- Only for motorcycles to be sold in North America
- Will include Revolution Max range
- To produce over 100,000 units
Harley-Davidson has announced plans to bring production of its Revolution Max-powered motorcycles for the North American market back to the United States, marking a significant shift in manufacturing strategy at a time when much of the motorcycle industry continues to expand production into lower-cost regions overseas.
The move will see production of the company’s liquid-cooled Revolution Max range, including the Pan America adventure bikes, Sportster S and Nightster, relocated to facilities in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin ahead of the 2028 model year. Once the transition is complete, key manufacturing processes such as engine machining, powertrain assembly, painting and final vehicle assembly will all take place domestically.
The decision stands in contrast to broader industry trends. In recent years, several major motorcycle manufacturers have increased production capacity outside their home markets in pursuit of lower costs and greater manufacturing flexibility. Companies such as Triumph and Ducati have expanded production operations into regions including Asia and South America, while other global brands have followed similar strategies to support growing international demand.
Harley-Davidson’s latest move, however, reflects a renewed emphasis on domestic manufacturing as part of its wider ‘Back to Bricks’ business strategy. The Milwaukee-based manufacturer expects the transition to be completed before production of 2028 model-year motorcycles begins in 2027.
The company has also outlined ambitious production targets linked to the initiative. Harley-Davidson forecasts that more than 100,000 motorcycles will be assembled at its York, Pennsylvania, facility during the 2027 production year, highlighting the importance of the site within the brand’s future manufacturing plans.
According to Harley-Davidson, changing trade policies in the United States and evolving global economic conditions have created new opportunities to invest in domestic production. The company believes the move will strengthen its manufacturing footprint while supporting additional employment across its US operations.
Harley-Davidson says the transition is expected to create dozens of new manufacturing positions, including union-supported jobs, across facilities in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The investment is also intended to reinforce the company’s long-standing connection to American manufacturing, a cornerstone of the brand’s identity since its founding more than a century ago.
