Not really disagreeing with your larger point, but in this specific instance it's less "designed to last" and more "not actually used". The article points out

Not really disagreeing with your larger point, but in this specific instance it's less "designed to last" and more "not actually used". The article points out how owners are getting older, having more health issues, etc. and that the bikes aren't actually used for anything but fun rides on the weekends. Harley Davidson is an incredibly powerful brand, but it's not a brand built off of ultra reliability and the creation of long lasting vehicles.