Country of Origin

[curlyjoe]

[url=http://backintheusa.us/articles2.php?title2=howamericanisharleydavidson]Interesting info on Harley Davidson.

It's pretty straightforward to track down assembly plants but parts are more difficult. It seems many wheels on Harleys are manufactured in OZ. Harleys sold in Italy, Spain and portugal are assembled in India.

It's a global economy so dealer location, good service department and price/quality/reliability are major considerations for me. Forums like this one are also an excellent source of information on factors that matter to me.

[Chapomis_imp]

The Ural was entirely made in Russia for decades and when the Cold War ended they decided to try to sell it here. The bike sold very poorly until they upgraded to Brembo brakes, Japanese carbs and electrics. Now they are a fairly, if not noisy, reliable bike.

[LongRanger_imp]

National pride aside, I'm not sure I'd prefer someone who built Triumphs at the old Meriden plant in the 70's and early 80's, during the labor strife, to build me a bike today. A bike assembled with globally-sourced components on a modern, quality-controlled, computerized Thai production line is fine with me. It wouldn't diminish my ownership experience.

[Riko_imp]

I know some facts about Goldwings.

The second to last models were made (assembled) in the States, yet its Honda wich is Japanese, but for some reason, a Goldwing made in the USA doesn't sound wrong at all.

But now, the last generation GW, are made back in Japan.

Its a bit like Acura, why does Honda wanna rebadge some products for certain markets is beyond me.
Somehow their sales department thinks products under the Honda name or badge won't sell as good as Acura.
Personally, the name "Honda NSX" inspires more appeal than the name Acura NSX.

[Paulb_imp]

I know some facts about Goldwings.

The second to last models were made (assembled) in the States, yet its Honda wich is Japanese, but for some reason, a Goldwing made in the USA doesn't sound wrong at all.

But now, the last generation GW, are made back in Japan.

Its a bit like Acura, why does Honda wanna rebadge some products for certain markets is beyond me.
Somehow their sales department thinks products under the Honda name or badge won't sell as good as Acura.
Personally, the name "Honda NSX" inspires more appeal than the name Acura NSX.

As I understand the Goldwing production, Honda knew that the US would be the biggest marketplace for this bike and thought that it would be better accepted if they produced it in the States. I think we have to remember that a generation ago attitudes to foreign products were not as liberal as they are today. It is only in relatively recent years that companies have adopted global production methods and this has made their products more generally accepted.

[CIP57_imp]

It mattered more years ago, today not so much. Buying a Honda, Acura or motorcycles I would always look for the SN# starting with J.

Certain models of Honda and Acura are made in Ohio, Indiana and Alabama which I suppose keeps transport and tariffs down to the end customer. I have no issue with vehicles Made in the USA

[aschem_imp]

It matters to me. Do not wish to buy a bike or other goods whenever possible from a country that pollutes as much as the People's Republic China; practiced/practices democide and still has the same type of government in power that allows/allowed it to happen (N. Korea, PRC, Vietnam, Cambodia, Pakistan to name a few); or from a country that supports terrorism like Iran; bullies it's neighbors like Russia in the Ukraine, or PRC in the Western Philippine Sea/South China Sea. I don't want my money going into the pockets of extremely corrupt governments who have little to no regard for people and the environment.

[the Ferret]

Wow I'm not sure you can buy products from anywhere if you are going to exclude countries with corrupt governments

Guess it depends on your definition of corrupt, but we are not going to get into politics here, will just take your statement at face value.

[4 Paws_imp]

I guess a lot of us have brand loyalties - vehicles, bikes, beers, jeans. I'm conscious of where something is produced and profess to prefer local and US made but honestly when I walk through my house it is truly an international experience.

Anyone own or ride a Chineese motorcycle?

[Django]

My CBF was built in Atessa, Italy.

I think, the idea of producing in countries, where many consumers reside, is also, to overcome import restrictions and foreign trade deficit. At least, that are the reasons, why German car manufacturers produce in USA and Brasilia.