India will build Sportsters

[elvis]

Interesting news:

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/568/83...-in-India.aspx

[Sin City Stan]

and a hush fell over Milwaukee. :-/ :-/

[cactusjack]

Good, that's a Harley I'd never own anyway.

[cyclecat]

I still cannot believe how many people are dumb enough to believe hd's are 'all American made'. Biggest joke on earth. HD has been using parts manufactured by the metric companies for years - mainly Mama Kaw for engine parts.

[dandantmm]

Wow! 110% tax on fully assembled bikes going into India. No wonder Royal Enfield dominates the market there.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

And who says some of those Sportsters won't end up being sold in the U.S.A? When they see how much they save on labor costs they will start shipping them back here.

[elvis]

Originally Posted by AlabamaNomadRider

And who says some of those Sportsters won't end up being sold in the U.S.A? When they see how much they save on labor costs they will start shipping them back here.

+1

I'm not American but find this subject interesting.

Peter Egan of Cycle World (December 2010 issue page 32) predicted this coming. He also wrote the Honda Ridgeline is built in Alabama with 70% US content while the Chevy Silverado is built in Mexico with 65% US content. (he is only shopping for a truck to haul his bikes around).

Which one is more American?

[elvis]

From the article in motorcycle-usa.com

“We are committed to global growth and growth in India for the long term,” said Levatich. “India’s rapidly growing economy, rising middle class and significant investment in construction of new roads and highways are paving the way for leisure motorcycle riding.”

Considering India's population 1,180,166,000 (2010 est) [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_India] even HD lost 20-30% of the domestic market it would make it up for it in India easily in the near future.

Viva Corporation!

[ringadingh]

We should tax the Indian made stuff the same way here so our North American products keep selling.

[glwilson]

These bikes are only being assembled in India; so its not likely you'll see them come back-in fully assembled to the U.S. ;)

CycleCat... exactly what Kawa engine parts are you saying are being used by HD?? ???

[ringadingh]

And Im sure warranty will be handled through one of their many call centres. I can just imagine the conversations, " does it go putt putt or potatoe potatoe" ;)

[unwind2]

Originally Posted by Ringadingh

And Im sure warranty will be handled through one of their many call centres. I can just imagine the conversations, " does it go putt putt or potatoe potatoe" ;)

Good one

[timebandit]

Originally Posted by Ringadingh

And Im sure warranty will be handled through one of their many call centres. I can just imagine the conversations, " does it go putt putt or potatoe potatoe" ;)

Maybe it's the new "Sweet potato, sweet potato"

[glwilson]

That might be an interesting thought... Indian customers having to call a U.S. help center!

I can just hear it now... complaints that they can't understand the help-line people

[Yellow Jacket]

If the US government put a 110% import tariff on products from India (or any other country for that matter, like China) they would scream bloody murder and the entire international community would be up in arms against the US.