I did both the factory tour and Gettysburg and I'd go back and do both of them again.

 

Heading over that way next month myself. Extended my stay to go down there on a monday. On the HD website it said Mon-Thur working. No work on fridays but tour still open.

 

Any body take their kids? I'm wondering how they check on the minimum age (my really tall 11 year old would like to go, but you have to be 12)

 

Tour was great, nice to see how the bikes come together. I tried week before last but they were moving the line and tours were off that week Luckily I did it a few years ago

 

We just did the York factory tour Monday Aug 1st. I was the first day/tour in the new building. Very nice and well run all were welcome saw kids of all ages. We never did the original one but the friends with us had done it several times. They enjoyed the new building/tour too. I was impressed with the entire process. Sorry no samples at the end.

 

Just did the factory tour a couple months ago. Wife is from just outside Gettysburg so we did that ride also. Not real impressed with the tour as they were still in the process of moving to the new building. Will do it again next run up there...Although one thing really kinda ticked me off is the store doesn't give Military discounts like every dealer I have been to....

While you're up that way you should also check out Appalachian Harley-Davidson.. Bryan (owner) is a real nice guy to chat with. And if you really wanna ride through some beautiful country ride over to Yearicks Harley-Davidson.. Gov (owner) another nice guy to chat with...

 

Granted, I went down there years ago, but this might be worth looking into. When you stop at Gettysburg HD, ask about the HOG member that does battlefield tours, on your bike. Well, he rides HIS bike, and you take yours.

A few of us did this, oh probably 5 years ago or so and it was awesome. He's a licensed battlefield tour guide and really knows his stuff. Sorry I cant remember his name but if he's still around, the folks at Gettysburg Harley will know how to contact him.

 

We rode to York on our way to Mountainfest in W.V. got to the plant and they were closed to move into the new building. Could have gone back on Monday the 1st to take the tour in the new building, but had to get back to work. I'm going to make the trip down again to take it.

 

Been 3 times all in the summer. It's a real sweat shop for the workers. Noisy, hot humid inside. They keep cool sith fans everywhere. No freebees and no picture taking. Even so still interesting to see.

 

Well... just an update

We took the tour last Friday. It was a great tour but the workers are on 4 10hr days until the economy improves, so we did not see a lot of action. The new visitors center is great and the store is nice. I was surprised that the items were not super overpriced, just overpriced. I had to get the factory tour shirt and a pin for my vest. They did let you keep the visitors pin and gave you a couple post cards at the end. I would like to go back when the factory is tuning. I would love to see the tanks and fender stamps working. I was surprised that they do not buid in lots. They build totally to order. They said that they have no more than 3 hours worth of parts on hand at any time, lean manufacturing. The Handlebars and forks are assembled offsite and are brought in as required. In 2011 they started powdercoating the frames instead of painting. Not sure I like this. Once the powdercoating is breached it peels off like fishscales IMO. The bikes are assembled on smart carts that travel from station to station instead of overhead conveyors with the exception of CVO models. With CVO, the bike is built start to finish with the same small team. For you trike lovers, the bike are coming standard with reverse. Looks like it may be a tranny reverse rather than a motor. Not sure on that one but they added another copper colored gear to the differential to handle reverse. The guide said that the orders for trikes are really growing. Must be a baby boomer thing.

Then off we went to Gettysburg. This is another highly recommend. They have a great new visitors center at the battle field cemetary. See the movie, the cyclorama and the museum at the least. We did the horseback tour of the main battlefield, where Pickett's Charge took place. That was an awesome adventure.

Battlefield HD is outside of town on RT 30. It's an impressive store. Lots of selections although no discounts which sucked.

All and all a great weekend... Check it out sometime if you are able.