"Be American, Buy a Harley"

[Gunslinger]

So some Americans live beyond their means. Nothing new there.

Since the OP brought up Harleys let's stick with that. Per Seelingalpha.com, "Annualized credit losses on managed retail motorcycle loans were 3.41% for the first quarter of 2009 compared to 2.71% for the same period in 2008." From the same article "During the first quarter HDFS originated $476 million in retail motorcycle loans compared to $580 million in the first quarter of 2008."

3.41% of 476 million is about 16 million bucks. In terms of the overall economy this comes out to a simple rounding error.

I do agree with some of what you're saying, for instance "If people bought what "they" could afford, not what the banks would allow them to afford, then we would not give bankers, and the financial system the ability to ruin our economy" is spot on. But I would also add "If people would not allow the banks to pressure them into loans they know they cannot afford they would not be in trouble with the banks in the first place."

[Trobairitz]

My hubby's 1976 Kawasaki KZ900 LTD is classified as a Japanese bike but was made in the USA.

My brother is a sales manager at a local harley shop and he will tell you that although Harley's are assembled here in the USA most of the parts are in fact Japanese made.

My Nissan Versa is classified as a Japanese car but was made in Mexico, go figure.

I do agree that everyone should only buy what they can afford. Unfortunately it is human nature to buy what we want and not what we really need.

People need to take responsibility for their actions. Just because the banks and corporations are greedy and will lend almost anyone money doesn't mean we, as consumers, have to accept it.

Will it ever change? Probably not.

[badinfluence63]

Theres nothing 100% american made except what my wife cooks in the kitchen.

[Gummiente]

Minnesota seems to be a bit more socialist then anything, and from the south looking north, Canada seems to be a bit on the bleeding heart side as well.

Ok, I see your point and understand your comments now. You had me wondering there for a minute. And you needn't have worried about me thinking you were knocking Canada and getting all bent out of shape. I am Canadian, so the worst thing that could happen is that I'd write you a goddamned stern letter.

BTW, I was born in the 'Peg but grew up in Saskatchewan, so... Go Riders!

[Gummiente]

Thesis statement in red.

Brilliant! Much more concise and to the point than what I was thinking of posting.

[Gummiente]

My brother is a sales manager at a local harley shop and he will tell you that although Harley's are assembled here in the USA most of the parts are in fact Japanese made.

Taiwan and China, actually, but there is still some Japanese content. Canadian, too.

It's a global economy and as such it is almost impossible to find anything 100% "Made in Canada" or "Made in the USA" anymore.

[Trobairitz]

Theres nothing 100% american made except what my wife cooks in the kitchen.

And even then is it just American assembled. So much of our food is actually manufactured or grown in other countries. When you look at the labels in the grocery store it is amazing how much isn't made here.

[havegunjoe]

Buy what you want and what you can afford. I cannot afford a Harley no matter how much I would love one. I refuse to be in debt so I bought a 2004 Yamaha V Star which suites me just fine and no monthly payments.

[RhadamYgg]

Well, you know, in another thread we were discussing a similar topic and someone called me on the whole 'HD is more expensive than the japs' - statement.

Surprising for equivalent bikes (very important note there) the prices were comparable. I found one or two exceptions like my B-King compared to the V-Rods, but I suspect that most HD owners don't go the V-Rod route.

Now, if the XL1200 is too expensive, you have to see if a similar 1200cc bike would also be too expensive.

I think the perception of HD is expensive while partially true is also a result of them not selling very many smaller bikes. Since the Japs proliferate and prosper even in lower displacement bikes - and HD has given the noob section away ... well it isn't suprising that people think HD is more expensive.

On the other hand Victory is crazy expensive - but they also have huge displacement engines. Kinda scary when the displacement of a twin dwarfs the displacement of my B-King.

RhadamYgg

[shane-o]

Look what can one say.


Americans will tell you that they are the best, the best at everything

Such a great country full of great people, with tip top living conditions, fantastic health care, run by the people for the people etc etc just well loved the world over

puck me, what have you contributed to the world in the past 10 years ???

here is a couple off the top of me head;

Increase in terrorist actions
Multi mini wars in various parts of the world
Single handedly weakened the UN for self gain
Killing off thousands of your young soldiers
The worlds most unhealthy people
The worlds worst Heath care system
Global liars = example; WMD in Iraq
Destabilized the world politically
Single cause of the global economic collapse
Continued massive polluter of our atmosphere
One of the highest unemployment rates in the world
The highest rate of gun death in the world
You make cars that no other country will buy

etc etc etc


Look im not anti-american, my american friends would say the same thing........ but geezuz christ you people better pull ya fookin heads outa ya arses and have a look around to see what the rest of the world sees before you destroy your selves and possibly all of us.





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