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...