Harley-Davidson to Build Bikes in India

**cigaretteman** · 11-04-2010, 09:12 AM

Will assemble American made parts there for the Indian market.

Harley-Davidson to build bikes in India - CNN.com

**bos** · 11-04-2010, 09:18 AM

Annoying. Seriously, how close are we to becoming a useless workforce?

"What we are doing is made in USA, assembled in India, which will have a positive job effect back home which is why we are driving this investment as quickly as we are,"

What this says is Americans are stupid. Hey, as long as they are just assembling there its ok.......uh yeah.

**dmclone** · 11-04-2010, 09:24 AM

From reading the article it sounds like this is only for bikes that will be sold in India. Probably not a big deal for most Harley owners. The day that they build them in another country and import to the U.S. is the day Harley can hang it up.

It's all about image for Harley owners so they better not mess with the USA image.

**bos** · 11-04-2010, 09:28 AM

Originally Posted by dmclone

From reading the article it sounds like this is only for bikes that will be sold in India. Probably not a big deal for most Harley owners. The day that they build them in another country and import to the U.S. is the day Harley can hang it up.

It's all about image for Harley owners so they better not mess with the USA image.

I guess maybe I read it wrong? I thought they were just creating jobs over there to get the Indian market but would be shipping back here as well.

**jdoggivjc** · 11-04-2010, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by bos

Annoying. Seriously, how close are we to becoming a useless workforce?

"What we are doing is made in USA, assembled in India, which will have a positive job effect back home which is why we are driving this investment as quickly as we are,"

What this says is Americans are stupid. Hey, as long as they are just assembling there its ok.......uh yeah.

I don't think you quite understand what's going on:

The "complete knock down" plant or CKD is expected to be up and running in the northern Indian state of Haryana in first half of 2011. Parts made in America will be put together for the Indian market in Haryana.

The company said it is on target to sell 200-250 bikes in the first six months in India. The high-end bikes went on sale in the county in July 2010.

Harley-Davidson is opening its fifth dealership in Bangalore, India this month.

Basically, this is no different than what Toyota, Honda, Nissan, or Hyundai are doing here in the USA - open up factories in the US to assemble vehicles that are to be sold in the US.

**cigaretteman** · 11-04-2010, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by bos

Annoying. Seriously, how close are we to becoming a useless workforce?

"What we are doing is made in USA, assembled in India, which will have a positive job effect back home which is why we are driving this investment as quickly as we are,"

What this says is Americans are stupid. Hey, as long as they are just assembling there its ok.......uh yeah.

They're only assembling the bikes there that will be sold in India. By doing this, they will cut Indian import duties dramatically, making them easier to afford by Indian buyers, which will increase sales, which will increase demand for American made parts, which will lead to more U.S. jobs.

**bos** · 11-04-2010, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by cigaretteman

They're only assembling the bikes there that will be sold in India. By doing this, they will cut Indian import duties dramatically, making them easier to afford by Indian buyers, which will increase sales, which will increase demand for American made parts, which will lead to more U.S. jobs.

Ok, ok, so I have low reading comprehension this morning. Apparently I need more caffeine and less cookies.

**dmclone** · 11-04-2010, 09:49 AM

I was surprised to see a few Harley's when I was in Paris. They were few and far between but I can't imagine how expensive they would be over there. Saw a few Buells as well.

I think Harley made a huge mistake in getting rid of Buell. They were finally starting to get some credibility by putting real engines in them.

**dmclone** · 11-04-2010, 09:51 AM

On a side note, they also got rid of MV agusta. Probably the most gorgeous bikes ever made. I love the look of their new exhaust.

And there old exhaust as well.

**Tre4ISU** · 11-04-2010, 10:04 AM

Harley Davidson has become an overproduced, overpriced and generally overated product over the years. They used to make some of the best bikes out there. Now, there are far better bikes that cost much less.

**Cyforce** · 11-04-2010, 10:11 AM

just a matter of time, if sales over there take off eventually
they'll specialize making some parts here and others there.
Reduces transportation costs if you commit to having products
shipped both ways. I don't think Harley would ever fully
reverse their production, due to backlash in our market.

**dmclone** · 11-04-2010, 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by yaman3

Harley Davidson has become an overproduced, overpriced and generally overated product over the years. They used to make some of the best bikes out there. Now, there are far better bikes that cost much less.

When did they ever "make the best bikes out there"?

**edr247** · 11-04-2010, 10:15 AM

My cousin in India doesn't ride, but her husband is apparently into motorcycles, and it looks like there is a lot of demand for Harleys over in India. When she was here to visit, she kept pointing out various motorcycles (Harleys or otherwise). Well, not pointing out every motorcycle, but generally the ones she thought her husband would like.

They were actually considering buying a Harley in the US, and shipping it back to India.

**redrocker** · 11-04-2010, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by dmclone

It's all about image for Harley owners so they better not mess with the USA image.

Yep, it is just a garage ornament.

**dmclone** · 11-04-2010, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by redrocker

Yep, it is just a garage ornament.

I have no problem with buying something just for image. Maybe something has changes in the last couple of months that I don't know about but they are far from the most reliable, they are some of the most expensive, for the most part they are dated technology, etc. Some people think they sound nice (not me) but they are great looking bikes. Is there something that I'm missing?