Investigating The Death Of The Harley-Davidson Street Lineup

On Episode 107 of The Lowdown Radio Show we speak to Michael Hopkins, president of an industrial design firm with longstanding ties to Harley-Davidson in the brand’s formative years. Hopkins also worked at the Motor Company for nearly 16 years, and our conversation stretches from the design of the Coke bottle to Willie G. Davidson’s Hail Mary play that dragged Harley-Davidson out of the doldrums 50 years ago. Well, couldn’t they use another miracle right about now. Like a lightweight introductory machine to bring new blood into the brand. Like the Street was supposed to do, but failed. And wouldn’t you know it, Hopkins worked on the Street when he was at Harley-Davidson. Why was it a flop? What did he learn from the experience? We also talk planned obsolescence—the founder of his company is heavily associated with the term, speaking of which, did you know that rival manufacturers colluded to ensure that lightbulbs died an early death? This and more on The Lowdown Radio Show.