Where Are Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Made?

Harley-Davidson’s American Roots

Founded in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Harley-Davidson has always emphasized its American heritage. While Harley now operates internationally, the majority of its motorcycles are still designed and built in the United States. The company’s headquarters remain in Milwaukee, symbolizing its connection to American motorcycling culture.

Main U.S. Manufacturing Facilities

As of 2025, Harley-Davidson operates several factories across the United States:

1. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Harley’s original home. Today, Milwaukee houses product development, corporate headquarters, and limited production of certain parts and engines. It’s also home to the Harley-Davidson Museum.

2. Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin (Pilgrim Road Plant)

This facility produces engines and transmissions, including the Milwaukee-Eight engines used in Touring, Softail, and Trike families.

3. York, Pennsylvania (Vehicle Operations Plant)

York is Harley’s largest U.S. manufacturing site. It assembles Touring models, Softails, and the popular Trike lineup. Many of Harley’s big bikes are built here, including the Road King, Street Glide, and Road Glide.

4. Tomahawk, Wisconsin

The Tomahawk plant builds components such as fairings, windshields, and other composite parts. These pieces are shipped to York and other assembly locations.

5. Kansas City, Missouri (Closed in 2019)

Harley operated a plant here that produced Sportster and Dyna models before it was closed. Production was consolidated into York.

International Manufacturing Facilities

While Harley-Davidson is rooted in America, the company has expanded its manufacturing footprint to meet global demand:

1. Brazil (Manaus)

Harley-Davidson opened its Brazilian plant to serve South American markets. It assembles motorcycles locally to avoid high import tariffs.

2. India (Bawal, Haryana – closed in 2020)

This plant produced smaller Harley models, such as the Street 500 and Street 750, for Asian markets. Production ceased as Harley exited the Indian domestic market, but Harley continues to partner with Hero MotoCorp to sell select models in India.

3. Thailand (Rayong)

One of Harley’s newest plants, this facility produces motorcycles for Southeast Asia and Europe. It helps the company avoid tariffs and expand into growing markets.

Which Harley Models Are Made Where?

• Touring models (Road King, Street Glide, Road Glide, Ultra Limited): Assembled in York, Pennsylvania.
• Softail family: Also produced in York, including Fat Boy, Heritage Classic, and Low Rider ST.
• Sportster S (modern): Produced in U.S. facilities after Kansas City closure.
• Trike models: Assembled in York.
• Smaller displacement bikes (Street 500/750): Formerly produced in India; discontinued as of 2021.
• Pan America ADV bike: Produced in the U.S., reflecting Harley’s commitment to keeping premium models American-made.

Why Harley Builds Motorcycles Abroad

Harley’s expansion outside the U.S. was driven by:

• Tariffs and taxes: Producing locally avoids steep import duties in markets like Brazil and Thailand.
• Market demand: Growing interest in Harley motorcycles worldwide required regional facilities.
• Cost efficiency: Global production helps Harley stay competitive against rivals like Honda, BMW, and KTM.

Does Global Production Affect Quality?

Some riders worry that Harleys built outside the U.S. might lack the same quality. However, Harley-Davidson enforces strict quality controls across all plants. Whether your bike was assembled in York or Thailand, it undergoes the same standards of engineering and inspection.

For example, a Road Glide’s LED headlight upgrade or tail light replacement will fit seamlessly regardless of where the motorcycle was assembled.

FAQs: Where Are Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Made?

• Are all Harleys made in the USA? No. Most Harleys are built in the U.S., but international facilities produce models for regional markets.
• Which Harley models are made in Pennsylvania? Touring, Softail, and Trike models are assembled in York.
• Does Harley still make bikes in India? No. The India plant closed in 2020, but Harley partners with Hero MotoCorp for sales.
• Why does Harley have a plant in Thailand? To serve Asian and European markets and avoid tariffs.
• Is the Pan America made in the U.S.? Yes, the Pan America is produced in Harley’s U.S. facilities.

Final Thoughts

So, where are Harley-Davidson motorcycles made? The answer: primarily in the United States, with key assembly plants in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, plus additional facilities in Brazil and Thailand for international markets. While Harley builds globally to remain competitive, its heritage and heart remain firmly American.

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