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]