Harley-Davidson has "tweaked" a long-time policy which bans its dealers from selling t-shirts bearing the Confederate battle flag symbol.
HD released this statement. “It’s been our longstanding approach that the Confederate flag may not be used by the company, its licensees or its dealers in connection with the Harley-Davidson trademark or logo, on any products, signs or other materials,” a statement from H-D said. “We have, over time, made a very few, short-term exceptions in which the Confederate flag appeared in a design with the Harley-Davidson brand. These exceptions were primarily in the historical context, understanding that for some of our customers and dealers, the Confederate flag represents a very rich and proud heritage. These designs were reviewed on a case- by-case basis (for example, there was a small group of designs approved to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and were primarily available at dealerships near battleground sites).
This recent action has some dealers upset. Russell Abernathy, owner of Abernathy’s Harley-Davidson in Union City, Tenn. made this post on Facebook which quickly went viral, “As of today, we have been informed Harley-Davidson will no longer let any Harley Davidson Dealership sell any T-shirts with the Confederate Battle Flag on the back. This is truly a sad day in the History of the United States. Pray for the future of this country, as it needs help now. God Bless America!!!!!!!!!!"
In 1977, Harley-Davidson released a Confederate Special Edition model with the flag painted on the gas tank.
The statement continued, “In light of recent events and the evolving cultural discussion surrounding what the Confederate flag represents, we, like many other companies, have taken a very close look at how our brand has been used in conjunction with the Confederate flag…and will no longer consider limited exceptions to this approach. We believe this is consistent with Harley-Davidson’s role in welcoming people from all walks of life into our family of riders and fostering the common bond our brand represents in uniting riders of diverse backgrounds and experiences.”
118 comments
Well, it’s time to get rid of all my Harley crap & buy a Honda Goldwing…If the yankees & the niggas think they can take my flag, come on down to Houston for some lead therapy…Slavery had nothing to do with the Confederate flag…Most of the slaves volunteered to fight “FOR” the Confederacy….Guess we need to ban cars next…They kill people everyday…Never seen a flag kill anyone…
I and my 3 sons all have Harleys,as of now we will no longer purchase any thing from our HD dealer in Pikeville,Ky nor any other shop owned by Harley nor have our bikes maintenance performed by their mechanics.The flag is our heritage,it’s a shame to destroy history.Does HD not know that this is not the Confederate flag,but the battle flag of the Army of Northern Va.?Myself and over 400 owners in this area have Harleys and I am sure that when they receive this message,many morwe will follow my steps in refusing to buy something with our rightful,rich heritage.
I was planning to buy a heritage this year but I an thinking I’ll go with victory or Honda.
You know a company with balls I thought Harley stood against the status quo
Guess me and whole lota folks we’re wrog
Looks like my next ride will be a Victory…..
My grandfather & my father were both bikers , taking pride in our AMERICAN built H.D. brand . Living by the old saying ( if you have to ask ,, you wouldn’t understand ) We three AMERICAN generations were all Vet’s as well ,, taking great pride in our country !!! Not so much in our government! !
We there are also of native AMERICAN desent ,, that being said ,, it stands to reason we also took / take great pride in our Southern roots !! We are Cherokee! ! That also being said ,, H.D. ‘s own words come in stark relief to the fact that they now cower down ,, and allow a segment of our population to infringe on the rights of another segment of our population by their atempts to deny us our heritage! !
If we are ever to be free & share this earth together , we must have respect for one another !!!
Respect doesn’t mean I have to respeCT others heritage but they need not respeCT others !!
I will at my earliest ,, sell my H.D. and buy an INDIAN !! And hold my head high ,, knowing I stand for my AMERICAN Heritage !!!