Made in America?

[awa355]

How much of a Harley Davidson is actually 'made in America'? as per the sales hype.

I'm not knocking the brand, infact I'd buy a new 1200 Sportster tomorrow if I could afford it.

Just curious if all the components used, are manufactured in the states, or, like most makes, having parts, eg brakes, electrical, bodywork etc , sourced from outside suppliers.

[\m/]

Some of the newer HDs have Showa forks, don't know about other components though.

[pete376403]

And some (small sporties?) used Mikuni carbs (BST40, same as KLR650s).

Some models are assembled in India but from US made parts (but I guess it wouldn't be long before someone in India suggested "we can do those parts cheaper..."

[The Lone Rider]

A lot of the parts, either whole parts or sections of parts, are not American made. However, a lot of the assembly occurs in USA.

[popelli]

Some of the newer HDs have Showa forks, don't know about other components though.

not just the newer harleys, they have been using Showa forks since the early 70's

carbs instruments are also japanese

genuine parts come with labeling with country of origin, I have seen mexico, germany, japan, taiwan and occassionally usa on part labeling

when you buy a new harley you are not buying an 100% amercian motorcycle you are buying into the "amercian motorcycle lifestyle experience" and that I am afraid is 100% amercian

[SilverGrin]

not just the newer harleys, they have been using Showa forks since the early 70's

carbs instruments are also japanese

genuine parts come with labeling with country of origin, I have seen mexico, germany, japan, taiwan and occassionally usa on part labeling

when you buy a new harley you are not buying an 100% amercian motorcycle you are buying into the "amercian motorcycle lifestyle experience" and that I am afraid is 100% amercian

This.

I believe some parts are made in Japan but stamped made in USA. IIRC, Usa is a city in Japan.

[jimichelle]

maybe they should get parts from japan the chrome on them now is shit

[The Lone Rider]

maybe they should get parts from japan the chrome on them now is shit

I've heard a lot of people complaining about that, although quite possibly those badly chromed parts actually are from Japan.

I'd say it has more to do with cutting costs, than the origin of the part.


I'm pretty sure I've read a Harley Australia rep respond to a question about the diminishing quality of chroming, as being related to the harsh conditions the rider(s) must be using their bikes in. But not everyone lives close to salt water source, rides in rain, or in sand storms.

Actually a lot of Harley owners I know only take it out on a Sunday and only if it's warm. And sunny.

[BIG DOUG]

Will I ride my harley everday rain hail or shine,and see about 4-5 guys on hd's riding everyday,as for the chrome I rebuilt a mates 1990 fxr last year and apart from the chrome being scratched it was in pretty good nick but he wanted it rechromed so of to gisborne it went American chrome on aftermarket parts is a different story as the EPA destroyed how they chrome in america.

[The Lone Rider]

Will I ride my harley everday rain hail or shine,and see about 4-5 guys on hd's riding everyday,as for the chrome I rebuilt a mates 1990 fxr last year and apart from the chrome being scratched it was in pretty good nick but he wanted it rechromed so of to gisborne it went American chrome on aftermarket parts is a different story as the EPA destroyed how they chrome in america.

How does vehicle emission laws effect the quality of shiny on a piece of metal?

[avgas]

Parts come from China and Mexico.
But assembled in USA so don't worry - should be fine.

[imdying]

How does vehicle emission laws effect the quality of shiny on a piece of metal?The Environmental Protection Agency does a lot more than emission laws on vehicles. Chroming is a nasty process utilising nasty chemicals, the good ones of which are now probably banned in the US given his comments.

[The Lone Rider]

The Environmental Protection Agency does a lot more than emission laws on vehicles. Chroming is a nasty process utilising nasty chemicals, the good ones of which are now probably banned in the US given his comments.

Well where does Victory have it's bikes made and assembled? Or Indian (now Polaris)? Or Boss Hoss? There are a number of American made and assembled bikes and parts and they all have good chroming right out of the factory.

Smith & Smith & Ultima engines and Vance & Hines have outstanding chroming, and that's all done in USA aint it?

[Ronin]

Parts come from China and Mexico.
But assembled in USA so don't worry - should be fine.

Made in Mexico and assembled in the US of A by Mexicans?

[orangeback]

241903:shutup::shutup::shutup::shutup:

[imdying]

Well where does Victory have it's bikes made and assembled?Have you been following the thread? It's a global market, bike aren't made anywhere now, they're made everywhere.

[The Lone Rider]

Have you been following the thread? It's a global market, bike aren't made anywhere now, they're made everywhere.

You have suggested the quality of chrome out of the states is because all the "good chemicals" are probably banned there.

How is that feasible when so many other American companies who do their own chroming, have outstanding chroming?

[jaffaonajappa]

You have suggested the quality of chrome out of the states is because all the "good chemicals" are probably banned there.

How is that feasible when so many other American companies who do their own chroming, have outstanding chroming?


Yup. suspect a new theory is needed.....yanks are kind of well known for making what they want and screw the consequences. which can be good at times...and not so great at other times.

[imdying]

You have suggested the quality of chrome out of the states is because all the "good chemicals" are probably banned there.Yes, that was how I understood his post.

How is that feasible when so many other American companies who do their own chroming, have outstanding chroming?I don't know if other American companies are doing outstanding chrome work, his post suggests not. Regardless, those companies simply may not have the capacity (or able to get approval to tool up for such capacity due to EPA regulations on the quantity of chemicals that can be used) to supply in the quantity that an OEM requires.

[The Lone Rider]

Yes, that was how I understood his post.
I don't know if other American companies are doing outstanding chrome work, his post suggests not. Regardless, those companies simply may not have the capacity (or able to get approval to tool up for such capacity due to EPA regulations on the quantity of chemicals that can be used) to supply in the quantity that an OEM requires.

S&S Engines, they do EPA approved engines and have outstanding chroming.

Edit -

Looks more like they do TUV approved. And "50 states" approved.

[imdying]

S&S Engines, they do EPA approved engines and have outstanding chroming.They might not be doing their own, could be done overseas for all I know. Regardless they're only small fish.

The EPA approval on their engines isn't to do with their production processes, it's their emissions.

[jaffaonajappa]

The EPA approval on their engines isn't to do with their production processes, it's their emissions.

Bullshit. Its both.

[imdying]

Bullshit. Its both.No, the 'EPA Approved' branding on their motors, and that's what we're talking about,

S&S Engines, they do EPA approved engines and have outstanding chromingis to ensure that the customers who purchase an S&S Certified engine need to do no additional gaseous emissions testing for an on-highway use. It's on their site.

[The Lone Rider]

is to ensure that the customers who purchase an S&S Certified engine need to do no additional gaseous emissions testing for an on-highway use. It's on their site.

They do their own chroming also. And I have never heard a complaint about it. As opposed to chromed Harley brand parts, particularly wheels.

Same as Vance & Hines ... who I believe also have a warranty that if the chrome blues, they will replace. Don't quote me on that, was just idle chat amongst people who ride those sorts of bikes.

V&H definitely have the best chroming out of exhausts that I have ever seen. Also chromed in USA.

I can easily put all this to rest by giving Berry Wardlaw of Accurate Engineering a buzz. If there were restrictions on chroming, he'd know.

Edit -

Lost his email, so just sent one to his business email. He's not flash with computers, so he says, so I wouldn't expect a reply for a week.

[BIG DOUG]

okay,hd chrome is pretty good but were is it done mexico? maybe,most aftermarket companies do what they call "SHOW CHROME" and I think thats what they mean you show it and it falls off and hey maybe some states in the usa allow proper chrome but I did a friends fxr a few years ago and for the age of the bike the hd chrome wasn't bad just scratched but the aftermarket wheels and forks etc needed rechroming so gisborne electroplating rechromed them and now it is all good not sure were s+s get there chrome done but did you know that s+s do the remanufacturing contract for harley davidson engines.

[240]

Chrome stuff aside I know that heaps of stuff for Harleys like oil filter,mirrors etc etc etc are made in Taiwan and China but that's all good.
It makes no difference where it is made as long as it is made to H-D specs,and it is.

[The Lone Rider]

I have a reply from Berry:

"EPA fucks with everything but after 35 years in this business I can tell you right now THE chrome plater in the USA is Daryl in Nashville, Tennessee and he is THE GUY you want to talk to. It is Chromemasters. CALL HIM! I will give you more information tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Berry Wardlaw "

He's given me Daryls phone number, so I might make an inquiry. But I'll see what Berry sends along tomorrow.


Whats involved with remanufacturing of the HD engines?

[jaffaonajappa]

Whats involved with remanufacturing of the HD engines?

Replacing the "Made In India" label with something more palatable.

Ahhhh. Humour. honestly. (But was surprised to recently learn India is making HD Sportsters for Indian ermmmm consumption.)

[BIG DOUG]

You send your worn out evo or twin cam eng to hd and then they send it to s+s to be refurbished back to std spec's have seen a mtr sent to mate in the states and it came from s+s.