BOISE (March 13) – A February 2nd labor strike at the Harley-Davidson plant in York, Pennsylvania will affect motorcycle availability across the county. Company officials announced in late February the twenty day strike will cause a shortage of certain motorcycles in the coming months.

“While we a pleased to have reached an agreement with our unionized employees in York,” said Harley-Davidson Chief Financial Officer Tom Bergmann, “A disruption of this magnitude has a significant impact on our business, as well as our suppliers, dealers, employees, and our retail customers.”

In a report published by Harley-Davidson shortly after the strike’s end, the Motor Company announced it will reduce unit production by 17%, resulting in cancelled motorcycle orders for dealers across the country.

“The decision was made after carefully evaluating our production constraints, supply chain issues, cost implications, timing of shipments to dealers, and the delayed start of the 2008 model year production caused by the strike,” Bergmann said.

The York Plant in Pennsylvania employs nearly half of the Motor Company’s production workforce. The plant is responsible for the production of Harley-Davidson’s Softail and Touring models as well as the company’s Custom Vehicles.

The reduced motorcycle production has already resulted in a loss of fifty motorcycles for local dealerships, High Desert Harley-Davidson in Boise and Birds of Prey Harley-Davidson in Caldwell. “We’re disappointed,” said co-owner Dave Thomas. “These are some of Harley’s most popular models. The cancelled shipments will affect our motorcycle selection just as the riding season is kicking in.”

Thomas says that the dealerships have models made at the York Plant in stock now but he anticipates a shortage in the coming months. “We’re concerned about the customers who are waiting for nicer weather to buy a bike,” Thomas said. “As we sell what’s currently on the floor, the selection will decrease rapidly and some riders may be disappointed.”

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WOMEN'S ORIENTATION
Thursday, March 22nd
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
High Desert H-D in Boise
Open to women; designed to introduce women to the sport of motorcycling. We'll have representatives from each department, clubs for women riders, and information on how to LEARN TO RIDE & EARN YOUR MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT. This entry-level seminar will answer questions pertinent to women not yet riding on the front seat:

• How do I choose a bike that fits me?
• I'm nervous about learning to ride; what are my options?
• How can I stay protected on the open road?
• What do I need to know about care & maintenance?

This is an interactive informational seminar tailored to allow you to choose what information you learn about. We'll have representatives the Idaho STAR Program, Ladies of Harley, and Women on Wheels on hand to answer your questions. Bring your friends and your questions. Refreshments will be served. Call (208) 338-5599 for more information and to say you'll be there!

Thunder Mountain Custom Cycles
Product Launch
March 30-31, 2007
Birds of Prey in Caldwell