Is Harley-Davidson Moving Production Overseas?
Sadly, a large percentage of our population only read the headlines and believe 100 percent of what they read. We wrote this blog to clear up some misinformation.
No. Harley-Davidson is not moving its production overseas. But if you want the whole scoop, read below.
Harley-Davidson, a name synonymous with American craftsmanship remains deeply committed to its roots in the United States. While the company has a global footprint, it has made it clear that its most popular and iconic motorcycles will continue to be designed, developed, and primarily manufactured in the USA. Let us repeat that. Harley-Davidson is committed to manufacturing in the United States of America.
Harley-Davidson's Strategic Manufacturing Shift
Harley-Davidson, like many global companies, has adopted a flexible approach to optimize its manufacturing processes. As part of this strategy, Harley-Davidson has announced a temporary transition of its non-core models equipped with the Revolution Max powertrain—such as the Pan America, Sportster S, and Nightster—to its manufacturing facility in Thailand (plant in existence for over 6 years serving that market) for the 2025 model year. Why?
This decision is not about moving away from American manufacturing but rather about optimizing production capacity for its core product segments (Touring, Softail, Trike)—those motorcycles that have become legends on the American road. By shifting some production overseas, Harley-Davidson is making room to increase the capacity for its most popular models: the Grand American Touring series, the Softail line, and the Trike motorcycles. When a dealer calls the factory and says “My good customer needs a 2024 Street Glide in Whiskey Fire and doesn’t want to wait,” we are often unable to pull that off in short order. We may wait a couple months. When was the last time you waited a couple months for a vehicle? You didn’t and you don’t. You buy something else. Americans are not waiters. We can barely wait 10 minutes for a cheeseburger, little alone 2 months for our favorite color Street Glide or Road Glide.
So what is Harley-Davidson doing?
Harley-Davidson's dedication to U.S. manufacturing goes beyond maintaining its current operations. The company is investing significantly to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and capacity at its York, Pennsylvania facility. Harley-Davidson is channeling an additional $9 million into its U.S. manufacturing infrastructure. This investment, partly funded by a Department of Energy Grant, aims to bolster the production of core product segments—ensuring that the motorcycles that define Harley-Davidson will continue to be made in the York, Pennsylvania. Geography Lesson. Pennsylvania is in the United States. These efforts allow Harley-Davidson to be more responsive to dealers and in turn customer orders.
The Future of Harley-Davidson: Made in America
Harley-Davidson's strategic moves are a testament to its dedication to American manufacturing. While some production is temporarily being moved overseas to maximize efficiency, the company's core motorcycles—the ones that have built its legendary status—will continue to be proudly made in the United States.
So, what motorcycles will be made in York, Pennsylvania, U.S.A?
The Road King Special? Yes. USA
The Street Glide? Yes. USA
The Road Glide? Yes. USA
The Road Glide Limited? Yep. USA
The Ultra Limited? Yep. The United States of America.
The Street Glide CVO. Yes. You guessed it. USA.
The Road Glide CVO. For exact location Latitude: 39.98742, Longitude: -76.71414 (hint, it's not thailand you chucklehead)
The CVO Road Glide ST. You are a smart one. USA.
The Tri-Glide Trike. Made in the United States of America.
The Road Glide 3 Trike. Yes. Made in the US. York, PA to be exact.
The Freewheeler Trike. Go take a tour of York, PA and ask them if they make it there. They do.
The Softail Standard. Made in the USA.
The Street Bob 114. Made in the ol US of A.
The Low Rider S. Yes Sir. Made in the USA
The Low Rider ST. 1425 Eden Road, York, PA 17402
The Softail Breakout 117. Made in PA. Yes, that is in the USA.
The Fatboy 114. For the critics. Here is your sign.
The Softail Heritage Classic. Made in York, PA. That is in the United States.
The Softail Hydraglide. If they still make it? We hope so! York, PA.
Conclusion
Harley-Davidson's strategy to optimize production and invest in American manufacturing reaffirms its commitment to the USA. The company is taking deliberate steps to ensure that its most popular and iconic motorcycles continue to roll off production lines in the United States, reinforcing the legacy of quality, innovation, and American craftsmanship that defines Harley-Davidson.
Frequently Asked Questions about Harley-Davidson's Manufacturing Strategy
Why is Harley-Davidson moving some of its production to Thailand?
Harley-Davidson is temporarily transitioning the production of its non-core models equipped with the Revolution Max powertrain (Pan America, Sportster S, Nightster) to its facility in Thailand. This move is part of a strategic plan to optimize production capacity for the company’s most popular and core models in the U.S., such as the Grand American Touring, Softail, and Trike motorcycles.
Will Harley-Davidson continue to manufacture its motorcycles in the United States?
Yes, Harley-Davidson is committed to designing, developing, and manufacturing its most iconic and popular motorcycles in the United States. The company is focusing its U.S. facilities, particularly in York, PA, on producing core models that have long defined its brand.
What investments is Harley-Davidson making in its U.S. manufacturing facilities?
Harley-Davidson is investing an additional $9 million into its U.S. manufacturing capabilities to strengthen production capacity for its core products. This investment is in part supported by a Department of Energy Grant and aims to further enhance the company's production capabilities in the U.S.
Which models will continue to be produced in the United States?
The Grand American Touring, Softail, and Trike motorcycles—Harley-Davidson’s core and most popular models—will continue to be produced in the United States. These motorcycles are the cornerstone of Harley-Davidson’s American legacy and will remain so for the foreseeable future.
The following models will be continued to be made in the United States: The Road King Special, The Street Glide, The Road Glide, The Road Glide Limited, The Ultra Limited, The Street Glide CVO, The Road Glide CVO, The CVO Road Glide ST, The Tri-Glide Trike, The Road Glide 3 Trike, The Freewheeler Trike, The Softail Standard, The Street Bob 114, The Low Rider S, The Low Rider ST, The Softail Breakout 117, The Fatboy 114, The Softail Heritage Classic, and The Softail Hydraglide.
Are Indian Motorcycles all made in the United States like one of my buddies said?
Some are made in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Some are made in India. Some are made in Thailand. Some are made in Mexico. In 2013, Indian Motorcycles established an assembly facility in Bengaluru, India, in partnership with Polaris India Pvt Ltd. The facility assembles Indian Motorcycle models that are imported into India as completely built-up units (CBUs) and knock-down kits (KD kits). The facility has enabled Indian Motorcycles to enter the Indian market and meet the growing demand for premium motorcycles in the country. In 2015, Indian Motorcycles established an assembly facility in Bangkok, Thailand, in partnership with AP Honda Co Ltd. The facility assembles Indian Motorcycle models that are imported into Thailand as CBUs. The facility has enabled Indian Motorcycles to expand its presence in Southeast Asia and meet the growing demand for premium motorcycles in the region. In 2020, Indian Motorcycles established a new manufacturing facility in Villalpando, Mexico, in partnership with TVS Motor Company. The facility produces Indian Motorcycle models for the North American market, including the Indian Scout and Indian Chief models. The facility has enabled Indian Motorcycles to expand its production capabilities in North America and meet the growing demand for its products in the region.
This article was written by Wilkins Harley-Davidson. Not Harley-Davidson. Any mistakes and sarcasm is solely ours. We do that because there are a lot of uninformed people who read just the headlines.