Where is my Engine Made?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
it's really hard to say. it isn't like they show you areas with big smelting pots where they pour liquid metal into molds....
but you do get to see where they put all the pieces together, and the engine run on a 'virtual' dyno. they explain how in the old days, every engine would be run after assembly. but nowadays, they have all these lines go to it where they can run it and see all kinds of diagnostic info on it. it's pretty cool to see.
but you do get to see where they put all the pieces together, and the engine run on a 'virtual' dyno. they explain how in the old days, every engine would be run after assembly. but nowadays, they have all these lines go to it where they can run it and see all kinds of diagnostic info on it. it's pretty cool to see.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 653
From: Atlantic Canada, eh
I am a couple thousands of miles away, but have been on the factory tour a couple times. (once in York PA, bike assembly and paint) and twice in Milwaukee Wi, milled and assembled and at that time, rebuilding of engines.
I did not notice any packages from Asia when at either location. Milling machines, lathes, robots & good ol' Americans putting metal together.
I did not notice any packages from Asia when at either location. Milling machines, lathes, robots & good ol' Americans putting metal together.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,315
Likes: 1,663
From: Tampa
I am not too sure about that. I am reasonably certain that the engine parts are made in North America I am not convinced that they are all made in america. Aluminum casting and chrome plating are not EPA friendly. Most of harley chrome used to be done in canada not sure anymore where it's done. More than likely the castings are as well. Some of this stuff is just to costly to meet the EPA regs.
The ultimate question is where do you define whether or not something is made vs. assembled in America? For instance, the steel Harley uses for their frames, where's the foundry that mined the iron ore for that? Same with the aluminum for the entire engine and transmission casings. A lot of manufacturing processes are not EPA friendly and get outsourced to China.
I'm sure there was a time when Harley used to actually cast their own heads, cylinders, and crankcases. I'd speculate that time is long gone.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,031
From: Carlsbad, CA
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,621
From: along the shore of Mishigami
The robots are asexual and the engine/ tranny cases poured in Bangladesh (sic) then everything is assembled at the motor plant in Menominee, WI then shipped to York to be installed in the bike on the line. Which I might add, when the plants open up take the steel toe tour in York, PA. you won't be disappointed. Tanks are cut and formed as well as the fenders, frames welded up, etc. A good tour. I did the engine plant tour many years ago..