debeda

http://click2.banyanhill.com/t/Cg/wkk/AAGbdw/ADVh_w/AAZPfQ/OTA4OTgzfGh0dHBzOi8vbW9uZXlhbmRtYXJrZXRzLmNvbS90cnVtcC1oYXJsZXktZGF2aWRzb24tZXUtdGFyaWZmcy8-cG9zdF9pZHM9MjQ5OSw4MzUyLDM5NTIsMzM2NiZhbXA7dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1NQU0tTmV3c2xldHRlciZhbXA7dXRtX21lZGl1bT1FbWFpbCZhbXA7dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPURhaWx5LUFydGljbGUtVHJhZmZpYw./AQ/fT2s

Harley Davidson is blaming tariffs for its sales dropping. Harley Davidson took to building its iconic brand in other countries last year. Most bikers that buy Harley Davidson do so because it's an American made brand. The executives at Harley Davidson are dunderheads.

Richard Rowland

I agree, debeda. I to question the effect the move will have on foreign buyers. I'm also curious about the pricing structure vis-a-vis, purchased in America. I suppose it depends on the attitude of the foreign buyer, will they still have a sense of p***e in ownership if the iconic Harley Davidson is made elsewhere?

This isn't the first dumb move Harley Davidson has made. Back in the late sixties or early seventies, I forget exactly, Hatley Davidson sold out to AMF. As I recall, AMF was a holding company of various sport related manufacturing companies. The quality suffered under AMF's management. However, I had a 1973 Super Glide that was, for the most part, reliable.

I've ridden motorcycles since my late teens, all but one Harley's. I presently have two. However, they have all been of a sport variety, I've never had what is referred to as a bagger. Those big Harley's with saddlebags and windshields. Of the motorcycles, I've owned, none have had a windshield.

Of course, you've heard it's the bugs on our teeth, indicating a happy rider with no windshield.

debeda

too true!! I had a 650 Triumph in my younger days. Good times!! My son has an HD touring bike and the new bigger, badder version of the Sportster, which name eludes me at the moment. He also has an HD scooter ( that was a new one on me ) at his summer place. My son really likes his toys.

BigMike Loc: yerington nv

They certainly weren't buying them because they were the best bikes on the market. That was a dumb move and tariffs have not a thing to do with it

debeda

EXACTLY!!!!!!! I say again, they are dunderheads

ACP45 Loc: Rhode Island

Principals will almost always loose out to corporate profits in the boardroom of most large companies. According to this article, India has a 105% import tax on motorcycles not manufactured/assembled in India. If you are not content selling a few motorcycles to one of the worlds most populous countries, you do what Harley Davidson did. Just like doing business with China, you either play by their rules, or you get shut out of doing business with that country.
http://www.iloveindia.com/bikes/import-bikes-regulations.html

Richard Rowland

Horses, motorcycles, if ya can swing a leg over it, I've ridden it. My two Harley models: 1996, 883, Sportster and 2004, V-Rod. The V-Rod is awesome. The dealer I bought it from in 2004 had used it as a demo, it had 400 miles on it when purchased. The Dealer had tricked it out a bit. Lowered it, Rinehart straight pipes, and d**g bike handlebars.

I bought it on a Friday and left for Sturgis, South Dakota, the next day. I and a group of us visited Sturgis for the first time in 03, we made the trip for several years following. To give ya an idea for how unique the V-Rod is, once we arrived at Sturgis, 2004, I had people complimenting me on it during our week long stay.

In fact, one morning shortly after arriving, we were waiting at a stoplight and a guy ran into the street to tell me it is the best-looking motorcycle he's seen. If one can imagine the number of motorcycles there, of all types, I thought it a special compliment.

In 03, our first trip to Sturgis, I took the Sportster. However, we trailered two motorcycles, and two were on the road. There were four of us. The downside is that I didn't get to ride much, that first year, while there.

I had invited a friend who wasn't in the best of health, Lime disease had done a number on him. However, he was eager to accompany us to the point of buying a new trailer for the trip. My son-in-law rode his motorcycle the whole way, while we all took turns driving the truck and riding my sick friend's bike, during the trip there.

Once we arrived, we unloaded the trailered bikes but that was about the extent of it for me. It didn't take long for my friend to realize he wasn't able to ride in that crowded environment. During our stay, we chased the other two guys around, they on their bikes, my friend and I in the truck, me driving.

However, on the trip home, we loaded my friend's bike, and I rode mine 900 plus miles home, By the way, the following years we rode the entire trip, no trailering. Getting a bit long in the tooth, I quit making the trip around 2009 or 2010, however, a few of the guys still make the annual trip. But they too, are getting a few years on 'em. It remains to be seen if they continue.

While it hasn't been indicated, I suspect last year's trip may have been their last. Wives and girlfriends also accompanied, while in the past no women allowed.

debeda

Yep Sturgis is a mob scene. I never went, but had a few friends who went every year from probably 1975 until 2002, when one of the guys passed and it took the heart out of them. Anyhow, just looking at the pictures made me claustrophobic!

Kevyn

The tariffs have been terrible for our farmers and many manufacturers. Harley Davidson already uses parts made outside the country. The people who by them by them as an American brand they are clueless as to the origin of the parts. The real problem they face is they market to a geriatric customer base.

bahmer

Amen and Amen

debeda

Don't say that in public.......for your own safety.....

BigMike Loc: yerington nv

I'd take a BMW any day.

Half a Volkswagen and its monoshock rear suspension makes it good for on and off road.

Better shape up Harley!

BigMike Loc: yerington nv

Plus it's tall.

BigMike Loc: yerington nv

Tariffs don't amount to s**t by the time a bike gets to the showroom floor and they are temporary.

I hope that computes for you.

TrueAmerican

Trying out for the moron Olympics I see !!!!!!