Only partially true. Depends on how far you're going back.....If you're talking about the pre-Evolution 'Evo' Harleys (Shovelheads, Panheads, Knuckleheads) - Especially the AMF years, ughhh - then yes...not the model of reliability. But Harley started getting it right with the Evolution motors, and after they took the company back from AMF. Folks who have never owned a Harley (or at least a relatively late model year) generally, and wrongly, think things like this. Just about anything will fail eventually if not maintained.

They're tanks now. Now it's ride 'em a day/polish 'em a day.

 

I imagine the difference is night and day.

 

Congratulations on your C6 purchase. That looks like a nice cruising ride for longer, more comfortable trips.
kdf

 

Funny but true.
Back in the day, if you even had an exhaust system on your HD, which was not made in the USA, you took the chance that some knuckle dragging dyhard Harley owner might just kick your HD over where it was parked.
When I purchased my new Evolution Dyna Guide, I took it apart to build the engine and do some custom work and paint, and I found many of the suspension, engine and brake components were stamped “Made in China”.

 

Dealers don't like modified cars since they don't know how to price them. Modifications are a very personal thing and it is hard to determine the value of one-off modifications.

My '75 convertible was an L-48/4 speed car stock. One of 279 made with the vinyl hardtop. No A/C, but FE-7 suspension, rear window defroster and shoulder belts. All those options are easy for a dealer to assess value.

As the car sits now (496 big block, custom 3x2 port injected EFI, T-56 Magnum, GTR1999 built 12-bolt differential, 80 seats, 80 rear bumper, etc), it is very unique. No dealer would touch it since they have no idea how to price it to make money. Consignment maybe, since they just get a cut. Auction possibly.

 

I believe the front forks / suspension on most of the Harley line from the late 70's were made by Showa, a Japanese company, not Chinese. And....they were the shocks put on most Japanese bikes at that time. So, while I would have preferred Harley made their own parts.....Showa was the best at that time, and still may be, for a production bike. As for brakes, I believe that is also true on the calipers. Not sure when they started.

As for engine parts,....not sure what parts you are talking about, and would interested in knowing what parts were "Made in China". In fact, never seen an engine part that actually had a country of orignal stamp or casting on it. I have been to three Harley plants on tours, including the engine factory in Milwaukee., and can tell you that the engines are built here.

I will also add that some of the electronics on the post 70's Harleys were probably built in Japan. It is what it is. The bike is still an American made machine and icon, based in Milwaukee. Hell, Toyota Camry's are made in Kentucky.....does that make it an American car?

Did not know ANY parts were manufactured in China, and would like to know which ones, what year?

 

Anyways....to the OP. A C6 is a fine machine, maybe someday I will have one. But it will never be the C3........the sexiest look car ever made. Of course....that's my opinion.

 

Ya I agree. One of the sexiest body styles ever made. If I could do it over again. I would do a frame off restore or put that body on a newer car. Big bucks though.

 

I've had a Couple of EVO FXSTCs and been all through them, can't recall made in china on any stock stuff, after market I bet there are...Still have my 94, what a great machine..

OP, I want a C6 for the same reasons, I want to be able to truly go places without breakdown worries and get the right one and you have a really quick car. Right now I don't have room for two and I can't see myself trading the C3 for one....Just one look out over the hood while driving and I know why... Good luck with yours, they are really nice cars....and they are a Vette...

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