2017 Tri Lost wheel bearings.

[MikeyTX]

Why am I not surprised. Hell, even the wheel bearings in a Volvo semi that they tout as being made in the USA (the semi cab) are foreign sourced. I've asked the parts peeps where I work.

 

[DK Custom Products]

btw, on the subject of USA made.

We manufacture over 700 parts in the USA, with USA Citizens doing the work.

Everything we can (metal, tools, etc.) we buy American Made, even though, most of the time, it costs more.

However, there are some items (LED's, etc.) that simply are not available from any company making them in the USA.

We have held this line from the day we started in business.

It is difficult, at times, to see companies in China (and elsewhere) that steal our patented designs, and then make our parts and sell them for less than the raw cost of USA steel to us. Sometimes they even use pictures of our Customers bikes to sell the knock-off parts they have made.

Fortunately there is a large segment of bikers that still want the real deal, made in the USA. But, over the years, we have seen a growing number of folks that will purchase based only on price, irrelevant of where it is made, and what material it is made with. This results in a shrinking number of companies that are willing/able to make parts in the USA, with USA made raw materials.

We are not planning on going anywhere, we will continue to make everything we can in the USA, with USA made materials. A full 25% of mine and Devins' time is spent in R&D for new products, so we will always have new products that the copy cat companies have not stolen yet.

BUT, we see big sections of the industry that are shrinking/dying off because of this issue (along with other issues). Just look at the bankruptcy of some of the biggest names in the V-Twin aftermarket.

Kevin

 

[Jack Klarich]

BUT, we see big sections of the industry that are shrinking/dying off because of this issue (along with other issues). Just look at the bankruptcy of some of the biggest names in the V-Twin aftermarket.

Kevin

This could be a BIG win OR a HUGE loss for the little guy IMO

Some one will have to step up to fill the void if this bankruptcy deal hits as hard as I see it going

I hope I am wrong time will tell

I also hope that y'all @ D K survive and continue to roll out new products:clapping:

 

[MDO]

With the limited info the OP has given, Why all the speculation? Its the Chinese , Its the seald bearings, Its the bean counters, Maybe i won't buy a Tri. I think its the Russians causing the bearing to go bad...:laugh:

So which is it, Chinese or Russians?

Also, can you buy American bearings of better quality?

 

[MikeyTX]

So which is it, Chinese or Russians?

Also, can you buy American bearings of better quality?

http://wheelbearingsinc.com/ I didn't research their entire line. They have bearings for automotive use.

 

[MDO]

http://wheelbearingsinc.com/ I didn't research their entire line. They have bearings for automotive use.

Thanks, but they don't sell to individuals.

 

[MikeyTX]

Have your local parts store order them.

 

[DK Custom Products]

BUT, we see big sections of the industry that are shrinking/dying off because of this issue (along with other issues). Just look at the bankruptcy of some of the biggest names in the V-Twin aftermarket.

Kevin

This could be a BIG win OR a HUGE loss for the little guy IMO

Some one will have to step up to fill the void if this bankruptcy deal hits as hard as I see it going

I hope I am wrong time will tell

I also hope that y'all @ D K survive and continue to roll out new products:clapping:

Yes, it will be interesting to see how it all shakes out with the BK's that so many of the MAG companies (19 of them) are in right now.

The meeting of creditors has been continued until Jan. 23, 2018. https://www.donlinrecano.com/Clients/vhc/Index

Unless we make a mistake of gargantuan size, we will be ok. We do not extend credit to anyone, nor do we have any debt.

We will continue to work on products that improve our, and our Customers, riding experience.

Kevin

 

[Texan]

I had 3600 miles on the Tri not 36000.......

Thank you... I was sitting here trying to figure out how anybody could get put 36,000 miles on a '17 Trike in basically a year much less not expect something like a bearing to maybe go south.

I've ridden in all 48 Continental, Canada and Mexico over a 5 year stint and bearly got over 36,000.

8~\o

 

[vito]

Thank you... I was sitting here trying to figure out how anybody could get put 36,000 miles on a '17 Trike in basically a year much less not expect something like a bearing to maybe go south. I've ridden in all 48 Continental, Canada and Mexico over a 5 year stint and bearly got over 36,000.8~\o

I put over 50,000 on my 1990 FLH in the first year. Had to ride 75 miles each way to work plus two coast-coast trips. So it's not impossible. I've got 5000 local miles on my 17 and I bought it 6 mo.s ago.

 

[DK Custom Products]

I put over 50,000 on my 1990 FLH in the first year. Had to ride 75 miles each way to work plus two coast-coast trips. So it's not impossible. I've got 5000 local miles on my 17 and I bought it 6 mo.s ago.

A lot depends on if you ride year round, and if you use a cage for your primary transpo.

I typically ride 30k-40k every year...it is spread out over several bikes.

I rarely ride in a cage....if I gotta go somewhere, it is on a bike or trike.

Kevin

 

[Texan]

I put over 50,000 on my 1990 FLH in the first year. Had to ride 75 miles each way to work plus two coast-coast trips. So it's not impossible. I've got 5000 local miles on my 17 and I bought it 6 mo.s ago.

WoW, guess it is possible if you live in a part of the country that you can ride year round. I could, I guess, but would have to figure out a way to install tire chains during the winter and buy some better heater gear. Was 14 this morning when I left for work.....

8~\o

 

[vito]

WoW, guess it is possible if you live in a part of the country that you can ride year round. I could, I guess, but would have to figure out a way to install tire chains during the winter and buy some better heater gear. Was 14 this morning when I left for work.....8~\o

At the time I lived in VA. It's more a matter of time than place. They kept the roads clear most of the time and it was warmer. This year is colder/wetter than most. Right on the heated gear - couldn't have done without it or the 2-piece H-D suit. Don't sweat mileage - it's "smileage" that counts.

 

[paws]

Don't sweat mileage - it's "smileage" that counts.

. :clapping::clapping:ThumbUp

 

[Texan]

At the time I lived in VA. It's more a matter of time than place. They kept the roads clear most of the time and it was warmer. This year is colder/wetter than most. Right on the heated gear - couldn't have done without it or the 2-piece H-D suit. Don't sweat mileage - it's "smileage" that counts.

Oh, I have a lot of smileage... have put over 100K on 3 different bikes ( 1 of 'em 150K) plus various miles on other bikes in my 65+ years of riding. AND you know thinking about this thread had only had to put wheel bearing on a Pan and a Knuckle. That's before the company went to Chinese plastic bearing to save $.50.

8~\o