In order to survive and be able to provide jobs for american workers companies have to look for the cheapest source to buy their supplies. If they dont make profit then they go out of business. In todays global economics you would be a fool to think that a business could be afford to buy more expensive parts and raw materials and be able to compete. Keep in mind even if the part was made overseas as long as the distributor you called is in US then your are supporting an american job.

 

Could someone post a picture of a real HD part (not a t-shirt) that was made in China or elswhere? Honestly, I've glanced around on my bike for something and couldn't find any--didn't take anything apart or bust out the inspection mirror though. I was at a dealer last week and looked at some of the hardware and it all said made in the USA. I am not calling bullshit, but I am curious as to what parts are made overseas. I hear made in China alot on here, just haven't run across any yet.

 

not China, but many parts are made in Japan.. Showa forks, for example, have been used by HD for the better part of 30 years now..

I don't know if it was posted in this thread yet, but there was a similar thread not too long ago on this topic, and its partially because HD gets better prices for quality products from overseas, but also in order for HD to be able to SELL their bikes in other countries, they're required to purchase products FROM those countries.. it's the whole back and forth fair trade, etc etc etc, this topic was just talked on like 2 weeks ago

 

That's why I like to buy stuff from craftsmen who handmake the item. I have purchased quite a few things that way.

 

The last time I checked, the hubs were cast in Taiwan.

 

Rear wheel made in Australia. Front loop made in Indonesia.

 

I've purchased locally as well though I am not sure if all the craftsmen were made in the USA or not.

 

Back in the early 1900's I can see where the Union was needed. Now days, no. Look at it from an owners point of view. If you are in business to make money why would you accept workers telling you what you are going to pay them and what kind of benefits you are going to provide. The unions ruined this country. Plain and simple. The majority of Union workers feel that they are entitled to a job. Entitled to a raise and entitled to benefits. The majority of them would not know what to do if they received a raise or promotion based on work performance. Most of them actually believe that they can drag azz all day and not worry one single bit about having their azz ran off. I would as many have, outsource my products just so I wouldn't have to worry about Union workers threatening a strike for a raise or better benefits. Get rid of the Unions and you would see more companies coming back to the U.S.

 

They should join the military. More hours less pay.

 

If you do..... naive

Are you running for President in 2016 ?

ROTFL. I nearly pissed in my pants trying to picture a "sweaty Chinese kid."

My Meineke ?