Posted on Jul 24, 2018
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Can someone ( 45th supporters) please explain to me how this tariff war benefits the economy, and please dont Faux News talking points
Trump says 'tariffs are the greatest!' as Harley-Davidson earnings offer glimpse into effects of...
Posted from chicagotribune.com
Economy
Donald Trump
Jobs
Poverty
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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HD had probs before- since 08 as they have over produced the best motorcycle in the world. But to answer your question- to even the playing field we developed long ago to balance the world economy. We rebuilt half of Europe after I n II and we have paid for every skirmish to save others tails for years. Economics is the bottom line. Why should we give others a better deal than they give us? Using HD as the poster child for this is lost in translation. If you review their quarterlys for the last 5 years they have had market slip and over production of your product and a shrinking market of middle aged guys wanting to ride is not Trump's fault. I have owned Harleys since about 2004, but the younger kids want crotch rockets.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter Sgt Randy Wilber SGT Gregory Lawritson Cpl (Join to see) Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth LTC (Join to see) MSG Frederick Otero SFC Pete Kain SSG David Andrews SCPO Morris Ramsey SPC Margaret Higgins SGT Jim Arnold PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SGT Charles H. Hawes CPL Dave Hoover SSgt Brian Brakke TSgt Joe C. Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price LTC Greg Henning
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Capt Jeff S.
I have a Softail and they're great for what they are designed for -- the open road. I have not found another bike that was as ergonomically comfortable. But turning is a different thing. When I went through the Dragon's Tail (border of TN and NC) which is 318 curves in 11 miles, I was grinding my floorboards off on the curves.
Part of Harley's problem is that they cheaped out and they're getting their parts made in China. They're riding their reputation and name but that only goes so far... The chrome plating is not up to snuff (just a couple molecules thick) and the overall quality has gone down. They charge "Made In USA" prices for a bike assembled from parts made overseas. PLUS, other manufacturers were offering larger engines, six-speed transmissions, etc. and Harley was slow to respond. For what they are, they're overpriced. And I get it -- Supply vs Demand... But people are going to Indian and other manufacturers who frankly are giving more bang for the buck and producing equal or superior machines. FWIW...
And yes, kids want crotch rockets because #1 they're much more affordable, and they're fast, but you can't carry anything on them (you need a backpack to take anything, and they're not made to go far on). They associate Harleys with the old crowd and want to be different.
I've ridden my Harley on road trips that went several thousand miles and met the requirements for the Saddlesore and Butt Burner (1,000 miles in 24 hrs, and 1,500 miles in 36 hrs) awards on a cross-country from the East Coast to New Mexico and back through Texas. Am not going to pay someone $30+ just so I can have a piece of paper and a vanity plate. It's enough for me to know I did it, but try and do that on a crotch rocket at 46 yrs old? Try and do it at any age!!
Part of Harley's problem is that they cheaped out and they're getting their parts made in China. They're riding their reputation and name but that only goes so far... The chrome plating is not up to snuff (just a couple molecules thick) and the overall quality has gone down. They charge "Made In USA" prices for a bike assembled from parts made overseas. PLUS, other manufacturers were offering larger engines, six-speed transmissions, etc. and Harley was slow to respond. For what they are, they're overpriced. And I get it -- Supply vs Demand... But people are going to Indian and other manufacturers who frankly are giving more bang for the buck and producing equal or superior machines. FWIW...
And yes, kids want crotch rockets because #1 they're much more affordable, and they're fast, but you can't carry anything on them (you need a backpack to take anything, and they're not made to go far on). They associate Harleys with the old crowd and want to be different.
I've ridden my Harley on road trips that went several thousand miles and met the requirements for the Saddlesore and Butt Burner (1,000 miles in 24 hrs, and 1,500 miles in 36 hrs) awards on a cross-country from the East Coast to New Mexico and back through Texas. Am not going to pay someone $30+ just so I can have a piece of paper and a vanity plate. It's enough for me to know I did it, but try and do that on a crotch rocket at 46 yrs old? Try and do it at any age!!
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Maj Marty Hogan
Capt Jeff S. - you win the Internet. I don't see any fault of this administration or any other for that matter. Your entire second paragraph is the problem. HD did it to themselves- corporate greed and supply/demand kicked them and they did not adjust. I have a 17 Street Glide- will always be a Harley guy for the reason you mention and more. Solid response.
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Like it or not the economy is all green right now. If you are going to wage a tariff war you best get the economy in positive territory. The intent is what's important here. Fair trade is the endstate. I don't see what's wrong with that.
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