HARD TIMES

BANZAI7 NEWS--Harley Davidson,  the motorcycle maker, reported a fourth-quarter loss of $218 million Friday, its first quarterly shortfall in 16 years and lots less than losses announced by certain banks this past week. Hurt by restructuring costs and the sluggish economy, Harley-Davidson has come under pressure over the last year as the tight credit markets and the weak economy led consumers to shun purchases of its high-end, heavyweight motorcycles.

Unlike, the Banking industry, the company has been reorganizing its business through layoffs, factory closures and closing or selling unwanted brands.   No multi-billion dollar bailout or bonus pool was announced and none is expected to be announced in the near future.

Hey Wall Street...