Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson(NYSE: HOG, formerly HDI[3]), often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression.[4] Harley-Davidson also survived a period of poor quality control and competition from Japanese manufacturers.[5]




The company sells heavyweight (over 750 cc) motorcycles designed for cruising on the highway. Harley-Davidson motorcycles (popularly known as "Harleys") have a distinctive design and exhaust note. They are especially noted for the tradition of heavy customization that gave rise to the chopper-style of motorcycle.[6] Except for the modern VRSC model family, current Harley-Davidson motorcycles reflect the styles of classic Harley designs. Harley-Davidson's attempts to establish itself in the light motorcycle market have met with limited success and have largely been abandoned since the 1978 sale of its Italian Aermacchi subsidiary.



Harley-Davidson sustains a loyal brand community which keeps active through clubs, events, and a museum. Licensing of the Harley-Davidson logo accounts for almost 5% of the company's net revenue.

Harley-Davidson


Type Public (NYSE: HOG)

Founded 1903

Founder(s) William S. Harley

Arthur Davidson

Walter Davidson

William A. Davidson

Headquarters Milwaukee, Wisconsin,

United States

Key people Keith E. Wandell, CEO

Products Motorcycles

Revenue ▼ US$4.29 Billion (FY 2009)[1]

Operating income ▼ US$70.6 million (FY 2009)[1]

Employees 9,700 (2006)[2]

Subsidiaries MV Agusta

Website www.harley-davidson.com