The idea of Japan protecting its industry with tariffs is silly. Why did it cost Harley 100% more to make a bike than Honda even after Honda shipped it, paid import duties and had to maintain a parts stream over 1000s of miles? Honda put them all on the ropes, not from tariffs but from technology and price point.
You seriously need to research that subject, and study up on a thing called currency manipulation.
Harley and Triumph failed to invest in modern manufacturing and tooling to improve the quality of the bikes through the years...and it cost them. They were arrogant and short-sighted. Ironically Japan after being bombed to dust in WW2 was given every advantage to rebuild in the 1950's and '60s and once on their feet had brand new modern factories. With no laurels to rest on they had everything to gain and nothing to loose going in new, different directions (like overhead cams etc).
I am not talking about Currency manipulation by Japan or heavy tariff issues for HD in Japan. I am talking about Honda motorcycles being bought in the U.S.
We need to remember that Honda gave people technology they wanted and needed while others ignored the market needs. Honda was not an upstart. They built about 10 million motorcycles prior to 1970. Anybody in the 50s or 60s in the motorcycle business saw the threat. They were just too arrogant to react to it. The British and Americans could compete easily if they wanted to compete. They didn't see the need. After all nobody will ever buy a rice burner here.
The hegemonic status of the U.S. after the war created a western arrogance that their industry was invincible. They were stupid people and it cost them an industry.
Import duties at the time were and are now in the U.S. tied to competition and need. Had HD gone under Honda would have seen serious import duties at the U.S. ports.
Yugo was really cheap with nearly slave labor prices to build them, it did not conquer the car markets in the U.S. Superior technology did and again the fat cats failed to see the market trends or needs.
The Japanese didn't just build it for less, they built it well. When I visit my brother I still look at my CB1000C and am amazed at the power and technology they had 30 years ago. A 30 year old bike as fast as a 2013 V-Rod. That is amazing. Especially considering it as slow compared to V-Max and V-65.
We can't say that Triumph and Harley had traditional needs not to change or they would go under so they decided to go under by not changing. Triumph had record high production numbers in the 60s. They were making money. Til the U.S. met the nicest people on a Honda.
Now I forget what I was talking about. Oh! no that isn't it
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
