Here are a few of the most interesting Harley Davidson statistics and facts I was able to dig up including restaurant count, revenue totals and employee counts. As always, be sure to check back in the future as I will be updating this post as new and updated stats become available.
Harley Davidson Facts
Here is pretty much everything you ever wanted to know about Harley Davidson.
Founder(s): William S. Harley, Arthur Davidson, Walter Davidson , William A. Davidson
Current Chief Executive: Matthew Levatich
Harley-Davidson, often simply referred to as Harley, is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1903.
The company has a rich history and is renowned for producing heavyweight motorcycles known for their distinctive design, strong brand identity, and a passionate following among motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.
Harley-Davidson motorcycles are known for their unique V-twin engines and distinctive cruiser-style aesthetics. Over the years, Harley has produced a wide range of motorcycle models to cater to different riding preferences, from touring bikes for long-distance riders to sportier models and custom choppers.
The Harley-Davidson brand extends beyond motorcycles, encompassing a lifestyle and culture that includes merchandise, apparel, and Harley Owners Group (HOG) gatherings and events. The Harley Owners Group is a global community of Harley enthusiasts who share a passion for riding and the brand.
Harley-Davidson History:
1903: William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson build their first motorcycle in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, marking the founding of Harley-Davidson.
1904: The first Harley-Davidson dealer, C.H. Lang of Chicago, opens for business.
1909: Harley-Davidson introduces its first V-twin engine, the 49.5 cubic inch Model 5-D.
1913: A state-of-the-art six-floor brick factory is built to meet the company’s growing demand.
1920: Harley-Davidson becomes the largest motorcycle manufacturer, with dealers in 67 countries.
1936: Introduction of the EL model, featuring the iconic “Knucklehead” engine.
1941-1945: During World War II, Harley-Davidson produces over 90,000 WLA models for the U.S. military.
1957: Launch of the Sportster model, which becomes a staple in the Harley-Davidson lineup.
1969: American Machine and Foundry (AMF) acquires Harley-Davidson, leading to a period of mixed fortunes.
1981: A group of 13 investors, including company executives, buys Harley-Davidson back from AMF, returning it to private ownership.
1983: Introduction of the FXST Softail model, featuring a hidden rear suspension to emulate the “hardtail” look.
1998: Harley-Davidson opens a new assembly plant in Kansas City, Missouri, to meet increasing demand.
2003: Harley-Davidson celebrates its 100th anniversary with events worldwide, including a major celebration in Milwaukee.
2008: The Harley-Davidson Museum opens in Milwaukee, showcasing the company’s rich history and heritage.
2014: Introduction of the Harley-Davidson Street series, aimed at urban riders and featuring smaller displacement engines.
2019: Launch of the LiveWire, Harley-Davidson’s first electric motorcycle, marking a significant shift towards electrification.
2020: Jochen Zeitz is appointed CEO and chairman, initiating a new strategic direction for the company.
2021: Harley-Davidson spins off its electric motorcycle division into a separate brand, LiveWire, to focus on electric mobility.
2023: Harley-Davidson introduces the Nightster model, featuring the new Revolution Max engine, showcasing innovation in performance and design.
2024: Harley-Davidson continues to expand its global presence, opening new dealerships in emerging markets and enhancing its digital platforms to engage a broader audience.
Please note that some of these numbers are easier to find than others. A few of these Harley Davidson statistics come from their own reports, but some are based on news reports and not official company tallies. No information contained on DMR should be relied upon to make investment decisions. Basically, this is the best I can find and I don’t guarantee anything to be 100%.
DMR Publisher. Director of Marketing by day and I run this little site at night. Other interests include Disney, Sports, 80's Nostalgia, LEGO, Star Wars and Tech Gadgets. Other site is DisneyNews.us.
Harley-Davidson, often simply referred to as Harley, is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1903.