Who Owns Harley-Davidson®?
Harley-Davidson® has traded on its all-American image for decades, but we do hear every now and then from Atlanta and Conyers-area buyers who want to be sure that the company is still based in the USA before they buy. So where are Harley-Davidson® motorcycles made now, more than a century after the company was founded in Milwaukee? The H-D® of today is part of a publicly-traded company in the USA, which means that it isn't owned by a single corporation. Rather, its many shareholders split ownership into shares, which number more than 1.4 million.
Have further questions about who owns Harley-Davidson®? Wondering if Kawasaki owns Harley-Davidson® or where are Harley-Davidson® motorcycles are made? Below, Killer Creek Harley-Davidson® covers everything you need to know before you sign on the dotted line.
Does Kawasaki Own Harley-Davidson®?
You may have heard rumors that Harley® is owned by Kawasaki, a motorcycle manufacturer based in Japan. Fortunately, where Harley-Davidson® motorcycles are made hasn't changed much since the company's humble beginnings over a century ago in Milwaukee. Then and now, new Harley® bikes have been proudly built in the USA! The Kawasaki rumors got started when word spread that the Japanese company was interested in purchasing Harley-Davidson®. However, the reality is that Kawasaki has no stake in H-D® or any other motorcycle company.
Where Are Harley-Davidson® Motorcycles Made?
The first models were built in a one-room facility in Milwaukee, but where are Harley-Davidson® motorcycles made nowadays? It depends on where you're buying. The brand now operates seven plants worldwide to serve H-D® buyers across the globe. If you're buying in the USA, every bike for sale at an authorized dealership was built at one of three domestic facilities, located in:
- York, Pennsylvania, USA
- Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, USA
- Tomahawk, Wisconsin, USA
That said, things get a little muddy when you start talking about individual parts and components. For instance, engine pistons on USA-built Harleys® are imported from Austria, suspensions from Japan, clutch and brake components from Italy, and some electronics from China and Mexico. Still, none of this directly impacts the fact that Harley-Davidson® motorcycles are made in the USA.
Test Ride a New Harley-Davidson® in Roswell
If you're ready to own a little piece of H-D®, there's no better way than to bring one home to Cartersville! Whether you're looking for a custom upgrade or buying your first bike, our team is here to help you craft the perfect ride. Check out our handy guides for details on getting a motorcycle license in Georgia, H-D® maintenance schedules, and more.