Comments on: Can a Motorcycle Brand Change Countries?

By: DW

DW — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:23:07 +0000

Many many years ago Europe and the US had a technological advantage over the developing world. That has all changed completely over the last 50 years. You go to any of these “developing countries”, and look at the factories they have and the capabilities of those facilities and i guarantee it wil blow your mind. Building bikes today is much like baking a cake. Wether you are in Thailand, the US or Europe all you do is find the ingredients and follow the recipe. The world of engineering is already at that level. Think back 30 years ago it was pretty big news if someone had a CNC machine in their workshop, now, a CNC machine is standard equipment. The same has happened in the industrial world. There are no more industrial secrets in the west. the edge is gone. The world of factories and production is now centered physically in the east for sure, with maybe some of the intelectual capabilities still based in the west. The question of Harleys being produced abroad isn’t a question of should they or will they, it is a matter of when will it happen?

By: Fireworks

Fireworks — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:57:11 +0000

This is a complex topic. Perhaps the best thing to do is consider what is likely to align best with HD’s known planning. They’ve got a known issue with their demographics. Alienating a customer base that has been with them for decades is probably not a significant worryto them as the average age of a buyer goes up not down. They need those old timers to support them through to a new demographic but that’s about it. The recent changes in HD’s lineup are subtle but the winds o change are blowing. If HD figures an newer demographic will allow for more foreign manufacturing then they will probably do it in time. Reducing manufacturing costs would provide HD with an oppourtunity to increase market share which considering HD is very successful at keeping people in the Harley family, would be an attractive move. Bottom line is that companies don’t have an expiry date on the calendar they will do what they can get away with in order to profit. One could argue that the current version of HD would be different if the company hadn’t been in financially trouble in the past. Look up the history of the FXR to see what I mean. HD is a major corporation, applying wRk fuzzy feelings to it is a mistake.

By: craigj

craigj — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:19:49 +0000

A buddy just bought a Honda XL1000 Veradero (not available in the US, but a great bike). It says right on the frame rail “built in Spain by Montesa”, which is now owned by Honda. Montesa Cota trials bikes have been powered by HRC engines for years. So are these bikes Spanish or Japanese??

By: davidabl

davidabl — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 02:39:15 +0000

We won’t see H.D.importing foreign made “Harleys”as “Harleys” into the USA anytime soon. Probably not until they’re at the same stage that Indian was when they imported “Indians” from Britain in the ‘fifties. i.e. not until the MoCo is dying.

However, in other markets, it’s a whole other game. It’s hard to imagine people in
India not accepting an Harley assembled in India (or manufactured in India.) If anything, in a lot of places it might be a matter of national pride to be able to say “we build ‘em here.” Certainly is in the USA.
here.

By: Kenny

Kenny — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 22:14:14 +0000

I think the Motor Company would lose the support of it’s oldest, long term customers by moving more than a fraction of their production off-shore. But HD doesn’t really seem to care about them. I would expect much weeping and wailing and knashing of teeth, a big demand for used “made in USA” bikes, and pretty much business as usual after that.
The American buyer only seems to care about how cheaply something can be bought
-not about quality,not about where or how something is made, not about keeping fellow Americans gainfully employed.