View source for Harley-Davidson

{{Short description|American motorcycle manufacturer}}
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{{Infobox company
| name = Harley-Davidson, Inc.
| logo = Harley Davidson orange logo.svg
| logo_size = 155
| image = Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Factory Building original site.jpg
| image_size = 270
| image_caption = Harley-Davidson headquarters in [[Milwaukee]]
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{ubl|{{NYSE|HOG}}|[[S&P 400]] component}}
| ISIN = {{ISIN|sl=n|pl=y|US4128221086}}
| founded = {{start date and age|1903}}
| founder = {{Unbulleted list|[[William S. Harley]] |[[Arthur Davidson (motorcycling)|Arthur Davidson]] |Walter Davidson |William A. Davidson}}
| location = {{nowrap|[[Milwaukee]], Wisconsin, U.S.}}<br />{{coord|43|02|46|N|87|57|36|W|type:landmark_region:US-WI|display=title,inline}}
| key_people = [[Artie Starrs]] (President and CEO)<ref>{{cite web|title=Harley-Davidson Appoints Artie Starrs as President and Chief Executive Officer |url=https://investor.harley-davidson.com/news/news-details/2025/Harley-Davidson-Appoints-Artie-Starrs-as-President-and-Chief-Executive-Officer/default.aspx}}</ref>
| industry = [[Automotive industry|Automotive]]
| subsidiaries = {{Unbulleted list|[[Harley-Davidson EMEA]] |[[Harley-Davidson Brazil]] |[[Harley-Davidson India]] |[[Harley-Davidson Asia]]}}
| products = Motorcycles
| production = {{decrease}} 162,771 units (2023)
| revenue = {{increase}} {{US$|5.84 billion|link=yes}} (2023)
| operating_income = {{decrease}} {{US$|779 million}} (2023)
| net_income = {{decrease}} {{US$|695 million}} (2023)
| assets = {{increase}} {{US$|12.1 billion}} (2023)
| equity = {{increase}} {{US$|3.25 billion}} (2023)
| num_employees = {{circa|6,400}} (2023)
| website = {{URL|https://www.harley-davidson.com/}}
| footnotes = <ref name=AnnualR2023>{{cite web |title= Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2023 Annual Report |url= https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/793952/000079395224000076/hog-20231231.htm |publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |access-date= February 26, 2024 |date= February 23, 2024}}</ref>
}}

'''Harley-Davidson, Inc.''' ('''H-D''', or simply '''Harley''') is an American [[motorcycle]] manufacturer and [[lifestyle brand]] headquartered in [[Milwaukee]], Wisconsin. Founded in 1903, it is one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the [[Great Depression]] along with its historical rival, [[Indian Motorcycle]] Company.<ref name="Pop Mech P2">[http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/1268626.html?page=2 Automotive – RSS Feed] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091117101633/http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/1268626.html?page=2 |date=November 17, 2009}}. ''[[Popular Mechanics]]''. Retrieved July 7, 2011.</ref> The company has survived numerous ownership arrangements, subsidiary arrangements, periods of poor economic health and product quality, and intense global competition<ref name="hotbikeweb">{{cite web|url=http://www.hotbikeweb.com/features/0701_hbkp_american_machine_foundry/index.html|title=American Machine Foundry – Journey into History |work=Hot Bike Magazine|access-date=April 27, 2008|archive-date=December 31, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231030238/http://www.hotbikeweb.com/features/0701_hbkp_american_machine_foundry/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> to become an iconic brand widely known for its loyal following. There are owner clubs and events worldwide, as well as a company-sponsored, brand-focused museum.

Harley-Davidson is noted for a style of customization that gave rise to the [[Chopper (motorcycle)|chopper]] motorcycle style.<ref name="wfwvmg">{{cite web|url=http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=11136081&OS=11136081&RS=11136081 |title=United States Patent Application: 0060260569|publisher=appft1.uspto.gov|access-date=April 27, 2008 |last=Nelson |first=Gregory J.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903231430/http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=11136081&OS=11136081&RS=11136081|archive-date=September 3, 2015}}</ref> The company traditionally marketed heavyweight, air-cooled [[cruiser (motorcycle)|cruiser]] motorcycles with [[engine displacement]]s greater than 700&nbsp;cc, but it has broadened its offerings to include more contemporary [[Harley-Davidson VRSC|VRSC]] (2002) and middle-weight [[Harley-Davidson Street|Street]] (2014) platforms.

Harley-Davidson manufactures its motorcycles at factories in<ref>{{Cite web |title=Locations |url=https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/about-us/careers/locations.html |access-date=2023-11-11 |website=Harley-Davidson |language=en-us}}</ref> [[York, Pennsylvania]]; [[Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin]]; [[Tomahawk, Wisconsin]]; [[Manaus]], Brazil; and [[Rayong]], Thailand.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/harley-davidson-hogs-built-in-thailand-finally-okd-for-lower-tariffs-than-bikes-built-in-us-2019-07-23 |title=Harley-Davidson 'hogs' built in Thailand finally OK'd for lower tariffs than bikes built in U.S. |last=Rocco |first=Matthew |date=July 24, 2019 |website=MarketWatch |access-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-date=April 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403200109/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/harley-davidson-hogs-built-in-thailand-finally-okd-for-lower-tariffs-than-bikes-built-in-us-2019-07-23 |url-status=live }}</ref> The company markets its products worldwide, and also licenses and markets merchandise under the Harley-Davidson brand, among them apparel, home décor and ornaments, accessories, toys, scale models of its motorcycles, and video games based on its motorcycle line and the community.

==History==
[[File:Founders of Harley-Davidson The North Shore Bulletin Dec 1920.jpg|From left: William A. Davidson, Walter Davidson Sr., [[Arthur Davidson (motorcycling)|Arthur Davidson]] and [[William S. Harley]]|thumb]]

In 1901, {{age|1880|12|29|1901|7|20}}-year-old [[William S. Harley]] drew up plans for a small engine with a [[Engine displacement|displacement]] of 7.07 cubic inches (116&nbsp;cc) and four-inch (102&nbsp;mm) [[flywheel]]s<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DreHM9-kvckC&pg=PA13 |page=13 |title=Classic Harley-Davidson, 1903–1941 |first=Herbert |last=Wagner |publisher=MotorBooks International |year=1999 |isbn=978-0-7603-0557-7 |access-date=November 19, 2015 |archive-date=January 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101145956/http://books.google.com/books?id=DreHM9-kvckC&pg=PA13 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/museum/explore/hd-timeline.html |title=Harley-Davidson History Timeline |publisher=Harley-Davidson USA |access-date=November 2, 2018 |archive-date=August 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829123643/https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/museum/explore/hd-timeline.html |url-status=live }}</ref> designed for use in a regular pedal-bicycle frame. Over the next two years, he and his childhood friend [[Arthur Davidson (motorcycling)|Arthur Davidson]] worked on their [[Motorized bicycle|motor-bicycle]] using the northside [[Milwaukee]] machine shop at the home of their friend Henry Melk. It was finished in 1903 with the help of Arthur's brother Walter Davidson. Upon testing their power-cycle, Harley and the Davidson brothers found it unable to climb the hills around Milwaukee without pedal assistance, and they wrote off their first motor-bicycle as a valuable learning experiment.<ref>Herbert Wagner, 2003. ''At the Creation: Myth, Reality, and the Origin of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle, 1901–1909'' (Madison: [[Wisconsin Historical Society Press]]), pp. 22–28, 42–44.</ref>

The three began work on a new and improved machine with an engine of 24.74 cubic inches (405&nbsp;cc) with {{convert|9.75|in|cm|abbr=on}} flywheels weighing {{convert|28|lb|kg|abbr=on}}. Its advanced loop-frame pattern was similar to the 1903 Milwaukee Merkel motorcycle designed by Joseph Merkel, later of [[Flying Merkel]] fame. The bigger engine and loop-frame design took it out of the motorized bicycle category and marked the path to future motorcycle designs. They also received help with their bigger engine from outboard motor pioneer [[Ole Evinrude]], who was then building gas engines of his own design for automotive use on Milwaukee's Lake Street.

[[File:Harley-Davidson Monocylinder.jpg|thumb|Prototype]]
The prototype of the new loop-frame Harley-Davidson was assembled in a {{convert|10|x|15|ft|m|abbr=on}} shed in the Davidson family backyard.<ref name="Wagner, 2003. pp.45–62">Wagner, 2003. pp. 45–62.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/2711470|title=King celebrating 95 impressive years|publisher=Kokomo Tribune {{subscription required|via=Newspapers.com}}|date=June 3, 1998|page=19|access-date=March 19, 2015|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402190954/http://www.newspapers.com/image/2711470/|url-status=live}}</ref> Most of the major parts, however, were made elsewhere, including some probably fabricated at the West Milwaukee railshops where oldest brother William A. Davidson was toolroom foreman. This prototype machine was functional by September 8, 1904, when it competed in a Milwaukee motorcycle race held at State Fair Park. Edward Hildebrand rode it and placed fourth in the race.<ref name="Wagner, 2003. pp.45–62" />

In January 1905, the company placed small advertisements in the ''Automobile and Cycle Trade Journal'' offering bare Harley-Davidson engines to the do-it-yourself trade. By April, they were producing complete motorcycles on a very limited basis. That year, Harley-Davidson dealer Carl H. Lang of Chicago sold three bikes from the five built in the Davidson backyard shed. Years later, the company moved the original shed to the Juneau Avenue factory where it stood for many decades as a tribute.

In 1906, Harley and the Davidson brothers built their first factory on Chestnut Street (later Juneau Avenue),<ref name="H-D timeline 1900s">{{cite web |url=http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/H-D_History/history_1900s.jsp |title=HarleyDavidson History Timeline |publisher=Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company |access-date=September 29, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120714065520/http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/H-D_History/history_1900s.jsp |archive-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref> at the current location of Harley-Davidson's corporate headquarters.<ref name="employees"/> The first Juneau Avenue plant was a {{convert|40|x|60|ft|m|abbr=on}} single-story wooden structure. The company produced about 50 motorcycles that year.

[[File:1907 Harley Davidson.jpg|thumb|left|1907 model]]
[[File:Harley-Davidson 1000 cc HT 1916.jpg|thumb|left|Harley-Davidson 1,000&nbsp;cc HT 1916]]
In 1907, William S. Harley graduated from the [[University of Wisconsin–Madison]] with a degree in mechanical engineering. That year, they expanded the factory with a second floor and later with facings and additions of Milwaukee pale yellow ("cream") brick. With the new facilities, production increased to 150 motorcycles in 1907. The company was officially incorporated that September. They also began selling their motorcycles to police departments around this time, a market that has been important to them ever since.<ref>Wagner, 2003. pp. 68–81, 118.</ref> In 1907, William A. Davidson quit his job as tool foreman for the Milwaukee Road railroad and joined the Motor Company.

Production in 1905 and 1906 were all single-cylinder models with 26.84-cubic-inch (440&nbsp;cc) engines. In February 1907, they displayed a prototype model at the [[Chicago Auto Show|Chicago Automobile Show]] with a 45-degree [[V-Twin]] engine. Very few V-Twin models were built between 1907 and 1910. These first V-Twins displaced 53.68 cubic inches (880&nbsp;cc) and produced about {{convert|7|hp|kW}}. This gave about double the power of the first singles, and top speed was about {{convert|60|mph|km/h|-1|abbr=on}}. Production jumped from 450 motorcycles in 1908 to 1,149 machines in 1909.<ref>Wagner, 2003. pp. 124–25.</ref>

[[File:Harley Davidson Motor Company The Implement Age v16.jpg|thumb|Harley-Davidson works in 1911]]

In 1911, the company introduced an improved V-Twin model with a displacement of 49.48 cubic inches (811&nbsp;cc) and mechanically operated intake valves, as opposed to the "automatic" intake valves used on earlier V-Twins that opened by engine vacuum. It was smaller than earlier twins but gave better performance. After 1913, the majority of bikes produced by Harley-Davidson were V-Twin models.

In 1912, Harley-Davidson introduced their patented "Ful-Floteing Seat", which was suspended by a coil spring inside the seat tube.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gingerelli |first=Dain |title=Harley-Davidson Museum Masterpieces |page=21 |chapter=1912 Model X–8–A |publisher=Motorbooks |location=Minneapolis, Minn. |year=2010 |url={{Google books |1c-d1dqD8DYC |Harley-Davidson Museum Masterpieces |plainurl=yes}} |chapter-url={{Google books |1c-d1dqD8DYC |Harley-Davidson Museum Masterpieces |page=20 |plainurl=yes}} |isbn=978-0-7603-3894-0 |lccn=2010014130}}</ref> The spring tension could be adjusted to suit the rider's weight, and more than {{Convert|3|in|mm}} of travel was available.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Plueddeman |first=Charles |title=Soul Survivor|magazine=[[Cycle World]] |date=July 1998 |volume=37 |issue=7 |page=73 |url={{Google books |dzSElH5E4AQC |Cycle World Magazine Jan 1998 |page=RA7-PA65 |plainurl=yes}} |editor-last=Edwards |editor-first=David |publisher=Hachette Filipacchi Magazines |location=Newport Beach, Calif. |issn=0011-4286}}</ref> Harley-Davidson used seats of this type until 1958.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Gingerelli |first1=Dain |last2=Michels |first2=James Manning |last3=Everitt |first3=Charles |year=2010 |title=365 Motorcycles You Must Ride |page=91 |publisher=MBI Publishing |location=Minneapolis, Minn. |url={{Google books |Kabox9JS1OEC |title=365 Motorcycles You Must Ride |page=91 |plainurl=yes}} |isbn=978-0-7603-3474-4}}</ref>
[[File:1911HarleyDavidson"SilentGrayFellow".jpg|thumb|1911 Harley-Davidson "Silent Gray Fellow," on display at the [[Harley-Davidson Museum]], Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The motorcycle featured many encased moving parts and was quiet for its day.]]
[[File:1913 Harley-Davdson Model 9-B.jpg|thumb|1913 Harley Davidson Model 9-B on display at the [[Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum]], Birmingham, Alabama. The single-cylinder motorcycle had a displacement of 560cc, weighed 275 pounds, and had a top speed of 55 mph.]]
[[File:1919 Harley-Davidson FUS ARMY.jpg|thumb|1919 Harley-Davidson military model made for the U.S. Army, on display at the [[Harley-Davidson Museum]], Milwaukee, Wisconsin.]]

By 1913, the yellow brick factory had been demolished and a new five-story structure had been built on the site which took up two blocks along Juneau Avenue and around the corner on 38th Street. Despite the competition, Harley-Davidson was already pulling ahead of [[Indian (motorcycle)|Indian]] and dominated motorcycle racing after 1914. Production that year swelled to 16,284 machines.
[[File:RalphHepburn1922.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Ralph Hepburn]] on his Harley racing bike in 1919]]

===World War I===

In 1917, the United States entered [[World War I]] and the military demanded motorcycles for the war effort.<ref>{{cite web |title=The National World War One Museum – Recent Acquisitions – Model J 1917 Harley-Davidson Army Motorcycle |url=http://www.theworldwar.org/s/110/display.aspx?sid=110&gid=1&pgid=967 |publisher=The National World War One Museum |access-date=June 13, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224180234/http://www.theworldwar.org/s/110/display.aspx?sid=110&gid=1&pgid=967 |archive-date=December 24, 2008}}</ref> Harleys had already been used by the military in the [[Pancho Villa Expedition]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sterling |first=Christopher H. |title=Military Communications: From Ancient Times to the 21st Century|year=2007|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-85109-732-6|page=493|chapter=V: Vehicles and Transport}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|first1=Philip S.|last1=Jowett |first2=A. M.|last2=De Quesada |first3=Stephen |last3=Walsh |title=The Mexican Revolution, 1910–20|year=2006|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=978-1-84176-989-9|page=61}}</ref> but World War I was the first time that it was adopted for military issue, first with the British [[Model H]] produced by [[Triumph Engineering Co Ltd]] in 1915.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.history.co.uk/study-topics/history-of-biker-gangs/history-of-the-motorcycle |title=History of the Motorcycle |date=September 12, 2015|access-date=August 27, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906033102/http://www.history.co.uk/study-topics/history-of-biker-gangs/history-of-the-motorcycle|archive-date=September 6, 2016}}</ref> The U.S. military purchased over 20,000 motorcycles from Harley-Davidson.<ref name="PBS HD 9-2006">{{cite web |first=Tukufu |last=Zuberi |title=History Detectives – Episode 9, 2006: Harley-Davidson Motorcycle, Flemington, New Jersey |website=[[PBS]] |url=https://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/investigation/harley-davidson-motor-cycle/ |year=2006 |access-date=June 13, 2009 |archive-date=December 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208035051/http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/investigation/harley-davidson-motor-cycle/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Harley-Davidson launched a line of bicycles in 1917 in hopes of recruiting more domestic customers for its motorcycles. Models included the traditional [[diamond frame]] men's bicycle, a [[step-through frame]] 3–18 "Ladies Standard", and a 5–17 "Boy Scout" for youth. The effort was discontinued in 1923 because of disappointing sales.<ref>Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, various artifacts, ephemera, and placards. One placard states "''Harley-Davidson began as a motorcycle manufacturer unlike competitors such as Indian and Pope, which has [''sic''] previous histories in bicycling prior to building motorcycles. The many connections between bicycling and motorcycling prompted Harley-Davidson to begin selling bicycles in 1917. Despite heavy promotion, sales were disappointing and production was discontinued in 1923.''"</ref> The bicycles were built for Harley-Davidson in [[Dayton, Ohio|Dayton]], Ohio by the Davis Machine Company from 1917 to 1921, when Davis stopped manufacturing bicycles.<ref name="HeroBicycle">{{cite book |last=Youngblood |first=Ed |year=2003 |title=The Heroes of Harley-Davidson|url={{Google books|EsYzQ5W3d2sC|The Heroes of Harley-Davidson |page=137 |plainurl=yes}} |location=St. Paul, Minn. |publisher=Motorbooks International |page=137 |isbn=0-7603-1595-7 |access-date=April 19, 2014}}</ref>

===1920s===
[[File:Harley-Davidson 1000 cc HT 1923.jpg|thumb|left|Harley-Davidson 1000 cc HT 1923]]

By 1920 Harley-Davidson was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, with 28,189 machines produced and dealers in 67 countries.<ref name="H-D timeline">{{cite web |url=http://www.harley-davidson.com/content/h-d/en_US/home/museum/explore/hd-timeline.html |title=HD Timeline |publisher=Harley-Davidson |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519225011/http://www.harley-davidson.com/content/h-d/en_US/home/museum/explore/hd-timeline.html |archive-date=May 19, 2014}}</ref> In 1921, Otto Walker set a record on a Harley-Davidson as the first motorcycle to win a race at an average speed greater than {{convert|100|mph|km/h|-1|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.aspx?RacerID=57|title=Otto Walker|work=home.ama-cycle.org|access-date=December 30, 2014|archive-date=December 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230080356/http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.aspx?RacerID=57|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statnekov.com/motorcycles/lives19.html|title=Pioneers of American Motorcycle Racing, Chapter 19|work=American Vintage Racing Motorcycles 1900–1933|publisher=Daniel K. Statnekov|access-date=April 26, 2008|archive-date=March 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324023911/http://www.statnekov.com/motorcycles/lives19.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Harley-Davidson put several improvements in place during the 1920s, such as a new 74&nbsp;cubic inch (1,212.6 &nbsp;cc) V-Twin introduced in 1921, and the "teardrop" gas tank in 1925. They added a front brake in 1928, although only on the J/JD models.<ref>The Encyclopedia of the Harley-Davidson by Peter Henshaw and Ian Kerr, p. 139</ref> In the late summer of 1929, Harley-Davidson introduced its 45-cubic-inch (737&nbsp;cc) [[Flathead engine|flathead]] V-Twin to compete with the [[Indian 101 Scout]] and the [[Excelsior Super X]].<ref name="Chronicle68">{{Cite book|author=Mitchel, D.|title=Harley-Davidson Chronicle – An American Original|pages=[https://archive.org/details/harleydavidsonch0000mitc_u3q3/page/68 68–69]|publisher=Publications International Limited|year=1997|isbn=0-7853-2514-X|url=https://archive.org/details/harleydavidsonch0000mitc_u3q3/page/68}}</ref> This was the "D" model produced from 1929 to 1931.<ref>{{cite web |first=Andy |last=Hornsby |title=American V – A Potted History of Harley-Davidson: Part 1 1903–1954 |url=http://www.american-v.co.uk/heritage/timeline/pottedhist1/index.html |work=American V] |publisher=American-V |location=Crewe, England |access-date=June 13, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928094348/http://www.american-v.co.uk/heritage/timeline/pottedhist1/index.html |archive-date=September 28, 2007}}</ref> Riders of Indian motorcycles derisively referred to it as the "three cylinder Harley" because the generator was upright and parallel to the front cylinder.<ref>Mitchel, p.70</ref> In 1929, [[Vivian Bales]] drove a record 5,000 miles across the United States and Canada on a D-model.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 August 1929 |title=Seeing the country |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3EcwAAAAIBAJ&sjid=aKYFAAAAIBAJ&dq=vivian%E2%80%93bales%20motorcycle&pg=1155,4934156 |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=news.google.com |publisher=Berkeley Daily Gazette}}</ref>

===Great Depression===
[[File:Harley-Davidson 1200 cc SV 1931.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Harley-Davidson 1,200&nbsp;cc SV 1931]]

The [[Great Depression]] began a few months after the introduction of their {{cvt|45|cuin|adj=on}} model. Harley-Davidson's sales fell from 21,000 in 1929 to 3,703 in 1933. Despite this, Harley-Davidson unveiled a new lineup for 1934, which included a flathead engine and [[Art Deco]] styling.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/harley-davidson/1934-harley-davidson-vld.aspx |title=1934 Harley-Davidson VLD |publisher=Motorcycle Classics |access-date=August 5, 2009 |date=March–April 2009 |author=Margie Siegal |archive-date=September 2, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090902132746/http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/harley-davidson/1934-harley-davidson-vld.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

In order to survive the remainder of the Depression, the company manufactured industrial powerplants based on their motorcycle engines. They also designed and built a three-wheeled delivery vehicle called the [[Servi-Car]], which remained in production until 1973.<ref name="Chronicle68" />

[[File:Vintage harley davidson photo in madrid spain 2011.jpg|left|thumb|Harley-Davidson UL]]

Alfred Rich Child opened a production line in Japan in the mid-1930s with the {{cvt|74|cuin|adj=on}} VL. The Japanese license-holder, Sankyo Seiyaku Corporation, severed its business relations with Harley-Davidson in 1936 and continued manufacturing the VL under the [[Rikuo Motorcycle|Rikuo]] name.<ref>[http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/asp/classics/bike.asp?id=81 The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum – 1958 Rikuo RT2: Harley-Davidson's Japanese connection] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511222710/http://motorcyclemuseum.org/asp/classics/bike.asp?id=81 |date=May 11, 2012}}. Motorcyclemuseum.org. Retrieved April 27, 2012.</ref>
[[File:Harley-Davidson Sales Co.jpg|thumbnail|left|Harley-Davidson dealer in Texas, ca. 1930–1945]]
An {{convert|80|cuin}} flathead engine was added to the line in 1935, by which time the single-cylinder motorcycles had been discontinued.<ref name="Chronicle92">Mitchel, p. 92</ref>

In 1936, the 61E and 61EL models with the "[[Harley-Davidson Knucklehead engine|Knucklehead]]" [[Overhead valve|OHV]] engines were introduced.<ref name="Chronicle94">Mitchel, pp. 94–95</ref> [[Valvetrain]] problems in early Knucklehead engines required a redesign halfway through its first year of production and retrofitting of the new valvetrain on earlier engines.<ref name="Classic Motorcycles 53">{{Cite book |last=Johnstone |first=Gary |title=Classic Motorcycles|orig-year=First published 1993 by Boxtree Ltd.|year=1995|publisher=Tiger Books International|location=Twickenham|isbn=1-85501-731-8|page=53|chapter=Union Pacific Meets Roy Rogers}}</ref>

By 1937, all Harley-Davidson flathead engines were equipped with dry-sump oil recirculation systems similar to the one introduced in the "Knucklehead" OHV engine. The revised {{convert|74|cuin}} V and VL models were renamed U and UL, the {{cvt|80|cuin}} VH and VLH to be renamed UH and ULH, and the {{cvt|45|cuin}} R to be renamed W.<ref name="Chronicle94" />

In 1941, the 74-cubic-inch "Knucklehead" was introduced as the F and the [[Harley-Davidson FL|FL]]. The {{cvt|80|cuin}} flathead UH and ULH models were discontinued after 1941, while the 74-cubic-inchU & UL flathead models were produced up to 1948.<ref name="Chronicle94" />

===World War II===
[[File:xa-600.jpg|thumb|Harley copied the [[BMW motorcycles|BMW]] R71 to produce its [[Harley-Davidson XA|XA model]].]]
One of only two American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the [[Great Depression]] (the other being the [[Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company]]),<ref name="Popular Mechanics Street" /><ref name="Ulti Moto 17">{{Cite book |last=Wilson |first=Hugo |title=The Ultimate Motorcycle Book|year=1993|publisher=Dorling Kindersley|location=London|isbn=0-7513-0043-8|page=17|chapter=The World's Motorcycles: America}}</ref> Harley-Davidson again produced large numbers of motorcycles for the US Army in [[World War II]] and resumed civilian production afterwards, producing a range of large V-twin motorcycles that were successful both on racetracks and for private buyers.

Harley-Davidson, on the eve of World War II, was already supplying the Army with a military-specific version of its {{convert|45|cuin}} WL line, called the [[Harley-Davidson WLA|WLA]]. The A in this case stood for "Army". Upon the outbreak of war, the company, along with most other manufacturing enterprises, shifted to war work. Some 90,000 military motorcycles, mostly WLAs and WLCs (the Canadian version) were produced, many to be provided to allies.<ref name="wildthing">''[[Smithsonian (magazine)|Smithsonian]]'' magazine, August 2003, pp. 34 – "Wild Thing", Robert F. Howe</ref> Harley-Davidson received two [[Army-Navy "E" Award]]s, one in 1943 and the other in 1945, which were awarded for Excellence in Production.

[[File:HD Liberator.jpg|left|thumb|Harley-Davidson produced the WLC for the [[Canadian military]]. ]]
Shipments to the [[Soviet Union]] under the [[Lend-Lease]] program numbered at least 30,000.<ref>[http://www.zr.ru/content/articles/318704-inostrannyj_legion_motocikly_po_lend-lizu/ Foreign Legion: motorcycles under Lend-Lease] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402115348/http://www.zr.ru/content/articles/318704-inostrannyj_legion_motocikly_po_lend-lizu/ |date=April 2, 2015 }} // Moto, 2011 (in Russian)]</ref> The WLAs produced during all four years of war production generally have 1942 serial numbers. Production of the WLA stopped at the end of World War II, but was resumed from 1949 to 1952 for use in the [[Korean War]].

The U.S. Army also asked Harley-Davidson to produce a new motorcycle with many of the features of [[History of BMW motorcycles|BMW's]] side-valve and [[Drive shaft|shaft-driven]] R71. Harley-Davidson largely copied the BMW engine and drive train and produced the shaft-driven 750&nbsp;cc 1942 and '43 [[Harley-Davidson XA]]. This shared no dimensions, no parts or no design concepts (except side valves) with any prior Harley-Davidson engine. Due to the superior cooling of the [[flat-twin]] engine with the cylinders across the frame, Harley's XA cylinder heads ran 100&nbsp;°F (56&nbsp;°C) cooler than its V-twins.<!-- The conversion template from °F to °C is a conversion of temperature values, and does not work for temperature differences. More details are available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Flat-twin_engine/Archive_1#Temperature_difference_vs._temperature_value. --><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/asp/classics/bike.asp?id=71 |title=Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum: 1942 Harley-Davidson XA |work=Motorcyclemuseum.org |access-date=February 25, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727003729/http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/asp/classics/bike.asp?id=71 |archive-date=July 27, 2012}}</ref> The XA never entered full production: the motorcycle by that time had been eclipsed by the [[Jeep]] as the Army's general-purpose vehicle, and the WLA{{snd}}already in production{{snd}}was sufficient for its limited police, escort, and courier roles. As a result, only about 1,000 were made.

===Small: Hummer, Sportcycle and Aermacchi===
[[File:Harley-Davidson Hummer.jpg|thumb|[[Harley-Davidson Hummer]] ]]
[[File:Harley-Davidson Young America advertisement.jpg|thumb|upright|''Sportcycle'', 1966 "Young America" advertising campaign<ref>[[Honda Super Cub]]</ref>]]
{{See also|Harley-Davidson Hummer|Harley-Davidson Topper}}
As part of [[war reparations]], Harley-Davidson acquired the design of a small German motorcycle, the [[DKW RT 125]], which they adapted, manufactured, and sold from 1948 to 1966.<ref name="HummerClub">[http://www.harleyhummerclub.org/history History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102222838/http://www.harleyhummerclub.org/history/ |date=November 2, 2013 }}. Harley Hummer Club (May 17, 2010). Retrieved July 7, 2011.</ref> Various models were made, including the [[Harley-Davidson Hummer|Hummer]] from 1955 to 1959, but they are all colloquially referred to as "Hummers" at present.<ref name="HummerDotCom">[http://www.harleyhummer.com/ Harley Hummer. Com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219163649/http://www.harleyhummer.com/ |date=December 19, 2014 }}. Harleyhummer.com. Retrieved July 7, 2011.</ref> [[Birmingham Small Arms Company|BSA]] in the United Kingdom took the same design as the foundation of their [[BSA Bantam]].<ref name="EncycMoto37">Wilson, H. "The Encyclopedia of the Motorcycle" p. 37 Dorling-Kindersley Limited, 1995 {{ISBN|0-7513-0206-6}}</ref>

[[File:Aermacchi Turismo Veloce 1971 crop.jpg|thumb|left|1971 Aermacchi Harley-Davidson Turismo Veloce]]
In 1960, Harley-Davidson consolidated the Model 165 and Hummer lines into the Super-10, introduced the Topper scooter,<ref name="EncycMoto 252">Wilson, p. 252</ref> and bought fifty percent of [[Aermacchi]]'s motorcycle division.<ref name="EncycMoto 252" /><ref name="MotoClassicsSprint350">{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/motorcycle-reviews/aermacchi-harley-davidson-350-sprint.aspx|title=Aermacchi Harley-Davidson Sprint 350|work=Motorcycle Classics|access-date=July 18, 2011|date=July–August 2011|author=Richard Backus|archive-date=July 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714082522/http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/motorcycle-reviews/aermacchi-harley-davidson-350-sprint.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Importation of [[Aermacchi]]'s 250&nbsp;cc horizontal single began the following year.<ref name="MotoClassicsSprint350" /><ref name="EncycMoto74">Wilson, p. 74</ref><ref name="Chronicle187">Mitchel, p. 187</ref> The bike bore Harley-Davidson badges and was marketed as the Harley-Davidson Sprint.<ref name="EncycMoto74" /><ref name="Chronicle187" /> The engine of the Sprint was increased to 350&nbsp;cc in 1969<ref name="MotoClassicsSprint350" /><ref name="Chronicle215">Mitchel, p. 215</ref> and would remain that size until 1974, when the four-stroke Sprint was discontinued.<ref name="Chronicle215" />

After the Pacer and Scat models were discontinued at the end of 1965, the Bobcat became the last of Harley-Davidson's American-made [[Two-stroke engine|two-stroke]] motorcycles. The Bobcat was manufactured only in the 1966 model year.<ref name="Chronicle193">Mitchel, p. 193</ref>

Harley-Davidson replaced their American-made lightweight two-stroke motorcycles with the Italian [[Aermacchi]]-built two-stroke powered M-65, M-65S, and Rapido. The M-65 had a semi-step-through frame and tank. The M-65S was a M-65 with a larger tank that eliminated the step-through feature. The Rapido was a larger bike with a 125&nbsp;cc engine.<ref name="Chronicle218">Mitchel, p. 218</ref> The Aermacchi-built Harley-Davidsons became entirely two-stroke powered when the 250&nbsp;cc two-stroke SS-250 replaced the four-stroke 350&nbsp;cc Sprint in 1974.<ref name="Chronicle247">Mitchel, pp. 247, 250</ref>

Harley-Davidson purchased full control of [[Aermacchi]]'s motorcycle production in 1974 and continued making two-stroke motorcycles there until 1978, when they sold the facility to [[Cagiva]], owned by the Castiglioni family.<ref name="EncycMoto 252" />

===Tarnished reputation===
[[File:ZweiRadMuseumNSU EasyRider.JPG|thumb|upright|Replica of the "[[Captain America (motorcycle)|Captain America bike]]" from the film ''[[Easy Rider]]'' ]]
In 1952, following their application to the [[United States International Trade Commission|U.S. Tariff Commission]] for a 40 percent tax on imported motorcycles, Harley-Davidson was charged with restrictive practices.<ref>{{cite web |author=Ian Chadwick, ichadwick@sympatico.ca |url=http://www.ianchadwick.com/motorcycles/triumph/time03.html |title=Triumph Motorcycles Timeline: Recovery and Growth 1946–1962 |work=Ianchadwick.com |access-date=January 5, 2009 |archive-date=September 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929075144/http://www.ianchadwick.com/motorcycles/triumph/time03.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Harley-Davidson 6.jpg|thumb|left|AMF H-D Electra Glide]]
In 1969, [[American Machine and Foundry]] (AMF) bought the company,<ref name="amfacq">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=17IVAAAAIBAJ&pg=2845%2C5498 |work=Milwaukee Sentinel |last=Nelson |first=Mervin C. |title=AMF acquiring Harley-Davidson |date=November 1, 1968 |page=1, part 1 }}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="fft buy">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AQQqAAAAIBAJ&pg=7209%2C141747 |work=The Milwaukee Journal |title=Firm fights to buy Harley-Davidson |date=November 1, 1968 |page=1, part 2 }}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> streamlined production, and slashed the workforce. This tactic resulted in a [[strike action|labor strike]] and cost-cutting produced lower-quality bikes.<ref name="hotbikeweb" /> Simultaneously, the Japanese "big four" manufacturers ([[Honda]], [[Kawasaki motorcycles|Kawasaki]], [[Suzuki]], and [[Yamaha Motor Corporation|Yamaha]])<ref name="Hetrick">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=95f1-fanCVIC&dq=universal+japanese+motorcycle%22&pg=PP8|title=Sport Bikes (Full Throttle)|last=Hetrick|first=Hans|date=2010|publisher=Edge Books, Capstone Press|isbn=978-1429647519|page=12}}</ref> revolutionized the North American market by introducing what the motoring press would call the [[Universal Japanese Motorcycle]].<ref name="ujm motorcycle">{{cite web |url=http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/suzuki/2009-suzuki-tu250x-review-88791.html |author=Pete Brissette |title=2009 Suzuki TU250X Review |work=[[Motor Cycle News]] |date=2009-10-06 |access-date=2016-07-14 |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807175446/https://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/suzuki/2009-suzuki-tu250x-review-88791.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In comparison, Harley-Davidson's bikes were expensive and inferior in performance, handling, and quality. Sales and quality declined, and the company almost went bankrupt.<ref name="hotbikeweb" /> The "Harley-Davidson" name was mocked as "Hardly Ableson", "Hardly Driveable", and "Hogly Ferguson",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/dictionary/H.htm |title=The Motorcycle Bikers Dictionary – H |website=totalmotorcycle.com |access-date=April 27, 2008 |archive-date=August 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100803151848/http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/dictionary/H.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
and the nickname "Hog" became [[pejorative]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rkj8y8QYppMC&q=harley+davidson+hog+nickname+negative&pg=PA19|title=Harley-Davidson Motorcycles|last=Stermer|first=Bill|date=2002|publisher=MotorBooks International|isbn=978-1-61060-951-7|pages=19|language=en|access-date=November 11, 2020|archive-date=April 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403202301/https://books.google.com/books?id=Rkj8y8QYppMC&q=harley+davidson+hog+nickname+negative&pg=PA19|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1977, following the successful manufacture of the Liberty Edition to commemorate America's [[United States Bicentennial|bicentennial]] in 1976,<ref>{{cite web |author=incEngine |url=http://www.classic-harley.com/incEngine/?product=1030190204 |title=Harley-Davidson Liberty Edition |work=Classic-harley.com |access-date=July 25, 2013 |archive-date=September 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910201753/http://www.classic-harley.com/incEngine/?product=1030190204 |url-status=live }}</ref> Harley-Davidson produced what has become one of its most controversial models, the [[Harley-Davidson Confederate Edition]]. The bike was essentially a stock Harley-Davidson with [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]]-specific paint and details.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/motorcycle-reviews/harley-davidson.aspx|title=1977 Harley-Davidson Confederate Edition|publisher=Motorcycle Classics|access-date=August 5, 2009|date=January–February 2009|author=Chris MacMahan|archive-date=August 10, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090810072516/http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/motorcycle-reviews/harley-davidson.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Restructuring and revival===
In 1981, AMF sold the company to a group of 13 investors led by [[Vaughn Beals]] and [[Willie G. Davidson]] for $80&nbsp;million.<ref name="wild_thing">''Smithsonian'' magazine, August 2003, p. 36 – "Wild Thing", Robert F. Howe</ref> The new management team improved product quality, introduced new technologies, and adopted [[just-in-time (business)|just-in-time]] inventory management.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Duprey |first1=Rich |title=33 Years Ago, Tariffs Saved Harley-Davidson Inc. – or Did They? |url=https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/05/33-years-ago-today-tariffs-saved-harley-davidson.aspx |access-date=October 21, 2018 |work=[[The Motley Fool]] |date=April 5, 2016 |archive-date=October 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021232224/https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/05/33-years-ago-today-tariffs-saved-harley-davidson.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> These operational and product improvements were matched with a strategy of seeking tariff protection for large-displacement motorcycles in the face of intense competition with Japanese manufacturers. These protections were granted by the Reagan administration in 1983, giving Harley-Davidson time to implement their new strategies.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Lemmy |title=Motorcycle tariffs and Harley-Davidson Lessons from the last time |url=https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/motorcycle-tariffs-and-harley-davidson |website=RevZilla.com |publisher=[[RevZilla.com|RevZilla]] |access-date=October 21, 2018 |date=March 5, 2018 |quote=Harley again requested federal assistance in 1982, this time citing Article XIX of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade of 1974, better known as 'the escape clause.' |archive-date=October 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021232352/https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/motorcycle-tariffs-and-harley-davidson |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="7/83 US Imposes 45% Tariff on Imported Motorcycles">{{cite web |editor=Roderick Seeman |title=7/83 US Imposes 45% Tariff on Imported Motorcycles |work=The Japan Lawletter |date=July–August 1983 |url=http://www.japanlaw.info/lawletter/july83/ase.htm |access-date=December 12, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308143411/http://www.japanlaw.info/lawletter/july83/ase.htm |archive-date=March 8, 2008}}</ref>
[[File:A_Harley-Davidson_dealer_in_Chattanooga,_Tennessee_01.jpg|thumb|A modern Harley-Davidson dealer in [[Chattanooga, Tennessee]]]]
Revising stagnated product designs was a crucial centerpiece of Harley-Davidson's turnaround strategy. Rather than trying to mimic popular Japanese designs, the new management deliberately exploited the "retro" appeal of Harley motorcycles, building machines that deliberately adopted the look and feel of their earlier bikes and the subsequent customizations of owners of that era. Many components such as brakes, forks, shocks, carburetors, electrics and wheels were outsourced from foreign manufacturers and quality increased, technical improvements were made, and buyers slowly returned.

Harley-Davidson bought the "Sub Shock" cantilever-swingarm rear suspension design from Missouri engineer Bill Davis and developed it into its [[Softail]] series of motorcycles, introduced in 1984 with the FXST Softail.<ref name="HDCentury_FatherSoftail">{{cite encyclopedia|last=Field|first=Greg|editor=Darwin Holmstrom|encyclopedia=The Harley-Davidson Century|title=Father of the Softail|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUidavBaEbUC|access-date=December 26, 2012|date=September 1, 2002|publisher=MotorBooks International|location=St. Paul, Minn.|isbn=0-7603-1155-2|pages=242–243}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

In response to possible motorcycle market loss due to the aging of baby-boomers, Harley-Davidson bought luxury [[motorhome]] manufacturer [[Holiday Rambler]] in 1986.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Harley-Davidson Evolution Motorcycles|author=Greg Field|page=33|year=2001|isbn=978-0-7603-0500-3|publisher=Motorbooks}}</ref> In 1996, the company sold Holiday Rambler to the [[Monaco Coach Corporation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pedatarvcenter.com/rvtopics/holidayramblerrv.html |title=The Holiday Rambler RV: A Historic Look |work=Pedata RV Center |publisher=Pedata Resales |location=Tucson, AZ USA |access-date=May 17, 2011 |quote=In 1996, the Holiday Rambler RV line became one of the prestigious lines backed by Monaco Coach Corporation. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715061441/http://www.pedatarvcenter.com/rvtopics/holidayramblerrv.html |archive-date=July 15, 2011}}</ref>

The "Sturgis" model, boasting a dual belt-drive, was introduced initially in 1980 and was made for three years. This bike was then brought back as a commemorative model in 1991.

===Fat Boy, Dyna, and Harley-Davidson museum===
{{Main|Harley-Davidson Fat Boy|Harley-Davidson Museum}}
By 1990, with the introduction of the [[Harley-Davidson Fat Boy|"Fat Boy"]], Harley-Davidson once again became the sales leader in the heavyweight (over 750&nbsp;cc) market.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Managing Organizations and People, Modular Version|last1=Buller|last2=Schuler|first1=Paul|first2=Randall|publisher=Cengage Learning|year=2012|isbn=9781133416500|pages=74}}</ref> At the time of the Fat Boy model introduction, a [[false etymology]] spread that "Fat Boy" was a combination of the names of the atomic bombs [[Fat Man]] and [[Little Boy]].<ref name="HDCentury_FatBoy">{{cite encyclopedia|last=Field|first=Greg|editor=Darwin Holmstrom|encyclopedia=The Harley-Davidson Century|title=Chapter 8: The Evolution Era|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUidavBaEbUC|access-date=December 26, 2012|date=September 1, 2002|publisher=MotorBooks International|location=St. Paul, Minn.|isbn=0-7603-1155-2|pages=259, 261}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> This has been debunked, as the name "Fat Boy" actually comes from the observation that the motorcycle is somewhat wider than other bikes when viewed head-on.<ref name="Luckhurst">{{cite web |last1=Luckhurst |first1=Tim |title=Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring/road-tests/harleydavidson-flstf-fat-boy-424174.html |website=The Independent |access-date=13 December 2021 |language=en |date=14 November 2006 |archive-date=December 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213183125/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring/road-tests/harleydavidson-flstf-fat-boy-424174.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Barrett">{{cite web |last1=Barrett |first1=Rick |title=Harley Fat Boy a screen and street star |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2015/08/05/harley-fat-boy-screen-street-star/31195423/ |website=The Detroit News |access-date=13 December 2021 |date=5 August 2015 |archive-date=December 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213183357/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2015/08/05/harley-fat-boy-screen-street-star/31195423/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Mikkelson |first1=David |title=Harley-Davidson Fat Boy |url=https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/fat-boy/ |website=Snopes.com |access-date=13 December 2021 |date=8 November 2000 |archive-date=December 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213182344/https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/fat-boy/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

1993 and 1994 saw the replacement of FXR models with the Dyna (FXD), which became the sole rubber mount FX Big Twin frame in 1994. The FXR was revived briefly from 1999 to 2000 for special limited editions (FXR<sup>2</sup>, FXR<sup>3</sup> & FXR<sup>4</sup>).<ref name="HDCentury_EndOfFXR">{{cite encyclopedia|last=Field|first=Greg|editor=Darwin Holmstrom|encyclopedia=The Harley-Davidson Century|title=Chapter 8: The Evolution Era|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUidavBaEbUC|access-date=December 26, 2012|date=September 1, 2002|publisher=MotorBooks International|location=St. Paul, Minn.|isbn=0-7603-1155-2|page=267|quote=For 2000 came the FXR<sup>4</sup>, which was the last of two distinguished breeds: the last of the rubber-mounted FXR models and the last of the Evo-powered Harley Big Twins.}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Harley-Davidson celebrated their 100th anniversary on September 1, 2003 with a large event and concert featuring performances from [[Elton John]], [[The Doobie Brothers]], [[Kid Rock]], and [[Tim McGraw]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tarnoff |first1=Andy |title=Flashback: Elton John silences the Harley roar |url=https://onmilwaukee.com/music/articles/elton.html |website=On Milwaukee |date=September 2008 |access-date=February 17, 2019 |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217084930/https://onmilwaukee.com/music/articles/elton.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Construction started on the $75&nbsp;million, 130,000 square-foot (12,000&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>) [[Harley-Davidson Museum]] in the [[Menomonee Valley]] of Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 1, 2006. It opened in 2008 and houses the company's vast collection of historic motorcycles and corporate archives, along with a restaurant, café and meeting space.<ref name="museum">[http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2006/05/29/daily31.html The Business Journal (Milwaukee)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915121911/http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2006/05/29/daily31.html |date=September 15, 2016 }} – Harley-Davidson kick-starts $75M museum project</ref>

===Overseas operations===
Established in 1918, the oldest continuously operating Harley-Davidson dealership outside of the United States is in Australia.<ref name="employees">{{cite web|url=http://www.harley-davidson.com/content/h-d/en_US/company/locations.html |title=Facility Locations Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Harley-Davidson has more than 6,400 employees worldwide.|publisher=Harley-Davidson|access-date=May 24, 2017 |year=2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619070315/http://www.harley-davidson.com/content/h-d/en_US/company/locations.html|archive-date=June 19, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Sales in Japan started in 1912<ref name="employees" /> then in 1929, Harley-Davidsons were produced in Japan under license to the company [[Rikuo Motorcycle|Rikuo]] (Rikuo Internal Combustion Company)<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q473NKddjnAC&q=Harley-Davidson+RL+45&pg=PA240 |title=Google Books: ''Japan's Motorcycle Wars: An Industry History'' |date=January 2009 |isbn=9780774858441 |access-date=July 25, 2013 |last1=Alexander |first1=Jeffrey W. |publisher=UBC Press |archive-date=April 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403201355/https://books.google.com/books?id=Q473NKddjnAC&q=Harley-Davidson+RL+45&pg=PA240 |url-status=live }}</ref> under the name of Harley-Davidson and using the company's tooling, and later under the name Rikuo. Production continued until 1958.<ref name="Vanneck 1998">{{cite news |author=Hugo Vanneck |title=Japan's King of the Road |publisher=Classic Bike |date=March 1998 |pages=93–97}}</ref><ref name="Sucher 1981">{{cite news |author=Harry V. Sucher |title=Harley-Davidson |publisher=Haynes Publishing Group Ltd |date=August 1981 |pages=79–88}}</ref>

In 1998, the first Harley-Davidson factory outside the US opened in [[Manaus]], Brazil, taking advantage of the [[Free Economic Zone of Manaus|free economic zone]] there. The location was positioned to sell motorcycles in the southern hemisphere market.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/1998/07/06/daily6.html |title=Harley to assemble motorcycles in Brazil |website=The Business Journals |date=July 7, 1998 |access-date=July 25, 2013 |archive-date=November 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111020314/http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/1998/07/06/daily6.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/history-harley-davidson-motorcycle.html |title=Harley-Davidson Motorcycle History |work=Motorcycle.com |date=January 2010 |access-date=July 25, 2013 |archive-date=August 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822012521/http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/history-harley-davidson-motorcycle.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August 2009, Harley-Davidson launched [[Harley-Davidson India]] and started selling motorcycles there in 2010.  The company established the subsidiary in [[Gurgaon]], near Delhi, in 2011 and created an Indian dealer network.<ref>{{cite web |title=Harley-Davidson Planning To Open Indian Plant |work=DriveSpark |date=June 21, 2012 |url=http://www.drivespark.com/two-wheelers/2012/21-harley-davidson-to-open-indian-plant-003281.html |access-date=December 4, 2012 |archive-date=June 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602102858/http://www.drivespark.com/two-wheelers/2012/21-harley-davidson-to-open-indian-plant-003281.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Harley Rock Riders Season 3, Bangalore |publisher=[[Eastern Fare]] |url=http://www.efi-news.com/2012/11/harley-rock-riders-season-3-bangalore.html |access-date=December 4, 2012 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605220711/http://www.efi-news.com/2012/11/harley-rock-riders-season-3-bangalore.html |archive-date=June 5, 2013 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> On September 24, 2020, Harley Davidson announced that it would discontinue its sales and manufacturing operations in India due to weak demand and sales. The move involves $75 million in restructuring costs, 70 layoffs and the closure of its Bawal plant in northern India.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-09-25|title=Harley-Davidson to exit world's biggest bike market|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54290245|access-date=2020-09-25|archive-date=November 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122223628/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54290245|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Buell Motorcycle Company===
{{Main|Buell Motorcycle Company}}
[[File:Buell XB9SX a.jpg|thumb|Buell Lightning XB9SX]]
Harley-Davidson's association with [[sport bike|sportbike]] manufacturer [[Buell Motorcycle Company]] began in 1987 when they supplied Buell with fifty surplus XR1000 engines. Buell continued to buy engines from Harley-Davidson until 1993, when Harley-Davidson bought 49 percent of the Buell Motorcycle Company.<ref name="MC July 08">{{Cite magazine |last=Frank |first=Aaron |date=July 2008 |title=25 Years of Buellishness: American Genius or America's Fool?|magazine=[[Motorcyclist (magazine)|Motorcyclist]]|pages=82–94|publisher=Source Interlink Magazines}}</ref> Harley-Davidson increased its share in Buell to ninety-eight percent in 1998, and to complete ownership in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=Buell Motorcycle Co. – Two Wheel Innovation |publisher=Industry Today |url=http://www.industrytoday.com/article_view.asp?ArticleID=1485 |access-date=June 13, 2009 |archive-date=July 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713025945/http://www.industrytoday.com/article_view.asp?ArticleID=1485 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In an attempt to attract newcomers to motorcycling in general and to Harley-Davidson in particular, Buell developed a low-cost, low-maintenance motorcycle. The resulting single-cylinder [[Buell Blast]] was introduced in 2000,<ref name="MO Blast">*{{cite web |title=Buell Blast – A Better Beginner's Bike? |url=http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/buell/buell-blast-13968.html |work=Motorcycle.com |publisher=VerticaScope Inc |date=January 15, 2000 |access-date=May 16, 2009 |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714121243/http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/buell/buell-blast-13968.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and was made through 2009, which, according to Buell, was to be the final year of production.<ref name="Procter 2009">{{Cite news |url=http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/General-news/2009/July/jul3109-Buell-derides-and-crushes-regrettable-Blast/?R=EPI-117242 |title=Buell derides and crushes 'regrettable' Blast |first=Guy |last=Procter |date=July 31, 2009 |work=Motorcycle News |publisher=Bauer |access-date=September 1, 2009 |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417150502/https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2009/july/jul3109-buell-derides-and-crushes-regrettable-blast/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Buell Blast was the training vehicle for the Harley-Davidson Rider's Edge New Rider Course from 2000 until May 2014, when the company re-branded the training academy and started using the [[Harley-Davidson Street|Harley-Davidson Street 500]] motorcycles. In those 14 years, more than 350,000 participants in the course learned to ride on the Buell Blast.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.womenridersnow.com/pages/harley_davidson_riding_academy_new_rider_course.aspx |title=Harley-Davidson Riding Academy {{!}} Motorcycle Rider Training {{!}} Beginner |date=September 16, 2014 |publisher=Women Riders Now |access-date=December 27, 2017 |archive-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228054517/http://www.womenridersnow.com/pages/harley_davidson_riding_academy_new_rider_course.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

On October 15, 2009, Harley-Davidson Inc. issued an official statement that it would be discontinuing the Buell line and ceasing production immediately, in order to focus on the Harley-Davidson brand.<ref name="Harley-Davidson.com Oct 15">{{Cite news |url=http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/HD_News/Company/newsarticle.jsp?locale=en_US&articleLink=News/0581_press_release.hdnews&newsYear=2009&history=news |title=Harley-Davidson announces 3rd quarter results, Unveils long-term business strategy |website=Harley-Davidson.com |access-date=October 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091019094856/http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/HD_News/Company/newsarticle.jsp?locale=en_US&articleLink=News%2F0581_press_release.hdnews&newsYear=2009&history=news |archive-date=October 19, 2009 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The company refused to consider selling Buell.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=The Demise of the Buell Motorcycle Company |last=Anderson |first=Steve |date=May 2010|magazine=[[Cycle World]]|pages=42–48}}</ref> Founder [[Erik Buell]] subsequently established [[Erik Buell Racing]] and continued to manufacture and develop the company's [[Buell 1125R|1125RR]] racing motorcycle.<ref name="MotoUSA1190RR1stLook">{{cite web |url=http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/614/6201/Motorcycle-Article/Buell-1190RR-Superbike-First-Look.aspx |title=Buell 1190RR Superbike First Look |first=Bart |last=Madson |date=March 5, 2010 |work=Motorcycle USA |access-date=July 28, 2011 |archive-date=September 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910002813/http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/614/6201/Motorcycle-Article/Buell-1190RR-Superbike-First-Look.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Claims of stock price manipulation===
[[File:HOG 5years.PNG|frame|Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) stock price (source: ZenoBank.com)]]
During its period of peak demand, during the late 1990s and early first decade of the 21st century, Harley-Davidson embarked on a program of expanding the number of dealerships throughout the country{{which|date=August 2024}}. At the same time, its current dealers typically had waiting lists that extended up to a year for some of the most popular models. Harley-Davidson, like the auto manufacturers, records a sale not when a consumer buys their product, but rather when it is delivered to a dealer. Therefore, it is possible for the manufacturer to inflate sales numbers by requiring dealers to accept more inventory than desired in a practice called [[channel stuffing]]. When demand softened following the unique{{why|date=August 2024}} 2003 model year, this news led to a dramatic decline in the stock price. In April 2004 alone, the price of HOG shares dropped from more than $60 to less than $40. Immediately prior to this decline, retiring CEO Jeffrey Bleustein profited $42&nbsp;million on the exercise of [[employee stock option]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/793952/000122520804000684/xslF345X02/doc4.xml |title=SEC Form 4 |website=sec.gov |date=April 15, 2004 |publisher=US Securities and Exchange Commission |access-date=August 29, 2017 |archive-date=July 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710051225/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/793952/000122520804000684/xslF345X02/doc4.xml |url-status=live }}</ref> Harley-Davidson was named as a defendant in numerous [[class action]] suits filed by investors who claimed they were intentionally defrauded by Harley-Davidson's management and directors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.glancylaw.com/amazing_case.php?caseid=125 |title=Glancy Binkow & Goldberg LLP – Attorneys at Law |website=Glancylaw.com |date=January 21, 2004 |access-date=January 5, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 21, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621221725/http://www.glancylaw.com/amazing_case.php?caseid=125}}</ref> By January 2007, the price of Harley-Davidson shares reached $70.

===Problems with Police Touring models===
Starting around 2000, several police departments started reporting problems with high-speed instability on the Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles.<ref>Honolulu Star Bulletin – http://archives.starbulletin.com/2001/02/22/news/story12.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023233506/http://archives.starbulletin.com/2001/02/22/news/story12.html |date=October 23, 2012 }}</ref>  A [[Raleigh, North Carolina]] police officer, Charles Paul, was killed when his 2002 police touring motorcycle crashed after reportedly experiencing a [[speed wobble|high-speed wobble]].<ref>[http://www.newsobserver.com/2008/06/03/36810/officers-family-settles-motorcycle.html?storylink=mirelated Officer's Family Settles Motorcycle Suit] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003052832/http://www.newsobserver.com/2008/06/03/36810/officers-family-settles-motorcycle.html?storylink=mirelated |date=October 3, 2012}} ''Raleigh News Observer'', June 3, 2008</ref> The [[California Highway Patrol]] conducted testing of the Police Touring motorcycles in 2006.  The CHP test riders reported experiencing wobble or weave instability while operating the motorcycles on the test track.<ref>[http://www.kpho.com/story/14896060/some-harley-motorcycles-plagued-by-death-wobble-5-16-2011 "Some Harley Motorcycles Plagued by Death Wobble"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015233709/http://www.kpho.com/story/14896060/some-harley-motorcycles-plagued-by-death-wobble-5-16-2011 |date=October 15, 2015 }} KPHO Arizona May 16, 2011</ref>

===2007 strike===
On February 2, 2007, upon the expiration of their union contract, about 2,700 employees at Harley-Davidson Inc.'s largest manufacturing plant in [[York, Pennsylvania]], went on strike after failing to agree on wages and health benefits.<ref>{{Cite news |title=2,700 union workers strike Harley-Davidson|agency=United Press International |date=February 2, 2007|url=http://www.newsdaily.com/Business/UPI-1-20070202-12373100-bc-us-harleydavidson.xml|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927164833/http://www.newsdaily.com/Business/UPI-1-20070202-12373100-bc-us-harleydavidson.xml|archive-date=September 27, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Strike shuts down Harley-Davidson plant, Company suspends production of motorcycles amid contract dispute|publisher=Associated Press via NBC News|date=February 2, 2007|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna16941254|access-date=November 11, 2019|archive-date=September 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923220703/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/16941254|url-status=live}}</ref> During the pendency of the strike, the company refused to pay for any portion of the striking employees' health care.<ref>{{cite news |title=Striking Harley workers take hits in the pocketbook|newspaper=The York Dispatch |date=February 12, 2007|url=http://www.yorkdispatch.com/local/ci_5211461|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070222082222/http://www.yorkdispatch.com/local/ci_5211461|archive-date=February 22, 2007}}</ref>

The day before the strike, after the union voted against the proposed contract and to authorize the strike, the company shut down all production at the plant. The York facility employs more than 3,200 workers, both union and non-union.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Harley closes big plant on strike threat|agency=United Press International |date=February 1, 2007|url=http://www.newsdaily.com/Business/UPI-1-20070201-18094300-bc-us-harley.xml|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927164852/http://www.newsdaily.com/Business/UPI-1-20070201-18094300-bc-us-harley.xml|archive-date=September 27, 2007}}</ref>

Harley-Davidson announced on February 16, 2007, that it had reached a labor agreement with union workers at its largest manufacturing plant, a breakthrough in the two-week-old strike.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Deal ends Harley-Davidson strike|year=2007|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna17192748|access-date=November 11, 2019|archive-date=September 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923220748/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/17192748|url-status=live}}</ref> The strike disrupted Harley-Davidson's national production and was felt in Wisconsin, where 440 employees were laid off, and many Harley suppliers also laid off workers because of the strike.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Tentative deal in Harley-Davidson strike – 2,800 workers out since February 2; rank-and-file still must vote on deal|publisher=Associated Press via NBC News|date=February 16, 2007|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna17192748|access-date=November 11, 2019|archive-date=September 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923220748/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/17192748|url-status=live}}</ref>

===MV Agusta Group===
On July 11, 2008, Harley-Davidson announced they had signed a definitive agreement to acquire the [[MV Agusta|MV Agusta Group]] for US$109 million (€70M). MV Agusta Group contains two lines of motorcycles: the high-performance [[MV Agusta]] brand and the lightweight [[Cagiva]] brand.<ref name="SuperbikePlanet.com July 11">{{Cite news|url=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Jul/080711b.htm |title=Harley-Davidson Acquires Both MV Agusta & Cagiva! |work=SuperbikePlanet.com |access-date=July 11, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080714123334/http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Jul/080711b.htm |archive-date=July 14, 2008}}</ref><ref name="Harley-Davidson.com July 11">{{Cite news |url=http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/HD_News/Company/newsarticle.jsp?locale=en_US&articleLink=News/0292_press_release.hdnews&newsYear=2008&history=news |title=HarleyDavidson to acquire Mv Agusta Group expanding presence in Europe |work=Harley-Davidson.com |access-date=July 11, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080715040931/http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/HD_News/Company/newsarticle.jsp?locale=en_US&articleLink=News%2F0292_press_release.hdnews&newsYear=2008&history=news |archive-date=July 15, 2008 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The acquisition was completed on August 8.<ref>{{cite web|title=Harley-Davidson Completes Acquisition of MX Agusta; Company Expands European Presence with Premium Italian Motorcycle Company|url=http://hd-parts.org/Harley-Davidson-Completes-Acquisition-of-MX-Agusta.html|publisher=Press Release Issued By Harley-Davidson, Inc.|access-date=October 31, 2014|archive-date=October 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031121945/http://hd-parts.org/Harley-Davidson-Completes-Acquisition-of-MX-Agusta.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Harley-Davidson Completes Acquisition of MV Agusta |publisher=Motorcycle Daily.com |url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/080808pressrelease1.htm |access-date=September 14, 2008|url-status=dead |archive-date=May 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503053454/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/080808pressrelease1.htm}}</ref>

On October 15, 2009, Harley-Davidson announced that it would divest its interest in MV Agusta.<ref name="Harley-Davidson.com Oct 15" />  Harley-Davidson Inc. sold Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta to Claudio Castiglioni – a member of the family that had purchased Aermacchi from H-D in 1978 – for a reported 3 euros, ending the transaction in the first week of August 2010. Castiglioni was MV Agusta's former owner, and had been MV Agusta's chairman since Harley-Davidson bought it in 2008.  As part of the deal, Harley-Davidson put $26M into MV Agusta's accounts, essentially giving Castiglioni $26M to take the brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.jsonline.com/blogs/business/100759404.html |title=Harley-Davidson takes a beating on MV Agusta|access-date=November 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625082407/http://archive.jsonline.com/blogs/business/100759404.html|archive-date=June 25, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="HarleySellsMVAgusta">{{Cite magazine |last=Waheed |first=Adam |editor-last=Hutchison |editor-first=Ken |date=August 6, 2010 |title=Harley-Davidson Finalizes Sale of MV Agusta |magazine=Motorcycle USA |url=http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/568/7660/Motorcycle-Article/Harley-Davidson-Finalizes-Sale-of-MV-Agusta.aspx |access-date=October 18, 2010 |quote=American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson announced today that it has completed the sale of MV Agusta for an undisclosed amount to Claudio Castiglioni and his wholly-owned holding company, MV Agusta Motor Holding, S.r.l. |archive-date=October 19, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101019115135/http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/568/7660/Motorcycle-Article/Harley-Davidson-Finalizes-Sale-of-MV-Agusta.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2008 financial crisis===
The [[2008 financial crisis]] and [[2008–2010 automotive industry crisis]] affected also the motorcycle industry. According to Interbrand, the value of the Harley-Davidson brand fell by 43 percent to $4.34&nbsp;billion in 2009. The fall in value is believed to be connected to the 66 percent drop in the company profits in two-quarters of the previous year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.pravda.ru/business/companies/23-09-2009/109454-harley_davidson-0 |title=Harley-Davidson, Toyota and Porsche Brands Lose Value |access-date=October 1, 2009 |date=September 21, 2009 |publisher=Pravda.ru |archive-date=September 26, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926074555/http://english.pravda.ru/business/companies/23-09-2009/109454-harley_davidson-0 |url-status=live }}</ref> On April 29, 2010, Harley-Davidson stated that they must cut $54&nbsp;million in manufacturing costs from its production facilities in Wisconsin, and that they would explore alternative U.S. sites to accomplish this. The announcement came in the wake of a massive company-wide restructuring, which began in early 2009 and involved the closing of two factories, one distribution center, and the planned elimination of nearly 25 percent of its total workforce (around 3,500 employees). The company announced on September 14, 2010, that it would remain in Wisconsin.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/14/harley-davidsons-to-remain-wisconsin-made/?src=mv&ref=automobiles |work=The New York Times |first=Jerry |last=Garrett |title=Harley-Davidsons to Remain Wisconsin-Made |date=September 14, 2010 |access-date=September 28, 2010 |archive-date=February 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203231319/https://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/14/harley-davidsons-to-remain-wisconsin-made/?src=mv&ref=automobiles |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Motorcycle engines==
[[File:Harley Davidson.jpg|thumb|upright|{{convert|1450|cc}} V-twin]]
{{Main|Harley-Davidson engine timeline}}

The classic Harley-Davidson engines are [[V-twin engine]]s, with a 45° angle between the cylinders. The [[crankshaft]] has a single pin, and both [[piston]]s are connected to this pin through their [[connecting rod]]s.<ref name="wfwvmg" />

This 45° angle is covered under several [[United States Patent and Trademark Office|United States patents]] and is an engineering tradeoff that allows a large, high-torque engine in a relatively small space. It causes the cylinders to fire at uneven intervals and produces the choppy "potato-potato" sound so strongly linked to the Harley-Davidson brand.

To simplify the engine and reduce costs, the V-twin ignition was designed to operate with a single set of points and no distributor. This is known as a dual fire ignition system, causing both spark plugs to fire regardless of which cylinder was on its compression stroke, with the other spark plug firing on its cylinder's exhaust stroke, effectively "[[wasted spark|wasting a spark]]". The exhaust note is basically a throaty growling sound with some popping. The 45° design of the engine thus creates a plug firing sequencing as such: The first cylinder fires, the second (rear) cylinder fires 315° later, then there is a 405° gap until the first cylinder fires again, giving the engine its unique sound.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://auto.howstuffworks.com/harley3.htm|title=Howstuffworks 'The Harley Sound and Mystique'|work=auto.howstuffworks.com|date=September 17, 2003|access-date=April 27, 2008|archive-date=February 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080223115625/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/harley3.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Harley-Davidson has used various ignition systems, including the early points and condenser system on Big Twins and Sportsters up to 1978, a magneto ignition system used on some 1958 to 1969 Sportsters, an early electronic with centrifugal mechanical advance weights on all models from mid-1978 until 1979, and a later electronic with a transistorized ignition control module (more familiarly known as a black box or a brain) on all models 1980 to present.

Starting in 1995, the company introduced Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) as an option for the 30th anniversary edition [[Electra Glide]].<ref name="H-D timeline 1990s">{{cite web|url=http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/H-D_History/history_1990s.jsp?locale=en_US |title=HarleyDavidson – Timeline 1990's|work=harley-davidson.com|access-date=April 27, 2008|archive-date=October 3, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003125510/http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/H-D_History/history_1990s.jsp?locale=en_US|url-status=dead}}</ref> EFI became standard on all Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including Sportsters, upon the introduction of the 2007 product line.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/motorcycle_efi_basics.htm|title=Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Fuel Injection Explained|work=nightrider.com|access-date=April 27, 2008|archive-date=October 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007143229/http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/motorcycle_efi_basics.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1991, Harley-Davidson began to participate in the Sound Quality Working Group, founded by Orfield Labs, Bruel and Kjaer, [[TEAC Corporation|TEAC]], [[Yamaha Motor Company|Yamaha]], [[Sennheiser]], SMS and Cortex. This was the nation's first group to share research on psychological acoustics. Later that year, Harley-Davidson participated in a series of sound quality studies at Orfield Labs, based on recordings taken at the [[Talladega Superspeedway]], with the objective to lower the sound level for EU standards while analytically capturing the "Harley Sound".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Products {{!}} Orfield Laboratories Inc |url=https://www.orfieldlabs.com/products |access-date=2022-07-22 |website=www.orfieldlabs.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=PIerson |first1=Richard G. |last2=Bozmoski |first2=Alexander J. |date=2003 |title=Harley-Davidson's 100th anniversary: The sound of a legend |url=https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Harley-Davidson's-100th-anniversary%253A-The-sound-of-a-Pierson-Bozmoski/ |journal=Sound and Vibration |volume=37 |pages=14–17 |via=Semantic Scholar}}</ref> This research resulted in the bikes that were introduced in compliance with EU standards for 1998.

On February 1, 1994, the company filed a [[sound trademark]] application for the distinctive sound of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle engine: "The mark consists of the exhaust sound of applicant's motorcycles, produced by V-twin, common crankpin motorcycle engines when the goods are in use". Nine of Harley-Davidson's competitors filed comments opposing the application, arguing that cruiser-style motorcycles of various brands use a single-crankpin V-twin engine which produce a similar sound.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/law/st_org/iptf/articles/content/1998101101.html|title=The Trademark Registrability of the Harley-Davidson Roar: A Multimedia Analysis|work=bc.edu|access-date=April 27, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100604001508/http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/law/st_org/iptf/articles/content/1998101101.html|archive-date=June 4, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> These objections were followed by litigation. In June 2000, the company dropped efforts to register a sound trademark.<ref name="ODell 2000">{{Cite news |title=Harley-Davidson Quits Trying to Hog Sound |date=June 21, 2000 |first=John |last=O'Dell |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-jun-21-fi-43145-story.html |access-date=September 19, 2010 |archive-date=December 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101211233140/http://articles.latimes.com/2000/jun/21/business/fi-43145 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Popely">{{Cite news |title=Harley-Davidson Describes Motorcycles' Characteristic 'Potato' Sound |first=Rick |last=Popely |publisher=[[Knight Ridder|Knight Ridder Tribune Business News]] |date=June 15, 2003 |page=1}}</ref>

===Big V-twins===
* [[IOE engine|F-head]], also known as JD, pocket valve and IOE (intake over exhaust), 1914–1929 (1,000&nbsp;cc), and 1922–1929 (1,200&nbsp;cc)
* [[Flathead engine|Flathead]], 1930–1949 (1,200&nbsp;cc) and 1935–1941 (1,300&nbsp;cc).
* [[Harley-Davidson Knucklehead engine|Knucklehead]], 1936–1947 61&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,000&nbsp;cc), and 1941–1947 74&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,200&nbsp;cc)
* [[Harley-Davidson Panhead engine|Panhead]], 1948–1965 61&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,000&nbsp;cc), and 1948–1965, 74&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,200&nbsp;cc)
* [[Harley-Davidson Shovelhead engine|Shovelhead]], 1966–1984, 74&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,200&nbsp;cc) and 80&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,338&nbsp;cc) since 1978
* [[Evolution engine|Evolution]] (a.k.a. "Evo" and "Blockhead"), 1984–1999, 82&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,340&nbsp;cc)
* [[Harley-Davidson Twin Cam engine|Twin Cam]] (a.k.a. "Fathead" as named by American Iron Magazine) 1999–2017, in the following versions:
** Twin Cam 88, 1999–2006, 88&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,450&nbsp;cc)
** Twin Cam 88B, counterbalanced version of the Twin Cam 88, 2000–2006, 88&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,450&nbsp;cc)
** Twin Cam 95, since 2000, 95&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,550&nbsp;cc) (engines for early C.V.O. models)
** Twin Cam 96, since 2007.
** Twin Cam 103, 2003–2006, 2009, 103&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,690&nbsp;cc) (engines for C.V.O. models), Standard on 2011 Touring models: Ultra Limited, Road King Classic and Road Glide Ultra and optional on the Road Glide Custom and Street Glide. Standard on most 2012 models excluding Sportsters and 2 Dynas (Street Bob and Super Glide Custom). Standard on all 2014 dyna models.
** Twin Cam 110, 2007–2017, 110&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,800&nbsp;cc) (engines for C.V.O. models, 2016 Soft Tail Slim S; FatBoy S, Low Rider S, and Pro-Street Breakout)
* [[Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight engines|Milwaukee-Eight]]
** Standard {{Convert|1746|cc|cuin|abbr=on|sigfig=3|order=flip}}: Standard on touring model year 2017+ and Softail models 2018+.<ref name="ultimatemotorcycling.com">{{cite web |url=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2016/08/25/2017-harley-davidson-milwaukee-eight-motors-11-fast-facts/ |title=Harley-Davidson Unveils The Milwaukee-Eight Engine For Touring Models |date=August 25, 2016 |work=ultimatemotorcycling.com |access-date=February 19, 2021 |archive-date=February 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226011321/https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2016/08/25/2017-harley-davidson-milwaukee-eight-motors-11-fast-facts/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
** Twin-cooled {{Convert|1746|cc|cuin|abbr=on|sigfig=3|order=flip}}: Optional on some touring and trike model year 2017+.<ref name="motorcycle.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/harley-davidson/harley-davidson-unveils-the-milwaukee-eight-engine-for-touring-models.html |title=Harley-Davidson Unveils The Milwaukee-Eight Engine For Touring Models |date=August 23, 2016 |work=motorcycle.com |access-date=August 26, 2016 |archive-date=August 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827045321/http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/harley-davidson/harley-davidson-unveils-the-milwaukee-eight-engine-for-touring-models.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
** Twin-cooled {{Convert|1868|cc|cuin|abbr=on|sigfig=3|order=flip}}: Optional on touring and trike model year 2017+, standard on 2017 CVO models.<ref name="motorcycle.com" />
** Twin-cooled {{Convert|1923|cc|cuin|abbr=on|sigfig=3|order=flip}}: Standard on 2018 CVO models<ref name="CVO">{{cite web |url=https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/motorcycles/2018/cvo/cvo-street-glide.html/ |title=2018 CVO Street Glide |publisher=Harley-Davidson |access-date=February 21, 2018 |year=2018 |archive-date=February 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222230942/https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/motorcycles/2018/cvo/cvo-street-glide.html/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Small V-twins===
[[File:Sportster moving.jpg|thumb|Evolution Sportster]]
* D Model, 1929–1931, 750 cc
* R Model, 1932–1936, 750 cc
* Flathead 750 cc 
** 1937–1952 W Model solo 2 wheel 
** 1932–1973 G Model Servi-Car three-wheeler
* K Model, 1952–1953, 750 cc
* KH Model, 1954–1956, 900 cc
* Ironhead, 1957–1971, 883 cc; 1972–1985, 1,000 cc
* [[Evolution engine|Evolution]], since 1986, 883&nbsp;cc, 1,100&nbsp;cc and 1,200&nbsp;cc

===Revolution engine===
[[File:Motorcycle engine 2012.jpg|thumb|Revolution engine in [[Harley-Davidson VRSC|V-Rod]] ]]
The Revolution engine is based on the VR-1000 [[Superbike]] race program, developed by Harley-Davidson's Powertrain Engineering with Porsche helping to make the engine suitable for street use. It is a liquid cooled, dual overhead cam, internally counterbalanced 60&nbsp;degree V-twin engine with a displacement of 69&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,130&nbsp;cc), producing {{convert|115|hp|abbr=on}} at 8,250&nbsp;rpm at the crank, with a redline of 9,000&nbsp;rpm.<ref>{{cite web |title=First Ride: 2002 Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod |work=motorcycle.com |url=http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/harley-davidson/first-ride-2002-harleydavidson-vrsca-vrod-13245.html |access-date=December 14, 2007 |archive-date=January 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100112233954/http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/harley-davidson/first-ride-2002-harleydavidson-vrsca-vrod-13245.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Harley-davidson v-rod – jeckyl or hyde! |publisher=Motorbikes Today |url=http://www.motorbikestoday.com/reviews/Articles/harley_vrod.htm |access-date=December 14, 2007 |archive-date=November 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126104247/http://motorbikestoday.com/reviews/Articles/harley_vrod.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> It was introduced for the new [[Harley-Davidson VRSC|VRSC (V-Rod)]] line in 2001 for the 2002 model year, starting with the single VRSCA (V-Twin Racing Street Custom) model.<ref>{{cite web |title=HarleyDavidson Company History Timeline 2000 |publisher=Harley-Davidson Motor Company Website |url=http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/H-D_History/history_2000s.jsp?locale=en_US |access-date=December 14, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224224528/http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/H-D_History/history_2000s.jsp?locale=en_US |archive-date=December 24, 2007 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Motor Company History |publisher=North Texas Harley Owners Group |url=http://www.nthog.com/html/motor_company_history.html |access-date=December 14, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227145357/http://www.nthog.com/html/motor_company_history.html |archive-date=February 27, 2008}}</ref> The Revolution marks Harley's first collaboration with Porsche since the V4 Nova project, which, like the V-Rod, was a radical departure from Harley's traditional lineup until it was cancelled by AMF in 1981 in favor of the [[Evolution engine]].<ref name="Moy">{{cite news |url=http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/news/harley-davidson-museum-roads-not-taken |title=Harley-Davidson's Roads Not Taken |last=Moy |first=Jim |date=July 15, 2011 |work=Motorcyclist |access-date=May 17, 2017 |archive-date=May 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170506220436/http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/news/harley-davidson-museum-roads-not-taken |url-status=live }}</ref>

A 1,250&nbsp;cc Screamin' Eagle <ref name="screamin">{{Cite web |last=Gillespie |first=Dale |title=Harley Davidson Screamin' Eagle |url=https://shop.ironcitymotorcycles.co.uk/collections/harley-davidson-screamin-eagle |access-date=2026-01-21 |website=Iron City Motorcycles |language=en}}</ref> version of the Revolution engine was made available for 2005 and 2006, and was present thereafter in a single production model from 2005 to 2007. In 2008, the 1,250&nbsp;cc Revolution Engine became standard for the entire VRSC line. Harley-Davidson claims {{convert|123|hp|abbr=on}} at the crank for the 2008 VRSCAW model. The VRXSE ''Destroyer'' dragbike is equipped with a stroker (75&nbsp;mm crank) Screamin' Eagle 79&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,300&nbsp;cc) Revolution Engine, producing {{convert|97|lbft}},<ref>{{cite web |date=May 24, 2007 |title=2006 Harley-Davidson VRXSE Screamin' Eagle V Rod Destroyer |url=https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/harley-davidson/2006-harley-davidson-vrxse-screamin-eagle-v-rod-destroyer-ar3113.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417150456/https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/harley-davidson/2006-harley-davidson-vrxse-screamin-eagle-v-rod-destroyer-ar3113.html |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |access-date=June 16, 2021 |website=TopSpeed.com}}</ref> and more than {{convert|165|hp|abbr=on}}.

750&nbsp;cc and 500&nbsp;cc versions of the Revolution engine are used in Harley-Davidson's [[Harley-Davidson Street|Street line]] of light cruisers.<ref name="Popular Mechanics Street" /> These motors, named the Revolution X, use a single overhead cam, screw and locknut valve adjustment, a single internal counterbalancer, and vertically split crankcases; all of these changes making it different from the original Revolution design.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aimag.com/brand-new-harley-davidson-street-rod/ |title=Harley Expands Street Line, Launches 2017 Street Rod {{!}} Motorcycle Reviews, Forums, and News |website=Harley Magazine American Iron Magazine |access-date=February 12, 2018 |archive-date=February 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212201715/https://www.aimag.com/brand-new-harley-davidson-street-rod/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Düsseldorf-Test====
An extreme endurance test of the Revolution engine was performed in a dynamometer installation at the Harley-Davidson factory in Milwaukee, simulating the German [[Autobahn]] (highways without general speed limit) between the Porsche research and development center in Weissach, near Stuttgart to [[Düsseldorf]]. An undisclosed number of samples of engines failed, until an engine successfully passed the 500-hour nonstop run. This was the benchmark for the engineers to approve the start of production for the Revolution engine, which was documented in the [[Discovery channel]] special ''Harley-Davidson: Birth of the V-Rod'', October 14, 2001.<ref name="discovery">{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpsGwZWvMf0// | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/GpsGwZWvMf0| archive-date=2021-12-11 | url-status=live|title=Harley-Davidson Birth of the V Rod |publisher=Canadian Gears |access-date=September 23, 2016 |date=February 5, 2015 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Single-cylinder engines===
[[File:Harley Davidson 1928 28B 1.jpg|thumb|1928 Harley-Davidson single-cylinder motorcycle]]
;IOE singles
The first Harley-Davidson motorcycles were powered by [[single-cylinder engine|single-cylinder]] [[IOE engine]]s with the inlet valve operated by engine vacuum, based on the [[De Dion-Bouton|DeDion-Bouton]] pattern.<ref name="GirdlerBreifHistory">{{cite book |last1=Girdler |first1=Allan |others=Photography by Ron Hussey |title=Harley-Davidson: The American Motorcycle |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=99pnwOIVV-AC |access-date=December 19, 2012 |series=Motorbooks Classics |date=November 1, 2003 |orig-year=1992 |publisher=MotorBooks International |location=St. Paul, Minn. |isbn=0-7603-1651-1 |pages=10–11 |chapter=A Brief Harley History |quote=Like the prototypes and the first fifty or so examples made, it had a single-cylinder engine with atmospheric intake valve; that is, when the piston went down for the intake stroke, the valve was sucked open and when it started back up, the valve was compressed shut. |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803003346/https://books.google.com/books?id=99pnwOIVV-AC |url-status=live }}</ref> Singles of this type continued to be made until 1913, when a pushrod and rocker system was used to operate the overhead inlet valve on the single, a similar system having been used on their V-twins since 1911.<ref name="ReffertyIlluDir44">{{cite book |last1=Rafferty |first1=Tod |title=The Illustrated Directory of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NPElj2hU3pgC |access-date=December 19, 2012 |series=Illustrated Directory series |year=2001 |publisher=Salamander Books |location=St. Paul, Minn. |isbn=0-7603-1126-9 |pages=44, 47 |chapter=Model 9 1913 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NPElj2hU3pgC&pg=PA44 |quote=Of course the single had benefited from the development work devoted to its big brother. Mechanically operated intake valve, lighter alloy piston and improved carburetion were included in the package. }}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Single-cylinder motorcycle engines were discontinued in 1918.<ref name="GirdlerHDTimeline">{{cite book |last1=Girdler |first1=Allan |last2=Hackett |first2=Jeff |last3=Woods |first3=Bob |title=Harley-Davidson |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3weYLYwNXqEC |access-date=December 19, 2012 |series=Motorbooks Classics |date=May 24, 2006 |orig-year=2006 |publisher=MotorBooks International |location=St. Paul, Minn. |isbn=978-0-7603-2332-8 |page=78 |chapter=Harley-Davidson Timeline |quote=1926: Harley-Davidson reintroduces single-cylinder motorcycles, for the first time since 1918. }}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

;Flathead and OHV singles
Single-cylinder engines were reintroduced in 1925 as 1926 models.<ref name="HDCentury_1stFlathead">{{cite encyclopedia|last=Hatfield|first=Jerry|editor=Darwin Holmstrom|encyclopedia=The Harley-Davidson Century|title=The Flathead Era|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUidavBaEbUC|access-date=December 26, 2012|date=September 1, 2002|publisher=MotorBooks International|location=St. Paul, Minn.|isbn=0-7603-1155-2|pages=47–65|quote=For 1930, the factory brought out a 500-cc (30.5-cubic inches) flathead single. The 350-cc singles were offered for the seasons of 1926 through 1930 in both flathead and overhead versions, and as flatheads only from 1931 through 1934.}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> These singles were available either as [[flathead engine]]s or as [[overhead valve]] engines<ref name="CompleteHD32">{{cite book |last=Rafferty |first=Tod |title=Complete Harley-Davidson: A Model-By-Model History of the American Motorcycle |date=March 23, 1997 |publisher=MBI Publishing |location=Osceola, Wis. |isbn=0-7603-0326-6 |pages=38–39 |chapter=Chapter One – The Beginning |quote=Thus it was decided that two singles would be developed simultaneously; a side-valve model for economical transportation and an overhead-valve version for sport riders and racers.}}</ref> until 1930, after which they were only available as flatheads.<ref name="HDCentury_1stFlathead" /> The flathead single-cylinder motorcycles were designated Model A for engines with magneto systems only and Model B for engines with battery and coil systems, while overhead valve versions were designated Model AA and Model BA respectively, and a magneto-only racing version was designated Model S.<ref name="CompleteHD32" /> This line of single-cylinder motorcycles ended production in 1934.<ref name="HDCentury_1stFlathead" />

;Two-stroke singles
{{see also|Harley-Davidson Hummer}}

==Model families==
Modern Harley-branded motorcycles fall into one of seven model families: Touring, Softail, Dyna, Sportster, Vrod, Street and LiveWire. These model families are distinguished by the frame, engine, suspension, and other characteristics.

===Touring===
{{See also|Harley-Davidson FL}}
[[File:Harley-Davidson Road King in Switzerland (2022).jpg|thumb|Harley-Davidson Road King]]
[[File:PolizeiHarley.JPG|thumb|Hamburg Police [[Harley-Davidson FL#Electra-Glide|Electra Glide]]]]
Touring models use Big-Twin engines and large-diameter telescopic forks. All Touring designations begin with the letters FL, ''e.g.'', FLHR (Road King) and FLTR (Road Glide).

The touring family, also known as "dressers" or "baggers", includes Road King, Road Glide, Electra Glide and Street Glide models offered in various trims. The Road Kings have a "retro cruiser" appearance and are equipped with a large clear windshield. Road Kings are reminiscent of big-twin models from the 1940s and 1950s. Electra Glides can be identified by their full front fairings. Most Electra Glides sport a fork-mounted fairing referred to as the "Batwing" due to its unmistakable shape. The Road Glide and Road Glide Ultra Classic have a frame-mounted fairing, referred to as the "Sharknose". The Sharknose includes a unique, dual front headlight.

Touring models are distinguishable by their large saddlebags <ref name="saddle">[https://shop.ironcitymotorcycles.co.uk/collections/harley-davidson-saddlebags What is a saddlebag</ref>], rear coil-over air suspension and are the only models to offer full fairings with radios and [[Citizens Band radio|CBs]]. All touring models use the same frame, first introduced with a Shovelhead motor in 1980, and carried forward with only modest upgrades until 2009, when it was extensively redesigned. The frame is distinguished by the location of the steering head in front of the forks and was the first H-D frame to rubber mount the drivetrain to isolate the rider from the vibration of the big V-twin.
[[File:harley.electraglide.750pix.jpg|thumb|Electra Glide "Ultra Classic"]]
The frame was modified for the 1993 model year when the oil tank went under the transmission and the battery was moved inboard from under the right saddlebag to under the seat. In 1997, the frame was again modified to allow for a larger battery under the seat and to lower seat height. In 2007, Harley-Davidson introduced the {{convert|96|cuin|cc|adj=on}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/2013/harley_davidson/dyna/specifications/05/engine.html|title=Buyer's Guide: Harley-Davidson Dyna 2013|work=Motorcyclist Online]|publisher=[[Source Interlink]]|access-date=October 11, 2012|archive-date=November 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102103757/http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/2013/harley_davidson/dyna/specifications/05/engine.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Twin Cam 96 engine, as well the six-speed transmission to give the rider better speeds on the highway.

In 2006, Harley introduced the FLHX Street Glide, a bike designed by Willie G. Davidson to be his personal ride, to its touring line.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brainbucketmag.com/News/article/sid=408.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929090553/http://www.brainbucketmag.com/News/article/sid=408.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 29, 2007 |last=Newbern |first=Michael |title=First Ride: 2007 FLHX |date=August 8, 2006}}</ref>

In 2008, Harley added [[anti-lock braking system]]s and cruise control as a factory installed option on all touring models (standard on CVO and Anniversary models).<ref name="ABS">{{Cite press release |title=ABS Option on All Harley-davidson Touring and VRSC Models |publisher=Harley-Davidson |date=July 9, 2007 |url=http://www.harley-davidson.com/CO/NEW/en/PressRelease_date.asp?locale=en_US&bmLocale=en_US&HDCWPSession=vHLgG6cQLh81Jl9BDmTDST1frXYC02vTcXyzfQGn090yRDvTJyQb!-1996869500!400212047&id_in=1244&dspmm=7&dspyy=2007&FROM=NewsARCHIVE |access-date=September 26, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220062801/http://www.harley-davidson.com/CO/NEW/en/PressRelease_date.asp?locale=en_US&bmLocale=en_US&HDCWPSession=vHLgG6cQLh81Jl9BDmTDST1frXYC02vTcXyzfQGn090yRDvTJyQb!-1996869500!400212047&id_in=1244&dspmm=7&dspyy=2007&FROM=NewsARCHIVE |archive-date=February 20, 2008}}</ref> Also new for 2008 is the {{convert|6|usgal|adj=on}} fuel tank for all touring models. 2008 also brought throttle-by-wire to all touring models.

For the 2009 model year, Harley-Davidson redesigned the entire touring range with several changes, including a new frame, new swingarm, a completely revised engine-mounting system, {{convert|17|in|mm|adj=on}} front wheels for all but the FLHRC Road King Classic, and a 2–1–2 exhaust. The changes result in greater load carrying capacity, better handling, a smoother engine, longer range and less exhaust heat transmitted to the rider and passenger.<ref>[http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/2009_Motorcycles/2009_Motorcycles.jsp?locale=en_US#/family/to 2009 Harley-Davidson 2009 model line] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822023836/http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/2009_Motorcycles/2009_Motorcycles.jsp?locale=en_US |date=August 22, 2008}}. Harley-davidson.com. Retrieved July 7, 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/04august08_2009hd_vrod&touring.htm |last=Edge |first=Dirck |title=2009 Harley-Davidson Touring Models and V-Rod Muscle – MD First Rides |date=August 4, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090511121725/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/04august08_2009hd_vrod%26touring.htm |archive-date=May 11, 2009}}</ref>
Also released for the 2009 model year is the FLHTCUTG Tri-Glide Ultra Classic, the first three-wheeled Harley since the Servi-Car was discontinued in 1973. The model features a unique frame and a 103-cubic-inch (1,690&nbsp;cc) engine exclusive to the trike.<ref>[http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/2009_Motorcycles/2009_Motorcycles.jsp?locale=en_US#/model/flhtcutg 2009 Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide Ultra Classic] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822023836/http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/2009_Motorcycles/2009_Motorcycles.jsp?locale=en_US |date=August 22, 2008}}. Harley-davidson.com. Retrieved July 7, 2011.</ref>

In 2014, Harley-Davidson released a redesign for specific touring bikes and called it "Project Rushmore".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.harley-davidson.com/content/h-d/en_US/home/motorcycles/rushmore.html# |title=Harley-Davidson – Project Rushmore |date=August 19, 2013|access-date=May 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316043435/http://www.harley-davidson.com/content/h-d/en_US/home/motorcycles/rushmore.html|archive-date=March 16, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Changes include a new 103CI High Output engine, one handed easy open saddlebags and compartments, a new Boom! Box Infotainment system with either 4.3-inch (10&nbsp;cm) or 6.5-inch (16.5&nbsp;cm) screens featuring touchscreen functionality [6.5-inch (16.5&nbsp;cm) models only], Bluetooth (media and phone with approved compatible devices), available GPS and SiriusXM, Text-to-Speech functionality (with approved compatible devices) and USB connectivity with charging. Other features include ABS with Reflex linked brakes, improved styling, Halogen or LED lighting and upgraded passenger comfort.

===Softail===
{{Main|Softail}}

[[File:Evb-my hog.jpg|thumb|2002 [[Softail]] Heritage Classic]]
These big-twin motorcycles capitalize on Harley's strong value on tradition. With the rear-wheel suspension hidden under the transmission, they are visually similar to the "hardtail" [[Chopper (motorcycle)|choppers]] popular in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as from their own earlier history. In keeping with that tradition, Harley offers Softail models with "Heritage" styling that incorporate design cues from throughout their history and used to offer "Springer" front ends on these Softail models from the factory.

;Designation
Softail models utilize the big-twin engine (F) and the Softail chassis (ST).
* Softail models that use 21-inch (530&nbsp;mm) Front Wheels have designations that begin with FX, ''e.g.'', FXSTB (Night Train), FXSTD (Deuce), and FXSTS (Springer).
* Softail models that use 16-inch (410&nbsp;mm) Front Wheels have designations beginning with FL, ''e.g.'', FLSTF (Fat Boy), FLSTC (Heritage Softail Classic), FLSTN (Softail Deluxe) and FLS (Softail Slim).
* Softail models that use Springer forks with a {{convert|21|in|mm|adj=on}} wheel have designations that begin with FXSTS, ''e.g.'', FXSTS (Springer Softail) and FXSTSB (Bad Boy).
* Softail models that use Springer forks with a {{convert|16|in|mm|adj=on}} wheel have designations that begin with FLSTS, ''e.g.'', FLSTSC (Springer Classic) and FLSTSB (Cross Bones).

===Dyna===
{{Main|Harley-Davidson Super Glide}}
[[File:Harley-Davidson 18.jpg|thumb|2005 Dyna [[Harley-Davidson Super Glide|Super Glide]] Custom]]
Dyna-frame motorcycles were developed in the 1980s and early 1990s and debuted in the 1991 model year with the FXDB Sturgis offered in limited edition quantities. In 1992 the line continued with the limited edition FXDB Daytona and a production model FXD Super Glide. The new DYNA frame featured big-twin engines and traditional styling. They can be distinguished from the Softail by the traditional coil-over suspension that connects the swingarm to the frame, and from the Sportster by their larger engines. On these models, the transmission also houses the engine's oil reservoir.

Prior to 2006, Dyna models typically featured a narrow, XL-style 39mm front fork and front wheel, as well as footpegs <ref name="footpeg">[https://shop.ironcitymotorcycles.co.uk/collections/harley-davidson-foot-pegs What are footpegs for</ref>] which the manufacturer indicated with the letter "X" in the model designation. This lineup traditionally included the Super Glide (FXD), Super Glide Custom (FXDC), Street Bob (FXDB), and Low Rider (FXDL). One exception was the Wide Glide (FXDWG), which featured thicker 41mm forks and a narrow front wheel, but positioned the forks on wider triple-trees that give a beefier appearance. In 2008, the Dyna Fat Bob (FXDF) was introduced to the Dyna lineup, featuring aggressive styling like a new 2–1–2 exhaust, twin headlamps, a 180&nbsp;mm rear tire, and, for the first time in the Dyna lineup, a 130&nbsp;mm front tire. For the 2012 model year, the Dyna Switchback (FLD) became the first Dyna to break the tradition of having an FX model designation with floorboards, detachable painted hard saddlebags, touring windshield, headlight nacelle and a wide front tire with full fender.  The new front end resembled the big-twin FL models from 1968 to 1971.

The Dyna family used the 88-cubic-inch (1,440&nbsp;cc) twin cam from 1999 to 2006. In 2007, the displacement was increased to 96 cubic inches (1,570&nbsp;cc) as the factory increased the stroke to {{convert|4.375|in|mm|1}}. For the 2012 model year, the manufacturer began to offer Dyna models with the 103-cubic-inch (1,690&nbsp;cc) upgrade.  All Dyna models use a rubber-mounted engine to isolate engine vibration. Harley discontinued the Dyna platform in 2017 for the 2018 model year, having been replaced by a completely redesigned [[Softail]] chassis; some of the existing models previously released by the company under the Dyna nameplate have since been carried over to the new Softail line.<ref name="First looks">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.cycleworld.com/2018-harley-davidson-softail-lineup// |title=2018 Harley-Davidson Softail Cruiser Lineup |magazine=[[Cycle World]] |access-date=August 24, 2017 |year=2017 |archive-date=August 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823214634/http://www.cycleworld.com/2018-harley-davidson-softail-lineup |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Clear}}

;Designation
Dyna models utilize the big-twin engine (F), footpegs noted as (X) with the exception of the 2012 FLD Switchback, a Dyna model which used floorboards as featured on the Touring (L) models, and the Dyna chassis (D). Therefore, except for the FLD from 2012 to 2016, all Dyna models have designations that begin with FXD, ''e.g.'', FXDWG (Dyna Wide Glide) and FXDL (Dyna Low Rider).

===Sportster===
{{Main|Harley-Davidson Sportster}}
[[File:200501DIRTYDEBBIE 003a.jpg|thumb|2002 [[Harley-Davidson Sportster|Sportster]] 883 Custom]]
[[File:2003 HD XL1200C Anniversary Edition.jpg|thumb|2003 Harley-Davidson XL1200 Custom Anniversary Edition
]]
Introduced in 1957, the Sportster family was conceived as racing motorcycles, and were popular on dirt and flat-track race courses through the 1960s and 1970s. Smaller and lighter than the other Harley models, contemporary Sportsters make use of 883&nbsp;cc or 1,200&nbsp;cc Evolution engines and, though often modified, remain similar in appearance to their racing ancestors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/motorcycle-reviews/harley-davidson-sportster-1000.aspx|title=1972–1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1000|publisher=Motorcycle Classics|access-date=May 21, 2010|date=March–April 2010|author=Richard Backus|archive-date=May 22, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522134006/http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/motorcycle-reviews/harley-davidson-sportster-1000.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>

Up until the 2003 model year, the engine on the Sportster was rigidly mounted to the frame. The 2004 Sportster received a new frame accommodating a rubber-mounted engine. This made the bike heavier and reduced the available lean angle, while it reduced the amount of vibration transmitted to the frame and the rider, providing a smoother ride for rider and passenger.<ref>[http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/2004_harley_davidson_sportster/ ''Motorcycle Cruiser'' First Ride: 2004 Harley-Davidson Sportster Motorcycles] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201115222/http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/2004_harley_davidson_sportster/ |date=December 1, 2008 }}. Motorcyclecruiser.com (February 28, 2011). Retrieved July 7, 2011.</ref>

In the 2007 model year, Harley-Davidson celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Sportster and produced a limited edition called the XL50, of which only 2000 were made for sale worldwide. Each motorcycle was individually numbered and came in one of two colors, Mirage Pearl Orange or Vivid Black. Also in 2007, electronic fuel injection was introduced to the Sportster family, and the Nightster model was introduced in mid-year. In 2009, Harley-Davidson added the Iron 883 to the Sportster line, as part of the Dark Custom series.
In the 2008 model year, Harley-Davidson released the XR1200 Sportster in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The XR1200 had an Evolution engine tuned to produce {{convert|91|bhp|abbr=on}}, four-piston dual front disc brakes, and an aluminum swing arm.  ''[[Motorcyclist (magazine)|Motorcyclist]]'' featured the XR1200 on the cover of its July 2008 issue and was generally positive about it in their "First Ride" story, in which Harley-Davidson was repeatedly asked to sell it in the United States.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Cathcart |first=Alan |date=July 2008 |title=First Ride: 2008 Harley-Davidson XR1200 – Get Sporty!|magazine=[[Motorcyclist (magazine)|Motorcyclist]]|pages=49–53|publisher=Source Interlink Magazines}}</ref>
One possible reason for the delayed availability in the United States was that Harley-Davidson had to obtain the "XR1200" naming rights from Storz Performance, a Harley customizing shop in Ventura, Calif.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/motorcycle-reviews/2009-harley-davidson-xr1200.aspx|title=2009 Harley-Davidson XR1200|publisher=Motorcycle Classics|access-date=August 20, 2009|date=September–October 2009|author=Richard Backus|archive-date=October 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091020111135/http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/motorcycle-reviews/2009-harley-davidson-xr1200.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> The XR1200 was released in the United States in 2009 in a special color scheme including Mirage Orange highlighting its dirt-tracker heritage. The first 750 XR1200 models in 2009 were pre-ordered and came with a number 1 tag for the front of the bike, autographed by [[Kenny Coolbeth]] and [[Scott Parker (motorcyclist)|Scott Parker]] and a thank you/welcome letter from the company, signed by Bill Davidson.{{Citation needed |date=July 2009}} The XR1200 was discontinued in model year 2013.

In 2021, Harley-Davidson launched the Sportster S model, with a 121&nbsp;hp engine and 228 kg ready-to-ride weight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.harley-davidson.com/gb/en/motorcycles/sportster-s.html|title=2022 Sportster S &#124; Harley-Davidson United Kingdom|website=Harley-Davidson|access-date=July 20, 2021|archive-date=July 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720095312/https://www.harley-davidson.com/gb/en/motorcycles/sportster-s.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Sportster S was one of the first Harleys to come with cornering-ABS and lean-sensitive traction control.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/harley-davidson-sportster-s/|title=Harley-Davidson Sportster S unveiled with new chassis, new engine and new £14k pricetag|access-date=July 20, 2021|archive-date=July 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720095309/https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/harley-davidson-sportster-s/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Sportster S is also the first model under the Sportster nameplate since 1957 to receive a completely new engine.

;Designation
Except for the street-going XR1000 of the 1980s and the XR1200, most Sportsters made for street use have the prefix XL in their model designation. For the Sportster Evolution engines used since the mid-1980s, there have been two engine sizes. Motorcycles with the smaller engine are designated XL883, while those with the larger engine were initially designated XL1100. When the size of the larger engine was increased from 1,100&nbsp;cc to 1,200&nbsp;cc, the designation was changed accordingly from XL1100 to XL1200. Subsequent letters in the designation refer to model variations within the Sportster range, e.g. the XL883C refers to an 883&nbsp;cc Sportster Custom, while the XL1200S designates the now-discontinued 1200 Sportster Sport.

===VRSC===
{{Main|Harley-Davidson VRSC}}
[[File:Harley 5-06.jpg|thumb|2003 VRSCA V-Rod]]
Introduced in 2001 and produced until 2017,<ref name="Last">{{Cite magazine |title=Smart Money Muscle Bikes |last=Smith |first=Jerry |magazine=[[Motorcyclist (magazine)|Motorcyclist]] |pages=106–107 |date=May–June 2017}}</ref> the VRSC muscle bike family bears little resemblance to Harley's more traditional lineup. Competing against Japanese and American muscle bikes in the upcoming [[power cruiser|muscle bike/power cruiser]] segment, the "V-Rod" makes use of the revolution engine that, for the first time in Harley history, incorporates [[overhead cam]]s and liquid cooling. The V-Rod is visually distinctive, easily identified by the 60-degree V-Twin engine, the radiator and the [[Hydroforming|hydroformed]] frame members that support the round-topped air cleaner cover. The VRSC [[Automobile platform|platform]] was also used for factory drag-racing motorcycles.

In 2008, Harley added the anti-lock braking system as a factory-installed option on all VRSC models.<ref name="ABS" /> Harley also increased the displacement of the stock engine from {{convert|1130|to|1250|cc|cuin|abbr=on}}, which had only previously been available from Screamin' Eagle, and added a slipper clutch as standard equipment.

VRSC models include:
* VRSCA: V-Rod (2002–2006), VRSCAW: V-Rod (2007–2010), VRSCB: V-Rod (2004–2005), VRSCD: Night Rod (2006–2008), VRSCDX: Night Rod Special (2007–2014), VRSCSE: Screamin' Eagle CVO V-Rod (2005), VRSCSE2: Screamin' Eagle CVO V-Rod (2006), VRSCR: Street Rod (2006–2007), VRSCX: Screamin' Eagle Tribute V-Rod (2007), VRSCF: V-Rod Muscle (2009–2014).
VRSC models utilize the Revolution engine (VR), and the street versions are designated Street Custom (SC). After the VRSC prefix common to all street Revolution bikes, the next letter denotes the model, either A (base V-Rod: discontinued), AW (base V-Rod + W for Wide with a 240&nbsp;mm rear tire), B (discontinued), D (Night Rod: discontinued), R (Street Rod: discontinued), SE and SEII (CVO Special Edition), or X (Special edition). Further differentiation within models are made with an additional letter, ''e.g.'', VRSCDX denotes the Night Rod Special.

====VRXSE====
The VRXSE V-Rod Destroyer is Harley-Davidson's production drag racing motorcycle, constructed to run the quarter mile in less than ten seconds. It is based on the same revolution engine that powers the VRSC line, but the VRXSE uses the Screamin' Eagle 1,300&nbsp;cc "stroked" incarnation, featuring a 75&nbsp;mm crankshaft, 105&nbsp;mm Pistons, and 58&nbsp;mm throttle bodies.

The V-Rod Destroyer is not a street-legal motorcycle. As such, it uses "X" instead of "SC" to denote a non-street bike.  "SE" denotes a CVO Special Edition.

===Street===
{{Main|Harley-Davidson Street}}
The Street, Harley-Davidson's newest platform and their first all new platform in thirteen years, was designed to appeal to younger riders looking for a lighter bike at a cheaper price.<ref name="Popular Mechanics Street">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/auto-blog/harley-davidson-street-500-750|title=2015 Harley-Davidson Street 500/750: Futureproof Hogs?|date=November 13, 2013|access-date=November 19, 2013|magazine=Popular Mechanics|archive-date=November 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131121051144/http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/auto-blog/harley-davidson-street-500-750|url-status=live}}</ref> The Street 750 model was launched in India at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo, Delhi-NCR on February 5, 2014. The Street 750 weighs 218&nbsp;kg and has a ground clearance of 144&nbsp;mm giving it the lowest weight and the highest ground clearance of Harley-Davidson motorcycles currently available.<ref name="Zig 2014-02-05">{{cite web |url=http://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/recent-launches/2014-indian-auto-expo-harleydavidson-street-750-launched-at-rs-41-lakh/17815/ |title=2014 Indian Auto Expo: Harley-Davidson Street 750 launched at Rs 4.1 lakh |last1=Nadar |first1=Arun Mohan |date=February 5, 2014 |website=ZigWheels |publisher=Times Internet |access-date=February 6, 2014 |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222003150/http://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/recent-launches/2014-indian-auto-expo-harleydavidson-street-750-launched-at-rs-41-lakh/17815/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Street 750 uses an all-new, liquid-cooled, 60° V-twin engine called the Revolution X. In the Street 750, the engine displaces {{convert|749|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} and produces 65&nbsp;Nm at 4,000&nbsp;rpm. A six speed transmission is used.<ref name="Zig 2014-02-05" />

The Street 750 and the smaller-displacement Street 500 have been available since late 2014.<ref name="Popular Mechanics Street" /> Street series motorcycles for the North American market will be built in Harley-Davidson's Kansas City, Missouri plant,<ref name="Popular Mechanics Street" /> while those for other markets around the world will be built completely in their plant in Bawal, India.<ref name="Popular Mechanics Street" /><ref name="Zig 2014-02-05" />

===LiveWire===
{{Main|LiveWire (company)}}
[[File:Harley Davidson LiveWire right noBG.jpg|thumb|The electric [[LiveWire (motorcycle)|LiveWire]] motorcycle]]
[[Harley-Davidson LiveWire|Harley-Davidson's ''LiveWire'']], released in 2019, is their first [[Battery electric vehicle|electric vehicle]]. The high-voltage battery provides a minimum city range of 98 miles (158&nbsp;km).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.harley-davidson.com/gb/en/motorcycles/livewire.html |title=LiveWire |publisher=Harley-Davidson USA |access-date=May 7, 2020 |archive-date=August 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801201717/https://www.harley-davidson.com/gb/en/motorcycles/livewire.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The LiveWire targets a different type of customer than their classic V-twin powered motorcycles.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/08/business/harley-davidson-livewire.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220103/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/08/business/harley-davidson-livewire.html |archive-date=2022-01-03 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=An Electric Harley Loses the Growl but Still Aims to Turn Heads |last=Carpenter |first=Susan |date=August 8, 2019 |work=The New York Times |access-date=February 6, 2020 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In March 2020, a Harley-Davidson LiveWire was used to break the 24-hour distance record for an electric motorcycle. The bike traveled a reported 1,723&nbsp;km (1,079 miles) in 23 hours and 48 minutes. The LiveWire offers a Level 1 slow recharge, which uses a regular wall outlet to refill an empty battery overnight, or a quick Level 3 DC Fast Charge. The Fast Charge fills the battery most of the way in about 40 minutes. Swiss rider [[Michel von Tell]] used the Level 3 charging to make the 24-hour ride.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle ridden over 1,000 miles in 24 hrs|url=https://electrek.co/2020/03/22/harley-davidson-livewire-electric-motorcycle-1000-miles-in-24-hrs/|last=Toll|first=Micah|date=2020-03-22|website=Electrek|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-27|archive-date=May 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524225803/https://electrek.co/2020/03/22/harley-davidson-livewire-electric-motorcycle-1000-miles-in-24-hrs/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2021, the company announced that [[LiveWire (company)|LiveWire]] was to be spun-off from parent Harley Davidson, set to go public in the first half of 2022 as a [[special-purpose acquisition company]] (SPAC) with the value estimated to be $1.77 billion.<ref name="cnn1">{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/14/business/harley-davidson-livewire-stock/index.html |title=Harley-Davidson is spinning off its electric motorcycle brand |website=CNN |date=December 14, 2021 |access-date=January 20, 2022 |archive-date=January 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127220333/https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/14/business/harley-davidson-livewire-stock/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{update after|2023|10|19}}<!-- so did this ever actually happen?  -->

==Custom Vehicle Operations==
{{Main|Harley-Davidson CVO}}
Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) is a team within Harley-Davidson that produces limited-edition customizations of Harley's stock models. Every year since 1999, the team has selected two to five of the company's base models and added higher-displacement engines, performance upgrades, special-edition paint jobs, more chromed or accented components, audio system upgrades, and electronic accessories to create high-dollar, premium-quality customizations for the [[custom motorcycle|factory custom]] market.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2011/07/article/2012-harley-davidson-cvo-first-rides/ |title=2012 Harley-Davidson CVO First Rides |work=Motorcycle USA |access-date=February 12, 2018 |archive-date=January 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117131156/http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2011/07/article/2012-harley-davidson-cvo-first-rides/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The models most commonly upgraded in such a fashion are the Ultra Classic Electra Glide, which has been selected for CVO treatment every year from 2006 to the present, and the Road King, which was selected in 2002, 2003, 2007, and 2008. The Dyna, Softail, and VRSC families have also been selected for CVO customization.

==Environmental record==
The [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|Environmental Protection Agency]] conducted emissions-certification and representative emissions test in [[Ann Arbor, Michigan]], in 2005. Subsequently, Harley-Davidson produced an "environmental warranty". The warranty ensures each owner that the vehicle is designed and built free of any defects in materials and workmanship that would cause the vehicle to not meet EPA standards.<ref>[https://epa.gov/otaq/regs/roadbike/21-harley-pres.pdf Representative Emissions Test] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090127003227/http://epa.gov/otaq/regs/roadbike/21-harley-pres.pdf |date=January 27, 2009}} March 9, 2005. Retrieved May 14, 2008</ref> In 2005, the EPA and the [[Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection]] (PADEP) confirmed Harley-Davidson to be the first corporation to voluntarily enroll in the One Clean-Up Program. This program is designed for the clean-up of the affected soil and groundwater at the former York Naval Ordnance Plant. The program is backed by the state and local government along with participating organizations and corporations.<ref name="vupxae">[https://www.yorksiteremedy.com/ Former York Naval Ordnance Plant] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129044601/http://www.yorksiteremedy.com/ |date=November 29, 2010 }} 2005. Retrieved May 14, 2008</ref>

Paul Gotthold, Director of Operations for the EPA, congratulated the motor company:
{{blockquote|Harley-Davidson has taken their environmental responsibilities very seriously and has already made substantial progress in the investigation and cleanup of past contamination. Proof of Harley's efforts can be found in the recent EPA determination that designates the Harley property as 'under control' for cleanup purposes. This determination means that there are no serious contamination problems at the facility. Under the new One Cleanup Program, Harley, EPA, and PADEP will expedite the completion of the property investigation and reach a final solution that will permanently protect human health and the environment.<ref name="vupxae" />}}
Harley-Davidson also purchased most of Castalloy, a South Australian producer of cast motorcycle wheels and hubs. The South Australian government has set forth "protection to the purchaser (Harley-Davidson) against environmental risks".

In August 2016, Harley-Davidson settled with the EPA for $12&nbsp;million, without admitting wrongdoing, over the sale of [[aftermarket (automotive)|after-market]] "super tuners".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Geuss |first1=Megan |title=EPA punishes Harley-Davidson for selling an aftermarket tuner that elevated emissions |url=https://arstechnica.com/cars/2016/08/harley-davidson-to-pay-12-million-for-emissions-spewing-aftermarket-tuners/ |access-date=August 19, 2016 |website=Ars Technica |date=August 19, 2016 |archive-date=August 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818235952/http://arstechnica.com/cars/2016/08/harley-davidson-to-pay-12-million-for-emissions-spewing-aftermarket-tuners/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Eaton |first1=Sabrina |title=U.S. EPA fines Harley-Davidson for emissions violations caused by 'super tuners' |url=http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2016/08/epa_cracks_down_on_harley-davi.html |access-date=August 19, 2016 |work=The Plain Dealer |date=August 19, 2016 |archive-date=August 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818183214/http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2016/08/epa_cracks_down_on_harley-davi.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Super tuners were devices, marketed for competition, which enabled increased performance of Harley-Davidson products. However, the devices also modified the emission control systems, producing increased [[hydrocarbon]] and [[nitrogen oxide]]. Harley-Davidson is required to buy back and destroy any super tuners which do not meet [[Clean Air Act (United States)|Clean Air Act]] requirements and spend $3&nbsp;million on air pollution mitigation.

==Brand culture==
[[File:HarleyDavidsonCafeLV.jpg|thumb|Harley-Davidson Cafe [[theme restaurant]] located on the [[Las Vegas Strip]]]]
According to a recent Harley-Davidson study, in 1987 half of all Harley riders were under age 35.<ref name="age35" /> However, by 2006, only 15 percent of Harley buyers were under 35,<ref name="age35">[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2006-11-05/harley-just-keeps-on-cruisin Harley Just Keeps On Cruisin'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121132435/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2006-11-05/harley-just-keeps-on-cruisin |date=January 21, 2017 }}. Business Week (November 6, 2006). Retrieved July 7, 2011.</ref> and as of 2005, the [[median]] age had risen to 46.7.<ref name="age46.7">{{Cite web|url=http://www.timescommunity.com/site/tab2.cfm?newsid=14245896&BRD=2553&PAG=461&dept_id=506066&rfi=6|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220105508/http://www.timescommunity.com/site/tab2.cfm?newsid=14245896&BRD=2553&PAG=461&dept_id=506066&rfi=6|url-status=dead|title=Harley-Davidson Riders Settle Into Middle Age, Times Community Newspapers|archive-date=February 20, 2008|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref><ref name="age47">[http://new.savannahnow.com/node/280591 Bumpy ride for Harley as competitors improve, customers age, SavannaNow] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070713104710/http://new.savannahnow.com/node/280591 |date=July 13, 2007}}</ref><ref name="seniors">[http://www.coastalsenior.com/archives/march2003/SNReasyriders.html Packs of Easy Riders Attract More Golden Agers, Coastal Senior] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090516065753/http://www.coastalsenior.com/archives/march2003/SNReasyriders.html |date=May 16, 2009 }}. Coastalsenior.com. Retrieved July 7, 2011.</ref><ref name="chart">[http://reporting.journalism.ku.edu/fall06/fred-musser/jn-median-age-21.html Chart] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211232109/http://reporting.journalism.ku.edu/fall06/fred-musser/jn-median-age-21.html |date=February 11, 2010}}, source: Harley-Davidson</ref> In 2008, Harley-Davidson stopped disclosing the average age of riders; at this point it was 48 years old.<ref>{{cite web |title=Analyst says Harley-Davidson riders are getting old |url=http://archive.jsonline.com/newswatch/199162461.html |access-date=July 23, 2018 |archive-date=July 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724093116/http://archive.jsonline.com/newswatch/199162461.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1987, the [[median]] household income of a Harley-Davidson rider was $38,000. By 1997, the [[median household income]] for those riders had more than doubled, to $83,000.<ref name="age35-2">[http://reporting.journalism.ku.edu/fall06/fred-musser/authors/jaime_netzer/ Harley Over The Hill? KU School of Journalism and Mass Communications] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129181752/http://reporting.journalism.ku.edu/fall06/fred-musser/authors/jaime_netzer/ |date=November 29, 2010}}. Reporting.journalism.ku.edu. Retrieved July 7, 2011.</ref>{{Clarify |date=January 2009}}

Many Harley-Davidson Clubs exist nowadays around the world;<ref>{{cite web |title=Federation Harley-Davidson Clubs Europe|url=http://www.fhdce.eu/index2.html|publisher=Fhdce|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628015451/http://www.fhdce.eu/index2.html|archive-date=June 28, 2017}}</ref> the oldest one, founded in 1928, is in [[Prague]].<ref>{{cite web |title=World's oldest Harley Davidson Club celebrates its 80th anniversary in the Czech Republic |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/RTV/2008/06/24/RTV2614408/ |publisher=Itnsource |date=June 24, 2008 |access-date=July 1, 2017 |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417150522/https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/footage/itn |url-status=live }}</ref>

Harley-Davidson attracts a loyal [[brand community]],<ref>{{Cite news |title=Harley-Davidson's 100th anniversary – the sound of a legend |author=Richard Pierson and Alexander Bozmoski |work=Sound and Vibration |date=March 2003 |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa4075/is_200303/ai_n9223788 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050510052017/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa4075/is_200303/ai_n9223788 |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 10, 2005 |access-date=December 13, 2007}}</ref> with licensing of the Harley-Davidson logo accounting for almost 5 percent of the company's net revenue ($41&nbsp;million in 2004).<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Standard & Poor's 500 Guide |publisher=McGraw-Hill Professional |author=Standard & Poor's |date=December 2005 |isbn=0-07-146823-4 |url=https://archive.org/details/standardpoors50000stan_1}}</ref> Harley-Davidson supplies many American police forces with their motorcycle fleets.<ref name="On Patrol">{{cite web |title=On Patrol |work=2005 Harley-Davidson Police Motorcycles |url=http://www.mapc.org/services/GBPC/Harley/On%20Patrol%202005%20Harley-Davidson%20Police%20Motorcycles%20Catalog.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927190348/http://www.mapc.org/services/GBPC/Harley/On%20Patrol%202005%20Harley-Davidson%20Police%20Motorcycles%20Catalog.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |access-date=June 18, 2007}}</ref>

From its founding, Harley-Davidson had worked to brand its motorcycles as respectable and refined products, with ads that showed what motorcycling writer Fred Rau called "refined-looking ladies with parasols, and men in conservative suits as the target market".<ref name="Rau 2007" /><ref name="Rau 2008" /> The 1906 Harley-Davidson's effective, and polite, muffler was emphasized in advertisements with the nickname [[Harley-Davidson Model 7D|"The Silent Gray Fellow"]].<ref name="Rau 2008" /><ref name="Hook 2002" /> That began to shift in the 1960s, partially in response to the clean-cut motorcyclist portrayed in Honda's "[[You meet the nicest people on a Honda]]" campaign, when Harley-Davidson sought to draw a contrast with Honda by underscoring the more working-class, macho, and even a little anti-social attitude associated with motorcycling's dark side. With the 1971 [[Harley-Davidson Super Glide|FX Super Glide]], the company embraced, rather than distanced itself from, [[chopper (motorcycle)|chopper]] style and the counterculture custom Harley scene.<ref name="100 Years" /> Their marketing cultivated the "bad boy" image of [[Motorcycle#Social aspects|biker]] and [[motorcycle club]]s, and to a point, even [[outlaw motorcycle club|outlaw or one-percenter]] motorcycle clubs.<ref name="Rau 2007" /><ref name="Rau 2008" />

===Origin of "Hog" nickname===
Beginning in 1920, a team of farm boys, including [[Ray Weishaar]], who became known as the "hog boys", consistently won races. The group had a live [[Hog (swine)|hog]] as their [[mascot]]. Following a win, they would put the hog on their Harley and take a [[victory lap]].<ref name="H-D timeline 1920s">[http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/H-D_History/history_1920s.jsp?locale=en_US Harley-Davidson] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061029110149/http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/H-D_History/history_1920s.jsp?locale=en_US |date=October 29, 2006}} – History</ref> In 1983, the Motor Company formed a club for owners of its product, taking advantage of the long-standing nickname by turning "hog" into the acronym HOG, for Harley Owners Group. Harley-Davidson attempted to trademark "hog", but lost a case against an independent Harley-Davidson specialist, The Hog Farm of West [[Seneca, New York]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.the-hog-farm.com/another-victory.html |title=Decision at the U.S. Second Circuit Federal Court of Appeals N.Y.C.: Corporate Harley-Davidson LOST the Hog Trademark |publisher=The-hog-farm |date=January 15, 1999 |access-date=January 5, 2009 |archive-date=November 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103225753/http://www.the-hog-farm.com/another-victory.html |url-status=live }}</ref> in 1999, when the [[appeal|appellate panel]] ruled that "hog" had become a [[wikt:generic|generic term]] for large motorcycles and was therefore unprotectable as a trademark.<ref>{{cite web |title=Motorcycle manufacturer has no trademark right in 'hog' |publisher=News Media Update |url=http://www.rcfp.org/news/1999/0208k.html |access-date=December 13, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080221004252/http://www.rcfp.org/news/1999/0208k.html |archive-date=February 21, 2008 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

On August 15, 2006, Harley-Davidson Inc. had its NYSE ticker symbol changed from HDI to HOG.<ref>{{cite web |title=Harley-Davidson: High on the Hog |work=Bloomberg BusinessWeek |url=http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/aug2006/pi20060825_905406.htm?campaign_id=rss_null |access-date=December 13, 2007 |archive-date=April 12, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412102755/http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/aug2006/pi20060825_905406.htm?campaign_id=rss_null |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Bobbers===
Harley-Davidson FL "big twins" normally had heavy steel fenders, chrome trim, and other ornate and heavy accessories. After [[World War II]], riders wanting more speed would often shorten the fenders or take them off completely to reduce the weight of the motorcycle. These bikes were called "bobbers" or sometimes "choppers", because parts considered unnecessary were chopped off. Those who made or rode choppers and bobbers, especially members of motorcycle clubs like the [[Hells Angels]], referred to stock FLs as "garbage wagons".<ref>References:
* {{cite encyclopedia |last=Seate |first=Mike|editor=Darwin Holmstrom|encyclopedia=The Harley-Davidson Century |title=Choppers|year=2002|publisher=MBI Publishing|location=St. Paul, Minn. |isbn=0-7603-1155-2|pages=140–142}}
* {{cite encyclopedia |last=Thompson |first=Hunter S.|author-link=Hunter S. Thompson|editor=Darwin Holmstrom|encyclopedia=The Harley-Davidson Century |title=The Hell's Angels|year=2002|publisher=MBI Publishing|location=St. Paul, Minn. |isbn=0-7603-1155-2|page=139}}</ref>

===Harley Owners Group===
{{Main|Harley Owners Group}}
Harley-Davidson established the [[Harley Owners Group]] (HOG) in 1983 to build on the loyalty of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts as a means to promote a lifestyle alongside its products. The HOG also opened new revenue streams for the company, with the production of tie-in merchandise offered to club members, numbering more than one million. Other motorcycle brands,<ref>{{Cite book|publisher=Global Co-Operation in the New Millennium The 9th European Conference on Information Systems |location=Bled, Slovenia |date=June 27–29, 2001 |title=Embarking on E-Business at Ducati Motorcycles (Italy) |first1=Tawfik |last1=Jelassi |first2=Stefanie |last2=Leenen |url=http://is2.lse.ac.uk/Support/ECIS2001/pdf/040_Jelassi.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221173802/http://is2.lse.ac.uk/Support/ECIS2001/pdf/040_Jelassi.pdf |archive-date=February 21, 2011}}</ref>
and other and consumer brands outside motorcycling, have also tried to create factory-sponsored [[community marketing]] clubs of their own.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Satisfaction: How Every Great Company Listens to the Voice of the Customer |first1=Chris |last1=Denove |first2=James D. |last2=Power, IV |publisher=Portfolio |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-59184-164-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PzSnr1xjOpUC&pg=PA195 |page=195 |access-date=May 6, 2020 |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803005631/https://books.google.com/books?id=PzSnr1xjOpUC&pg=PA195 |url-status=live }}</ref>
HOG members typically spend 30 percent more than other Harley owners on such items as clothing and Harley-Davidson-sponsored events.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Brands and branding; The economist series |first1=Rita |last1=Clifton |first2=John |last2=Simmons |first3=Sameena |last3=Ahmad |edition=2nd |publisher=Bloomberg Press |year=2004 |isbn=1-57660-147-1 |url=https://archive.org/details/brandsbrandingth00rita |url-access=registration |page=[https://archive.org/details/brandsbrandingth00rita/page/106 106]}}</ref>

In 1991, HOG went international, with the first official European HOG Rally in Cheltenham, England.<ref>{{cite web |title=H.O.G. History |publisher=Windsor Harley Owners Group |url=http://www.windsorhog.com/about.php |access-date=December 13, 2007 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051109164711/http://www.windsorhog.com/about.php |archive-date=November 9, 2005 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Today, more than one million members and more than 1400 chapters worldwide make HOG the largest factory-sponsored motorcycle organization in the world.<ref>{{cite web |title=Harley Owners Group Members Ready To Rendezvous in Adirondacks |work=Motorcyclist Magazine |publisher=Motorcyclist |url=http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/calendar/122_0709_hog_members_adirondacks/ |access-date=December 13, 2007 |archive-date=July 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716111552/http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/calendar/122_0709_hog_members_adirondacks/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

HOG benefits include organized group rides, exclusive products and product discounts, [https://www.insurance.harley-davidson.com/ insurance discounts], and the Hog Tales newsletter. A one-year full membership is included with the purchase of a new, unregistered Harley-Davidson.<ref>{{cite web |title=H.O.G. Membership |publisher=Harley-Davidson Motor Company |url=http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/HOG/HOG.jsp?locale=en_US |access-date=December 13, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213084554/http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/content/pages/hog/hog.jsp?locale=en_us |archive-date=December 13, 2007 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In 2008, HOG celebrated its 25th anniversary in conjunction with the Harley 105th in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

3rd Southern HOG Rally set to bring together largest gathering of Harley-Davidson owners in South India. More than 600 Harley-Davidson Owners expected to ride to Hyderabad from across 13 HOG Chapters.<ref>{{cite web |title=3rd Southern HOG Rally set to bring together largest gathering of Harley-Davidson owners in South India |via=Ind Today |url=http://www.indtoday.com/3rd-southern-hog-rally-set-bring-together-largest-gathering-harley-davidson-owners-south-india/ |access-date=September 17, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140917102023/http://www.indtoday.com/3rd-southern-hog-rally-set-bring-together-largest-gathering-harley-davidson-owners-south-india/ |archive-date=September 17, 2014 }}</ref>

===Factory tours and museum===
[[File:Harley-Davidson Museum statue.jpg|thumb|upright|The [[Harley-Davidson Museum]] in Milwaukee]]
Harley-Davidson offers factory tours at four of its manufacturing sites, and the [[Harley-Davidson Museum]], which opened in 2008, exhibits Harley-Davidson's history, culture, and vehicles, including the motor company's corporate archives.<ref>[http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/Factory_Tours/factory_tours.jsp?locale=en_US Harley-Davidson USA: ''The Great American Factory Tour''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080710072240/http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/Factory_Tours/factory_tours.jsp?locale=en_US |date=July 10, 2008}}. Harley-davidson.com. Retrieved July 7, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/HD_Museum/visit_the_museum.jsp?locale=en_US Harley-Davidson USA: ''Museum Customized by Harley-Davidson''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080711015842/http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/HD_Museum/visit_the_museum.jsp?locale=en_US |date=July 11, 2008}}. Harley-davidson.com. Retrieved July 7, 2011.</ref>
* [[York, Pennsylvania]] – Vehicle Operations: Manufacturing site for Touring class, Softail, and custom vehicles.
* [[Tomahawk, Wisconsin]] – Tomahawk Operations: Facility that makes sidecars, saddlebags, windshields, and more.
* [[Kansas City, Missouri]] – Vehicle and Powertrain Operations: Manufacturing site of Sportster, VRSC, and other vehicles.
* [[Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin]] – Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations plant, two types of tours.
* [[Milwaukee|Milwaukee, Wisconsin]] – Harley-Davidson Museum: Archive; exhibits of people, products, culture and history; restaurant & café; and museum store.

Due to the consolidation of operations, the Capitol Drive Tour Center in [[Wauwatosa, Wisconsin]], was closed in 2009.

===Historic register designations===
Some of the company's buildings have been listed on state and national historic registers, including:
* [[Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Factory Building]] – added to National Register of Historic Places on November 9, 1994.<ref>{{cite web |title=Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Factory Building |date=January 2012 |url=https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Property/HI27894 |publisher=Wisconsin Historical Society |access-date=2019-10-18 |archive-date=October 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019023335/https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Property/HI27894 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite report |type=none |url={{NRHP url|id=86003850}} |title=Inventory/Nomination Form: Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company |publisher=[[National Register of Historic Places]] |first1=Robin |last1=Wenger |first2=Carlen |last2=Hatala|date=1983 |access-date=2019-10-18}} With {{NRHP url|id=86003850|photos=y|title=five photos.}}</ref>
* [[Harley Davidson Motor Company Factory No. 7|Factory No. 7]] – added to Wisconsin State Register of Historic Places on August 14, 2020.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS16429 |title=Harley Davidson Motor Company Factory No. 7 Listed in the State Register of Historic Places |author=Wisconsin Historical Society |date=August 28, 2020 |access-date=September 9, 2020 |archive-date=October 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018163815/https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS16429 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Anniversary celebrations===
[[File:Harley Davidson founders.jpg|thumb|upright|Clockwise from top left: William S. Harley, William A. Davidson, Walter Davidson Sr., Arthur Davidson]]

Beginning with Harley-Davidson's 90th anniversary in 1993, Harley-Davidson has had celebratory rides to [[Milwaukee]] called the "Ride Home".<ref>[http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/Events/105th_Coverage/ride_home.jsp?locale=en_US Ride Home] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080901003030/http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/Events/105th_Coverage/ride_home.jsp?locale=en_US |date=September 1, 2008}}. Harley-davidson.com. Retrieved July 7, 2011.</ref> This new tradition has continued every five years, and is referred to unofficially as "Harleyfest", in line with Milwaukee's other festivals (Summerfest, German fest, Festa Italiana, etc.). This event brings Harley riders from all around the world.<ref>[http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/Events/105th_Coverage/blog_detail.jsp?locale=en_US&postID=54879120&postAuthor=MikeMorgan Harleyfest Example] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080904175043/http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/Events/105th_Coverage/blog_detail.jsp?locale=en_US&postID=54879120&postAuthor=MikeMorgan |date=September 4, 2008}}. Harley-davidson.com (August 28, 2008). Retrieved July 7, 2011.</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.myfoxmilwaukee.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=7152483&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1 |title=Milwaukee Area Homes Rented To Harley Fest Bikers |publisher=[[WITI (TV)|WITI]] |date=August 6, 2008 |access-date=November 30, 2008 |archive-date=November 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102180119/http://www.myfoxmilwaukee.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=7152483&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1 |url-status=live }}</ref> The 105th anniversary celebration was held on August 28–31, 2008,<ref>[http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/Events/105th_Coverage/landing.jsp?camp_id=16&source_cd=SEM_entertainment&locale=en_US&GCID=S18577x001&KEYWORD=anniversary+harley The 105th] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214112330/http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/Events/105th_Coverage/landing.jsp?camp_id=16&source_cd=SEM_entertainment&locale=en_US&GCID=S18577x001&KEYWORD=anniversary+harley |date=February 14, 2009}}. Harley-davidson.com. Retrieved July 7, 2011.</ref> and included events in Milwaukee, [[Waukesha, Wisconsin|Waukesha]], [[Racine, Wisconsin|Racine]], and [[Kenosha, Wisconsin|Kenosha]] counties, in Southeast Wisconsin. The 110th-anniversary celebration was held on August 29–31, 2013. The 115th anniversary was held in [[Prague]], [[Czech Republic]], the home country of the oldest existing Harley Davidson Club, on July 5–8, 2018 and attracted more than 100,000 visitors and 60,000 bikes.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://h-d.prague115.com/ |title=115th Harley-Davidson Anniversary, Prague, July 2018 |author=Michal Mlejnek |website=h-d.prague115.com |access-date=July 12, 2018 |archive-date=July 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712152803/https://h-d.prague115.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The 120th anniversary was held in [[Budapest]], [[Hungary]], with the parade on June 24.<ref>{{Cite web |title=European 120th Anniversary Celebration {{!}} Harley-Davidson EU |url=https://www.harley-davidson.com/eu/en/content/event-calendar/european-120th-anniversary-celebration.html |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=Harley-Davidson |language=en-eu |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629140324/https://www.harley-davidson.com/eu/en/content/event-calendar/european-120th-anniversary-celebration.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Labor Hall of Fame===
William S. Harley, Arthur Davidson, William A. Davidson and Walter Davidson Sr were, in 2004, inducted into the [[Labor Hall of Fame]] for their accomplishments for the H-D company and its workforce.<ref>[http://www.dol.gov/oasam/programs/laborhall/2004_davidson.htm U.S. Department of Labor – Labor Hall of Fame – Harley-Davidson] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930180954/http://www.dol.gov/oasam/programs/laborhall/2004_davidson.htm |date=September 30, 2007}}. Dol.gov. Retrieved July 7, 2011.</ref>

===Television drama===
The company's origins were dramatized in a 2016 miniseries entitled ''[[Harley and the Davidsons]]'', starring [[Robert Aramayo]] as William Harley, [[Bug Hall]] as Arthur Davidson<ref name="Walsh">{{cite news |url=http://heavy.com/entertainment/2016/09/bug-hall-age-wife-now-2016-movies-alfalfa-the-little-rascals-harley-and-the-davidsons/ |title=Bug Hall: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know |last=Walsh |first=Shannon |work=Heavy.com |access-date=September 7, 2016 |archive-date=September 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906213341/http://heavy.com/entertainment/2016/09/bug-hall-age-wife-now-2016-movies-alfalfa-the-little-rascals-harley-and-the-davidsons/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Michiel Huisman]] as Walter Davidson, and premiered on the [[Discovery Channel]] as a "three-night event series" on September 5, 2016.<ref name="dscHarley">{{cite web|url=https://press.discovery.com/us/dsc/programs/harley-and-davidsons/|title=Harley and The Davidsons|work=[[Discovery Channel]]|access-date=September 7, 2016|archive-date=August 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819044944/https://press.discovery.com/us/dsc/programs/harley-and-davidsons/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Ryan">{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2016/08/31/harley-davidsons-discovery/89578732/ |title='Harley and the Davidsons' races back in history |last=Ryan |first=Patrick |work=[[USA Today]] |access-date=September 7, 2016 |archive-date=September 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906110219/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2016/08/31/harley-davidsons-discovery/89578732/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Clear}}

==See also==
{{portal|Companies|United States}}
* [[List of Harley-Davidson motorcycles]]
* [[Harley-Davidson engine timeline]]
* [[Harley-Davidson (Bally pinball)|''Harley-Davidson'' (Bally pinball)]]
* [[Harley-Davidson (Sega/Stern pinball)|''Harley-Davidson'' (Sega/Stern pinball)]]
* ''[[Harley-Davidson & L.A. Riders]]''
* ''[[Harley-Davidson: Race Across America]]''
* [[List of motor scooter manufacturers and brands]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=

<ref name="Rau 2007">{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.motorcycle.com/products/motorcycle-advertising-part-one-51612.html |access-date=February 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414140110/http://www.motorcycle.com/products/motorcycle-advertising-part-one-51612.html |archive-date=April 14, 2012 |title=Motorcycle Advertising Part One; Wildly successful ad campaign of the Sixties |first=Fred |last=Rau |date=June 11, 2007 |magazine=Motorcycle}}</ref>

<ref name="Rau 2008">{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.motorcycle.com/products/motorcycle-advertising-part-two-75317.html |access-date=February 2, 2012 |title=Motorcycle Advertising Part Two; The Best and Worst Bike Ads |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225410/http://www.motorcycle.com/products/motorcycle-advertising-part-two-75317.html |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |first=Fred |last=Rau |date=February 8, 2008 |magazine=Motorcycle}}</ref>

<ref name="Hook 2002">{{Cite book |editor-last=Hook |editor-first=Patrick |title=Harley Davidson: The Complete History |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DreVoJ07-J4C&pg=PA29 |publisher=[[Sterling Publishing Company]] |year=2002 |isbn=9781856486569 |page=29 |access-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803011243/https://books.google.com/books?id=DreVoJ07-J4C&pg=PA29 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="100 Years">{{cite book |last=Davidson |first=Willie G. |title=100 Years of Harley-Davidson |year=2002 |publisher=Bulfinch Press |location=New York |isbn=0-8212-2819-6|pages=173}}</ref>

}}

==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
* {{Cite book|editor1-last=Bach|editor1-first=Sharon|editor2-last=Ostermann|editor2-first=Ken |title=The Legend Begins: Harley-Davidson Motorcycles 1903–1969|publisher=Harley-Davidson, Inc.|year=1993}}
* {{cite book |last1=Davidson |first1=Willie G. |title=100 Years of Harley-Davidson |date=2002 |publisher=Bulfinch Press |isbn=978-0-8212-2819-7 |language=en}}
* {{cite book |last1=Dregni |first1=Michael |title=The Harley-Davidson Reader |date=February 7, 2010 |publisher=MotorBooks International |isbn=978-0760337127 |language=en}}
* {{cite book |last1=Frank |first1=Aaron |title=The Harley-Davidson Story: Tales from the Archives |date=2018 |publisher=Motorbooks |location=Minneapolis, MN |isbn=978-0-7603-6071-2 |language=en |oclc=1020000307}}
* Gnadt, Amy. "[http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/wmh/id/51931 Exposed! Harley-Davidson's Lost Photographs, 1915–1916] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123060139/http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/wmh/id/51931 |date=November 23, 2016 }}". ''Wisconsin Magazine of History'', vol. 98, no. 1 (Autumn 2014): 28–37.
* {{cite book |last1=Holmstrom |first1=Darwin |title=Harley-Davidson: The Complete History |date=July 19, 2016 |publisher=Motorbooks |isbn=9780760363072 |language=en}}
* {{cite book |last1=Hook |first1=Patrick |title=Harley Davidson: The Complete History |date=2002 |publisher=PRC Pub. Ltd. |location=London |isbn=0760755175 |oclc=906849779 |language=en}}
* {{Cite book|last1=Mitchel|first1=Doug|title=Harley-Davidson Chronicle: An American Original|publisher=Publications International Limited|year=1997|isbn=0-7853-2514-X|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/harleydavidsonch0000mitc_u3q3}}
* {{cite book |last1=Mitchel |first1=Doug |title=Harley-Davidson Field Guide: All-American Bikes 1903-2004 |date=March 18, 2005 |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-1-4402-2547-5 |language=en}}
* {{cite book |last1=Myatt |first1=Steven |title=The Legend of Harley-Davidson |date=2009 |publisher=Dennis Publishing |isbn=978-1-906372-73-6 |language=en |oclc=703343293}}
* {{cite book |last1=Oosterwal |first1=Dantar P. |title=The Lean Machine: How Harley-Davidson Drove Top-Line Growth and Profitability with Revolutionary Lean Product Development |date=January 13, 2010 |publisher=AMACOM |isbn=978-0-8144-1379-1 |language=en}}
* {{cite book |last1=Scott |first1=Missy |title=Harley-Davidson Motor Company |date=2008 |publisher=[[ABC-CLIO]] |isbn=978-0-313-34890-7 |oclc=247080027 |language=en}}
* {{cite book |last1=Siegal |first1=Margie |title=Harley-Davidson: A History of the World's Most Famous Motorcycle |date=May 10, 2014 |publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing]] |isbn=978-0-7478-1495-5 |language=en}}
* {{Cite book|author=Wagner, Herbert |title=At the Creation: Myth, Reality, and the Origin of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle, 1901–1909|publisher=Wisconsin Historical Society Press|year=2003}}
* {{cite book |last1=Wente |first1=Philipp |title=The Harley-Davidson Book |date=2017 |publisher=teNeues Publishing Company |isbn=978-3-96171-023-2 |language=en}}
* {{Cite book|author=Wilson, H.|title=The Encyclopedia of the Motorcycle|url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofmo00wils_1|url-access=registration|publisher=Dorling-Kindersley Limited|year=1995|isbn=0-7513-0206-6}}
* {{cite book |title=Harley-Davidson: American Freedom Machines |date=October 2019 |publisher=Publications International, Limited |isbn=978-1-64558-016-4 |language=en}}
{{refend}}
; Videos:
* {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATjsNO8_li8| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/ATjsNO8_li8| archive-date=2021-12-11 | url-status=live|title=Why Harley-Davidson Is Struggling In India|publisher=[[CNBC]]|date=May 28, 2019}}{{cbignore}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Harley-Davidson}}
* {{Official website}}
{{Finance links
| name = Harley-Davidson
| symbol = HOG
| sec_cik = HOG
| yahoo = HOG
| google = HOG:NYSE
}}
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