Originally Posted by
Evmetro
I predict that Harley will eventually shut down. I suspect that they have survived because of the pride in "American iron', patriotism, and testosterone, since their Japanese competitors have been producing superior products.
I can remember a time when riders of jap bikes were not welcome at motorcycle events, and there was a tremendous amount of pressure on bikers to buy Harley, but the culture is no longer surviving the newer political and social climate. The cultural support of Harley was strong enough to withstand competition from manufacturers from other countries who were able to sell superior products at lower prices, but the cultural support has been gradually replaced by lefties and feminized men who resent America. So long Harley...
I don't know if you recall, but from 1969 through 1981, HD was owned by AMF and their quality dropped dramatically (according to their faithful following). AMF actually kept them afloat, or as you mentioned, the superior Jap products would have sent them bankrupt. 13 investors bought back the company in 1982 and turned it into a $10 billion company.
That said, HD does have a very large following, mainly because they are built (despite still having their design flaws, see my above post) here in America (and the fact that they literally dominate the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle division). That could change if they become built overseas and imported back here far more than "the cultural support has been gradually replaced by lefties and feminized men who resent America" has anything to do with it.
Common sense is not a gift, it's a punishment because you have to deal with everyone who doesn't have it.
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