"Why don't you buy American?"

[slowmover]

Getting on my bike in the lot after a nice Memorial Day service one of a bunch of Harley riders asks "why don't you buy American?"Being slightly taken aback after an emotional ceremony I muttered "We don't make these here" which was met with disdain.Anyone ever had to make a more eloquent response?

[Aaron D.]

Because our veterans fought for your right to buy what you want.

[oldbike54]

 Ask them where the forks are built , or the wheels , or most of the electrics ?

 Dusty

[ITSec]

Since I ride sport-touring and adventure touring bikes, I just ask which model of American bike comes in those designs. If they come up with a response, it's usually "well, you should try a cruiser" - to which I answer "My doctor says my back can't take that position".

Aaron is right, though - especially in the situation described.

[rodekyll]

"When America makes this, I will!"

[arveno]

"When America makes this, I will!"

 :1: :1:

If they only knew that only engine , frame and maybe the sheet metal are made in the USA..... but anyway....

I do not know about now but i recall that the 5 speed transmission mounted on the bikes from 1999 until 2006? were shipped assembled from Japan. ( which it may be a good thing lol )
I bought a lot of spare parts from the dealer when i had HD's and even the wheel bearing were made in Taiwan....


I bet in their house they have samsung washing machine,samsung flat screen tv's  , I phone's , GE microwave , etc etc.

anyway... you cannot argue with those ppl , better walk away...

Not buying "American" brands does not mean not love this Country.

[oldbike54]

 And Chevrolet pick ups 

 Dusty

[Rich A]

To coin a phrase: "If I have to explain it to you, you wouldn't understand."

Rich A

[fatbob]

I get that sometimes, I tell them I own a Harley Davidson. I only ride it when I have plenty of time.

[Arizona Wayne]

When a Harley rider spouts a statement like that, all they do is prove their ignorance on the subject.  They have no clue many parts on their beloved Harley are not made by US companies. 

[PJPR01]

Getting on my bike in the lot after a nice Memorial Day service one of a bunch of Harley riders asks "why don't you buy American?"

Anyone ever had to make a more eloquent response?

Next time...feel free to give the ignorants a history lesson:  Guess for whom this country America was named after...namely Amerigo Vespucci - so this beautiful work of art, aka Moto Guzzi comes from the land where he came from!  'Nuff said...drop the mike!

[Kiwi_Roy]

Just say I've been riding xx years, why would I buy a beginners bike?

[oldbike54]

Next time...feel free to give the ignorants a history lesson:  Guess for whom this country America was named after...namely Amerigo Vespucci - so this beautiful work of art, aka Moto Guzzi comes from the land where he came from!  'Nuff said...drop the mike!

 This country should really be called Vespucciland .

 Dusty

[PJPR01]

This country should really be called Vespucciland .

 Dusty

....or Vespalandia! 

[KiwiKev]

Tell them you ride a Guzzi coz it's the best bike on the planet . Any fool can ride a Harley, it takes a special kind of fool to ride a Guzzi [emoji23]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[twodogs]

Because I'm not as influenced by advertising as you are and I can go my own way.

[webmost]

Cause I would feel like a fool dressing up like a pirate.

[Adk.IBO]

...my oil pressure sender is from Napa(?) ...

[Kev m]

Getting on my bike in the lot after a nice Memorial Day service one of a bunch of Harley riders asks "why don't you buy American?"Being slightly taken aback after an emotional ceremony I muttered "We don't make these here" which was met with disdain.Anyone ever had to make a more eloquent response?

"Show me your American made phone?"

[Kev m]

Followed by:

 "how the F do you know I don't?"

"You don't know shyte about how I spend other than that fact that one of my bikes is Italian."

[Murray]

Getting on my bike in the lot after a nice Memorial Day service one of a bunch of Harley riders asks "why don't you buy American?"Being slightly taken aback after an emotional ceremony I muttered "We don't make these here" which was met with disdain.Anyone ever had to make a more eloquent response?

Warning answer might offend those without a sense of humour.

A: Because expensive under engineered and poor performance didn't strike me as selling points!

[sib]

I try not to get Harley riders peeved, most of them are bigger than me.  Maybe I would say "well, my Harley is in the shop right now and this is just a loaner"

[Guzzistajohn]

Someday I hope to be "cool" enough to be a Harley rider.

[antmanbee]

Someday I hope to be "cool" enough to be a Harley rider.

Rather I might say,

I'll never be cool enough. I can't pull off the look, I like to wear a full helmet and other protective gear, I don't drink or eat BBQ, I'm vegan.

[Two Checks]

I have said many things like, "Why didnt you?" or, "I wanted to ride and not pose" or "I dont have a support vehicle".

[Denis]

I bought American and rode it yesterday. :)

[oldbike54]

 I have in the past said "bought one , broke it , not rugged enough" . 

 Dusty

[Bill Hagan]

I'll try to remember some of these, but will likely fail.

At the time I get such questions, I am usually so surprised that I just walk away with a look that I intend to be just short of inviting an assault.

Later -- when all are gone and the time to respond has long passed, of course -- I am Walter Mitty.   

Bill

[pete roper]

Lots of great stuff made in the US. I must buy at least one US made product a week I'd guess. It's just that most of them aren't 'Big Ticket' items. I'd guess that if I lived there is buy a lot more locally produced stuff but then again when I'm there I don't shop at Walmart so I suppose I get a head start! 

Pete

[Northern Bill]

I love these responses and will keep them in mind but all that said and done, if you take Harleys and bikes out of the equation, it is a good question.  In over 50 years of car ownership I have only owned one non "American" car.  I know that half or more of the parts on them are made elsewhere but at least some of it is made here.  I took real pride in owning one of the newer Camaros knowing that it was built very near to here.  I also know that Hondas are built close to here so my argument is probably flawed.  I worry about Canada, the States and a lot of the western world when I see so many young people without a decent job.  It seems to me from my limited perspective that we are only producing information these days.