Jap bits on Harleys

[Dooly]

Just wondering, how many bits on Harleys are outsourced, or made in Japan/Thailand/China/Fiji, wherever.
This bloke I know reckons that Harleys are all made in the US, and all bits etc.
Seems a bit niave in this day and age.

[chubby]

Sounds a bit naive to me too. Its a bit like saying all Triumph parts are made in the UK. HD thrive on the 'made in US for US' hype, it is their largest market. I have no doubt that they outsource a lot of the bits that go on their bikes and they wont freely admit how much in case there is a public backlash.

Throw in the whole economy argument over production, assembly, cost and profit and I can't see how they would be 100% US made. But they will put their name on it.

Having said that i do believe (please correct me if I am wrong) that all the bikes are assembelled in US..... but expecting them to be all of american parts is a little suspect. Even if the supplier is american, did they manufacture in the US?

Ultimately, does it matter? I'm more worried about quality than where its made. Of course similar quality and I'll buy local, within reason.

[Tank]

I looked at some Kitchen stuff the other day. Box was all in Italian colours, had an Italian looking chief pictured on the front.

Has designed in Italy on the side (large font) and in small font made in China on the bottom.

Im picking HD have their design shop and assembly - but some of their stuff would have to come from o/seas. Esp the after market addons.

[HornetBoy]

Just wondering, how many bits on Harleys are outsourced, or made in Japan/Thailand/China/Fiji, wherever.
This bloke I know reckons that Harleys are all amde in the US, and all bits etc.
Seems a bit niave in this day and age.

funny you say that ,the other day i was mucking around with the speedo on the sporty and was pointed out to the fact that on the back was "Made in japan" :rolleyes: id say that most of the electrical parts from harleys are made form asia as they are the largest makers of electronics etc.

They pride them selves on all american etc but its really only that they assemble the parts in America. (The mjority of the parts tho are not U.S.A made) .

Didnt really suprise me really

[slimjim]

nope i too heard that only h-d's assembled in usa have hd stamped on steering head some are made oversea's

[firecrab]

nope i too heard that only h-d's assembled in usa have hd stamped on steering head some are made oversea's

nope. they're all being assembled in the states.
On my bike, there's a sticker saying something along the lines: "Proudly union made in the USA"

[sinfull]

funny you say that ,the other day i was mucking around with the speedo on the sporty and was pointed out to the fact that on the back was "Made in japan" :rolleyes: id say that most of the electrical parts from harleys are made form asia as they are the largest makers of electronics etc.

They pride them selves on all american etc but its really only that they assemble the parts in America. (The mjority of the parts tho are not U.S.A made) .

Didnt really suprise me really

Did the same when i bought a new 1200 sporty back in 1990 ! Had the gauges off (made in japan) took the front gaurd off to polish up the alloy staunchens (made in korea i think it was or aisia somewhere) rims had made in italy stamped on em ! Began to wonder what was made in the US

[nallac]

Began to wonder what was made in the US

The name and legend, thats all that counts for some.

[avgas]

Parts are made in china and south America currently, bikes are not yet made anywhere but the US.
Wish i could say the same about Ford and GM :(
However to put minds at ease, the Chinese parts for American manufacturers are in top notch factories, not the scum u see on TV.
Friend had an interesting case ordering a DELL recently, ordered from China, from DELL usa website, got sent from DELL SOUZHOU (china) to DELL HK to DELL USA, then from DELL USA to DELL SHANGHAI (china) then from DELL SHANGHAI to DELL NZ. Paper work was wrong so it was sent to DELL USA, then direct to him in NZ. He paid all taxes and duties (it was still cheaper than DELL NZ) and took it on the plane with him back to china.

[Crasherfromwayback]

nope i too heard that only h-d's assembled in usa have hd stamped on steering head some are made oversea's

Not true. While they have plenty of Japanese components on them, they're ALL made in the US of A.

[chubby]

at the risk of being a nob.

I suppose it all depends on your definition of made.

HD's are all put together in USA. so the bike could be considered to be made then? As otherwise its just a collection of parts and not a bike?

I imagine the parts that make it up could be made anywhere is the world and especially as we get into bulbs, rubber linings on the boards, fuses, cables and then we could get the 'made' part from where each part is manufactured.

Then we could get to the raw materials that are used in the manufacturing of the part that goes onto the bike.

Depending on your viewpoint and point of argument we could get very silly.

Then we could argue is it the design or the engineering or the assembly or the registration of the company that makes the country of origin?????

To run a silly argument. Black sand and coal from NZ is shipped to Japan to be used in the smelter industry. Some of the products are probably found on Honda's. Does this make a Honda NZ made??? Nah, but you can see the silliness of the argument and now compare that to HD.

[popelli]

Not true. While they have plenty of Japanese components on them, they're ALL made in the US of A.

except in the late twenties when they set up a factory and made some in Japan

[Crasherfromwayback]

I was talking 'the now'

[McJim]

I'm proud of the number of bits of my Ducati that have "Made in Italy" stamped on 'em!

[Tank]

Not true. While they have plenty of Japanese components on them, they're ALL made in the US of A.

They push the USA 'thing' for marketing - nothing else. Just business.

Assembled in the USA just dosnt have the same ring to it.

I wonder how many of the parts must come from the 'made in' country for it to be legally called that? 10%, 5%, 80%

Else I could build a bike made 100% of Chinese made parts, assemble them in my garage and call it a NZ made bike.

"Buy Kiwi quality" Heck - I could even get the g'ment to put them on the buy NZ made TV advert.

[fergie]

when it all boils down who really cares? as long as it does the job/has the effect your after then it's ok where it's put together.

[Crasherfromwayback]

They push the USA 'thing' for marketing - nothing else. Just business.

Assembled in the USA just dosnt have the same ring to it.

I wonder how many of the parts must come from the 'made in' country for it to be legally called that? 10%, 5%, 80%

Else I could build a bike made 100% of Chinese made parts, assemble them in my garage and call it a NZ made bike.

"Buy Kiwi quality" Heck - I could even get the g'ment to put them on the buy NZ made TV advert.

Not so. Sure they use Japanese suspension bits, electrical bits etc. But who doesn't? So what? The heart of it (engine, not all pieces I know, frame, body work) are made there, and it's fully designed and assembled there. They have every right to say made in the USA.

[koba]

I know they use jap carbs coz one carb they have used is a Kehin CVK40, the same as on a KLR600.
Good for me as there are lots around esp when harley owners upgrade to more advanced (than the CVK) Mikuni carbs (also jap)

My old Suzuki was made in china too...

As for the "what is made" over what is "assembled" I've seen american chopper! they "make" lots of bikes (bolt them together and make a tank)

[Tank]

Not so. Sure they use Japanese suspension bits, electrical bits etc. But who doesn't? So what? The heart of it (engine, not all pieces I know, frame, body work) are made there, and it's fully designed and assembled there. They have every right to say made in the USA.

umm - not quite - "The Revolution engine is based on the VR-1000 Superbike race program, developed by Harley-Davidson's Powertrain Engineering team and Porsche Engineering in Stuttgart, Germany." Wikipedia is ya mate.

[1200custom]

umm - not quite - "The Revolution engine is based on the VR-1000 Superbike race program, developed by Harley-Davidson's Powertrain Engineering team and Porsche Engineering in Stuttgart, Germany." Wikipedia is ya mate.

ha wikipedia....the most unreliable sorce out, anyone in the world can add what they want

[ManDownUnder]

My old Suzuki was made in china too...

Want a shocking giggle... ? Check your peanut butter (I'm not kidding). Small font on the label somewhere will read... "Made in China". There are very very few exceptions...

As for Harleys - it's the brand you pay for, and considering the maintenace (read OVERHAUL) intervals, yes - I fully expect them to be made in the US of A.

[Crasherfromwayback]

umm - not quite - "The Revolution engine is based on the VR-1000 Superbike race program, developed by Harley-Davidson's Powertrain Engineering team and Porsche Engineering in Stuttgart, Germany." Wikipedia is ya mate.

Yeah and the VR family equates to about 5% of all HD sales mate. The 45 deg motor is basically what HD is all about. No need for Wikipedia.

[NighthawkNZ]

Made in USA (Usa) Which is in Japan or Made in U.S.A

[Mr Merde]

US law goes something like

if more than 4 screws are assembled in an object then it is lergally allowed to display the

"Made in USA" logo\title.

Parts from everywhere. put together (partially in the USA), An American Icon.

[Subike]

Manufactured under design rules for Harley Davidson.
Parts as previously said, for all bikes, are made in many different places around the world.
For exampe.
Electrics are manufactured for the Harley in Japan to H D design rules.
This means that the parts required must be made to the design spec that HD requires. Not just made cheaply or quickly.
This is an area I find amusing.
Lots of knowlageable people talk about jap/chinese/korean parts as being crap, just because they are built in those contries.
Bollics!
Parts are made to the design rules of the company wanting the part. So if HD wants a set of clocks that are xyz specs, thats what they get, if they get something that is of lower quality than those specs, then the supply company runs the risk of loosing the contract as well as breach of design rule.
Made in Japan...under design rules from ....whoever wants it.
This does not mean its cheap and nasty, just made there.

[avgas]

Yeah and the VR family equates to about 5% of all HD sales mate. The 45 deg motor is basically what HD is all about. No need for Wikipedia.
V-Rod:rolleyes: I know,I know.... assembled in US.......but designed by whom:lol:

[MaxB]

Apart from the far east I reckon it would be near impossible to make a bike with one country of origin these days.

I guess brands like Ohlins, Brembo, Bosch, Nippon Denso, Goodridge spring to mind if you want to build a better bike.

[awayatc]

Not true. While they have plenty of Japanese components on them, they're ALL made in the US of A.

usa is a pretty litle coastal town about 5 ks west of kochi wich is one of the main city on shikoku. (japan)
Not kidding.....
Don't say that's where the bits come from, but......:chase:

[popelli]

The heart of it (engine, not all pieces I know, frame, body work) are made there, and it's fully designed and assembled there. They have every right to say made in the USA.

the evo motor (top end) was designed by porsche a german company

around 1980 the heads were made in Japan

the bottom end of the knuckle / pan / shovel / evo was originally copied of JAP

and the old two stroke hummer along with the bsa bantam were copies of DKW taken as part of the proceeds of winning WW2


but yes it is assembled in the USA from components sourced globally, no different to any other moden manufacturer

[peasea]

What a crackup.
Back in the day........when I still had my arse firmly planted on a '68 Triumph (which was utterly reliable, daily transport) a buddy of mine bought an Iron Head Sporty, about a '77 I think. Whaddaya know? It shat itself. So, my intrepid buddy buys all 'genuine' HD parts and I got involved in the rebuild, albeit on the periphery. BUT, upon proudly opening the parts boxes/bags I noticed the new (and very well machined) crankpin was made in Japan. That was 1984-ish and I would wager that many, many HD parts were being produced in Japan and other countries well before that.

Moving forward to 2003 and another buddy borrows a Night Train for a few weeks. Heading to my place said buddy finds the starter engages on the Akd Harbour Bridge at about 120kph. F-word, really loud, starter fritzed. Ring you-know-where for starter parts, get silly (as usual) quote just for solenoid, about 4-hundy. More F-word usage. Strip starter and head for Jap car wreckers to find Honda Civic parts are identical! Nippondenso, 25 bucks. Ta. Worked a treat, has done ever since.

Like sex, it pays to use your noodle.

[scumdog]

Who cares who makes the parts.

As long as they're shiney, they fit and they work that's all that counts.



Just glad there's no Jap bits on me F100 though......all genuine Yank, Aussie and Pom junk-yard bits.<_<:woohoo:

[doc]

I think from memory to have made in US of A, 65% of the bike has to be manufactured in USA. The only bike that passes it is the Goldwing.

Maybe the HD brand cops all this flack cos of unreliable jappa bits. Hey just wondering. :sweatdrop

[Shadows]

except in the late twenties when they set up a factory and made some in Japan

None of them were badged HD and they weren't made by HD either. Therefore HDs were never made in Japan.

[Headbanger]

Pretty sure nearly every part I have ever removed off any of my HD's had a made in "insert asian country here".

Strangely enough it made no impact on either my ego nor the enjoyment of my ride.

[s8306]

I think from memory to have made in US of A, 65% of the bike has to be manufactured in USA. The only bike that passes it is the Goldwing.

Maybe the HD brand cops all this flack cos of unreliable jappa bits. Hey just wondering. :sweatdrop

But are,nt the Jap bits made to HD specs.

[Chrislost]

the "genuine harlydavidson parts" fork seals come in a bag labled made im japan...

[P38]

I hope those are Serious Badass Jap parts that Harley Davidson is fitting to their loyal customers Bikes.:bleh:

[Motu]

And how many of the parts on Japanese bikes are made in Japan?.At least HD let you know they source from different countries.At lot of ''Made in Japan'' parts are made in other Asian countries that have cheaper labour rates.

[sinfull]

But are,nt the Jap bits made to HD specs.

Same as triumph had to work with the japs, HD would have gone under if they didn't source jap parts !

[scumdog]

Same as triumph had to work with the japs, HD would have gone under if they didn't source jap parts !

And HD was using Jap parts well before it ran into fiscal trouble too.

[sinfull]

And HD was using Jap parts well before it ran into fiscal trouble too.

So what do ya recon dragged them out of the shit ? Some good marketing

[scumdog]

So what do ya recon dragged them out of the shit ? Some good marketing

The US Govt giving them the monopoly on larger cc bikes in the US - it was in the 80's before big Jap bikes were allowed into the US.

[Headbanger]

A mate of mine grafted a set of twin discs and 4 piston brakes off a jap bike to the frontend of his HD, I was well impressed.Looks fuckin trick.


And works so well that on his first ride with the new brakes he crashed the very first time he yanked on the lever, Just wasn't expecting them to ....uh.....work so well.

[325rocket]

Want a shocking giggle... ? Check your peanut butter (I'm not kidding). Small font on the label somewhere will read... "Made in China". There are very very few exceptions...
. but kraft is one of them.


And how many of the parts on Japanese bikes are made in Japan?.

does it really matter? ... we all know the good parts come out of Korea :bleh:

[knuckles24]

down to this, there is nothing these days that isn't made in china or taiwan, we would like to think that if you own a certain make of bike that the parts should be made in there country of origin but we all know that is not possible.

[Bonez]

The US Govt giving them the monopoly on larger cc bikes in the US - it was in the 80's before big Jap bikes were allowed into the US.Big jap bikes where allowed in but anything over 700cc was subject to a levy.

[sinfull]

but kraft is one of them.



does it really matter? ... we all know the good parts come out of Korea :bleh:

Will you slow down on the posting !! I wanna get to 240 before ya lol just so i can say i grew up first !

[Big Dave]

Bits come from all over. Fat Boy wheels are made in Adelaide.

[doc]

But are,nt the Jap bits made to HD specs.

Arrgh Ha another closet HD fan. Cmon admit it

[Timber020]

I think from memory to have made in US of A, 65% of the bike has to be manufactured in USA. The only bike that passes it is the Goldwing.

Maybe the HD brand cops all this flack cos of unreliable jappa bits. Hey just wondering. :sweatdrop

Yeah, I think there are several honda models that are more american made than any of the harleys. But then in the american market the honda civic is more american made than the mustang.

[Big Dave]

Yeah, I think there are several honda models that are more american made than any of the harleys. But then in the american market the honda civic is more american made than the mustang.

Honda have recently announced the closure of their American motorcycle plants. They made Goldwings.
Taking it back to Nippon.

[s8306]

Arrgh Ha another closet HD fan. Cmon admit it

Yes,yes i am.

[Dooly]

Off topic, but its mine so..........:msn-wink:

The German style helmets I see a lot lately, and always on Harley riders heads, are they road legal?
I know some of them were'nt a while back, but some I've seen lately seem to have a decent manufactured look to them, as if they are made to comply with the safety specs etc.

[knuckles24]

Yeah i have one bought from rolling thunder in CH-CH and its definitely legal and comfortable to :devil2:

[Motu]

The German style helmets I see a lot lately, and always on Harley riders heads,

Around here there are a couple of Ducati riders and a Triumph sports bike rider who wear them.The guy who dumped his dirt bike on the road a couple of weeks ago should of been wearing one too.

[rat biker 08]

My jap bike has a HD part on it and it pisses off HD owners:Punk

[peasea]

My jap bike has a HD part on it and it pisses off HD owners:Punk

Please extrapolate.

[Bonez]

Around here there are a couple of Ducati riders and a Triumph sports bike rider who wear them.Ditto around our neck of the woods also Jappa kruzza riders.

[scumdog]

Please extrapolate.

He can't....

[peasea]

He can't....

Now, now, don't call him names.

[rat biker 08]

Yes it is true handle bar cap has HD live to ride . and tail light is HD on joke.

[Bonez]

Yes it is true handle bar cap has HD live to ride . and tail light is HD on joke.Thats ok then. They're made in Japan ;).

[kevfromcoro]

ya never know what you getting...
areint Triumphs made in Thailand now.....well not all ,,,,,,but some
pulled the steering wheel off a porshe once...and it had VW stamped on the shaft..

[doc]

So what do ya recon dragged them out of the shit ? Some good marketing
Superior product. Limited production, Marketing of an Icon. Introducing the HOG club. Oh and Johny Rebs and the clothing line, so that all the wannabes, who have never owned one but want one can at least advertise for them, sort of like Holden Racing team clothing line. Don't think they have branched out into playstation yet.

[rat biker 08]

Still pissis them off.:SLAP:

[sinfull]

Superior product.

Sorry Doc bourbon says i have to argue the point here !
To explain : I bought myself a brand new 1200 1990 sporty back in well 90 after my wife left me for a better life (mine)
Walked into Wellington MC after the house was sold (2 days ya got to love life) and said get that one down, then road off on my american dream !
8000 ks later i woke to a taiwanese mightmare, third gear shattered and came up through the cases on the takas !
When i pushed it into WMC and said guess what ? They replied with gear box blew ! WTF Awww its a common fault that 3rd shits itself and needs to be replaced !
So there i was with a lemon, not only had 3rd shat itself but it punched a hole in my cases, Told them i didn't want it no more as it went booooom ! But no them in the high seats said fix it (looked like an 80's model, ridden not hidden!! Few 2nd hand after market parts there too)
3 months later (1st set of cases went walkies on the wharf) i had my bike back ! Only to wake to the same nightmare 6 months later (just out of warrantee) crank pin went !
Took it in and said told ya so ! but they (WMC) tried to pin it on me saying, wrong oils etc ! FAAAARk off 6 letters faxed to Mr Willie E Davidson siting fair go fair go fair go lol, i got a call from WMC saying the factory had decided to come to the party !
I bet they had ! Was gonna cost them a shit load of sales if they done me for that shit ! (bike had taken a hell whack when it popped 3rd)
12 months later i recognised a famillia noise when i lifted the tank cap so i sold it !
Sorry mate !

[scumdog]

I've had the other experience - the only Harley I had that gave me trouble was my '81 Sporty - a recent American import when I got it in the 90's (not your old one??) and very tired, also had obviously biffed down the road at some stage, the crash-damaged coil use to loose spark at one end when hot and the motor eventually burnt out an exhaust valve.

New coil and a top-end rebuild and no problems after that, as far as I know it's still going.

[Tank]

As a product HD's product is superior (IMHO) - and I'm saying that as a japper M50 owner.

The parts / Metal work is of a far higher quality than what I find on all Jap bikes I looked at.

You will always get lemons regardless of brand and where they are made.

[scumdog]

As a product HD's product is superior (IMHO) - and I'm saying that as a japper M50 owner.

The parts / Metal work is of a far higher quality than what I find on all Jap bikes I looked at.

You will always get lemons regardless of brand and where they are made.


Wot 'e sed.

But I believe generally the big Jap cruisers have lighter controls, smoother lighter gearboxes and more powerful motors which balances things out a bit.

[rat biker 08]

I have to jap bikes and thay are not lite . old yes but not lite.:2thumbsup

[n0regret5]

what about the giant honda factory just down the road from milwaukee? does that make honda american because the bikes are made in USA? if its got components from another country theres no arguement..its not made in the USA. it may be assembled there (wonder how many real americans work on the assembly line?) but it sure as hell isn't MADE there.
even the VROD has made in america stamped on it, the engine was designed and built by porsche.

[P38]

what about the giant honda factory just down the road from milwaukee? does that make honda american because the bikes are made in USA? if its got components from another country theres no arguement..its not made in the USA. it may be assembled there (wonder how many real americans work on the assembly line?) but it sure as hell isn't MADE there.
even the VROD has made in america stamped on it, the engine was designed and built by porsche.

Mexicans are more American than the bloody Americans!

After all they were there first.

USA just wouldn't function without them.

After all they are the ones doing all the work.

[peasea]

Mexicans are more American than the bloody Americans!

After all they were there first.

USA just wouldn't function without them.

After all they are the ones doing all the work.

No, no, I won't have it!
The Columbians are going hard out too, feeding the Yanks all the coke they can snort. Come on, be fair!

[n0regret5]

No, no, I won't have it!
The Columbians are going hard out too, feeding the Yanks all the coke they can snort. Come on, be fair!

and the general asian community is working the health sector and THEY were there long before the white man too, in the shape of the american indian and inuit..haha! its funny in an annoying sense

[popelli]

Sorry Doc bourbon says i have to argue the point here !
To explain : I bought myself a brand new 1200 1990 sporty back in well 90 after my wife left me for a better life (mine)
Walked into Wellington MC after the house was sold (2 days ya got to love life) and said get that one down, then road off on my american dream !
8000 ks later i woke to a taiwanese mightmare, third gear shattered and came up through the cases on the takas !
When i pushed it into WMC and said guess what ? They replied with gear box blew ! WTF Awww its a common fault that 3rd shits itself and needs to be replaced !
So there i was with a lemon, not only had 3rd shat itself but it punched a hole in my cases, Told them i didn't want it no more as it went booooom ! But no them in the high seats said fix it (looked like an 80's model, ridden not hidden!! Few 2nd hand after market parts there too)
3 months later (1st set of cases went walkies on the wharf) i had my bike back ! Only to wake to the same nightmare 6 months later (just out of warrantee) crank pin went !
Took it in and said told ya so ! but they (WMC) tried to pin it on me saying, wrong oils etc ! FAAAARk off 6 letters faxed to Mr Willie E Davidson siting fair go fair go fair go lol, i got a call from WMC saying the factory had decided to come to the party !
I bet they had ! Was gonna cost them a shit load of sales if they done me for that shit ! (bike had taken a hell whack when it popped 3rd)
12 months later i recognised a famillia noise when i lifted the tank cap so i sold it !
Sorry mate !


wellington motorcycles strikes again

had one of my bikes in their once to replace a blown base gasket on a stroker shovel

everybody knows except wellington motorcycles that the base basket on a stroker needs a extra hole put in it for the oil to pass through

would never ever take a bike there ever again and whilst they used to promote themsleves as a perfromance harley shop the facts speak otherwise

as for 4 speed sportster gearboxs they have to be shimmed up properly, its a pain to do, i rebuilt one 20 years ago, per some site where you can look up ownership details from # plates I see the bike is still going and still clocking up miles

[P38]

No, no, I won't have it!
The Columbians are going hard out too, feeding the Yanks all the coke they can snort. Come on, be fair!

True, how would Hollywood function without the Columbians.

[SilverGrin]

I'm sure Columbians would be delighted with the notoriety, but I think you mean Colombians?

[mouldy]

Just wondering, how many bits on Harleys are outsourced, or made in Japan/Thailand/China/Fiji, wherever.
This bloke I know reckons that Harleys are all made in the US, and all bits etc.
Seems a bit niave in this day and age.

Keihen carbs ,showa suspension , Nippon denso electrics , thats why they don't break down anymore . Most of all the overpriced customising parts are made in China

[P38]

I'm sure Columbians would be delighted with the notoriety, but I think you mean Colombians?

LOL

Yeah them too.

[P38]

Keihen carbs ,showa suspension , Nippon denso electrics , thats why they don't break down anymore . Most of all the overpriced customising parts are made in China

Hahahahaha

Yes we know.

[Biggles2000]

Keihen carbs ,showa suspension , Nippon denso electrics , thats why they don't break down anymore . Most of all the overpriced customising parts are made in China

HD like all vehicle makers use the best quality and lowest price parts available if the electrics come from Japan or castings from China well thats just a fact of life living in a global free market economy. I don't think many HD owners have any issues with where the components for their bikes come from, well I don't. In fact I think the fuel injection system on my scooter is a Bosh unit.

Its just a fact now that all the HDs from the late 60s 70s and early 80s were pretty average quality. The japs were nailing the American and English motorcycle industry with an agressive marketing program and to be fair a superiour quality product. We all know that very few motorcycle makers outside japan survived the 80's, I am glad HD did as they seem to act like a design counterpoint to the big Japaneese makers. It wasen't until the management brought back the company that HD got its quality back under control and started to make the products that the HD customers really wanted. In a way HD learnt a big lesson from the Japaneese and we all now have a better quality product because of it.
My scooter has just clocked 40k km in 3 years and has not missed a beat. It's by far the most reilyable motorcycle I have ever owned.

[P38]

HD like all vehicle makers use the best quality and lowest price parts available if the electrics come from Japan or castings from China well thats just a fact of life living in a global free market economy. I don't think many HD owners have any issues with where the components for their bikes come from, well I don't. In fact I think the fuel injection system on my scooter is a Bosh unit.

Its just a fact now that all the HDs from the late 60s 70s and early 80s were pretty average quality. The japs were nailing the American and English motorcycle industry with an agressive marketing program and to be fair a superiour quality product. We all know that very few motorcycle makers outside japan survived the 80's, I am glad HD did as they seem to act like a design counterpoint to the big Japaneese makers. It wasen't until the management brought back the company that HD got its quality back under control and started to make the products that the HD customers really wanted. In a way HD learnt a big lesson from the Japaneese and we all now have a better quality product because of it.
My scooter has just clocked 40k km in 3 years and has not missed a beat. It's by far the most reilyable motorcycle I have ever owned.

Shit I know plenty of Hardley owners who's veins in their necks stick out and their faces turn purple everytime you mention Jap parts and Roadking in the same sentence.:yes::bleh:

It's always good for a wind up when they trot out the hollier than thou attitude.:lol::lol::lol::lol:

It is all too easy really :msn-wink:

[SilverGrin]

Shit I know plenty of Hardley owners who's veins in their necks stick out and their faces turn purple everytime you mention Jap parts and Roadking in the same sentence.:yes::bleh:

It's always good for a wind up when they trot out the hollier than thou attitude.:lol::lol::lol::lol:

It is all too easy really :msn-wink:


I reckon you're exaggerating a little.
You've been told millions of times to stop doing that.

[Biggles2000]

Jap parts & Road King................. Wait for it.............. See no problem.

Silver, I also think he is exaggarating.

P38 It's not a wind up at all, no matter what I claim your argument will always be the same that Harley riders mind having jap bits in their rides. If I minded I would not have brought a Harley. Do you know your bike actually looks like a Harley complete with its Jap electrics.

Personally I trust that Harley Davidson has chosen the best quality components available to use in my motorcycle, if these are jap electrics then I am more than happy that I have the best quality bits available. The Japs make the best electronics in the world and my Harley is a better bike because of them.

Now if my Harley was styled in Japan and had American electronics.....

[Biggles2000]

Oh I forgot to add that I actually like Jap electronics, its amazing what they can do today with a toaster. More computing power than the moon missions.

[P38]

Jap parts & Road King................. Wait for it.............. See no problem.

Silver, I also think he is exaggarating.

P38 It's not a wind up at all, no matter what I claim your argument will always be the same that Harley riders mind having jap bits in their rides. If I minded I would not have brought a Harley. Do you know your bike actually looks like a Harley complete with its Jap electrics.

Personally I trust that Harley Davidson has chosen the best quality components available to use in my motorcycle, if these are jap electrics then I am more than happy that I have the best quality bits available. The Japs make the best electronics in the world and my Harley is a better bike because of them.

Now if my Harley was styled in Japan and had American electronics.....

Well I'm glad you aint bothered by that.

Cos there's Plenty round here that is.

Yep I know my bike is styled like a Harley. Thats partly why I bought It.

Dont get me wrong I like some of the Harley Davidson models just not enough to buy one.

It's the egos and attitues I dislike.

So I take the piss outta them.

Why?

Because I can!:apint:

[P38]

I reckon you're exaggerating a little.
You've been told millions of times to stop doing that.

A bit of a wind up never hurts.

After all Harley riders are pretty "Tough" arnt they:msn-wink:

[peasea]

LOL

Yeah them too.

That's just doubled the coke intake for the US.
Sorry about the spilling mystique, I'n yoosually bitter than vat.

[Biggles2000]

I really dont mind that my bike has Jap, German or Chinese parts in it just as long as they are the very best quality available at the time. If you ever take the time you might notice thats its your Doctor, Accountant, Lawyer or Rubbish collector, hell even a few Engineers, that has pulled up beside you on a Harley. To me Harley is the only motorcycle brand that seems to have a universal appeal across income, reilgion and social class. To me owning a Harley has been a real social leveller.

I really like riding with other Harliey owners because you never know who you will meet next. Don't get me wrong I also ride with non-Harley riders but Harley owners share a common interest in relatively expensive motorcycles which from the outside may look like elitism, hell Hog only has 1.1 million members. But I have been riding for 30 years and I have found a level of "brother hood" with Harley riders that I have not had with other brands of bike, not even close at the best of times.

I like Harley Davidson always have. If you feel the need to poke the borax at every and any Harley rider you meet, well if it makes you feel good, you do it. I am pleased that you have found an such an enjoyable and worthwile past time. I am going riding now, heading down the the Brass Monkey and are going to meet and have a beer with as many bikers as I can, before i fall over.

[Biggles2000]

Also...... Road King & Jap parts.........Just not many of them.......

Good night all.

[reofix]

People... to be truely insulted watch a harley ad full of "my own man"and "brave and free" bollocks.. love bikes and love the road... but please a little self respect

[P38]

I really dont mind that my bike has Jap, German or Chinese parts in it just as long as they are the very best quality available at the time. If you ever take the time you might notice thats its your Doctor, Accountant, Lawyer or Rubbish collector, hell even a few Engineers, that has pulled up beside you on a Harley. To me Harley is the only motorcycle brand that seems to have a universal appeal across income, reilgion and social class. To me owning a Harley has been a real social leveller.

I really like riding with other Harliey owners because you never know who you will meet next. Don't get me wrong I also ride with non-Harley riders but Harley owners share a common interest in relatively expensive motorcycles which from the outside may look like elitism, hell Hog only has 1.1 million members. But I have been riding for 30 years and I have found a level of "brother hood" with Harley riders that I have not had with other brands of bike, not even close at the best of times.

I like Harley Davidson always have. If you feel the need to poke the borax at every and any Harley rider you meet, well if it makes you feel good, you do it. I am pleased that you have found an such an enjoyable and worthwile past time. I am going riding now, heading down the the Brass Monkey and are going to meet and have a beer with as many bikers as I can, before i fall over.

Good on ya Biggles2000:niceone:

The Brass Monkey is a great rally.

Have a safe ride and watch out for the :Police::Police::Police::Police:

[popelli]

Jap parts & Road King................. Wait for it.............. See no problem.

Personally I trust that Harley Davidson has chosen the best quality components available to use in my motorcycle

Truth is there is nothing wrong with jap components, but Harley does not always choose the best, they choose the cheapest

Keihin is made in Japan, not a bad carb but a mikuni is a hell of a lot better as is a S&S

[Biggles2000]

I can't comment on Jap carbs I dont know anything about them. I can tell you all about S.U. and Webber but not Keihin and Mikuni. All the HD's I have owned have been fuel injected. To me the S&S looks like a scaled down Holly performance carb.

[scumdog]

People... to be truely insulted watch a harley ad full of "my own man"and "brave and free" bollocks.. love bikes and love the road... but please a little self respect


Meh, it's not just Harley that use such emotional clap-trap to seduce potential buyers - just look at Kwaka, Suzuki, Honda etc when it comes to cruiser ads.

[popelli]

Meh, it's not just Harley that use such emotional clap-trap to seduce potential buyers - just look at Kwaka, Suzuki, Honda etc when it comes to cruiser ads.

and don't forget the race rep clap trap for sports bikes, every body does that including harley with their new XR1200

[Biggles2000]

Well thats marketing for you. It doesent matter what the goods are marketing always try to associate a positive spin, to try to make the purchaser feel good that they are buying product 'a' and not 'b'. But when everybody is doing it it does loose its effect some what.

[paulmac]

try speed and custom in wellington. Bloody good blokes !! Its where WMC send their work !! real HD mechanics

[don rocard]

The only thing not stamped with made in Italy on my bike is me.

[popelli]

owned a guzzi once

possibly if they had used better quality components it could have been a better bike, it suffered from poor quality control and incredible unreliability

compared the the iron head sporty i had previously owned it was slower, drank more fuel and a lot less reliable, it did have good brakes but in reality it was more likely to break down before you ever needed to use them

in short it was the most unreliable and dissappointing bike I have ever owned

and have they got any better since then?? a friend bought a new breva and i have lost count of how many recalls and warranty claims he has had with it