Perhaps the most recognizable motorcycle brand, Harley-Davidson, has a long and storied history spanning over 100 years. In 1901, two friends growing up in Milwaukee, William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson, joined together to create a “motor bicycle” in a backyard shed.
Prototypes were created and altered, and just a few years after its start, the company advertised its first product: a DIY motorbike. The concept of a motorized bicycle continued to evolve, and Harley-Davidson continued to grow.
The company survived World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II. Today, Harley-Davidson is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of motorcycles. From worldwide events, clubs, and die-hard fans, it’s hard to find a brand with a greater loyalty behind it.
Over 1,400 independent dealers are operating in more than 100 countries. Harley-Davidson directly employs 5,000 people worldwide. In one year, they manufacture over 160,000 bikes (2023).
Harley-Davidson has seen more American history than any person alive today. Though the bikes are no longer made in a backyard shed, are they still being manufactured in America? Let’s find out.
Verdict: Are Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Made in the USA?
Only some parts of the Harley-Davidson manufacturing process happen in the United States. Harley-Davidson owns production facilities in both the United States and overseas. Assembly mostly takes place in the US, whereas parts manufacturing occurs globally.
American facilities are located in York, Pennsylvania, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and Tomahawk, Wisconsin. The company’s headquarters are in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, situated on the site of the original backyard shed.
In 2019, Harley-Davidson closed a Kansas City, Missouri, plant. The closure was a short notice, and 800 employees lost their jobs. At the Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin plant, engines and transmissions are made, then sent to the York factory, their main manufacturing site, for final assembly.
Overseas facilities are located in Manaus, Brazil, and Rayong, Thailand. These sites service their local regions, and bikes built overseas do not typically make their way to the US for consumer sale.
In 2019, Harley-Davidson collaborated with a Chinese manufacturing plant to produce the X350 RA, an affordable motorcycle made in China. This model is only produced for sale in China. However, recent news reports suggest that this motorbike is going to be shipped to the US, not for sale but for exclusive use in dealership training schools.
According to our research, all Harley-Davidson motorcycles sold in the US are assembled here as well. As far as the percentage of parts that comprise each one being American-made, that’s a toss-up. The last time a 100% American-built Harley was produced was likely between 50 and 60 years ago.
So, is your Harley made in America? Well, that depends on your definition of American-made.
Popular American Made Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
The following motorcycles are assembled in America with both American and global parts:
- CVO Road Glide ST
- Road King Special
- Street Glide
Popular Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Not Made in the USA
- Harley-Davidson X350 RA
