Harley-Davidson began in Milwaukee in 1903, but Milwaukee is not listed among the company’s current manufacturing sites. Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the public parent company today, and its manufacturing directory lists operations in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Brazil and Thailand. The distinction is simple: Milwaukee is the company’s birthplace and headquarters site; production is distributed.
Where did Harley-Davidson begin?
Harley-Davidson’s story started in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1903. According to the company’s locations page, its headquarters stand on the site where the first factory—a wooden shed—was built in the backyard of the William C. Davidson family home. The Harley-Davidson Museum’s founders history says William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson sold their first motorcycle there that year.
The company’s early work involved more than one founder. Harley brought engineering work, Arthur Davidson contributed to the product and business, and Walter Davidson joined in 1903 with machining experience. William A. Davidson joined in 1907. Harley-Davidson says it incorporated on September 17, 1907, with Walter as its first president and general manager.
Where are Harley-Davidson motorcycles made today?
Harley-Davidson’s current locations directory lists manufacturing operations in the United States, Brazil and Thailand:
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Collectible quality True-to-scale detailed vehicle
- Die-cast metal body with plastic parts
- Officially licensed Harley Davidson product by Maisto International
- Highly-detailed die-cast precision model for collectible or play
- Detailed die-cast precision model
| Location | Listed operation |
|---|---|
| York, Pennsylvania | Vehicle Operations |
| Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin | Powertrain Operations |
| Tomahawk, Wisconsin | Tomahawk Operations |
| Manaus, Brazil | Harley-Davidson do Brasil Ltda Assembly Plant |
| Rayong, Thailand | Thailand Sales Office and Assembly Plant |
The directory is a current company listing, not a dated, independently audited report of which models or components are produced at each site. It identifies Milwaukee as the origin and headquarters location, but does not list it among the manufacturing locations. So “Harley-Davidson is from Milwaukee” is accurate; “Harley-Davidson motorcycles are all made in Milwaukee” is not.
What U.S. production work is planned?
On June 9, 2026, Harley-Davidson announced that it was bringing North American Revolution Max machining, powertrain assembly, painting and final vehicle assembly back to facilities in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The company named the Pan America, Sportster S and Nightster, and said it expected the transition to be completed before Model Year 2028 production in 2027. It projected more than 100,000 motorcycles from York in 2027. These are company expectations announced in June 2026, not confirmation that the transition or projected production has since been completed. See the company announcement for the stated plans.
Rank #2
- 2014 Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 883 Motorcycle Model 1/12 by Maisto 32326
Who owns Harley-Davidson now?
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the public parent company. Its corporate history and filings trace several changes in control: AMF acquired Harley-Davidson in 1969; the company’s archive says motorcycle assembly moved to York, Pennsylvania, with the move completed in 1973; and in 1981, 13 senior leaders led by Vaughn Beals bought the company back from AMF. Harley-Davidson, Inc. became publicly held in 1986. The milestones are documented in the company’s historical timeline.
The current structure is not a founder- or family-owned business. Harley-Davidson’s 2025 Form 10-K reported 111,850,563 common shares outstanding as of January 30, 2026; that is a dated share count, not the number of individual owners. A June 2026 company announcement identifies Harley-Davidson Motor Company as a subsidiary and says Harley-Davidson, Inc. has controlling interests in Harley-Davidson Financial Services and LiveWire Group, Inc. The company’s public filing is available through its SEC filings page. The sources cited here establish the public parent and named corporate relationships, but do not identify the largest current beneficial shareholders.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Officially Licensed Replica – Authentic styling and branding from the original manufacturer
- Die-Cast Metal Construction – Durable metal body with detailed plastic components
- Highly Detailed Design – Realistic exterior styling and interior details
- Free-Rolling Wheels – Smooth movement for display or play
- Perfect for Collectors & Kids – Great gift for automotive fans
Was Harley-Davidson owned by AMF?
Yes. AMF acquired Harley-Davidson in 1969 and owned it until the 1981 management buyback, when 13 senior leaders bought the company back. Harley-Davidson later became publicly held in 1986. AMF ownership is an important period in the company’s history, but it does not describe who owns the public company today.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does the company say about its scale?
Harley-Davidson’s undated locations page says it has more than 5,000 employees worldwide and more than 1,400 independently owned dealerships in nearly 100 countries. These are figures published by the company on that page, rather than independently audited totals cited here.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Collectible quality True-to-scale detailed vehicle
- Die-cast metal body with plastic parts
- Officially licensed Harley Davidson product by Maisto International
- Highly-detailed die-cast precision model for collectible or play
- Detailed die-cast precision model
Rank #4
- Officially Licensed Replica – Authentic styling and branding from the original manufacturer
- Die-Cast Metal Construction – Durable metal body with detailed plastic components
- Highly Detailed Design – Realistic exterior styling and interior details
- Free-Rolling Wheels – Smooth movement for display or play
- Perfect for Collectors & Kids – Great gift for automotive fans
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
