RE: Harley comment

[steve powers <spowers@spdg.COM>]

Glen sed:
> <snip>
> It should be noted that this was during the same period that Japanese
> motorcycles
> were surcharged to fund the recovery of Harley Davidson.
> 
> Robin
> 
> .....because the japanese were abusing the then-open US market with =
> predatory business practices, flooding the market with far more supply =
> Vs demand to kill prices and dumping product on the US market at below =
> cost.....please tell the whole story.....
> 
> Today Harley is an incredibly profitable and successful company with a =
> product line that sells out every year, a long waiting list and a truly =
> dedicated following of repeat customers around the world.

wish you hadn't said that...

Harley Davidson represents what I most despise about 'merican companies.
They have a mediocre product, _excellent_ marketing, and a top-notch
legal staff (second only to Microsoft's). Where's the value???

Yes, they do sell out every year. Yes, you've probably got to get in
line
to get one. But do they get ridden? Take a look at the speedometer next
time you see one parked in a lot. Chances are it won't have very many
miles on it. This is either due to the time spent polishing vs. riding
or the time spent in the repair shop. Ever wonder why shop t-shirts are
so popular with the Harley crowd? Ever wonder why police departments
ride KZ1000S (japanese) or BMWs (german)? These same PDs drive Crown
Vics or Coprices... I've read that even the 1%ers (biker gang types)
are looking elsewhere for their bikes. Sonny Barger (Hell's Angel
founder) owns a japanese bike (kawasaki?).

Admittedly, Harley has a good thing going. Sales are better than ever.
They have a cash cow - why change anything? After all, the first thing
any Harley rider does is go buy a bazillion $$$$ of aftermarket chrome
pieces. Screamin' Beagle Chrome (offroad use only) Air Cleaner. Drag
pipes (certainly not in the corners) are another popular accessory with
the Harley crowd.

While I don't agree with dumping, I also do not agree with HD's
predatory
trade practices, e.g. patenting the "sound", "look", etc. after so many
years. This country would be alot better off if it really had a true
market economy.

enough sed...

steve powers
spowers@spdg.com