Are Harley-Davidson Engine Parts Made in China?

Harley-Davidson is a proud American motorcycling brand that has been operational and producing motorcycles since 1903. Many motorcycle manufacturers in America have tried mimicking Harley but have failed badly.

Many other notable American motorcycle brands also struggled to survive world wars and other economic distresses. However, Harley-Davidson emerged victorious after every challenging situation the country faced in the last 12 decades.

This is a major reason why Americans love Harley-Davidson and its motorcycles. Harley is considered a household name for all American patriots. The company has always stayed loyal to its fans and users, just like they are loyal to the brand.

Nevertheless, the current challenges, market situation, low sales, and fierce competition have caused much damage to Harley-Davidson. Many have started questioning the brand for its current brand positioning and integrity.

Some of Harley-Davidson's decisions have been challenged and questioned by its loyal fanbase and community. However, no such objections have been raised regarding the quality of Harley’s build and parts, particularly engine parts.

Though Harley owners and users have previously reported certain issues with the Milwaukee-Eight engine and previous-generation engines, they have been resolved. The company always announces a recall whenever there is an issue with the motorcycles produced.

However, if rumors, such as “Harley-Davidson parts being made in China or some other countries,” circulate, it will cause damage to the company’s reputation.

Whether these rumors are true or not requires a detailed explanation. Continue reading this article to learn whether the Harley-Davidson engine parts are made in China or not.

Harley-Davidson has always been proud to be called the National American motorcycle brand. The company has always stood with the country and the US Armed Forces during difficult times. Though it is currently experiencing a tough time, it never wants to disappoint motorcyclists.

The company is not only limited to the US; Harley-Davidson is a renowned name all over the world.

Harley-Davidson started its operation in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US. The brand still sticks to its roots with its headquarters and main factory in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

As far as the engine parts are concerned, Harley-Davidson produces these parts and components in the US while maintaining strict quality control over its manufacturing processes.

Harley-Davidson is well-known for producing and using the highest-quality parts for its motorcycles. Above all, the company's motorcycles are reliable and last longer.

To paint a clear picture, we are listing down Harley-Davidson’s manufacturing plants or factories located in the US:

• Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

• Tomahawk, Wisconsin, USA.

• Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, USA.

• York, Pennsylvania, USA.

These plants are currently operating at full capacity to produce Harley-Davidson motorcycles and engine parts in the US.

The answer to the main question, “Are Harley-Davidson Engine Parts Made in China?” is “No.” Harley-Davidson engine parts are designed, manufactured, and assembled in the United States.

All Harley models for American riders and the local US motorcycle market are made in the country.

Only certain small components or electronics used in Harley-Davidson motorbikes may come from China. However, the main engine parts and components are only manufactured in the US. It is important to maintain the highest quality of manufacturing and quality standards.

Importing certain small motorcycle parts and electronics from China can help the company focus on the major motorcycle parts. It can also allow the company to develop the latest technology for its upcoming models and stay competitive in the market.

This is the reason why automobile companies, particularly motorcycle brands, have large Research and Development (R&D) departments.

As a global brand, Harley-Davidson has a global supply chain network. This means the company collaborates with other countries to obtain different raw materials, resources, and parts to make its products.

This process helps a company sell its motorcycles at a lower and reasonable price for customers. It also helps Harley-Davidson make use of the best resources and technology and stay competitive and up-to-date in the market.

Almost every giant motorcycle brand, including the Japanese, Italian, German, Austrian, and Chinese, has facilities and manufacturing plants in other parts of the world. Some companies collaborate or partner with big companies from other countries to produce or assemble their bikes for that particular market.

This is how the automobile industry works. A major motorcycle company cannot expand or survive without outsourcing its processes or tasks.

If Harley-Davidson has to produce motorcycles for the Indian motorcycle market, the best and most feasible option is to produce or assemble H-D bikes in India.

It will be highly expensive and a bad strategy from a business point of view to produce and assemble bikes and then deliver them to the particular country’s market.

The company will have to bear thousands of times more in transportation and supply chain costs to deliver the bikes to other countries. It would be foolish for a business to do such a thing.

It is not China; Harley-Davidson has huge facilities in:

• Manaus, Brazil.

• Rayong, Thailand.

However, these factories in Brazil and Thailand are tasked with assembling and manufacturing certain parts for their own motorcycle markets.

Being a global brand, Harley-Davidson produces and markets its motorbikes for different motorcycle markets around the world. It also has a large dealership network all over the world.

Apart from manufacturing motorcycles, Harley-Davidson also produces promotional items, including:

• Video games

• Dummy Harley-Davidson models

• Accessories

• Ornaments

• Toys

• Gremlin bells

• Home Decor

• Apparel

We recently published a detailed news article on this topic. If you are curious or concerned about whether Harley-Davidson plans to move production to Thailand, click on the link to learn what is happening with Harley.

What worries most Harley users and fans is that the company is planning to move the production of certain models to Thailand for the American market this time. These particular Harley-Davidson models include:

• Harley-Davidson Pan America

• Harley-Davidson Sportster S

• Harley-Davidosn Nightster

• Harley-Davidson Nightster Special

It is not confirmed yet. However, Harley-Davidson is seriously considering moving the production of certain models to its Thailand facility. It is one of the company's cost-saving strategies and may prove to be financially beneficial.

Nonetheless, it can have several implications and consequences for the employees working at the US facility, as many workers may lose their jobs.

The straightforward answer is “No.” Harley-Davidson engine parts are not made in China. However, this doesn’t change the fact that Harley is a global brand with a massive dealership network in different parts of the country. The company also has huge facilities in Brazil and Thailand.

There may be a few minor parts or components, including the electronics, that come from China. Still, overall, Harley has a strict quality control check and policies to ensure there is no compromise on the quality.

There is no such rumor or news currently circulating that Harley is moving the production of its motorcycles or engine parts to China. However, the company plans to move some models' production, including Sportsters and Pan America, to Thailand.

For any future updates regarding Harley-Davidson and the motorcycling world, keep visiting Viking Bags.