You are all missing the point of the 500 and 750cc Harleys, they are entry level bikes and not much else but it is a good move for Harley
1- They are using the bikes(500) at all their training classes that Harley offers
2- They are building brand loyalty a lot of us will ride the same brand for years and as Harley goes from $7000 to over $50000 for a bike in the long run the average buyer will upgrade to a more expensive bike
3- The biggest market is in bikes under 1000cc(also lowest margins)
4- Getting a younger rider on a Harley and keep him for life (see #2
)
5-Buy a Harley any Harley and you also buy all the poser gear for that bike/brand just as we all do with Triumph.