Tag: davidson

Harley-Davidson reportedly threatening to leave Wisconsin after 107 years

Filed under: UAW/Unions, Motorcycle

2010 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight – Click above for high-res image gallery

Harley-Davidson is looking to cut its labor costs any way it can, even if it takes leaving Wisconsin. The Associated Press is reporting that the 107-year-old company has gone as far as to scout out other (likely southern) states in an effort to reduce its labor costs. Company CEO Keith Wandell says that the company will likely come to a decision in the next month or two, adding that Harley is open to tax incentives that will help keep the motorcycle facilities in the state of Wisconsin. Among the chief concerns of Harley-Davidson executives is the production schedules at its factories. Harley corporate wants to align production with seasonal demand, but as of yet, the union isn’t too keen on the idea, so it’s possible that the threat to move is posturing.

Meanwhile, the city of Milwaukee is already struggling to keep jobs in a down economy and the loss of 1,630 high-paying jobs would be a monumental blow to the community. The city already lost the headquarters of Miller Beer back in 2008, and Schlitz left the city in the 1980s due in part to labor strife. Harley-Davidson also brings tens of thousands of visitors from around the world, bolstering the local tourist economy. But although management is looking into moving its factories, it will reportedly keep its headquarters in the beleaguered city.

Gallery: 2010 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight

[Source: Associated Press]

Harley-Davidson reportedly threatening to leave Wisconsin after 107 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harley-Davidson exits the sidecar business

Filed under: Motorcycle

H-D Sidecar

Stars and Stripes. Peanut butter and jelly. Harley-Davidson and sidecars. Okay, fine – one of those pairings is not like the others, but H-D does have a long history of adding a third outrigger wheel to its line of heavyweight motorcycles, starting back in 1914. That’s over now.

Harley-Davidson just announced that 2011 will be the final year it offers sidecars as a factory option, and it will no longer accept new orders for them. The good news is that The Motor Company will continue to provide warranty service for current sidecar owners and will stock replacement parts at its dealerships.

We have an unhealthy affection for offbeat sidecar motorcycles, and if you also happen to fall into that category, Ural and Royal Enfield are ready to serve your needs. As for Harley, check out its official statement after the break.

[Source: Harley-Davidson | Image: AMCA Motorcycle Library]

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Harley-Davidson exits the sidecar business originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harley-Davidson expands 2011 lineup with three new offerings

Filed under: Motorcycle

2011 Harley-Davidson Sportster SuperLow – Click above for high-res image gallery

Shoppers at Harley-Davidson dealers across North America will be faced with the choice of three new models this year, as the 2011 lineup marks the release of the Sportster SuperLow, XR1200X and Road Glide Ultra. This hat trick of new releases increases Milwaukee’s total offerings to an impressive 32 unique (that is… as long as you want a V-twin and two or three wheels) models.

If your confidence is in need of inspiration, as H-D words it, than the new SuperLow may be just what you’re looking for. Sporting a design and build that highlight ease of handling and a low stand-over height, the SuperLow may drag pegs through the turns, but it should also help keep confidence high at stoplights. The second model, named the XR1200X (which we previously covered here) claims to “hone Sportster performance to its very limit” offering standard adjustable suspension, floating front brake rotors, and a high compression version of the 1200cc Evo engine packaged in the XR chassis. The matte-black finish of the engine and drive components complete the no-nonsense look of the XR1200X.

Rounding out the new releases is the Road Glide Ultra, which has its sights set further on the horizon while wielding a frame-mounted fairing. The new cockpit encases a four-speaker Harmon Kardon Audio system (with iPod connection), as well as a cruise control feature, amongst other luxuries. More touring amenities include the King Tour Pack, luggage carrier and standard ABS… we expect Route 66 has another thing coming.

Four new CVO variations will be available in limited quantities for the 2011 model year, several of which we recently had an opportunity to put through their paces, so stay tuned for the imminent full ride reports on all the new bacon from hog-central Harley-Davidson. For now, you can see more pictures and read the press release after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Harley-Davidson Sportster SuperLow

[Source: Harley-Davidson]

Continue reading Harley-Davidson expands 2011 lineup with three new offerings

Harley-Davidson expands 2011 lineup with three new offerings originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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