Profits soar for Harley-Davidson, but at what cost?

Harley-Davidson has become a far more profitable company in 2011 even though it only sold 233,117 motorcycles. (In 2006 they had sold 349, 196 motorcycles)

Cost cutting measures implemented by Keith Wandell saw the company save $217 million dollars by slashing their work force at the York plant by some 950 + jobs. They also negotiated a contract that sees their employees wages held until 2017.  Their plants in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania have also experienced job losses.

As a business owner, I understand outsourcing and cost watching/cutting - it is the life blood of business, but when you are a publicly traded company the dollar is the only "God" investors know and humanity gets stripped from the equation.

What do I mean by that? Well, in the name of profitability, the employee at Harley-Davidson saw their lifestyle and ability to earn a living reduced - many lost their jobs, almost all saw their incomes held or reduced but not in the boardroom.

Begin Quote: 
The top five executives at Harley-Davidson Inc. earned almost $5.7 million in bonuses in 2011.

Keith Wandell, president/chief executive officer: $2,803,233 bonus, $7,232,147 total pay.

John Olin senior vice president/chief financial officer: $611,123 bonus $1,785,030 total pay.

Matthew Levatich, president/chief operating officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Co.: $1,117,093 bonus,$3,065,869 total pay.

Lawrence Hund, president/chief operating officer, Harley-Davidson Financial Services: $737,917 bonus,$2,398,907 total pay.

Paul Jones, vice president/general counsel: $389,390 bonus, $1,007,524 total pay. End Quote

I understand that you need to pay good people well - you pay them for doing the tough jobs but I do find it hard to understand why top executives who already earn a great wage need to be paid bonuses for cutting other people out of the pay equation completely.  I guess that is why I will never run a publicly traded company.

I don't think I could take a bonus on the backs of those who loose their jobs...my conscience wouldn't let me.

What are your thoughts on H-D and the bonuses paid to their executives?

In other news:
In the US - Motorcycle Super Store has been bought out by MAG - Motorsports Aftermarket Group

The Marines are taking motorcycle safety seriously

In Europe, Knievel Cycles has had two fat tire motorcycles approved for that market: the Patriot Pro-Street and the Patriot Chopper.

In New Zealand, the Rebels are causing a stink by having purchased some land for their clubhouse.

There's an interesting article on biker hangouts in Singapore

From sports to gadgets for your garage, and everything in between, there is lots in the news feeds today at www.beltdrivebetty.com where we sift through the news, so you don't have to!

I am getting packed and ready to head out to the Toronto National Motorcycle & Tattoo Show - and am looking forward to seeing a ton of riders and being able to report on the riding community and their machines, travels and dreams!

I leave you with a few funnies shared with me by friends on Facebook and through emails...hope they bring a smile to your face.

Have a fabulous Hump day everyone!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Living the life - a Quadriplegic teaches a life lesson

When you love the wind, nothing will stop you from enjoying it, not even life in a wheelchair....

Ron Asay may not realize it, but he is an inspiration.

The example of determination and passion that is his life is something that needs to be shared with everyone.

You see, Ron was a motorcycle mechanic and an avid rider before he ended up in a wheelchair....

Begin Quote: In 1981, Asay was in a head-on crash with another vehicle that was towing a car on a trailer. The trailer began to fishtail and the driver lost control.

"I flipped end-over-end twice," Asay said about the crash that landed him in the hospital for three months and permanently damaged his spine.

"I have no movement in my fingers. I can move my arms and my wrists a little bit, but I don't have full strength in them, and I have no movement or feeling from the chest down."

Asay was forced to give up fixing bikes for a living. He enrolled in a computer training program and eventually got a job working for American Express, where he retired after 17 years on the job.

But the desire to feel the wind blowing in his face never subsided. End Quote

It took Ron 13 and a half years to build the trike he rides today. But HE built it and HE rides it.

He has built two other machines since.

I love hearing how others conquer and master themselves, how they overcome challenges.

Ron could have easily succumbed to self pity and anger but he obviously has great core values and a true love of life!

Is this man an inspiration or what!

There is an interesting Motorcycle Safety ad campaign taking place in the UK - called THINK BIKER....

Here is a sample of what the ads look like...

Now - you tell me, is that not an EFFECTIVE AD?

I would love to hear your ideas on Motorcycle Safety Campaigns from around the world and how they could be adopted or adapted for the North American motorcycle community to utilize...

In other news...

O'Keefe Ranch just outside of Vernon will be the home of the Military Campground for the 2012 Sturgis North Motorcycle Rally

The Harley & Tattoo Show in Lavalle QC is coming up at the Centre SportExpo de Laval April 20-22.

IN PEI at this year's Atlanticade - John Mellancamp is going to rock the house!!!!

In Arizona, attendees of the GoDaddy owned Harley-Davison of Scottsdale took in a great Bike Week Kick Off event featuring Bret Michaels

Thousands of riders in the UK took part in the Star Riders Egg Run this past weekend...

There are a number of very interesting articles in the news feeds from the weekend and this morning...check it out at www.beltdrivebetty.com where we sift through the news to bring you all things motorcycle.

I leave you with a few giggles shared with me by friends on Facebook and through emails, it's Monday and we all need a reason to laugh today!

Have a GREAT Monday

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider