp;innovation  Sponsor-Butt Buffer  CLICK HERE Want to ride longer? Tired of a sore and achy ass? Then fix it with a high-quality Butt Buffer seat cushion?  New Patrons:   James Hartley of Colbert, Washington   Bruce Klinger of Gilford, New Hampshire   Steve Jackson of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Canada   If you appreciate the content we put out and want to make sure it keeps on coming your way then become a Patron too! There are benefits and there is no risk. Thanks to the following bikers for&amp;nbsp;supporting us via a flat donation:    Roger Gardner of Vacaville, California   Alan Hudson   David Leischner of Seattle, Washington    HELP SUPPORT US! JOIN THE BIKER REVOLUTION! #BikerRevolution #LawAbidingBiker #Bikaholics #RyanUrlacher  \ud83d\uded2 SHOP IN THE LAW ABIDING BIKER STORE \ud83d\uded2 https:\/\/shop.lawabidingbiker.com   \ud83d\ude0e BECOME A MEMBER AND GET BENEFITS \ud83d\ude0e https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/lawabidingbiker   \ud83d\udcf9 GET PREMIUM MOTORCYCLE TUTORIAL VIDEOS \ud83d\udcf9 https:\/\/www.lawabidingbiker.com\/buyvideos   \ud83c\udfac WATCH OUR MOTORCYCLE DOCUMENTARY FILMS HERE\ud83c\udfac https:\/\/www.lawabidingbiker.com\/motorcycle-documentary-films   \ud83d\udcb0LEAVE A FLAT DONATION \ud83d\udcb0 https:\/\/www.lawabidingbiker.com\/donate   \ud83d\udcf1SHOP AMAZON RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS \ud83d\udcf1 https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/shop\/ryanurlacher   \ud83d\udcfa SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL \ud83d\udcfa https:\/\/goo.gl\/EtxUnW  \ud83c\udf99CHECK OUT THE WEEKLY PODCAST \ud83c\udf99 https:\/\/www.lawabidingbiker.com\/app   \u24d5 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK \u24d5 https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/lawabidingbiker   \ud83d\udc26 FOLLOW US ON TWITTER \ud83d\udc26 https:\/\/twitter.com\/LawAbidingBiker   \ud83d\udcf7 FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM \ud83d\udcf7 https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/LawAbidingBiker   \ud83d\ude48 FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK \ud83d\ude48 https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@lawabidingbiker   ","author_name":"Law Abiding Biker | Street Biker Motorcycle Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/lawabidingbiker.libsyn.com","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/38559635\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/194141680"}