I'm guess that meathead didn't realize that because the majority of the parts for the "Other Name" bike aren't made in America anymore, they have to say "Assembled in America" now. As for another $8,000 and I coulda had one of those? I spent my extra $8,000 on fixin up my Ol' 69 Chevy truck, and bought a nice Travel Trailer. Better choices in life! He'll get over himself one day.

Funny you should mention that. I got into this argument because my valkyrie had clearly displayed " made in America " and I made mention of this at a bike show. Whe the other owner got mad he drove his bike right onto my booth and , after looking for a while, pointed out the " assembled in America" sticker " I could not believe that someone who could afford such a bike could not comprehend the difference. After some shouting, his buddies came and took him off my my booth and tried to explain the difference. Have no idea if they got it into his mind.

When asked by one of these types why I rode the Yamaha instead of brand "H", I told him, "Well this one was free (inherited/gifted from my Father-in-law, so the price was much better, and my wife assures me there is no need for a chrome plated compensory posession at our house. Besides, I won't pay $25K for a truck, much less something with less utility."

He told me how un-American mine was, so I proceeded to point out his Japanese carb and forks, Italian engine cases, Canadian seat, and Korean Helmet.

Heck I don't care where my stuff is made, as long as it does what I need out of it for the right money.

Same argument my Son and I had, his final words were, "Well I OWN a Harley!" and I agreed knowing that he is reminded of this with each $425 monthly payment!

I've had people ask why I gave my hard earned money to a company overseas. I quickly tell them that I bought the bike second hand from a local dealership, and the loan I got was from a local bank. They usually don't have much to say after that, but I've only had to bring this up twice. It really doesn't bother me.

My dad is part of the local H.O.G. chapter and he tells the guys when they give him some lip, "You can't have a complete meal with just pork! Gotta have a little rice!" LOL

I tell the other brand dudes that "I'm a leader, not a follower". Usually shuts 'em right up!

I just stumbled across this article....

http://www.bikeshareworld.com/education/pages/harley.htm

An interesting perspective from an instructor

jd750ace wrote:

Heck I don't care where my stuff is made, as long as it does what I need out of it for the right money.

+1. I'm not sure where most stuff is made, because I never look- I just figure it's all from China anyway. I like the look of American company products- Chevys, Fords, HD and such, but I've ridden/driven lots of foriegn stuff and it runs from points A to B just the same. I don't get where these blowhards think that they are more patriotic or superior if their stuff started in America.

When I first got my R* a lady saw it and said, "Nice Hog!" I said, "It's not a Hog, it's a Yamaha." Oh," she said with disdain, "Someday you'll get the real thing." I thought, ?

Then I was gassing up and our local Barney Fife said, "Nice Harley!" I said, "It's not a Harley,it's a Yamaha." He looked sympatheticlly at me and said, "Don't worry, you can't tell." I thought,

So often I'm dumbstruck at people's ignorance.

Easy, As**oles are everywhere...not much you can do about them. Hopefully evolution will take care of it...Kai

grumpyroger wrote:
Same argument my Son and I had, his final words were, "Well I OWN a Harley!" and I agreed knowing that he is reminded of this with each $425 monthly payment!

"OWN" is a pretty loose term with a $425 payment! My cousin bought a 1991 Heritage with over 100,000 miles on it. Didn't run, had to rebuild the top end twice along with throwing the cam which in turn destroyed the oil pump gear. He paid $5500 and now has almost double that into it, and it needs new paint. I bought my RS in May 2010 with 2100 miles for $6250 and I've never been stuck on the side of the road. Couldn't tell you how many times he has, or how many times my metric tools have got him running. My point obviously isn't bashing HD, just that some things aren't a great investment.