| Author | Message | ||
     Ft_bstrd |
What's really funny is that once a company goes public, the WORLD owns it. There is no such thing as an "American Owned" publicly traded company. It may be domicilled here, but the profits go where ever the stock is owned or the bonds are held. If you follow the logic of ownership makes a company "American", MV Augusta is as American Made as Budweiser used to be and Budweiser is as American Made as MV Augusta used to be. | ||
| Jakecheez |
I was at the dealership today and three people came up to me and said "how can you ride that......... thing?" "nice Jap bike!" and "I hate the way YOU GUYS race those rice rockets on the freeway" What the FU€K?!!? That's like calling a Native American a fu€kin Mexican, cuz his skin darker than most Anglo-Americans'! I just laugh at what HD is becoming and the customer base is so damn ignorant. American made or not. People are idiots. | ||
| Court |
>>>"I am wondering is it really made in USA we know rims china forks and shock japan" There are parts from MANY countries on your Buell . . just like on my Ford truck. You Buell however has far more MADE IN USA (the feds call it "domestic content") because the motor and frame are 100% made in America. Buell buys nothing overseas that can be bought in America. Ford, Boeing, Chevy and Chrysler do. Court | ||
| Court |
>>>People are idiots. Glad you said it and saved me the task. A good deal of the information in this thread about Buell, B.R.A.G. and so forth is simply inaccurate information. | ||
| Ochoa0042 |
i wouldnt mind getting some ••••••• reliability  | ||
| Mpolans |
While some folks here in the U.S. may be all about "rah-rah, buy American, I'll never own anything that isn't red, white, and blue, etc..." Buell tries to sell its motorcycles worldwide based on performance rather than just its country of origin or image. Given the state of the current companies in the automotive industry that have tried to rely on "buy American" as a crutch to prop up their sales (Ford, GM, Chrysler), it's understandable that Buell may want to disassociate itself from such a reputation. Harley can be excused from relying on marketing its products based solely on its "American" country of origin because Harleys are sold only because of their image, not because of their performance. All said, while not offensive, this is a pretty dumb thread, especially considering how in a global economy so many parts are made in different countries.  (Message edited by mpolans on July 12, 2009) (Message edited by mpolans on July 12, 2009) | ||
| Metalstorm |
While I prefer to buy American, I'm certainly not going to limit my options. I want the best quality available. Sometimes it's not here in the states. I like that Buell searched the globe for what they believe to be quality parts instead of limiting themselves to only what's available here. It's not unpatriotic. It's building a motorcycle as good as possible.  I've noticed though that when quality from the states becomes an option, Buell doesn't hesitate. 1125R frames are made in the USA right? Because they could get the quality they wanted here in America. They didn't have to go global. Buells may not be 100% American made (unless you consider the assembly as 'made') But Buell is a 100% American concept. It was born out of American elbow grease. Hmmm... Just had a thought. I was made here in America but all my parts are Italian. Am I not American? | ||
| Jaimec |
Court: I thought only the 1125R frames were made in America and that the XB frames were made in Italy? We already know the 1125R engines are made in Austria, so your comment above seems to split the difference between the two lines. | ||
| Glitch |
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| Court |
>>>Court: I thought only the 1125R frames were made in America and that the XB frames were made in Italy? Jaime: You are correct. I misstated above. Do the math and figure, using either the motor or the frame, (depending on model) and you'll see the Buell has significant MADE IN USA parts content. In addition, Buell creates MANY jobs in the Wisconsin and Illinois area in terms of outsourcing research, prototyping, tooling and component manufacturing. There are several Badwebbbers actively engaged on 2011 Buell projects. Buell is a shining example of what American Manufacturing CAN BE. | ||
| Steve_mackay |
In addition, Buell creates MANY jobs in the Wisconsin and Illinois area in terms of outsourcing research, prototyping, tooling and component manufacturing. There are several Badwebbbers actively engaged on 2011 Buell projects. Buell is a shining example of what American Manufacturing CAN BE. That's an accurate statement! Being one of those impacted by Buell's commitment to the local economy, I personally thanked Erik, and a few of the elves during Homecoming. It makes my Buell purchases an easy choice when they are helping put food on my table in this crappy economy! | ||
| Patches |
Maybe this will help. The situation for US manufacturers who export, particularly high-tech manufacturers, is a bit more complex. Some countries, such as Japan, require country-of-origin statements when goods are imported, but US companies are prohibited from making an unqualified "Made in USA" claim unless "all or substantially all" of their product is of US origin. High tech manufacturers often cannot procure all of the needed components of their product from US sources; typically a few percent of the manufacturing cost represents components sourced from overseas, yet there is no definition of "substantially all" since the 75% guideline referred to above was withdrawn by FTC. Source: Wikipedia "Made in USA" (Personally I still think Outsourcing Sucks) | ||
| Court |
That Wikipedia (big surprise) information is inaccurate. HERE is what you are looking for. Court | ||
| Court |
In case you miss the reference in that link . . HERE are the guidelines. | ||
| Patches |
The more They Outsource, Discredit, Take Away the "Weaker" they make this once Great Nation (U.S.A.) Just my opinion. Thank for the info Court | ||
| Fast1075 |
The wheels on my Blast were made in Australia...here's to ya Mates  I LIKE that Buell sources the best available parts from some of the most reliable vendors. | ||
| Court |
>>The more They Outsource, Discredit, Take Away the "Weaker" they make this once Great Nation (U.S.A.) Then . . . . if you believe that find me a single (just ONE) source of motorcycle wheels or controls in the United States? The Blast wheels come from Castalloy in Adelaide, Australia. There is an interesting story behind that as well. The cast Buell wheels, after Marchisii could no longer keep up, on the tube frame Buells came from Castalloy. | ||
| Patches |
Cragar, American Racing, Weld and I'm sure there are others makes Alloy Wheels. Bendix, Holly, Offenhauser, makes small Cast Alloy Parts or at one time they did manufacture parts here in the United States and these companies are known for Quality. The reason for Outsourcing is Bottom Line Price. The reason I asked the original Question is I do really like my bike being known as an American Brand that is one of the reason I bought it. | ||
| Court |
>>>The reason for Outsourcing is Bottom Line Price. You are aware that putting car wheels on a motorcycle is a problem? None of the companies mentioned makes wheels that I am aware of. Bendix does not make wheels. But you can write their cast prodcuts folks and ask:
HOLLEY does no casting. If you REALLY want to have some fun . . . try to find Offenhauser. I **think** they are now owner by the Barnett Clutch folks. I'm just saying . . . sometimes it's not as simple, as cut and dried, as it may appear. There are no cast wheels for motorcycles (using car wheels is impractical) made in the United States. | ||
| Zatco81 |
All hail COURT!!  Just when you think you know something...Lol. | ||
| Patches |
Your Words "Then . . . . if you believe that find me a single (just ONE) source of motorcycle wheels or controls in the United States?" source for controls "Bendix" "HOLLEY" At one time they did manufacture parts here in the United States. Your Words "You are aware that putting car wheels on a motorcycle is a problem?" When I said "Cragar, American Racing, Weld" THEY have the capacity to manufacture the MOTORCYCLE WHEELS! NOT PUT CAR WHEELS ON A MOTORCYCLE! Your Words "There are no cast wheels for motorcycles (using car wheels is impractical) made in the United States." Do you think this could be do to OUTSORCING! Your Words "If you REALLY want to have some fun . . . try to find Offenhauser. I **think** they are now owner by the Barnett Clutch folks." We at Barnett continue to be dedicated to bringing the highest quality motorcycle products to our customers while continuing to follow Charlie and Afton Barnett's company principles from many years ago. Barnett Tool & Eng. continues to be family owned and operated with three generations of the Barnett family currently involved in day to day operations and we will continue to strive to manufacture and produce only the highest quality motorcycle products. Made in the U.S.A.- since 1948. Do you think they might the ability to Manufacture Controls for a MOTORCYCLE! It all goes back to Bottom Line Price. | ||
| Patches |
Del-co, DuPont, General Electric, Lockheed, Boeing, Westinghouse and I'm Sure there are others that at one time they had capacity to manufacture the MOTORCYCLE parts here in the United States. After all they all Manufactured Bombs, Bullets, Planes and other Equipment for the Military during WWII. | ||
| Zatco81 |
Do you think they might the ability to Manufacture Controls for a MOTORCYCLE! ...but they don't. Just because somebody can do something doesn't mean they will. | ||
| Court |
>>>It all goes back to Bottom Line Price. And the fact that you can not buy an OEM motorcycle wheel in the United States at ANY price. You do know where Boeing is getting many of the parts for the 777 Dreamliner, right? Harley-Davidson was a major manufacturer of bomb casings at one time. Fact is Buell has to build a motorcycle NOW . . now 5 years from now when a domestic manufacturer MIGHT make a wheel. It's an interesting discussion and I appreciate what you are saying but the fact remains my Buell has more MADE IN USE "domestic content" than my Ford pickup.
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| Ratyson |
>>>It all goes back to Bottom Line Price. That is a correct statement. The company that I work for designs/creates network access equipment. We employ approximately 1500 people in the local area. Engineers, Sales, Line Workers, etc. Several years ago, the cost of doing business in the US forced us to look elsewere for manufacturing. Most of our manufacturing gets done in China now. Why? because if we didn't.. 1500 people in the local area would be looking somewhere else for a job. We would not be able to compete in our market. It is a fact that we have to get used to. Until the cost of manufacturing drops in the U.S., it is a better business decision to go over seas for the manufacturing of certain products. One of the things that is driving this, is the current tax policies in the U.S. /rant } (Message edited by ratyson on July 13, 2009) | ||
| Slaughter |
About the ONLY line of work that doesn't have to outsource to stay competitive are those folks who deal in institutional Death and Destruction for the Department of Defense. That's only because domestic sourcing is a requirement for strategic reasons. The rest of the country has to make a real profit. | ||
| Patches |
During and after WW1 there were 400+ Motorcycle Manufacture in the United States. The Great Depression of the 1920'-30' wiped all out except a hand full like H-D, Indian, Excelsior and a few others until after WWII H-D, Indian, and I think they made Crocker up until mid-50' the rest were gone. Indian died in the 60' after attempting Outsourcing to Royal Enfield. Outsourcing means fewer American Jobs, less Money for Necessities(food,housing,toilet paper,beer) and to most people a Motorcycle is not a Necessities. I do hope that Buell does not go way of The Great Depression. | ||
| Ratyson |
Looked at from one way... yes, Outsourcing means fewer American jobs. However, looked at from another perspective, outsourcing is the catalyst for adaptation. We are humans... we adapt to survive. We are Americans... we have the tools/resources to make this adaptation a reality. | ||
| Patches |
"It is a fact that we have to get used to. Until the cost of manufacturing drops in the U.S., it is a better business decision to go over seas for the manufacturing of certain products. One of the things that is driving this, is the current tax policies in the U.S." The American workers Cannot compete with the COMMUNIST driven SLAVE labor of China and survive here where the Cost of Living is Exceptionally Higher. A Man making Minimum Wages or Less cannot Afford a $10,000.00 Motorcycle when he cannot afford Toilet Paper to wipe his Backside nether. Please don't take this the wrong way. I lost a good Paying Job because I refused to Relocate to China.(couldn't take my H-D FLH1200 with me) | ||
| Ratyson |
There are things that can be done so the American worker won't really need to compete with overseas workers (directly). A couple of these things include: Ridding this country of the income tax, and replacing it with a consumption based tax system like the Fair Tax act. This will make it MUCH more profitable for business to be conducted in the U.S. instead of outside of it. Getting the Unions (where they exist), and the Top layer of the business personnel to recognize that if the company fails... they all fail. When both groups are trying to grab as much money as possible, with a "screw them... I want mine" attitude, nobody wins. These are just a couple of things that need to change. |
