Harley gone global???? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

djsdave · 07-04-2006, 10:36 AM

It has come to my attention that a Pennsylvania based machine shop who makes parts for Harley has opted to go global. This means that some of your Harley parts are now being manufactured in China or some other foreign country. To me, this is another stab in the back to the American blue collar worker who makes a living as a machinist, and also to the people that spend big dollars on their Harley because it is "American Made".

This being the case, I might as well sell my Harley (which I love), buy a Yamaha and slap a Harley sticker on the tank. This will put at least $10,000 in my pocket and screw the American worker one more time, but that seems to be trend anymore.

One of the main reasons for my purchasing a Harley was to support America and the future of this great country. I hope I have not made a mistake.

sincerely-
concerned about the "American Dream"

Highmiles · 07-04-2006, 11:16 AM

The unfortunate part, is that there is no alternative. We are told we are in a "Global Economy" and that all manufacturers "outsource" parts to save money. What they neglect to mention is that all those savings go to the manufacturer and are not passed on to the consumer. Here in North Carolina, our main businesses have always been Tobacco, Textiles, and Furniture. All three products are now "outsourced", and there has not been any reduction in price, even though production costs are now pennies on the dollar.

The main munufacturing process, and assembly, still take place in the USA, and the profits remain here also. I will continue to support our American workers at H-D as long as I can, but I also wish H-D was 100% American Made.

Highmiles

P.S.I will NEVER buy any of the new furniture made in Vietnam under ANY circumstance.

WilburJr · 07-04-2006, 12:05 PM

Harley has had foreign parts for a long time now. Back around '86 a friend of mine was getting his LowRider ready for a bike show. When he removed his front fender it had Japan stamped on the inside of the fork.
I had a chance to go to the HD plant in York and go through the museum where I asked the question about the forks. I was told then that 20% parts on a Harley came from out of this country. So it's been going on for a long time now.

WilburJr

stretch · 07-04-2006, 02:38 PM

Hey djsdave, welcome to the forum. I agree with your concerns. What WilburJr wrote may be somewhat correct but what you are saying is horrifying. If I understand you correctly, HD's suppliers are outsourcing to foreign countries therefore the 20% stated can actually be much higher. As Highmiles pointed out, we consumers are not seeing the savings so what's the point. I would pay more for something made 100% in the USA or close to it. I personally don't understand this current trend in our nation to screw over each other and trying to justify it by "saying" we must compete on a global level. I say "what for" . We used to protect ourselves as other countries do by having tariffs on imported goods. Now with NAFTA and CAFTA opening up our borders to third world countries, how can we possibly keep jobs here. Let's face facts, not everyone is born with enough intelligence to go to college and do something "service" oriented. Our world needs basic labor too including production work. Our economy does not allow these people to make 2 dollars a day as they do in other countries. If the current trend continues, we will only create a larger divide between the haves and have nots along with a greater number of people in need of welfare. To add insult to this injury, our retarded politicians (both major parties) want to legalize the conservatively estimated 12 - 15 million illegals we have here to add to our current dilemmas. Kiss SS and Medicare goodbye in short order if this goes through...

Archon · 07-05-2006, 01:03 AM

Frustrating and unfair as it seems you need to understand that the economy has gone international. All manufacturers big and small respond to this. Times have changed.

71baldboy · 07-05-2006, 05:45 AM

Where you been livin'?
Harley has been using foreign made parts for decades. THIS IS OLD NEWS.
A smart corporation will search the globe for the best made and best service, that is a guaranteed supply of parts, not just the cheapest source.

stretch · 07-05-2006, 07:23 AM

Most are aware this is old news, what is new is the fact that their American parts suppliers are now also outsourcing to foreign counrties. Obviously you coming from Oz, this does not concern you, as an American, it concerns me greatly.

stretch · 07-05-2006, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archon

Frustrating and unfair as it seems you need to understand that the economy has gone international. All manufacturers big and small respond to this. Times have changed.

That is true since we stopped protecting ourselves and gave breaks to various nations from tariffs and signed new legislation such as NAFTA and CAFTA. The sad part is that it is all to line the pockets of a few while screwing the rest.

71baldboy · 07-06-2006, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stretch

Most are aware this is old news, what is new is the fact that their American parts suppliers are now also outsourcing to foreign counrties. Obviously you coming from Oz, this does not concern you, as an American, it concerns me greatly.

Australia(Adelaide-Cast alloy) has been supplying wheels to harley for 20 yrs, we also have been making the Hubs and now include the V-rod swingarms. Showa have been supplying frontends for ages.
What parts are you specifically refering to? Just curious..

71baldboy · 07-06-2006, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stretch

That is true since we stopped protecting ourselves and gave breaks to various nations from tariffs and signed new legislation such as NAFTA and CAFTA. The sad part is that it is all to line the pockets of a few while screwing the rest.

Stretch, we are facing the same problems here in Oz. Funny thing is they say we "Have to compete on a global level" but when they shift off shore-mostly to China the prices for the products don't drop, their profit margin increases.
Basically it's all about the bottom line.

Peace bro.

3twins · 07-24-2006, 08:26 AM

Maybe im a little behind the eight ball but are some hondas more "made in America" than Harleys? I heard a rumour about it but really have no clue if its true or not.

I think if Harley wishes to hold such a price premium then it should show some spine and use more of the local workforce. We are will to pay much more for an American bike, then give us a god d@mn bike thats proudly American made!

I think they are just pocketing a whole heap of our $ knowing that we will pay, although it seems we are getting Harley in name only. What are we getting for our money, what is America getting for being used as pivotal marketing tool by Harley? I dont think its jobs.

Krayven Sumhead · 07-24-2006, 08:44 AM

I've been collecting dealership pins for several years now. When I began, all were made in the USA. Last couple of years, most say 'Made in China' on the back of them. I agree with the thread starter, it's a sad, sad, day for America. Most of the Motor clothes are now made in China, Pakistan anywhere but in the USA. Just looked at the tag on the one and only Harley leather I own. SEZ "Harley Davidson, An American Legend". made in China.

emxgarcia · 09-16-2006, 10:15 PM

Hey folks... that'sthe way it goes.. did you know H-D actually had a plant in Brazil?
too late to complain...

Harley50glide · 10-01-2006, 01:42 PM

Its only one thing gang GREEEEEEED the suits line there pockets then want you to take pay cuts.Outsource the politicians that backstab the american worker.Global meens workers working for fishheads and rice

Redtail · 10-01-2006, 09:23 PM

As my Dad once said when I turned my nose up at a jacket made in China, "Boy if you want something made 100% in America You'd better learn how to look long and hard or how to make it your damn self."