Posted on 06/29/2018 9:34:30 AM PDT by Thalean
Harley-Davidson on Monday announced that it would move production for its European customers overseas, in order to avoid the European Union’s (EU) new import duties. President Trump slammed the move and accused the company of raising the “white flag” of economic surrender on Twitter.
Trump is right. Harley-Davidson’s decision is perhaps the most incompetent public relations blunder since Starbucks said it would replace 10,000 American workers with Syrian refugees—no doubt they will pay a heavy price.
In the meantime, Harley’s loss is our gain, as every individual failure makes the whole stronger.
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If tariffs end then they would likely decide at that time. But if tariffs go on for two or three years and Harley doesn't manufacture in the EU then where they manufacture won't matter. They'll be gone and out of business.
I’m seriously torn between a Kawasaki 650 and a Triumph Tiger XC...I have an 09 Bonneville and have ridden Kawasaki before too, big difference in price might be deciding factor...
How do you figure?
Harley Davidson engines and other sub assemblies for their fat, low horsepower, slow “lifestyle” motorcycles are built in Taiwan and only final assembly takes place in the USA.
Not the girlie Millenials.
This is a factor too the snowflakes.....
No its died down since the 90s has it not?
And many of us who did ride younger, I can tell you for myself, dont want to take the risk. At 25 never thought about it, now at 56 I will not take the risk.
I see old guys on harleys all the time but I want to relax, when riding you have to have your wits about you!! You have to stay focused IMHO
There is a hillarious SOUTH PARK episode where the bikers are going through town making the sound of the bike with their mouth.....evoke South Park.....bbbrrrrrummmmbrummmmmburmmmmburmmmbrumbrum brummmm
Freegards
India has a 100% tariff on HD motorcycles.
I ride a triumph speed triple. Looks awesome and is hands down the best bike ive ever ridden.
Hence the decision by Harley in 2010 to open plant in India.
If what I understand is true, I don’t blame them one bit.
Moving production overseas means loss of jobs here........
If you meant expanding production overseas to accommodate sales overseas then I would agree with you.....
The $2200 tariff per bike is 9% of the cost yet HD just got a 14% tax cut.
The tariffs went into effect on June 22 and HD announces the production move in their June 25 SEC report blaming it on the tariffs? The say it will take over nine months to implement the move. By then the tariffs could be off. Ironic to read the SEC report and HD outlining the risk of believing the “forward looking statements” included.
Forgot to mention, we live a block
away from the Harley dealership.
I drive past it nearly every day.
Not everyone I see is your typical,
searching for your youth type. My
neighbor right across the street
from me is 33 years old, with
3 kids and a wife. (she also
rides).
Most “Millenials” out here in
the west aren’t your big city
live in mom and dads basement
types. They have jobs, pay their
taxes, raise their families,
and ride their bikes, Jeeps,
and ATV’s.
Very true. EU tariffs are there to protect their EU makers of scooters and motorcycles. (ducati, vespa, etc...)
They cannot compete for Business in Europe when their Product is priced out of the Market there due to Tariffs.
The Company as a whole would still bring Profits back here the same way that Hyundai, Honda and the rest of Overseas Companies who own American Production Facilities and Employ thousands of Americans bring back the profit to their Home Countries.
I don’t blame HD one bit, it’s the EU that is pushing them into a corner. They are reacting to the problem, not causing it.
I had a Triumph 900 Scrambler. Bought brand new in 08. Loved the looks. If it sat for awhile it wouldn’t start. I have left my KLR sit for much longer than I ever let the Triumph sit. It has never failed me.
The KLR just goes and goes, never a problem. It sits high so it’s not for short riders. But for whatever reason, you just get on it and ride and don’t care if you drop it, or scratch it or get it dirty. I don’t think I have ever washed it. It’s heavy and not very fast or much torque. It will probably do 100 or slightly more which is more than I need.
Good luck.
Maybe we should offshore ALL our manufacturing jobs to whatever countries treat us most unfairly.
If the $2200 tariff prices your product out of the market then the 14% tax cut isn't going to help much.
By then the tariffs could be off.
If you were the CEO would you bet a big part of your company's profitability on that?
So the solution is to move existing production overseas and shut down production here at a loss of American jobs? That's what is happening.,.........
There is nothing HD is saying that would indicate that they are EXPANDING production overseas...............
Don’t confuse Domestic production for the domestic market with excess production that they are unable to sell in the EU.
Are they reducing production here because they do not have a viable European market due to unfair Tariff’s? That is how I read the situation.
Hate to say it, but their Product is losing popularity with the younger demographic that they need to stay in business. Their Bikes aren’t fast, don’t handle and they are a now a niche product.
I have a Family that own and love them, but they are Older just like me. The younger folks do t have the same enthusiasm and love of the Brand.
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