When was harley bought by amf

It saw no harm in resorting to cutting down its workforce and streamlining the production of the bikes in order to cut costs. This decision led to a lot of unrest within the company. Employees went on strike and the reliability of the bikes went down due to subpar quality. Workers and managers of the company were also pressured by the rising competition.

Despite this, Harley was still considered to be the most successful motorcycle company in terms of sales. One of the investors, Willie G. Buy it new, fix it immediately was the routine for Harley-Davidson customers, especially in the mids. Just as Detroit automakers were turning out junkers during that time, and getting overwhelmed by vastly superior products from Japan, so was Harley-Davidson. I traded a mushy, low-mileage Chevrolet Camaro with uneven body parts that I had purchased new only a year earlier for a sturdier Honda Accord hatchback with outstanding fit and finish that handled and performed much better.

Unstable management, production streamlining and labor problems — layoffs and strikes — resulted in lower-quality bikes that nearly destroyed Harley-Davidson. AMF Harleys are far less prevalent. Consequently, when I came upon two old AMF models together in the same place last month, I had to meet the owners, grab some pics and gather phone numbers. Bangor responded on Dec. By then, Bangor controlled nearly one sixth of Harley's stock, while Harley management and family members still controlled more than half the outstanding shares.

Bangor's David W. Wallace spoke at the meeting, saying his company would withdraw its opposition to AMF if the company increased its offer, The Journal reported Dec. But AMF didn't. The counting of shareholder votes lasted longer than the meeting — which, The Journal reported, had to be cut short because the Milwaukee Athletic Club needed the room for a Christmas party.

The following day, The Journal reported that 78 percent of the shares were voted for the AMF purchase. Not long after AMF shareholders confirmed the Harley deal in January , the new owners insisted on adding "AMF" to the logo on Harley gas tanks — a move that didn't endear the company to the Harley faithful. Things worsened from there. Plus these bikes were faster and better handling and many ended up being crashed by riders who would misuse the available horse power. Also there is the cost factor, they were cheaper and some folks would buy a newer model sooner then the average Harley rider.

I never got rid of a bike because it was a mechanical nightmare. I have never owned a Harley. I like the looks of the soft tail and it will probably be my next bike but I will not give up my FJ I have ridden in rain, hail, and even snow.

Have good day and safe riding, John. John, how meny of the old Jap bikes can you pull out of the weeds and get running? I dont really think that the Japanese bikes were so much superior back in the 70 and 80s but they were much cheaper. The style that Harley has had over the years has proved to be timeless whereas the Japanese bike look old and junky.

But as for today I would say that the Japanese bikes have much better reliability better pricing and good looks also. I had both back in and my 77 AMF Sportster was so unreliable that I carried keys for both it and my 78 Yamaha when I went out to the garage in the morning. Always started, never quit or left me high and dry.

HD pulled the same tariff in A Triumph set the land speed record in the early sixties. During the AMF days Harkwys got a bad rap, probably justified. However, because of it used Harleys were cheap and it was a boom for us who were really into it. If you were a kid from a blue collar area for us refinery town kids who had grown up with friends who were body shop guys, auto shop guys, machine shop guys, refinery pipefitters, etc.