Actually, HD requested the tariff to be lifted prior to it ending.
You're absolutely right. There never would have been a 700cc bike if it weren't for the Harley tariff. I think it was rescinded several years ago though.
I'm still waiting for Harley to pay me back the extra several hundred dollars I paid for my '84 Ninja 900 due to the over-749cc protectionist tariff.
Actually, not only was it recinded, but Harley went to Reagan 1 year earlier than it had, to say he could lift the tariff. They only took the necessary time needed to achieve the quality it sought. Then, production couldn't meet the demand, as a result. Been going strong ever since...
If I remember correctly the thing that saved HD was a tariff on "rice burners" over 700cc or any imported bike. I don't believe that was ever rescinded.
It was recinded. Funny.... all the Japs did was stamp the engine cases 699 cc. I know Yamaha did this on a few of their bikes to skirt the issue.
Yep. President Reagan saved an American Legend. It was a good call.