Harley-Davidson Inc (NYSE: HOG, formerly HDI), often abbreviated H-D or Harley,
is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of
two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great
Depression. Harley-Davidson also survived a period of poor quality
control and competition from Japanese manufacturers.
The company sells heavyweight (over 750 cc) motorcycles designed for
cruising on highways. Harley-Davidson motorcycles (popularly known as
"Harleys") have a distinctive design and exhaust note. They are
especially noted for the tradition of heavy customization that gave
rise to the chopper style of motorcycle. Except for the modern VRSC
model family, current Harley-Davidson motorcycles reflect the styles of
classic Harley designs. Harley-Davidson's attempts to establish itself
in the light motorcycle market have met with limited success and have
largely been abandoned since the 1978 sale of its Italian Aermacchi
subsidiary.
Harley-Davidson sustains a loyal brand community which keeps active
through clubs, events, and a museum. Licensing of the Harley-Davidson
brand and logo accounted for $40 million (0.8%) of the company's net
revenue in 2010.
