One thing that should set off a warning for analysts is the fact that over the past few
years the total dollar amount spent on advertising and research and development has
actually been decreasing. This has boosted the current financial picture of the firm, but
without adequate new product development and a marketing focus to sell that product
the future of the company will not live up to its potential. An increase in both product
development and advertising spending would be a start for Harley Davidson in
keeping its growth going