I believe you gentlemen are figuring out the industry based more in social psychology than most want to admit!
Problem/opportunity: HD has made progress with their "brand" including the ability to charge more. One unfortunate result is that it is mostly the older guys who can afford these expensive toys. The unwanted side-effect of this is, well, let's call it the "Cadillac effect." Think about how much money Cadillac had to spend to contemporize their brand and make it start to appeal to a younger audience (truth be told, there was a bit of unexpected help when the hip-hop / rapper notables started picking Escalades). But in terms of the cool ad campaign and media spend, hundreds of millions of dollars.
Possible strategy: Persuade the younger crowd to come to HD dealerships with a good ad campaign when financing is at historic lows in order to get more of them out on the bikes, that effects word of mouth and 'visibility.' More see it, more do it. You start to expand that demographic piece of the pie which, in turn, effects your brand image. The downside, of course, is when they (you know, the ubiquitous "they") realize they actually can't afford the bike they financed and they start showing up in droves on Craigslist.
Just a theory, but I need more coffee.
