| Author | Message | ||
     Themagster |
I know I've been out of the loop for a while but did I miss something somewhere? Indian Harley? A replacement for the Blast being planned to be made in India? Huh? | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Harley will assemble bikes in India (to avoid tariffs and such), but I hadnt heard anything about the Blast. Cant imagine why they'd see India as a market for the Blast?! | ||
| Ezblast |
They could make it at a quarter of the price, being American they would avoid hi tariffs, and in the end make some large profit - with their attitude - "...who cares where our beginner bike is made, Its not a real Harley anyway...", gee - where have we heard that BS before? - Gee the same company! Well at least they are consistent! EZ | ||
| Ezblast |
Besides in India it would be a rocket! - lol EZ | ||
| Kauai1800 |
India is a HUGE motorcycle market - 10s of millions of bikes there. Crazy stuff on bikes there...watch these! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7amxE3RLAzQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myIwpnXLaJ8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcdlGjAP0xs and the best one yet... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjrEQaG5jPM | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
But the point is it wouldnt be cheap enough or worthwhile to sell it there. Plenty of other cheap bikes available and if they didnt export to Europe, why India? But I dont really have any information, but it doesnt make sense. | ||
| Ezblast |
For the HD name? EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
If they wont badge it HD here, I seriously doubt they'd sully the name and badge it HD in India. Harley makes V-twins. | ||
| Ezblast |
Sure they would, and add to that - "...and Blast motorcycles." - Nothing is below HD. They proved that - why not - buying/selling a lifestyle is not a new idea to HD. EZ | ||
| Themagster |
 Will Harley-Davidson outsource motorcycle production to India? American Indian April 06, 2011 By Alan Cathcart Illustrator: Jean-Marie Guerin Harley-Davidson—America’s oldest and largest motorcycle manufacturer—is apparently preparing to outsource some motorcycle production to India. Reliable sources in both India and Italy insist The Motor Company is developing an all-new, small-displacement V-twin platform that will be manufactured at H-D’s purpose-built, 70,000 sq.-ft. factory outside Delhi. This new machine will let Harley sidestep ban on importing under-800cc bikes to India—one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing motorcycle markets—and also provide American dealers with a much-needed replacement for the entry-level Buell Blast. The powertrain will be developed by Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee, while overall design and styling has reportedly been entrusted to Bologna, Italy’s, Engines Engineering, a wholly owned subsidiary of Indian conglomerate Mahindra. The surprising decision to trust such crucial tasks to an outside firm must be a nod to its experience developing products specific to the Indian market. Little is known about the new platform, and The Motor Company has said nothing beyond confirming “Harley-Davidson is developing a replacement for the Buell Blast. We have not provided specifics about the motorcycle currently in development, or the possible timing of its introduction.” It’s anticipated that two versions will be offered—one under 500cc for use in Harley-Davidson’s Rider’s Edge training programs, and a 750cc version to fill the gap between India’s predominantly small-displacement domestic product and heavily taxed (103 percent!), over-800cc imports. These bikes will also fill a hole for American Harley-Davidson dealers, providing more affordable and accessible options than Harley’s traditional product line, to attract younger consumers into dealerships. | ||
| Themagster |
V-Twin Blast...hhhmmmm, well, maybe this one wouldn't get crushed into a coffee table when the lights go out! | ||
| Britchri10 |
If it looks anything like the illustration above & you can put bags on it, I would consider buying a 750cc one provided the price was right. (Should I have posted this in the Blastphemy section?) Chris C | ||
| Roblast |
I agree with Chris, It's a sweet looking bike. I'd could be interested in the 750 model. Thanks for the pic & info!!! | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
"Harley makes V-twins." !!!! | ||
| Ezblast |
Twin shocks - forget it - another ill handling motorcycle. EZ | ||
| Kauai1800 |
I saw this interesting article and it fits in here well... http://chromeasylum.blogspot.com/2011/04/uh-oh-har leys-built-in-india-to-be-sold.html | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
I just threw up all over my keyboard. Really, its nothing I dont know and the good old USA is heading down bad path. I wouldnt have thought they'd kill Buell as they did, but now I wouldnt put anything past them. At this point I've gotten to the point I stop 'discussing' as it gets far too political for a motorcycle forum. | ||
| Rusty7983 |
lets just ship all the damn jobs out of this country. WTF who needs to work anyways? |
