Harley-Davidson Moving More Production Overseas!

[EngineWhisperer]

I am deeply disheartened by Harley-Davidson's recent decision to shift the production of their Pan America, Sportster, and Nightster models from the United States to their facility in Thailand. This move feels like a betrayal to the loyal American riders who have long supported this iconic brand, priding themselves on its rich heritage of American craftsmanship.

Harley-Davidson has always been a symbol of American freedom and ingenuity. The roar of its engines has echoed the spirit of the open road, embodying the essence of the American dream. To see this legacy compromised by outsourcing production overseas is both shocking and disheartening.

The company justifies this decision by citing cost savings and the need to optimize production capacity. However, this comes at the expense of American jobs and the quality assurance that comes with domestic manufacturing. It's particularly concerning that models sold in the U.S., which were once proudly labeled "Made in America," will now be produced abroad.

This isn't the first time Harley-Davidson has made such a move. In recent years, they've increasingly shifted production overseas, influenced by factors like international tariffs and corporate tax incentives. While globalization is a reality, it's disheartening to see a brand that built its reputation on American soil prioritize foreign operations over its domestic workforce.

As a community of enthusiasts who have long celebrated Harley-Davidson's American roots, we must voice our concerns. The essence of this brand lies in its connection to American culture and manufacturing. Diluting this identity not only alienates loyal customers but also undermines the very foundation upon which Harley-Davidson was built.

I urge fellow riders and supporters to express their dismay and call upon Harley-Davidson to reconsider this decision. Let's remind them of the importance of preserving the legacy and trust they've cultivated over the decades. Our roads deserve the genuine article, not a shadow of what once was.

 

[bdcardinal]

I wonder how the build quality and reliability will be compared to US made models.

 

[wings&wheels]

I wonder how the build quality and reliability will be compared to US made models.

It will be as good as HD wants and works for it to be....and domestic manufacture does not always equate to quality, unfortunately.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I believe this is so they can ship to China and other places without a tariff.

Are they completely stopping production of those models in the USA? Or is it simply USA sold versions will be made here, and for elsewhere they may be made elsewhere?

 

[Ausfahrt]

Welcome to the 21st century.

 

[shortyb]

I wonder how the build quality and reliability will be compared to US made models.

It may actually improve.

It costs quite a bit to pay America workers these days and is one of the prime reasons companies are off-shoring production. I remember the days when "Made in USA" meant something and workers had pride in their craft. Not necessarily in making the most money.

 

[The Critic]

It may actually improve.

Unfortunately, I think you are correct. I am finding that items Made in USA are no longer a guarantee of quality. I have experienced several examples of China/Taiwan pronounced goods that are equal or better in quality.

 

[Kira]

What was the sentiment during the horrid years of H-D?
Late '60's through the '70's...the AMF years when Harleys had to have cardboard under them in showrooms to sop up the dripping oil.

I like bikes enough...chop 'em and customize them all you want.
However, that cutting edge 1903 technology never did it for me.

 

[bdcardinal]

It may actually improve.

I noticed this when I bought my Mustang that was USA made, and then my mom bought her Fusion that was made in the Ford Hermosillo plant in Mexico. The build quality on the Fusion was significantly higher with less stupid issues.

 

[Greenbeforeblue]

I wonder how the build quality and reliability will be compared to US made models.

Can't be any worse, and I'm a Harley rider. A Harley Davidson is what you buy when you want yesterday's technology for tomorrow's prices.

 

[Pablo]

Now comes with 75 year old Thai “girl” friend

 

[Jdeere562]

Now comes with 75 year old Thai “girl” friend

Some of them are pretty cute, you know.

 

[slo town]

Do the comments suggest American workers are no longer able to produce world class quality goods, even with their high wages and workplace safety protections?

If so, this is a far bigger issue than offshoring is.

Scott

 

[wings&wheels]

Now comes with 75 year old Thai “girl” friend

There's a line Pablo, may not have crossed but close

 

[Urshurak776]

Harley Davidson has a plant in Brazil. Opened in late 90's that is still producing street glydes (both the 500 and 700 series.)

 

[shortyb]

Do the comments suggest American workers are no longer able to produce world class quality goods, even with their high wages and workplace safety protections?

If so, this is a far bigger issue than offshoring is.

Scott

Nope. In fact probably just the opposite, American workers can (and often do) produce word class products and exceptional quality items. It just seems that the chase for the all mighty dollar has replaced this goal and pride of craftmanship rings hollow now as a result.

 

[edyvw]

I am deeply disheartened by Harley-Davidson's recent decision to shift the production of their Pan America, Sportster, and Nightster models from the United States to their facility in Thailand. This move feels like a betrayal to the loyal American riders who have long supported this iconic brand, priding themselves on its rich heritage of American craftsmanship.

Harley-Davidson has always been a symbol of American freedom and ingenuity. The roar of its engines has echoed the spirit of the open road, embodying the essence of the American dream. To see this legacy compromised by outsourcing production overseas is both shocking and disheartening.

The company justifies this decision by citing cost savings and the need to optimize production capacity. However, this comes at the expense of American jobs and the quality assurance that comes with domestic manufacturing. It's particularly concerning that models sold in the U.S., which were once proudly labeled "Made in America," will now be produced abroad.

This isn't the first time Harley-Davidson has made such a move. In recent years, they've increasingly shifted production overseas, influenced by factors like international tariffs and corporate tax incentives. While globalization is a reality, it's disheartening to see a brand that built its reputation on American soil prioritize foreign operations over its domestic workforce.

As a community of enthusiasts who have long celebrated Harley-Davidson's American roots, we must voice our concerns. The essence of this brand lies in its connection to American culture and manufacturing. Diluting this identity not only alienates loyal customers but also undermines the very foundation upon which Harley-Davidson was built.

I urge fellow riders and supporters to express their dismay and call upon Harley-Davidson to reconsider this decision. Let's remind them of the importance of preserving the legacy and trust they've cultivated over the decades. Our roads deserve the genuine article, not a shadow of what once was.

You serious? In CO mountains, for every HD I can see 5 BMW's R1200s. SImilar ratio could be said about Triumph etc.

 

[edyvw]

Do the comments suggest American workers are no longer able to produce world class quality goods, even with their high wages and workplace safety protections?

If so, this is a far bigger issue than offshoring is.

Scott

I think issue is far more complex than just whether American workers can or cannot produce quality product. It starts with the design and engineering skills of the average worker.
For example, VW declined to open a factory in Huntsville, AL, although AL offered better tax incentives compared to TN. Reason? Public education. There are too many variables to pin point just on a worker. But I would say that vocational education also has a big influence. And many other countries are really good at that.

 

[BigCahuna]

I think it's funny how everyone thinks that Harley, a company continuously producing motorcycles, is on the way out after 122 years. One group is crying about Harleys having been the same for the last 50 years, then when they bring out different models, they cry about the new bikes and want the old ones back. Then when Harley put's one out, they don't like it. They said it didn't look like a Harley. When Harley brought out the V-Rod, all the loyalists said they should have never made a watercooled bike, and didn't buy them. They wanted a sportier bike, a faster bike, one with futuristic styling. Then when Harley put one out, they didn't like it and wanted something from the past. Making minor changes in the bikes they make, has always been Harleys way of doing it. If a model really isn't selling, they have no choice but the drop it out of the lineup. And create a new model with different looks and features. More tech stuff that works and is reliable. everyone wants "More power", how about bigger engines?. My current bike has a 88 cu in engine, and I'm fine with it. I can't legally go faster than 65 mph in my state, so having more cubes and torque isn't going to benefit me. But Harley has a bunch of 114, 117, 121, and 131 engines available with 6 speed transmissions. For those who can make use of the power. They make bike's with and without windshields, tour boxes and saddle bags. And a few off road models. Nobody buys a Harley and leaves it the way it came from the factory. No other brand of motorcycle has more aftermarket support than Harley does. It makes me want to barf when I see guys putting Harley wheels, fairings, and saddle bags on metric bikes, because nobody makes them for their brand of motorcycle. I don't think Harley is going anywhere in the near future.,,

 

[Dave Hess]

I’ve coined the phrase the Walmartification of American manufacturing.

Companies will go to places where it’s the cheapest to manufacture something.