The decision to discontinue a specific model and continue producing another can be influenced by various factors, including market demand, sales performance, production costs, and strategic planning.
If the Softail Deuce was not meeting sales targets or did not generate sufficient demand, Harley Davidson might have decided to discontinue it to focus on more popular models with higher sales volumes, such as the 883 Sportster.
Market Trends: Motorcycle manufacturers often respond to market trends and consumer preferences. If there was a decline in demand for heavyweight custom cruiser motorcycles like the Softail Deuce, Harley Davidson might have decided to discontinue it to allocate resources towards other models that were more in line with current market demands. The 883 Sportster, with its smaller displacement and sportier positioning, might have continued to appeal to a specific segment of riders or had stronger sales performance.
Production Costs: Manufacturing and production costs can play a role in the decision to discontinue a model. If the Softail Deuce required more resources, engineering, or components compared to the 883 Sportster, discontinuing it could have been a strategic move to streamline production and optimize cost-efficiency.
It's important to note that the decision to discontinue or continue a specific motorcycle model can be influenced by a complex set of factors, including market conditions, company strategy, and customer preferences. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Harley Davidson's product lineup and the reasons behind specific model decisions, it's best to consult official Harley Davidson sources or reach out to a Harley Davidson dealer.