Lets stop being cheap
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 11,613
Likes: 7,087
From: SoCal / AZ
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.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 861
Likes: 3
From: trivoli illinois
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.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 861
Likes: 3
From: trivoli illinois
is there a war in alaska that i'm unaware of....lol. beautiful country up there. i'd love to get back up there again some day. thanks for your service.....salute...steve
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 520
Likes: 3
From: East Coast
The old "Made in America thread"...I tend to look for the bestdeal I can find. The items I have found the best prices on have come fromswapmeets and craigslist. I can't say all the parts originated in good ol USAbut the guy I was handing the money to for a part that was “like new” was definitelyputting it in his American pocket to hopefully spend locally. So I would saysupport your local parts recycler and Indy Shop.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
I respectfully disagree with the point that Unions were never needed and that they ruined this Country. I will admit to the fact that they have shot themselves in their own feet though. I have never been a Union worker but the Job I have had the past 25 years pays me exceptionally well and the only reason they do that is to keep the Union out of their business. Had there never been any Unions I would be working more and making half of what I now make, if that. When the Unions become a thing only seen in History books our children will be working for peanuts again. Unions did not ship Jobs over sea's, our own elected officials did that to us. They moved, for the most part, because of taxes and believe it or not Government rules, regulations and programs like OSHA. They were able to go over sea's and totally ignore worker safety issues. A worker here that gets hurt or killed on the job causes companies major liability issues. Over sea's they push that guy aside and throw a new warm body in his place. The benefits any of us have today, vacation, sick pay, benefits, pensions and safe work places are all a direct result to the Unions. And yes, I would pay a few more bucks for a part made here in America but I also know there are those out there that might not be able to afford that same luxury. I would never knock anyone for what they choose to do with their money, their bike.
Last edited by tbonetony06; Jan 26, 2013 at 09:39 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 971
Likes: 1
From: Chicago/Arlington Heights
I am a retired Teamster and know 1st hand what Unions DID for the workers. Now the unions have little to no leverage. Its ALWAYS been about the H&W and dues money. We used to have a saying that the slower you go the more you make. Now back to the OP, Buy American is a GREAT idea but good luck to you finding 100% USA made. Do you people remember after 9/11 all the Flags on houses,bikes,cars,etc.? Take a look around and depending on where you are live you will be lucky to see a hand full.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 632
Likes: 3
From: Virginia raised, stationed in Alaska
Its basically the QRF for the pacific theatre. And there needs to be some units there to protect the pipeline lol.