Will the next Harleys be made 'elsewhere'?

[dentheman]

Check out this news story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100804/ap_ ... ee_breakup Go to Comcast.net (second item).

[blaine]

Originally Posted by dentheman

Check out this news story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100804/ap_ ... ee_breakup Go to Comcast.net (second item).

I think that if H.D. moves it's operations out of Milwaukee,It will hurt sales.If they decide to move to another country,It will spell their demise.

:poorbaby:

[dentheman]

If they do move I am guessing a genuine 'Made in Milwaukee' Harley might become a valuable collectors item.

[alantf]

Originally Posted by blaine

I think that if H.D. moves it's operations out of Milwaukee,It will hurt sales.If they decide to move to another country,It will spell their demise.

Didn't someone say that Beemers were now made in China? (or some of them?) I don't know about in America, but it doesn't seem to have harmed their salesw over here. In our local town there seem to be more Beemers than ever, parked. :2tup:

[dhgeyer]

Originally Posted by alantf

Didn't someone say that Beemers were now made in China? (or some of them?) I don't know about in America, but it doesn't seem to have harmed their salesw over here. In our local town there seem to be more Beemers than ever, parked. :2tup:

All the "F" and "G" series BMWs are made in China now. Not sure about the transverse inline 4 "K" models, but I think they might be also. The "F" and "G" models are the 650's and 800's (vertical singles and twins) with unit engine/clutch/transmission and chain or belt drives (in other words the Japanese architecture). There have been some issues with the chains on the chain drive models.

I saw the HD article, and it didn't mention moving out of the USA. The "American Made" distinction is a big part of why people buy that brand. If they were made in China, Peru, Korea, or Mexico I think it would really hurt sales.

Harley may be the only brand that people care where they're made. The Chinese BMW's are very popular here. I test rode an F800GS a couple of weeks ago. Fun bike. I don't need a GS, but it was a fun test ride.

[Road_Clam]

Harleys are not "made in Milwaukee" they are assembled in Milwaukee. 80% of my Harley's parts are constructed in third world countries. Harley tries VERY hard to hide this fact. However, when you get up real close to a Harley the quality and fit is superior. So ehh, it doesn't really bother me where my product originates, as long as I get the same quality from "them" that I put into the products that I personally manufacture here in the USA. Many people ask me how come I own and ride both metric bikes and a Harley, and I comment "I am not brand loyal, I am motorcycle loyal" I love all types of motorcycles :2tup: