From: utzoo!decvax!harpo!mes Newsgroups: net.cycle Title: Re: Outrageous Import Tax - (nf) Article-I.D.: harpo.1390 Posted: Tue Feb 22 09:15:55 1983 Received: Wed Feb 23 01:38:35 1983 #R:ih1ap:-12600:harpo:7000009:000:1626 harpo!mes Feb 22 08:38:00 1983 Of course, one could start the argument that if HD made modern motorcycles with good reliability and the feature set that most Americans want, even at the price disadvantage, there would be far more HD's sold. However, I prefer not to purchase a machine with a proven unreliability record, and one that has very (precious) few of the features that I want, especially when I am taking such a cost penalty. Arguments for motorcycle "purity" aside, the fact remains that the majority of Americans can/will spend in the vicinity of $3000 for a machine, while $4000-$8000 is utterly out of the question. Damn it, I would absolutely love to buy American products, if only they weren't so unattractive in terms of features and cost!!! Now...(I feel the heat of the flames already)...who would care to comment on: (1) - the reputation of a HD - lets face it - a Harley Hog to John Q. Public reeks of Hells Angels and other unsavory characters, and general unlawlessness. (2) - the HD dealers themselves - the few times I gone into either of our two local HD dealerships, I have been met with a suspicious stare, and not that willing service. Perhaps that is because I don't fit the mold of (1) above... all I know is that HD is aware of this problem, but they've done little about it, as far as I can tell... Flame on, but that's the way I (and most of my riding friends and aquaintenances) see it... Michael Sajor, harpo!mes, BTL-WH yes, I ride a Kaw kz750...