I had an Independent Harley mechanic tell me that he has never bought a new Harley since the 1984 evo because all the engine parts are Japanese? Made by Kawasaki? I know that allot of after market HD chrome is made in Taiwan but the engine parts?[:@]

 

He's been smoking to much waky tabaky. LOL Harley does out source some of their parts but not from any other bike company, the pistons are and have been for awhile made by Bosch in germany, front forks and rear shocks from Showa in japan, speakers are made in China, carbs were from japan too but for the most part their parts are made in their own plants here in the U.S. But I think they also have a plant in japan.

 

Guess that's why the newer bikes are more reliable & I could care less where specific parts are made! It's a increasingly global economy, thanks to our politicians.

 

NO, it is most definitely not true...

This is yet another urban myth surrounding HD

According to the book How to "Buy American" by Wayne T. Price Second Edition Harley Davidson motorcycles are listed as 95% American Made.

The AFL-CIO, The Union Label and Service Trades Department lists Harley Davidson as an American Union Made Product. This means that it is a predominately American Manufactured product, not an American Assembled Product.

Even the New York times agrees...
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/04/bu...pagewanted=all

Each bike proudly bears the PACE and Machinists Union label on its frame. Harley Davidsons are manufactured by union workers in York, PA, Milwaukee, WI and Kansas City, MO. HD has agreements with their Unions that are unique among American companies. The Unions actually have to agree on decisions concerning parts and locations of manufacture. One of the most recent decisions surround the manufacture of the gearing on the 2007 transmission, HD proposed that it be manufactured by a German company, but the Union did not want this to happen, so the gearing in the newest six speed transmission is made right in the York plant.

It is tru that some parts are either no longer allowed to be manufactured in the USA (Batteries and other items that use costic materials) or that it is just impossible to get made here because of costs etc. The motors are forged and assembled in the USA.

 

When you are at the dealer shopping for chrome check how many packages state.. "Made in China".

 

YES they do, actually TIWAN, BUT, they are shrink wrapped in a Harley Davidson cardboard.

 

An HD plant in Japan?What do they mfg.?

Don't forget about the MADE IN CHINA motor mounts!

 

There are several manufacturers in my area that do business with HD . I've worked at a couple of them over the years.

 

Hondas, Yamahas, Suzukis and Kawasakis.............Metric Cruisers....LOL

 

GREAT ARTICLE!!! I read it through and found it most enlightening. I recommend it to anyone concerned about American production.