[bert]

I think you overlook the primary issue. The Harley factory will be producing product for the Asian markets.

The asian markets for cycles dwarfs the American market. The competitors are Asian So production must be in Asia where not only are production costs lower, but also the supply chain logistics.

There is much more at stake here than American jobs

[Spktyr]

The Harley factory has been churning out parts for US Harleys for years.

[ASA Vet]

Oh stop throwing facts and logic into a good rant thread.

[LouAvul]

Besides, Harley is dying in the USA. Geezers are getting out of riding. They are no longer strong enough to manhandle 800 to 1,000 pound hunks of steel in the garage anymore. And Harleys still haven't put in a reverse gear, unlike Honda Goldwings.

Harleys are also very low on innovation. ABS is not standard on many models. Typically, the only innovation in HD is the color changes from year to year. They are still overweight, grossly underpowered, and ride like a one handled wheelbarrow.

Finally, young riders, the ones who keep any hobby in business, aren't willing to shell out ~$30,000 for a toy. They can buy a brand new BMW sport bike for ~$5,000. Besides, kids these days don't like noise. It's obnoxious.

So, my understanding is that HD is going to be introducing a new line and style of bike in Asia. Smaller. More nimble. For the Asian market.

At least, that's the consensus of the posters on the Harley Davidson forum.

[central_va]

There is much more at stake here than American jobs

There is nothing more important than American jobs.

[thefactor]

I understand manufacturing products near where those products will be sold. Toyota and Honda have factories in the US, for instance. But for American companies to manufacture overseas products that will be shipped and sold in America is sad. I am all for maximizing profits, but it’s crazy to me that shipping something thousand of miles is cheaper than making it near where it will be sold.