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[berniemc]

Went to local Harley shop yesterday looking for a jacket and got to noticing made in china labels.Everything in the store was made in china.People wonder why there are no jobs in our country and our American made motorcycle supports China.I wont be buying any.

[ice6900]

Get used to it!

Its all to do with the bottom line purchase price and achieving the greatest profit for the shareholders

[Paul1]

Considering the amount of money they make on official HD merchandising you would think they would produce more in the US, but your right it's all about profit these days ! If we're not careful countries like china & India will take over !!!

[JCZ]

It's what the occupy protests are all about.....corporate greed.

Was at the factory outlets in Vacaville on Friday evening.....Levis store.  Levis were a jean originally designed for the gold miners here in Calif. in the 1850s and were made in San Francisco.  I can remember seeing the factory in the city, as a kid. 

The factory is gone and the 501 jeans, still advertised as "The Original Levis" (not even close.....different material, no rivets in the corners of the pockets, etc. and the label is no longer real leather) now bears a label that says "Made In Mexico". 

[erniezap]

It's what the occupy protests are all about.....corporate greed.

Was at the factory outlets in Vacaville on Friday evening.....Levis store.  Levis were a jean originally designed for the gold miners here in Calif. in the 1850s and were made in San Francisco.  I can remember seeing the factory in the city, as a kid. 

The factory is gone and the 501 jeans, still advertised as "The Original Levis" (not even close.....different material, no rivets in the corners of the pockets, etc. and the label is no longer real leather) now bears a label that says "Made In Mexico". 

That was in the 1850's, correct? 

[Fired00d]

That was in the 1850's, correct? 

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[sglide4me]

Hard to find anything not made in China anymore, but I refuse to pay top dollar for the Harley label made in China, so if I have to buy made in China there are other brands that are made just as well or better for alot less.

[Spiderman]

H-D jeans made in USA I think were one of the last things to go. I've still got a couple pair that say Made in USA on the label. Went to buy some recently and noticed they were no longer made in USA so I didn't buy them. If all I can get is Chinese crap then I'm not gonna pay top dollar. H-D can stuff it. I haven't bought a single soft item from H-D in several years now. I'd skip the hard parts if I could but I'm not much in using aftermarket stuff on my motorcycle. Irregardless of where it's made, I am trying to keep the vehicle OEM. Not to say the fact that most of the parts on it, are made outside of the USA doesn't piss me off but it's been five years since I bought my last new H-D and I suspect it will be my last new purchase from them. Whether they realize it or not for one reason or another their customer base is eroding. For some it's quality. For some it's the greed of the dealers. For others it's poor service and techs who don't GAS. And for others still it's stuff like this, all their peripheral items being made abroard. I won't mourn the day H-D shutters it's doors. That day will only make the H-D's I own more valuable.

B B

[Mrs Rooster]

 We have bought from 2 different American Leather companies
Our favorite is Langlitz Leathers...family owned and ran. You can have it custom built for you with a couple of sittings or you can buy it right off the rack. You pay a little more but the quality (leather and workmanship) is well worth it
www.langlitz.com
another is Fox Creek Leathers
www.foxcreekleathers.com
 There are more out there, these are two I can think of.
Good luck with your search  

 America needs to remember that the EMPLOYEE WAGES/TAXES is what has driven business overseas. We want American made but not everyone wants to pay the price. Some may disagree and say greed BUT the business OWNER is in business to make a profit...high rent, wages, taxes, etc.  Some owners have sold their souls to the devil and need a bigger profit for what ever reason. Phil Knight owner of Nike (sent his business overseas), and has given the University Of Oregon (we look good on the football field, don't we) over 300 million, Stanford University in CA over 15 million, Hillsboro Oregon has the Nike Campus and American researchers...tons of $$$ in Oregon just from 1 man. There is so much more that he does in our great state of Oregon that I could keep going on and on. This is one business owner that has been labeled "Greedy Corp America....could he do that and pay an employee over $20.00 an hour plus benefits  to sew shoes...I think not. I do agree there is greed in America BUT it is everywhere, we have created it...it is just not Corp America...Look around...it is us, your neighbor, greed is everywhere. How much of Corp America is even American owned anymore? I wonder if I am going to be deleted? Sorry just my rant  

  I do agree that Harley has a bunch of over priced imported junk.
 

[grayghost731]

Considering the amount of money they make on official HD merchandising you would think they would produce more in the US, but your right it's all about profit these days ! If we're not careful countries like china & India will take over !!!

they already have where ya been   

[tompen]

I bet if an american tee-shirt company went to HD and offered the same quality product at the same price delivered, we would be wearing "made in USA". But, that doesn't happen. The Chinese manufacture, and ship the product across the ocean and we still won't compete. We just complain. I'm sorry but I see it as our fault. With 10% unemployment, why can't we manufacture and sell clothing on our own shore.
Just how I see it.

[grayghost731]

I bet if an american tee-shirt company went to HD and offered the same quality product at the same price delivered, we would be wearing "made in USA". But, that doesn't happen. The Chinese manufacture, and ship the product across the ocean and we still won't compete. We just complain. I'm sorry but I see it as our fault. With 10% unemployment, why can't we manufacture and sell clothing on our own shore.
Just how I see it.

You are closer to the truth then you think  We Need to WAKE UP AMERICA 

[RedDevil]

I bet if an american tee-shirt company went to HD and offered the same quality product at the same price delivered, we would be wearing "made in USA". But, that doesn't happen. The Chinese manufacture, and ship the product across the ocean and we still won't compete. We just complain. I'm sorry but I see it as our fault. With 10% unemployment, why can't we manufacture and sell clothing on our own shore.
Just how I see it.

Because those that are still making things in America believe that having "Made in the U.S.A" on the label should draw a premium price over something that is made elsewhere.  Face it, American businesses cannot compete at $15-20/hr labor rates in the U.S. with countries, like China, that pay that amount, if your lucky, per day to their workers.   As Mrs. Rooster said, our own greed as laborers and constantly badgering management for more and more money per hour has forced businesses to go overseas for their labor.  Big business is not going to cut the bottom line profit in favor of paying higher wages.  That's why a laptop made in China will cost you $700 and and equally capable one built in the U.S. will cost you $2100.  It's simple ecconomics, until the U.S. can compete with foreign manufacturers, we won't see "Made in America" much longer, unless you're willing to pay three times as much for that priviledge.  JMO

[berniemc]

For the price Harley charges for their clothing it could be made in America.If everyone like me quit buying their chinese junk they would try to get American cos involved.

[tompen]

How about if HD spun off a division,  used some realestate they already own, people they already have, and start making thier own line of clothing in the US. Buy domestic products and pay a wage that is at least better that welfare. Maybe let the employees share in profits. They should be able to make at least as much money as buying imported stuff. Make a big deal about all domestic content and labor. We are already used to paying way too much for the licensed stuff. Since they own the license, they could export it to China and the world.
The big question would be--WIIFM.  (Whats in it for me) Me being HD.

[Mrs Rooster]

 How's this for American made jeans. 
http://oce.oregon.gov/products/112

 

[Midnight Rider]

Shop here:  http://www.gussetclothing.com/

Made in the USA, from the material to the sewing.  Blue Ridge, GA.  These are the only jeans I wear...I've had two of the pair since 2006 and worn them a LOT, other than some fraying on the bottom due to my short legs, they are still going strong.  The trademark Gusset in the crotch actually works when riding.  I have their Defender jeans as well...Kevlar where it counts.  They are also great to wear when you don't want to wear your chaps, but still want more protection than regular jeans offer.

Give the "boys" some room...

[RedDevil]

Shop here:  http://www.gussetclothing.com/

Made in the USA, from the material to the sewing.  Blue Ridge, GA.  These are the only jeans I wear...I've had two of the pair since 2006 and worn them a LOT, other than some fraying on the bottom due to my short legs, they are still going strong.  The trademark Gusset in the crotch actually works when riding.  I have their Defender jeans as well...Kevlar where it counts.  They are also great to wear when you don't want to wear your chaps, but still want more protection than regular jeans offer.

Give the "boys" some room...

For $126.00 the Defender Jeans better be good!!!   

[charles05663]

I bet if an american tee-shirt company went to HD and offered the same quality product at the same price delivered, we would be wearing "made in USA". But, that doesn't happen. The Chinese manufacture, and ship the product across the ocean and we still won't compete. We just complain. I'm sorry but I see it as our fault. With 10% unemployment, why can't we manufacture and sell clothing on our own shore.
Just how I see it.

I found this article interesting.  It discusses how Snapper Mowers told Wal-Mart to take a hike.

http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/102/open_snapper.html

 

[hogasm]

We have bought from 2 different American Leather companies
Our favorite is Langlitz Leathers...family owned and ran. You can have it custom built for you with a couple of sittings or you can buy it right off the rack. You pay a little more but the quality (leather and workmanship) is well worth it
www.langlitz.com
another is Fox Creek Leathers
www.foxcreekleathers.com
 There are more out there, these are two I can think of.
Good luck with your search  

 America needs to remember that the EMPLOYEE WAGES/TAXES is what has driven business overseas. We want American made but not everyone wants to pay the price. Some may disagree and say greed BUT the business OWNER is in business to make a profit...high rent, wages, taxes, etc.  Some owners have sold their souls to the devil and need a bigger profit for what ever reason. Phil Knight owner of Nike (sent his business overseas), and has given the University Of Oregon (we look good on the football field, don't we) over 300 million, Stanford University in CA over 15 million, Hillsboro Oregon has the Nike Campus and American researchers...tons of $$$ in Oregon just from 1 man. There is so much more that he does in our great state of Oregon that I could keep going on and on. This is one business owner that has been labeled "Greedy Corp America....could he do that and pay an employee over $20.00 an hour plus benefits  to sew shoes...I think not. I do agree there is greed in America BUT it is everywhere, we have created it...it is just not Corp America...Look around...it is us, your neighbor, greed is everywhere. How much of Corp America is even American owned anymore? I wonder if I am going to be deleted? Sorry just my rant  

  I do agree that Harley has a bunch of over priced imported junk.
 

I see greed here.....If Mr Knight kept his manufacturing in the USA then he probably would only be able to give the University of Oregon $150million instead of $300m

[Montanakid]

In The Bay Area in San Jose Ca. There is Just Leathers. Been in the same location for as long as I can remember and I'll be the double nickel this year.I remember seeing it as a kid with all the ( bad ) bikers  hanging around ya know HA's and the like, but it's was and is a small family run business , you can get custom made Jackets, chaps, saddlebags and more,if fact I replaced my 7 year old harley gear for their stuff and was cheaper too as I got at their twice a year parking lot sale. Go there you won't be dissapointed.

[Frankcsal]

I've been buying my jeans from All American Clothing for a year now. 

Clothing Made in USA      http://www.allamericanclothing.com/

"Our mission is to support USA families and jobs by producing high-quality clothing in the USA at an affordable price. By keeping our production in the USA we provide jobs and a tax base that supports our communities."

"We care about our country and the people in it; if we were only in it for money we would move our production overseas. We will NOT trade USA jobs for foreign profits..."-- Lawson Nickol, Co-Founder

At the All American Clothing Co our clothes are made by using the best USA materials and labor. When you purchase clothing made in USA you are helping our economy in so many ways! For Example: the jeans are USA made, the box it shipped in was made in the USA, our website is hosted by a USA company, the shipping companies are all from the USA, the people who built our building are USA citizens, etc...As you can see buying clothing that is "Made in USA" affects many jobs in many different industries.

[kraut]

you won't change the world by buying products just because they are "american made".

In the end only the most competitive producers will survive, wherever their product may be made.

Donate in welfare would be a better aproach 

[guppytrash]

I will throw the B S flag up. 
One of the major reasons we have no factories left in the USA is the same reason you spend $1500-$2000 on your new HD so it will run.
Ever heard of the Chinese version of the EPA??  To build a factory to EPA specs would simply break the bank. 
Don't get me wrong...I want a clean environment too, but we can't compete if you play by our EPA rules. 

Now for those that say greedy labor is the problem I will also disagree. 
Remember when President Reagan and Lee Iacocca went Japan to point the finger at the CEO of Toyota for being the source of the US automobile problem in the early 80's??
The CEO of Toyota listened to them and then made the one simple point of how many millions Iacocca was making while CEO of non-profitable Chrysler and compared his salary as CEO of the most profitable automobile company of the world (at the time).  Toyota's CEO also pointed out if his company wasn't profitable he was the first to take a pay cut....that doesn't happen in the US!  Our CEO's don't even park the corporate jet.

The disparity between labor and management pay in US companies in the last 10-15 years has increased.  Don't know exact numbers but I am sure someone can internet research it but I think I remember reading an article in the newspaper about the average US CEO makes 300-1 of the average laborer.
In foreign countries the numbers rarely exceeded double digits.  XX-1.

 











 

[Chains]

Shipping costs are starting to turn the tide back our way in some areas of manufacturing.  I run a large metal stamping company and for parts that have weight to them I am able to knock the socks of the Chinese and other Asian competitors.  I have automated every possible thing in my welding area that I can as cash flow permits.  Unfortunately the more I automate the less people I need. But also I plan on creating new jobs by buying new equipment to expand our area of expertise.  Working on buying a new 1500 to 2500 ton press with a transfer system to enable us to take even larger parts that are done in Asia. 

I hate WalMart since Sam left it to his kids, it is nothing but a Chinese market place.  Will buy my jeans from the site posted above from now on.  It is a shame to pick up a piece of clothing and see made in Vietnam on it.  I will not buy it, if it is given to me as a gift I give it to the dog to chew up.

I am with everyone here, Lets Buy Made In The Good Old USA

[grayghost731]

Amazing my kid came home for the holidays brought my wife and i a couple harley shirts from Appleton HD shop in clarksville , TN  hers made in USA mine made in honduras KOOL SHIRTS
 Just checked out the ones I get around here(michigan) USA and india and Mexico 
 I guess there made everywhere  Did not no that

[faceracer]

I recently bought a new belt from HD. I had to go through the hole rack to find one that was real leather and made in usa. There was one! I bought it even thought it was too big took it home and punched a couple new hole in it. Works for me!!! $55 for a damn belt? I looked everywhere for a 2" wide leather belt. They are not to be found in any mall or retail store! I know there are some plain ones out there but I like a little design or something. The HD belt I got atleast has some reflective lettering on it! Saftery First!   

[FLSTFI Dave]

Shipping costs are starting to turn the tide back our way in some areas of manufacturing.  I run a large metal stamping company and for parts that have weight to them I am able to knock the socks of the Chinese and other Asian competitors.  I have automated every possible thing in my welding area that I can as cash flow permits.  Unfortunately the more I automate the less people I need. But also I plan on creating new jobs by buying new equipment to expand our area of expertise.  Working on buying a new 1500 to 2500 ton press with a transfer system to enable us to take even larger parts that are done in Asia. 

I hate WalMart since Sam left it to his kids, it is nothing but a Chinese market place.  Will buy my jeans from the site posted above from now on.  It is a shame to pick up a piece of clothing and see made in Vietnam on it.  I will not buy it, if it is given to me as a gift I give it to the dog to chew up.

I am with everyone here, Lets Buy Made In The Good Old USA

Machine Automation is the blame also for lots of jobs going away.  Example is Delphi AC /Delco spark plugs.  18 line workers and five maintenance guys each shift to make 500,000 spark plugs in 24 hours.  Older plant, and Union rules for trades and what they can do.

Denso, 1 year old plant, no union, Highly automated, 3 line workers per shift, 2 maintenance guys per shift, 750,000 plugs per 24 hours. 

Both plants in the USA.  AC / Declo contracted us to Make plugs and stamp AC/ Delco on them, it was cheeper for them than making there on plugs.

Why?  1 machine automation, far less workers.  2, less than half the maintenance people, because maintenance had to be able to do electrical, mechanical, hydraulics, robotics and PLC maintenance.  Union will not allow trades to do that. 

Denso's wages were with in 50 cents or less of what a similar union position, same medical, and dental, good 401K.

You are also very right about the EPA and the costs it adds.  Most interviews with manufacturing say they leave, not due to Wages but Cost of doing business meaning EPA, OSHA and 2nd highest corporate tax in the world.

I use to like Wal-Mart when Sam W founded it and ran it.  Since his kids and the new business model I do not enter the store.

[grc]

While it is very popular among a certain segment of the population to bash anything involving the EPA or OSHA, and blame job losses on regulation and unions, I don't see any of those same people volunteering to go work in those sweat shops with the open pits of hazardous waste next door and the air so foul that everyone wears masks 24/7.  If anyone thinks the answer to America's jobs problem is to eliminate all the advances we've made in the past 40 years in the area of environment and safety, I submit that those people don't have a real clue (or they have nice insulated ivory tower jobs and can afford to let others do all the dirty work for them).

This country didn't become the largest economy in the world by letting third world countries take our jobs, and we managed to become the envy of the world while paying good wages and providing good benefits and creating a large upwardly mobile middle class.  While all that was happening, there were plenty of places with much cheaper labor rates and no regulations, but this country did not allow them to flood our markets.  Then the "free trade" and "global economy" folks came to power along with the ME generation of corporate leaders, and here we are.  The rich get immensely richer, the poor and middle class get poorer, and we get stuck buying low quality products at inflated prices so the rich can get even richer.  It isn't sustainable, but short of another revolution it won't change anytime soon. 


Jerry

[Eqcons]

Amazing my kid came home for the holidays brought my wife and i a couple harley shirts from Appleton HD shop in clarksville , TN  hers made in USA mine made in honduras KOOL SHIRTS
 Just checked out the ones I get around here(michigan) USA and india and Mexico 
 I guess there made everywhere  Did not no that

Yup, but one thing has become clear - I buy these all over the world, as lots of people do, and I will no longer buy any made in Honduras - they are utter crap, with necks that would fit an elephant, whatever size you buy. And with T-Shirts at $US40 to $US65 in other countries, it's yet another sign of HD maximising rip off profits at the expensse of the customer, by buying the cheapest rubbish they can find, with quality not a consideration.

If the HD T-shirt says "Made in Honduras" - put it back on the rail, and tell the dealership why.


Jim

[JCZ]

In The Bay Area in San Jose Ca. There is Just Leathers. Been in the same location for as long as I can remember and I'll be the double nickel this year.I remember seeing it as a kid with all the ( bad ) bikers  hanging around ya know HA's and the like, but it's was and is a small family run business , you can get custom made Jackets, chaps, saddlebags and more,if fact I replaced my 7 year old harley gear for their stuff and was cheaper too as I got at their twice a year parking lot sale. Go there you won't be dissapointed.

There's also California Leather Creations for the Nor Cal members.  While they have a store front in the bay area, the factory is in Santa Rosa (nice day ride and Hwy. 101 has been widened!).  Since the mid 80s I had my jackets and chaps made there in Santa Rosa.  They will tailor make them to fit your body (I had to add an extra 2" in the length of the coat, extra 1.5" in the sleeves and take the chaps in at the upper thigh, boot cut from the knee down).  I used to constantly be asked where I got my leathers (tailored) up until I got my Screamin Eagle jacket.

As a matter of fact (not related), the Santa Rosa locations is very close to Guy Fieri's home.....where they film The Big Bite in his home.  Maybe stop by for lunch.

[grayghost731]

While it is very popular among a certain segment of the population to bash anything involving the EPA or OSHA, and blame job losses on regulation and unions, I don't see any of those same people volunteering to go work in those sweat shops with the open pits of hazardous waste next door and the air so foul that everyone wears masks 24/7.  If anyone thinks the answer to America's jobs problem is to eliminate all the advances we've made in the past 40 years in the area of environment and safety, I submit that those people don't have a real clue (or they have nice insulated ivory tower jobs and can afford to let others do all the dirty work for them).

This country didn't become the largest economy in the world by letting third world countries take our jobs, and we managed to become the envy of the world while paying good wages and providing good benefits and creating a large upwardly mobile middle class.  While all that was happening, there were plenty of places with much cheaper labor rates and no regulations, but this country did not allow them to flood our markets.  Then the "free trade" and "global economy" folks came to power along with the ME generation of corporate leaders, and here we are.  The rich get immensely richer, the poor and middle class get poorer, and we get stuck buying low quality products at inflated prices so the rich can get even richer.  It isn't sustainable, but short of another revolution it won't change anytime soon. 


Jerry

You got it  Sad but true   And buy the way im in for the revolution 

[Screamin Eagle Carl]

I bought a pair of Harley gloves for 65 bucks. Looked very nice. I have worn them for 3 months and the left glove is ripped. When I got them, the black leached onto my hands. Cheap sh*t made in China...

Harley has a new CEO for about 2 years. THe Davidson family busines is corporate greed. I support Made in America!

[kraut]

if "made in America" is not fit for competition it will drown.

Same with "made in Germany" btw ...

[Eqcons]

if "made in America" is not fit for competition it will drown.

Same with "made in Germany" btw ...

And with "made in the UK" of course, Hans. But "fit for competition" has two meanings - competition on quality, or competition on price.  Unfortunately, Harley's choice is price, not quality, so we pay for quality and get the cheapest stuff they can find, regardless of quality.

Jim

[faceracer]

And with "made in the UK" of course, Hans. But "fit for competition" has two meanings - competition on quality, or competition on price.  Unfortunately, Harley's choice is price, not quality, so we pay for quality and get the cheapest stuff they can find, regardless of quality.

Jim

I fully agree! The MOCO already has a huge mark up and they are trying to squeeze more profit out by giving us cheap goods while making us pay the price for preium goods. Its not just Harley I'm affraid. Most companys are doing it. Unfortenitly we get screwed! I believe that every product that leaves the us to be made somewhere else loses quaility. Best thing we can all do is support our local leather and garment shops and let hd eat the chink crap!!!! I will not by anything clothing wise from the dealer unless it says made in America.  Face out!

[Eqcons]

I fully agree! The MOCO already has a huge mark up and they are trying to squeeze more profit out by giving us cheap goods while making us pay the price for preium goods. Its not just Harley I'm affraid. Most companys are doing it. Unfortenitly we get screwed! I believe that every product that leaves the us to be made somewhere else loses quaility. Best thing we can all do is support our local leather and garment shops and let hd eat the chink crap!!!! I will not by anything clothing wise from the dealer unless it says made in America.  Face out!

You're correct in saying that it's not just HD, Face, but I firmly believe that they are the worst, in terms of the hundreds of percent markup that their prices contain.

Jim

[grc]

Harley is no doubt one of the worst for buying on the cheap in China and then selling for premium prices here, but they are definitely not the only ones.  How about all the folks standing in line like sheep at the Apple stores every time Apple farts, with hundreds of dollars in hand to buy a product that is 100% made in China for a pittance?  Unfortunately it is the ignorance of the consumers that makes the gouging by companies like H-D and Apple possible, and the lemming factor of course.  There are alternatives in both cases, but then the alternatives usually don't come with the "look at me, I'm cool because I spent way to much" cachet offered by H-D and Apple.

Harley is successful not because they make a superior product, they are successful because they've convinced the public that Harley's are "cool" and the much more competent competition is not.  That is a model emulated by more than one company, and it's rather telling when some of them spend more for advertising than they do for R&D.  Bitch about it all you want, but ultimately those who keep buying are the ones truly to blame for the situation.


Jerry

[Eqcons]

Harley is no doubt one of the worst for buying on the cheap in China and then selling for premium prices here, but they are definitely not the only ones.  How about all the folks standing in line like sheep at the Apple stores every time Apple farts, with hundreds of dollars in hand to buy a product that is 100% made in China for a pittance?  Unfortunately it is the ignorance of the consumers that makes the gouging by companies like H-D and Apple possible, and the lemming factor of course.  There are alternatives in both cases, but then the alternatives usually don't come with the "look at me, I'm cool because I spent way to much" cachet offered by H-D and Apple.

Harley is successful not because they make a superior product, they are successful because they've convinced the public that Harley's are "cool" and the much more competent competition is not.  That is a model emulated by more than one company, and it's rather telling when some of them spend more for advertising than they do for R&D.  Bitch about it all you want, but ultimately those who keep buying are the ones truly to blame for the situation.


Jerry

Good summary, Jerry.  I've long maintained that if Apple announced a piece of dog crap, calling it the iTurd, the faithful would queue round the block to be the first to own one!

Jim

[spydglide]

Good summary, Jerry.  I've long maintained that if Apple announced a piece of dog crap, calling it the iTurd, the faithful would queue round the block to be the first to own one!

Jim

And I just heard that now they've surpassed ExxonMobile to become our biggest American company.  Harley should be so lucky.  har.  spyder

[pj57]

Vanson Leathers...the best IMHO. Would have bet the farm their gear was 100% "Made in the USA" - according to their website, they have plants in Massachusetts and since 2008 El Salvador. I do think it's pretty cool that they've addressed the issue by offering the customer the option of having their selection made in the USA. PJ 

[Billy]

I just received 2 pair of American made jeans $40 buck each.  Great quality, extra belt loops, Better pockets . and thicker material. The fit is great.  Cant find shirts that are made in America yet but will keep looking. Also can't find golf shoes. But the pants are A start.  We all need Jeans so give them a try allamericanclothing.com  Billy

[kraut]

Americans will only buy american products, us germans will only buy german products (bye bye Harley-Davidson ...), the chinese will only buy chinese products - you know what will happen then?

America will suffer the most.

[ice6900]

Americans will only buy american products, us germans will only buy german products (bye bye Harley-Davidson ...), the chinese will only buy chinese products - you know what will happen then?

America will suffer the most.

And the Swiss will have to buy more from IKEA lol

[bandit]

I see greed here.....If Mr Knight kept his manufacturing in the USA then he probably would only be able to give the University of Oregon $150million instead of $300m

If Mr. Knight pays $150 million for labor in Oregon it will save jobs,
but if he donates $300 million, everybody talks about his grace and
widens his customer base and not to forget at the end (IRS),
it saves him a lot of taxes.

[Skillet]

Hey bandit, just bought a new speedo for my Road King and it was Made in Switzerland. Should keep good time huh. Really surprised me.

[Screamin Eagle Carl]

I found the bill for those gloves - 65 bucks for cheap Chinese goods. Not a chance I will buy at an H-D dealer again. I will still trawl ebay for Harley gear. Lots available. Ebay prices are always better than retail. In Hong Kong (where I was on business last week), there are three Harley locations - one boutique only, one a service garage and the last one is a show room. I never saw a Harley in Hong Kong. I saw one in Macau.

I wonder if they charge huge prices with little or no tansport cost?

I will say my local dealer staff are super nice and friendly and are very helpful. I guess I'll give my service dollars to them. Average booking time is three days wait.

[FIREBALL]

Its all about the cash big money . its  

[grayghost731]

pics of what    Unless you mean , Lets see american women no clothes  pics 

[Deep Blue Dives]

Isn't it amazing that the parts are usually manufactured in a 3rd world country, and the warranty on them is a tail light warranty for most items.  I had some chrome add ons tarnish a couple of months after I bought the item, and all they could say was buy some more.

If the products were manufactured here - the prices would be double or triple, because they would want to maintain the same profit margins.

Corporate Greed ftw.

[Wild Card]

Isn't it amazing that the parts are usually manufactured in a 3rd world country, and the warranty on them is a tail light warranty for most items.  I had some chrome add ons tarnish a couple of months after I bought the item, and all they could say was buy some more.

If the products were manufactured here - the prices would be double or triple, because they would want to maintain the same profit margins.

Corporate Greed ftw.

So true, but just think of what your retirement accounts might look like without it! 

[willyB]

My wife and I bought Made In The U.S.A. Harley Davidson leather jackets in 2004. They are made of very heavy leather and have an American Flag sewn in. Everything I see now is not as heavy and no made in the U.S.A.

I have made it my personal mission to seek out Made In The U.S.A. products whenever possible. That's not to say I don't buy Made in Germany, England, Switzerland, Australia, Etc... products. I just stay away from Made In A 3rd World Country stuff. Granted I generally pay more for the item but the quality is always much better. Buy a good item once and you won't be buying it again later.

Oh, by the way, I'm wearing a Caterpillar hat right now that my neighbor who works for CAT gave me. The label inside...........Made In China.
 

[ScubaDM]

I bet if an american tee-shirt company went to HD and offered the same quality product at the same price delivered, we would be wearing "made in USA". But, that doesn't happen. The Chinese manufacture, and ship the product across the ocean and we still won't compete. We just complain. I'm sorry but I see it as our fault. With 10% unemployment, why can't we manufacture and sell clothing on our own shore.
Just how I see it.

That is a little simplistic. Reality is Chinese and India work dirt cheap + the companies that employ them do not have to deal with regulations or pay any benefits. The real travesty is that these countries have similar or even more stringent laws than we do when it comes to environmental standards and employee treatment. In China's case the company simply bribes the local officials and they get away with it. The sad part is we can compete when the playing field is level it just isn't level.. It doesn't take a whole lot to make it not as profitable to ship from China. The problem is other countries won't enforce their laws and won't adhere to their WTO obligations. So don't blame "us". That doesn't mean we should stop trying... I lay the blame on the companies that purchase the goods turning a blind eye to it all personally.
 

[Skillet]

Just received my new replacement Screaming Eagle K&N filter and on the box was "Assembled in USA with components from China." What you gonna do?

[Deep Blue Dives]

Just received my new replacement Screaming Eagle K&N filter and on the box was "Assembled in USA with components from China." What you gonna do?

Bet you that means they really slid the Chinese product into the box - then sell it to us for 500% mark up.

[Eqcons]

then sell it to us for 500% mark up.

In all seriousness, their mark up is a lot higher than 500%.

Jim

[iski]

Had an opportunity to speak to Harley about the imported clothing/apparel issues.  They have considered funding or running a company here in the US to manufacture certain apparel - they do get complaints about items being made "somewhere else."  Quality on some apparel items is noticeably different as in more cheaply made. At this point there are no plans for HD to open one, but consideration has been given.  

The reasons American manufacturers have left for foreign shores, or have shifted production off shore are well known & well documented.  Basically if as a nation we do not make it possible to compete with other countries on production costs, even when considering the very long shipping distances involved & related expense, our domestic manufacturing will continue to leave.  If we address overall manufacturing costs as they relate to various government rules, regulations, overhead, labor cost, taxes, as well as cost of raw materials, and take corrective measures, some manufacturing could return & likely would - in part due to shipping costs from across an ocean.  If we do not, then our manufacturing will continue to go elsewhere.  At this point have not seen any serious effort to reclaim any industry to manufacture here.  Have seen a lot of gum flapping and hollow "promises" from various folks who have not said anything that would really change this dynamic.  A purposeful change is needed here but we do not have purposeful people with authority who have the ability to change any of this, frankly.

There are a number of American manufacturing companies making clothing.  With the internet & such it is easy to source them.  If we all spent our money on US made goods, in a concentrated effort, it would make a difference.

[Midnight Rider]

Clothing being one example...when manufacturing costs got too high in the Northeastern US, they moved to the South where the labor rates were lower.  Then when the South caught up, they moved elsewhere (Mexico is one good example).  China is the "go to" place right now because their economy is exploding, they pay people doodly squat, and they pollute like crazy.  When they are forced to pass/enforce environmental laws because their air/water is becoming like ours was back in the 50's and early 60's (and earlier), and their middle class (relatively speaking) becomes larger, demanding higher wages, shorter working hours, better working conditions, etc...then, and only then, will it be competitive to either 1.) bring some of the jobs back here, or 2.) Find another country where it's still cheap to manufacture whatever.  Consumers drive pricing, and if company X is making jeans here in the US, but they cost $10 more per pair, and they are only paying their CEO 1 million dollars a year, rather than 5 million, people will still opt for the cheaper price.

There are a lot of quality products made right here, you just have to research it a little bit to find them.  Some of them are even the same price as the foreign made counterparts, and in some cases, cheaper.  But the average Joe or Susie is going to buy whatever, wherever, without a second thought about it.

4 out of 5 pairs of jeans I wear now are made, from dirt to shelf, right here.  The overalls I bought for Ribfest 2012 are made here as well.  Some of my T-shirts.  All of my riding leathers.  One pair of my boots.  But, I made a concerted effort to search/research those companies.

If one is really interested in doing this, here is a link to several sources for made in USA goods:  http://abcnews.go.com/Business/MadeInAmerica/made-america-resource-guide-find-american-companies/story?id=13057404

[gary_r]

Check out Fox Creek Leather.

[kraut]

Hey bandit, just bought a new speedo for my Road King and it was Made in Switzerland. Should keep good time huh. Really surprised me.

don't expect too much - these parts for instance are "made in Germany" - no selfrespecting chinese would offer such renowned crap 

[Skillet]

don't expect too much - these parts for instance are "made in Germany" - no selfrespecting chinese would offer such renowned crap 

And I had such high hopes.