Our company has already layed off the contract workers and is now going thru a voluntary separation buyout. We hear the next step will INvoluntary separation of high pay classes and then all others may be targeted. This is a worldwide company and we have been told our vacation is to be used for plant shutdown in July and we may be facing more temporary shutdowns. I only hope I'm still around to participate.

We had to let go of 10 guys (7 remain) where I work two weeks ago. Things are tight. I'm safe , but the news still didn't settle well with me. BB

Right now you can barely sell a Harley at any price. I was just checking ebay for a friend that wanted a Sportster. All the bids were rediculously low and very few were selling. Maybe I should do the same for R*.

N56629 wrote:
Right now you can barely sell a Harley at any price. I was just checking ebay for a friend that wanted a Sportster. All the bids were rediculously low and very few were selling. Maybe I should do the same for R*.

I dont think that is unique to any brand right now. Used values are coming down since new pricing is being discounted. When the top comes down so does the bottom. Its happening in the auto industry too. Its a buyers market if you have the cash to take advantage of it. HD's finance wing brings the repo bikes from around the country to a private auction in Indianapolis every month now. A dealer friend of mine has bought several there. They are going for 30% less than they did a year ago. I expect that will get worse too. Even the forever strong pick up markets that have fairly good resale are starting to dive. The manufacutures start discounting new trucks 12,000 that means every one who bought one a year ago are now upside down if they didnt pay cash or have a large deposit. We are only seeing the tip of the iceberg. Things are not done falling yet. JMO

Darn Oldie wrote:
The bad economy is actually good for my business. I made almost twice as much last year as I did the year before, I actually doubled my staff too. The only thing I don't like is WHO do you buy from? Will they be there for as long as your warranty?

I see a lot of new companies starting up in the near future, to take up the slack from the big ones that are gone. It's time to buy "Local" and support your community and neighbors. Keep the money at home, try NOT to buy online, it helps almost no one. It's not local and most of the time there are no Taxes being paid, sure that keeps cost down, but what pays for the LEO's, fire departments and Road repairs, TAXES!

my $.02

If I would have fully applied this "It's time to buy "Local" and support your community and neighbors. Keep the money at home" I would be riding a Harley today........

The KC plant is within 25 miles of the house and local dealer only 1....

Make's you stop and think doesnt it.......

Not dissing the comment, it's been heavy on my mind lately..... I just could not justify the premium they where asking at the time...... I guess I do feel somewhat guilty since the plant is local and I know several who work there (or did last week anyway....). What still burns me is the premium they want. I looked at a 97 Heritage a month ago and they wanted $11,500.00 - KBB says $8,500.00. It just doesnt add up in my mind.......

I look at it this way, A motorcycle for me, is a luxury, a toy if you will, I imagine most of you probably see it that way. so they will be hit hard. If I get in a jam, It's the bike that goes, not my truck..

Flashback wrote:
I look at it this way, A motorcycle for me, is a luxury, a toy if you will, I imagine most of you probably see it that way. so they will be hit hard. If I get in a jam, It's the bike that goes, not my truck..

You hit the nail on the head. I bought my bike two years ago and fortunately it is paid off. I love my bike, but if I didn't already own it, I certainly wouldn't be looking to buy one. While my job appears to be safe, for me this is the time to buckle down and be prepared to weather the economic storm. Really sad, because a lot of good, hard working people are being hurt because of the uncertainty this creates. Hopefully things will turn around soon.

I think we can thank the commodities brokers who drove the price of crude thru the roof,seems to me that's what really tightened the peoples wallets up to begin with.Just my 2cent's worth. Dauby

Living in Ga, It does get a little cold, but my CAR is payed off and if I have to get rid of a behicle, it would probably be the car, (bike is more economic). I think that I will keep my .02 I might need it tomarrow.
Kevin

Kcschlz2002 wrote:
Living in Ga, It does get a little cold, but my CAR is payed off and if I have to get rid of a behicle, it would probably be the car, (bike is more economic). I think that I will keep my .02 I might need it tomarrow.
Kevin

You have a good point Kevin, If I didn't need my truck, I would probably do the same..