1969 Harley-Davidson merges with the American Machine and Foundry Company (AMF), a longtime producer of leisure products.

This was only 40 or so years ago.
So much has changed, yes?
I now this is a 'dark' time in HD history, but isn't it alway darkest just before dawn?

This here link is to the HD history web site.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/C...5&locale=en_US

 

AMF, the death squad of corporate America!

 

If it weren't for AMF, you wouldn't be riding the Harley you're riding today.

 

Some feel that without the AMF money Harley might have folded back then. I bought a new 1972 XLH when I was twenty and rode the hell out of it with very few problems. I feel AMF tried to mass produce too many motorcycles and there quality control wasn't up to it. At least the company is still going today.

 

Exactly Right, as much as we bashed AMF if it had not been for the deal HD would be history today.

 

Had a 1977 FLH. Back then that thang was big. I'm laughing now that it is the same engine size as the larger sportster. [not same technology though]
Matuchi: your right about riding the S out of it. Ah, those where some fun years.
To be able to carry all your tools in your jacket pocket was something else.

 

I always wondered if the harleys that were made during the AMF years had any additional collectors value to them. Or maybe even less a value because of the AMF involvement. Anyone have any knowledge of this.

Jim

 

I rode mine every where I went for the first year, I didn't even own a car. I loved that bike more than any other bike I've owned since. I guess it's true about your first love. Below is a picture taken back in 1972 when I was twenty.

 

Actually, if it wasn't for Vaugn Beals and his influence to buy Harley back from AMF, there wouldn't be any Harleys period.http://www.plu.edu/~collinel/doc/harley-davidson.pdf

 

Cuss and swear all you want but i never had that much problems on either of the amf bikes i owned in the 70's