Where are Harleys Made?
Harley-Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle brand that has been around for over a century. It's no secret that Harley-Davidson motorcycles are beloved by enthusiasts all over the world, but where are they actually made? In this blog, we'll take a deep dive into the production facilities of Harley-Davidson and explore where each component of these motorcycles comes from.
Harley-Davidson's main production facility is located in York, Pennsylvania. This massive factory produces the Sportster, Softail, Touring, and CVO families of motorcycles, as well as the LiveWire electric motorcycle. The York factory is an impressive facility that spans over 1.5 million square feet and employs thousands of workers.
When you enter the York factory, the first thing you'll notice is the sheer scale of the operation. The factory is divided into several sections, each dedicated to a specific aspect of motorcycle production. One section is devoted to welding, where workers use robotic arms to fuse together the various parts that make up the frame and chassis of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Another section of the York factory is dedicated to painting and finishing. Here, workers use specialized equipment to apply the distinctive Harley-Davidson paint schemes to each motorcycle. The factory also has a machine shop where workers use CNC machines to create custom parts and components for each motorcycle.
The York factory is also where most of the components for Harley-Davidson motorcycles are made. This includes everything from frames and fenders to exhaust systems and wheels. Many of these parts are made using advanced manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing and laser cutting.
One of the most impressive things about the York factory is its attention to detail. Each motorcycle that rolls off the assembly line undergoes a rigorous quality control process to ensure that it meets Harley-Davidson's high standards. This includes a thorough inspection of every component, as well as a test ride to make sure that everything is working as it should.
While the York factory is where most of the components for Harley-Davidson motorcycles are made, there is another facility that is just as important when it comes to the production of these iconic machines. That facility is located in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and it's where the engines for Harley-Davidson motorcycles are made.
The Menomonee Falls facility (right outside Milwaukee) is a massive 849,000 square-foot factory that is known for being the home of the "Big Twin." This refers to the iconic V-twin engine that powers many of Harley-Davidson's most popular motorcycles, including the Sportster, Softail, and Touring families.
When you tour the Menomonee Falls factory, you'll see rows of workers assembling these powerful engines by hand. Each engine is made up of hundreds of individual components, including pistons, cylinders, and crankshafts. These components are machined to incredibly tight tolerances to ensure that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently.
One of the things that sets Harley-Davidson apart from other motorcycle manufacturers is its commitment to quality. This is evident in every aspect of the production process, from the careful selection of materials to the rigorous testing and inspection of each component.
Harley-Davidson also places a great deal of emphasis on customization. Each motorcycle that rolls off the assembly line is unique, thanks to the wide range of options that are available.
In addition to its commitment to quality and customization, Harley-Davidson is also known for its rich history and culture. The company has been around for over a century and has played an important role in American popular culture. Harley-Davidson motorcycles have been featured in countless movies, TV shows.