Comments on: Harley-Davidson CEO Got Paid $4.1M For 2007

By: Buck

Buck — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:53:11 +0000

I think HD is definately feeling pressure from alot of the overseas manufacturers now. At one time if it wasn’t a Harley, it’d get kicked over parked on the side of the road. The metrics are exceeding quality and performance of most everything HD builds, and that is definately having an effect on overall sales as a new generation of riders is taking to the road. Hopefully HD, the father of all cruisers doesn’t wait too long to embrace some “new” technologies like liquid cooling for the touring series and a transition to OHC. Some people may think that stuff like that would dilute the brand, but then again showa has been making forks for them for decades, Brembo is now available as a factory brake system and all the TC engines have a two pin crankshaft(sound like lawnmowers compared to an EVO or a shovelhead). I’d really hate to see another time for Harley like the dark “AMF years” was for them, but sadly it appears that is exactly what lies ahead unless Willy G. snaps out of a 1971 headspace.

By: T

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:11:50 +0000

Hey J and Rodent,

Jim Ziemer got his start pushing broom and running a elevator at
Harley-Davidson at a very young age, I’m guessing before you started riding. He is one American CEO who started at the bottom.

Along with that, less than 10% of all parts used on a Harley come from overseas. There are alot of hard working men and women building bikes here in the US for all of us that are not talented with a gas wrench.

Yea, I wish everything made was made here, but thats just not possible. Time, Money, Material, Schedules and Man Power are all
part of the equation.

Yea, most of the accessories are made overseas due to the things just mentioned. But that is the reality of “we want it now and at the cheapest price”.

Just take a good look at at custom bike, which includes some great one off pieces but also some off the chart pricing. Don’t get me wrong I would love to own one, but I will have to wait a bit before my ship raises from the bottom and comes in.

By: Mr. Motorcycle

Mr. Motorcycle — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:05:27 +0000

Hey saorijohn,

Regarding overseas markets. Are you talking selling, buying, or outsourcing.

I bet more than half of my Harley stuff has been replace with non-OEM. (Some from overseas).

Sad but true story… I do joke though that the last “Genuine Harley Davidson” part I bought was a chrome banjo, and it stated Genuine Harley Davidson Parts” on the front side of the bag, and said made in Taiwan on the back. So much for made in America. Maybe assembled in America. Then again, so is Toyota, Etc..

Please don’t get me wrong. I got a Harley and I do love it.

By: Rodent

Rodent — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 23:04:21 +0000

And he’s worth every nickle of it(I lie)

By: saorijohn

saorijohn — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 15:18:02 +0000

I think the only growth HD can expect will be from overseas markets.

By: J

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 23:34:25 +0000

Comical……