Posted on 01/31/2007 12:41:44 PM PST by nowings
Jan 31, 2007 — About 98 percent of Harley's nearly 2,800 unionized workers have voted to strike. The contract expires at 12:01 a.m. Friday, and picketing will begin at that time, union representatives said.
Discussions on the proposed labor contract began at 9 a.m. today in the Toyota Arena at the York Expo Center, where the members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 175 met.
agreed.
Of course I have respect for all bikers. You should too. I have trouble understanding that you don't.
I proceeded to tell him that I paid $8995 and could do 10.45 in a quarter mile. He asked me what I did to the bike and I told him I put gas in it and turned the key. I never got around to telling him that was the slow bike and I just use it for twisties. But lean angle and rake and trail are words he would have never understodd anyway.
I see where you get your misconceptions from. $17k for the bike, and $20k in performance parts to go slower than a sport bike is pretty damned stupid. I don't get it.
I spent $6.5K on my bike, and then about $900 on parts to make it go faster. Not that I was looking for a performance machine, just that I thought the 883 was something of a dog especially riding two up.
Problem was that I over did it. I used domed pistons, aggressive cams, a race ignition, etc. It was just tuned for the wrong kind of ride. The power was waaaaay too far up in the band for my liking.
I've since gone the other way with dished pistons, a cam that's not aggressive but torquey in really low RPM's for real world roll on in traffic power. It still dynos at 10 more HP than a standard big twin, while only being 5/7 the weight. It's faster than the 1100 Yammy cruiser my buddy rides, but that's like being taller than Tattoo. Point is though, it's plenty fast enough for any kind of real world driving.
As for lean angles and rake and trail....lol. It was a lowered model when I bought with lowered front end and 11.75" shock in the rear (standard Sporty is 13.5"). I put 10.5" rears on within month. I probably reduce the lean angle by a full two degrees. Not that I ever noticed, because I actually slow down for corners.
Agree with you on this issue. They forget how hard Hoffa worked to implement the union and how owners/management took advantage of workers before there were unions.
Not excusing excesses, but don't throw the baby out with the bath water on this issue!
I think it's more like $350, which is enough of a rip-off. The checkup is a glorified oil change. You should be able to your 500 mile checkup for under $100. That's oil, oil filter, and a service manual. The service manual is a one time expense of $40, so after that it's just a filter and some oil. Don't pay stealership prices.
I don't think I ever impied the the Japs were trying to drive HD out of business. They were "dumping" (the government's word, not mine)large CC engine motorcycles at well below manufacturing costs. Unfair trade was the issue if I remember correctly.
For any Jap bike over 700 CC's sold there was a tariff applied. HD got 4 years of "protection". The company had improved their situation enough that they asked to have the tariff lifted for the last year.
At the time I agreed with the government. HD would not be here for those workers to strike if not for the action taken then. Oh, and the company's ability to right itself.
There is one universal truth with old harleys. They never seem to die.
You can still find new parts for a 56 panhead. (hard to do the same with an 95 Honda)
Whether it is a Harley or a Jap Bike or a Guzzi there is one universal constant. The rubber side goes down, everything else is just opinion.
ride safe.
Nice try, but you availed only in proving my point, hence your proclivity towards 'biker chicks'.
No doubt. How many were wearing that popular biker perfume, Eau de Budweiser?
I agree they were technically "dumping", but not in an intentional way to destroy any other company's business. Really, the Japanese pretty much had the market to themseleves at that time. I disagree that the tariffs had anything to do with Harley's resurrection. There was just very little potential overlap in potential customers at that time. What saved Harley was restructuring and a renewed commitment to quality and reliability, and their genius in marketing the "Bad boy" image to average people.
But that's just my opinion. It didn't really hurt the Japanese, and its biggest effect was that the US got 700cc versions of all the 750cc bikes the rest of the world got.
Overpriced?? Not when I bought new in 1990.
Get and ride what ever you like. Your choice. No problem w/ it here at all. Oh, and enjoy it - that's the best part.
I am an engineer who works with many of my co's union workers. Your description of these union workers is not accurate. And I would suspect it is the same for most workers.
I am hoping I detect some sarcasm in your last paragraph. Do you know how many people are employed in those and RELATED fields?
You are probably correct. Wonder why that is?
Thanks.
Yea, but you don't have the legendary Harley sound, you only a Japanese made cycle. If I am not mistaken Harley's are handmade little, if any, production line.
Don't the Freedom Riders would attend the military funerals ride Harley's for the most part?
You statement there makes no sense, sir."
I apologise to 66-442hot and to everyone else for the contents of original post I made. In my haste to send the message, I left out a critical part. I have since corrected that and will attempt a further respond to the 66-442hot's post here.
The idea that I had intended to convey was that the owner of a company be it an individual or a corporation has absolutely no responsibility to share any portion of the profits with the employees.
At first glance the above may seem unreasonable and some might even consider it unjust. However, if we are to have a capitalistic system, then only those of us that supply the capital are entitled to the profits because we also assume the risk of loss. That is to say, we may get rich or we may lose our shirt. Depending on our ability's we may encounter either result.
Purchasing the products of a factory should not be construed in the same light as supplying capital. Consumers almost always have the choice to purchase a similar product or to withhold their purchase money entirely. That is to say, nobody forces anybody to participate in making a purchase. Entering into a contract to purchase whether in writing or verbal and no mater what the size is a voluntary act made by two reasonable parties either of which can refuse to proceed.
Again, I am truly sorry for the confusion I must have caused with my 1st post.
Semper Fi
An Old Man
The potential for overlap of customers only had to be very small to cause some damage, if you recall the times. HD wasn't making and selling that many motorcycles. You are correct that it probably didn't hurt the Japanese much.
I also stated in an earlier post why I felt HD made the turn around so successful. It was similar to what you stated. So we agree there.
I wanted a good, dependable, heavy motorcycle for my own riding desires. When they finally made one - I bought it.
And it is still worth about the same as I paid for it new.
Went on the Toys for Tots ride in our town. We had a great turnout...some 1100 bikes. The ride consists of about 12 miles of surface street riding approx. 7 to 10mph...in a continuous long line of bikes...directed by the local police. While lounging around awaiting takeoff, the sky was blue, the sun out and temp. around 60 degrees. Just a beautiful day! You could easily tell the Harley riders from all others...they were decked out in their leather chaps, leather jackets, leather do-rags...what a bunch of posers!
Its funny. HD is now touting their new production 96ci fuel injecteed engine. It doesn't make anymore horsepower or torque than the 88tc but its a lot smoother...HAHAHAHAHA.
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