This is not in the Harley legend.

On this day, at midnight in 1981, Harley Davidson was saved by Ronald Reagan. Reluctantly, he signed the tarrif act that slapped up-to a 40% tax on Japanese motorcycles of 700cc+, for the next 4 years. European's too, if they were shipping-in more that 6000, which they weren't. Later, in 1983 an old Ducati logo was transformed into the bar and shield. Earlier, Big Steel had argued for similar gov't salvation, but did not get it.

Thank you, Ronald Reagan.
Creator of the American Harley Davidson.

 

Which Ducati logo? I've never heard this story before.

 

I would guess he's talking about this one:

 

Government medaling in private business again. you think we would have learned somthing after the 1929 stockmarket crash!

 

Ok, so the tariff may have helped HD get onto its feet after AMF, but - - from logoblog.org
"The Harley Davidson company started using the ever famous Bar and Shield Logo in the year 1910."

Nope - - no Ducati!

 

I'm calling April Fool's on this one. At least the Ducati logo. I'll have to research the tariff. I remember it happening, but I'm not sure of the year or length of time.

 

Well, ya got one outta four right. Reagan did slap a tariff on import motorcycles...but it was '83...and he did similar relief for the steel industry, as well as a few others like auto, machine and tool, semiconductor...the Bar and Shield logo was created in 1910, not 1983 and did not come from a Ducati logo...and Reagan was not the "Creator of the American Harely Davidson"...saved it maybe.

Troll? Or just misinformed?

 

Ahhhhh...guess I've been had...I always forget 'bout this April Fools Day ****. hehe