[11Stryker]

OK, so I have had a few older gents that are veterans mostly from the Korean war come in to my business and notice my bike is a Yamaha and make remarks that it is not very patriotic to own a non American bike. What is the correct response without being disrespectful for their service to our country? Also get the occasional Harley wannabe remarks.

 

[Wyld Ryde]

You could remind them that even though we bombed Japan back into feudal times we still gave them money to rebuild. Oryou could inform them that H-D is partly owned by Japanese investors. Or that you could tell them you could charge 25-30% more for your services/goods if they would prefer you to ride "American Made"

Personally I would opt for this option. "Just because they put their lives on the line for a cause does not mean they get to judge me"

 

[strykenshane]

My response is when an all American bike is made I'll buy it

 

[immortal13]

My response is when an all American bike is made I'll buy it

Good answer.

 

[wlfpak65]

You could remind them that even though we bombed Japan back into feudal times we still gave them money to rebuild. Oryou could inform them that H-D is partly owned by Japanese investors. Or that you could tell them you could charge 25-30% more for your services/goods if they would prefer you to ride "American Made"

Personally I would opt for this option. "Just because they put their lives on the line for a cause does not mean they get to judge me"

WORD x2!!!! They helped make this a Free..... Somewhat..... Country lol
Tell them all the SH*T They buy is Maid In CHINA!....... & I guarantee you they shop at WALMART!!!!! HIPPOCRATES LOL

[move]TELL THEM TO KICK ROXX!!! TELL THEM TO KICK ROXX!!! TELL THEM TO KICK ROXX!!! TELL THEM TO KICK ROXX!!![/move]

 

[charged_particle]

My wifes cousin gives me crap about a riding a Yamaha insted of an H-D I told just told I dont have harley money I would rather ride something than nothing. Remember that all people dont get it.

 

[11Stryker]

Thanks Guys, I struggle with this. 90 % of my customers are Farmers and I'm a country born guy myself. If I piss off one of these guys with a remark a good many of them will get the message at the local coffee shop. Seems that Vietnam vets and all other Veterans don't have that much problem with it.

 

[2670]

I respect the service those guys did for all of us, but the world is different today. It is a more global economy and finding any highly mechanical piece built with all-American parts by all-American laborers owned by all-American ownership would be **** hard to find. I prefer to think that I am supporting the American-owned dealership with local labor and local taxation. I don't identify with any Japanese "face" for my bike, I identify with the dealer.

 

[canadian stryker]

Something else to keep in mind, is the bikes may all be made in Japan, but all the "Star" accessories are made in the US I believe.

 

[11Stryker]

I respect the service those guys did for all of us, but the world is different today. It is a more global economy and finding any highly mechanical piece built with all-American parts by all-American laborers owned by all-American ownership would be **** hard to find. I prefer to think that I am supporting the American-owned dealership with local labor and local taxation. I don't identify with any Japanese "face" for my bike, I identify with the dealer.

I think you got it right there Bro. Thanks

 

[11Stryker]

I forgot to say that nearly all the customers that come into the shop have great comments on both My Son's Bike and Mine. Just a few nay sayers.

 

[XVS13]

Tell them Lanes Yamaha is American owned and the Lanes live in Yates County.

And besides, how many original parts are left on your bike?

 

[Saltyseafarer]

This is always an interesting question . . . . here is a diatribe that is wordy but very interesting and makes a lot of solid points. I think it is germane to this discussion albeit lengthy.
A friend of mine sent me this link when I got my Stryker (he is an ex-HD guy now happily riding a BMW and a Ducati) he told me to be prepared to face some questions from the V-Twin world, and he was right . . . . . .enjoy!

Title:
WHY A HARLEY DAVIDSON ISN'T A REAL AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE

Last line of article:
Harley Davidson. It's not a motorcycle company. It is a pagan cult religion for brain dead trend humping fashion lemmings.

For fun, either scroll down or read down to the bottom of this article and click the "BACK" button on the bottom of the page . . and read some of the commentary.

http://www.goingfaster.com/angst/noharley2.html

 

[Minibob]

I second what a lot of guys are saying. You bought from an american at an american dealer, supporting local economy. I haven't got any flack. I also drive a subaru, so I've thought about this. I respect the older guys beliefs, but, less and less is made in america. it's a shame. Fords ar made in mexico, a lot of major beer companies are owned by overseas investors. My dad was stationed in japan a lot around vietnam era. They treated him good then. I'm returning the favor. You can try and politely and respectfully open their eyes to how much american companies don't make stuff in america anymore.

You could tell them you don't want to pay tomorrow's prices for yesterday's technology.

 

[UrbanRage]

Ok HD are nice bikes and I really dig the way they look. But they are overpriced and honestly I feel that they aren't as reliable as a Japanese or German bike. America would be able to compete with the Germans and Japanese, if they would not worry about making stuff cheap so they can save a few bucks. What matters to me is a good quality machine for a price that won't break the bank. I can't complain about the Stryker, for what it is and if an American company could do the same they would have got my business.

For the old school veterans, I have nothing but respect for them and what they did. I am sure they don't have allot of positive memories from their time overseas. Maybe it is their way of still fighting the fight or maybe its helps those to ensure their buddies didn't die in vain. If they don't like my bike that's cool, it is their opinion and like every American we are entitled to it. I do know what I have (the Stryker) and I absolutely love it and that is all that counts.

Anyway, 11Stryker, there is no correct response just remember that they are coming from a different place than you are. Just ignore it and let them say what they want..lol.. I know that I laugh at them inside and realize that the awesome looking machine is mine and I love it. Or you could say the keys are in it, take it for a ride and let me know whatcha think when you get back...lol..

 

[toby]

You might try pointing out to them that there is just as many foreign made parts on today's Harley Davidson bikes as any other brand bike. And in this new age we try to help one anther by getting along and sharing our technology and products with each other so are economies prosper and grow. Advancement is made by leaving the past where it belongs. We are all grateful for the services of or fathers and brothers for bringing the world to where it is today. That is having the ability to buy, sale and trade products from all around the world.
Also tell them the fact that the Stryker is Japanese by name only. Actually Stryker is an American name. It was researched, designed and developed in the US by all American engineers. Also manufactured and shipped in the US by American owned companies with American employees. Assembled and sold in the US by Americans.
Also Harley Davidson is partially owned by Japanese and other foreign investors. They also have Japanese carburetors and other parts on them and that's just the way the world is today. A much better place than it was in the past so get with the times and quit acting like your still drinking HD coolaid tell them.

 

[snowman68]

This is always an interesting question . . . . here is a diatribe that is wordy but very interesting and makes a lot of solid points. I think it is germane to this discussion albeit lengthy.
A friend of mine sent me this link when I got my Stryker (he is an ex-HD guy now happily riding a BMW and a Ducati) he told me to be prepared to face some questions from the V-Twin world, and he was right . . . . . .enjoy!

Title:
WHY A HARLEY DAVIDSON ISN'T A REAL AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE

Last line of article:
Harley Davidson. It's not a motorcycle company. It is a pagan cult religion for brain dead trend humping fashion lemmings.

For fun, either scroll down or read down to the bottom of this article and click the "BACK" button on the bottom of the page . . and read some of the commentary.

http://www.goingfaster.com/angst/noharley2.html

Omg that was a good read, but thankfully only 1 person I've seen so far doesn't like it. So far I've had H-D riders and Kawasaki riders all like it, lol the only one that don't like it is my wife since her friends from childhood had H-Ds that's all she likes.

 

[strykerjan]

You could also tell them that freedom of choice is what they fought for and you chose a non-American bike. Better to just smile and nod though. You have the last laugh when they pay their bills to you.

I wouldn't fancy buying a British bike. Yammy all the way for me.

 

[11Stryker]

Great Responses all! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. "Mostly, I just grin and bear it". This young 51 year old is still just a kid in their eyes! HEHEHE

 

[Ben-Rod]

I have a couple friends that rib me about the why didn't you just get a Harley??? Most of us around here fish, have boats with Yamaha motors on the back, and my reply is...if HD made a boat motor, would you trade your Yamaha for one??? They respond with **** no I love my Yamaha...To which I say me too...

That almost always shuts them up...


Ben