Harley-Davidson, the iconic American motorcycle brand, is facing intense criticism from its loyal customer base after recent decisions that many see as a betrayal of the company’s core values. Once celebrated for its commitment to American craftsmanship, Harley-Davidson is now being accused of embracing a “woke” corporate agenda and outsourcing production to Thailand—a move that has sparked outrage among patriotic riders across the country.
The controversy erupted when it was revealed that Harley-Davidson plans to temporarily shift production of some of its motorcycles overseas, specifically to Thailand, for the 2025 model year. For many Harley enthusiasts, this news was nothing short of a gut punch. “I’ve been riding motorcycles since I was a kid,” said Chuck Schmidt, a lifelong Harley rider from Waukesha, Wisconsin. “We’ve supported Harley-Davidson for a lot of years. But now? I’m not so sure I’ll be buying another bike from them.”
Schmidt’s sentiments are echoed by many in the biker community, who feel betrayed by the company’s decision to move jobs out of the United States. Robert Gonzalez, owner of Michael’s Funky Monkey, a popular biker bar in downtown Waukesha, says the frustration is palpable. “There’s almost a consensus that if the company goes through with this, they’re selling their bikes,” Gonzalez explained. The outrage is not just about the temporary outsourcing; it’s about what many see as a gradual erosion of Harley-Davidson’s American identity.
The company, in an attempt to quell the backlash, released a statement emphasizing that the move to Thailand is only temporary and that no jobs will be lost at its U.S. facilities. Harley-Davidson explained that the decision to transition the production of certain models to Thailand is part of a broader strategy to optimize manufacturing capacity at its York, Pennsylvania facility, which will continue to produce Harley’s core product lines. Additionally, the company announced a $9 million investment into its U.S. manufacturing operations to strengthen its domestic capabilities.
But for many, these assurances ring hollow. The shift overseas is seen as just the latest in a series of decisions that have distanced Harley-Davidson from its American roots. Conservative activist Robby Starbuck has been vocal in his criticism of the brand, accusing Harley-Davidson of pursuing a “woke” agenda that alienates its traditional customer base. UFC fighter Sean Strickland also joined the fray, declaring that he would never purchase another Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
“You guys, I don’t want to make this video. I love Harley. I’ve owned Harley’s most my life, but I would never own a Harley again,” Strickland said. “If you love America, you won’t own a Harley. And let me explain to you guys why I’m so upset and why you should be upset.”
Strickland didn’t hold back, claiming that powerful corporations like BlackRock and Vanguard—firms with ties to leftist billionaire George Soros—are pulling the strings behind Harley-Davidson’s decisions. “If you love America, you will not go to Harley,” he urged fellow bikers.
As the backlash continues to grow, Harley-Davidson finds itself at a crossroads. Will the company listen to its core customers and return to its roots, or will it continue down a path that many believe is leading it away from the very values that made it an American legend? Only time will tell, but for many Harley fans, the brand’s future is now in serious doubt.
