| Author |
Message |
    
Tginnh
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 - 02:05 pm: | 
|
I hear you, Blake, but I don't see anywhere in Eric's original post where he said the salesman was bad-mouthing Buell.
Eric made a statement and it sounds to me like the salesman was providing Eric with some information that didn't jibe with Eric's understanding of what he owned.
Not to ding Eric, but it sounds like at that point, the salesman knew more about the component make-up of the Buell than Eric. Nothing wrong with that.
It still looks to me like a lot of the components are outsourced. So what? That was an attraction for me.
Anyway, does anyone really still hang on to the notion of "made in america?"
As best I can tell, that's a bygone era.
Now I now that's going to offend some sensibilities out there and there will be countless examples posted of what is still made in america.
But before that happens, I would point those so inclined to look at the GNP and the percentage of manufacturing jobs that add to it.
It's less than the financial sector and has been for some time now.
Of the manufacturing jobs that add to the GNP, how many of those corporations are Global? Some? Most?
Case in point - I own a Sig Firearm. Sig is HQ'd here in Exeter, NH. I'm not sure if any manufacturing is done in Exeter. Anyway, my firearm has two stamps: Sigarms Exeter, NH and Made in Germany.
Is it an american gun or a german gun?
It's a global market. Get used to it or find another planet. |
Ulykan
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 - 02:08 pm: |
|
I have been to both dealerships. When I was looking for a Uly I went to Alfs HD and test rode one. I talked to the saleslady and wanted to know if the demo was for sale. They had an event going on and was really busy so I told her to just call me with the details. Guess what, I never got that phone call. I made it clear that I was in the market to buy and I drove almost two hours to just test ride the bike. So, since they didn't need my money I spent it somewhere else. By the way I an Stationed at Ft. Riley and live west of the post in Wakefield.
Your experience doesn't surprise me in the least. While I don't know the sales person you refer to, I do know that she's never sold HD/Buell and I don't think she's ever sold m/c period. I'm retired AF and live in Wichita. After spending 3 years in the army I had enough and eventually returned to active duty in the AF. Thank you for serving. I salute you for your service. What has been your experience with Riverfront HD/Buell? I'm thinking of going there sometime soon and talking to the Buell tech(s). When or if you plan a trip down my way drop me a pm and I'll see if I can meet up with you.
Bob |
Atoms
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 - 05:00 pm: |
|
It's a global market. Get used to it or find another planet.
It's always been a global market more or less. I think the notion that has been dis-proven and should be considered out-dated is the idea that we can't do manufacturing here in the USA. The illusion that we could get by as a "service economy" was propped up by a series of economic bubbles such as the internet boom and the latest housing boom which looked like it would take up the slack when the previous boom busted.
We all see how well that turned out.
Personally I'm fine with my Uly being a hodge podge of domestic and imported parts, but I'm also glad that it was assembled here in the USA. I like to support domestic manufacturing as it helps us build a balanced economy. |
Petereid
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 - 05:30 pm: |
|
It's all foreign content to me. But then I'm Canadian LOL
To me it's a tool that does the job it's designed for and does it well. If it happens to put a stupid grin on my face when I use it then thats a bonus  |
Ericcogdell
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 - 10:03 pm: |
|
Ulykan,
I have nothing but good things to say about Riverfront HD/Buell. They have a mechanic that is extremely knowledgeable on Buells. The only bad thing is that they are extremely backed up on work. I highly suggest that you go there and talk to Parker. I was there today because I had my stator replaced last month and now my gear shifter is leaking oil from the primary cover. They offered to fix it for free without hesitation. Anytime I call on the phone with a question they help me. The shop is 1/3 the size of Alf's but 3 times better. |
Blake
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 - 10:46 pm: |
|
Peter,
"Made in North America!" ![: ]](http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/clipart/proud.gif) |
Ulykan
| | Posted on Thursday, September 17, 2009 - 12:17 am: |
|
Ulykan,
I have nothing but good things to say about Riverfront HD/Buell. They have a mechanic that is extremely knowledgeable on Buells. The only bad thing is that they are extremely backed up on work. I highly suggest that you go there and talk to Parker. I was there today because I had my stator replaced last month and now my gear shifter is leaking oil from the primary cover. They offered to fix it for free without hesitation. Anytime I call on the phone with a question they help me. The shop is 1/3 the size of Alf's but 3 times better.
Bigger doesn't always mean better. Many times a small shop is better. I had big hopes for Alefs but I've been very disappointed. I'm going to make the time to go to Lawrence and visit with Parker and company. Thanks for the tip. |
Cyclonedon
| | Posted on Thursday, September 17, 2009 - 02:05 am: |
|
FWIW...I recently received a shipment of Uly service parts (a bunch) for some maintenance/repairs/upgrades...and about 80% of the parts read "made in the USA", one or two items read "assembled in the USA", and only a couple of the items where labeled "made in (somewhere other than the USA).
ok Steve, now what are you doing to your Uly? |
Tginnh
| | Posted on Thursday, September 17, 2009 - 06:53 am: |
|
Atoms - agreed. Good points.
However, I don't think the notion out there is that we can't do manufacturing here in the U.S.
It's that we can't do manufacturing as cheaply as other developing nations. How could we, right? |
Arcticktm
| | Posted on Thursday, September 17, 2009 - 09:38 am: |
|
Why would you go to all the trouble of setting up deals and going thru the learning curve with a new supplier in the US, when there are already proven cost-competitive folks making these special parts?
When you want the best stuff, you end up with a company that specializes in that type of part, no matter where they are.
Mahle pistons, Denso electronics, Nissin/Brembo/Tokico brakes, Magura/Domino controls, etc.
You could go bankrupt trying to create new suppliers in the US to make every single specialty. |
|
