“I believe that Harley told the government it didn’t need the tariff anymore before it expired.”
Yes, Harley asked the government to repeal the tariff one year early, and it was removed.
Saved Harley.
Personally, I was against this tariff.
Harley, just like GM should have gone into receivership.
Harley would have quickly been brought back to life and would be just as well off as they are today.
They built a horrible product back then that did not even have an electric starter.
Japanese and German bikes were far superior to the American trash that was being produced.
Of course, there will be some FReepers who disagree with me - it’s likely they are behind a pair of ‘ape hangars’ wearing a bandana and smelling badly.
Not MY style.
I definitely don't know "woulda coulda shoulda" when it comes to their financial situation.
They built a horrible product back then that did not even have an electric starter.
Yes they were bad, the "hen's tooth" was a 79 Sportster and it sounds like no two were alike.
Japanese and German bikes were far superior to the American trash that was being produced.
Arguably they still are but there is more to it than the greatest or fastest bike.
Of course, there will be some FReepers who disagree with me - it’s likely they are behind a pair of ‘ape hangars’ wearing a bandana and smelling badly.
I like my Heritage and the fuel injection helps the thing start for people who can't figure out how to use a carburetor. But idle sounds like a Honda. Now they've added liquid cooling to the heads of the new models which is blasphemy to me.