Harley-Davidson, Inc. ( H-D ) , or Harley , is an American motorcycle manufacturer, founded in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1903.
As one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression ( along with Indian ) , the company has survived numerous ownership arrangements, subsidiary arrangements ( e.g.,
Aermacchi 1974-1978 and Buell 1987-2009) , periods of poor economic health and product
quality, as well as intense global competition — to become one of the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturers and an iconic brand widely known for its loyal following — with owner clubs and events worldwide as well as a company sponsored brand-focused museum.
Noted for a style of customization that gave rise to the chopper motorcycle style, Harley-Davidson traditionally marketed heavyweight, air-cooled cruiser motorcycles with engine displacements greater than 700 cm³ — and has broadened its offerings to include its more contemporary VRSC ( 2002) and middle-weight
Street ( 2015) platforms.