Harley Davidson has 4 US factories: York, Pennsylvania; Tomahawk, Wisconsin; Kansas City, Missouri; Menomomee Falls, Wisconsin. Each factory has a tour so you can get an up close look at the production of an American icon. Also, be sure to check out the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Harley Davidson Vehicle Operations – York, PA
From Harley Davidson’s website:
Established as an assembly facility in 1973, Harley-Davidson Vehicle Operations in York, PA assembles the Touring, Softail®, CVO™ and Trike models. They also perform a variety of manufacturing operations – making parts like frames, fuel tanks, and fenders.
At the Vaughn L. Beals Tour Center, you’ll explore exhibits that detail the manufacturing and assembly processes of the factory. You’ll also have the chance to sit on current production motorcycles and visit the gift shop for tour-related souvenirs. The Kids Corner, a specially designed area for visitors under the age of 12, makes the York facility an ideal family destination.
Your factory tour begins with an introductory video and continues on the factory floor where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the people, processes and products of Vehicle Operations. You’ll be guided through the manufacturing of key components and the assembly of Softail, Touring, CVO and Trike motorcycles. Then it’s on to the end of the line, where every motorcycle is roll-tested prior to shipping.
Over the years, thousands of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts have made the journey to York, Pennsylvania to witness passion forged in steel.
FACTORY TOUR DETAILS:
Cost: FREE ($35 for the Steel Toe extended tour)
Reservations: Yes, call ahead: 877.883.1450
Tour Duration: Approximately 1.5 hour
Factory hours: M-F 9AM-2PM
Harley Davidson Factory – York, PA
1425 Eden Road
York, PA 17402
harley-davidson.com
Harley Davidson Vehicle & Powertrain Operations – Kansas City, MO
From Harley Davidson’s website:
The 358,000-square-foot Harley-Davidson Vehicle and Powertrain Operations in Kansas City, Mo. was built in 1998.
Kansas City employees produce the Sportster®, Dyna® and VRSC™ families of motorcycles from fabrication and finishing through final assembly to include the liquid-cooled Revolution® powertrain for the VRSC V-Rod.
The tour center features a series of displays that guide you through the various manufacturing and assembly processes. You’ll also have the chance to sit on current production motorcycles and visit the gift shop, which features tour-related souvenirs.
Your tour experience begins with an introductory video. Then it’s on to the factory floor where you’ll witness a wide range of operations from welding, laser-cutting and frame-bending, to polishing and assembly. You’ll see fenders and gas tanks being formed, newly painted frames hanging on the line, and sophisticated robotic welding technology. You’ll also see the Revolution® powertrain assembled from crankcase to cylinder heads.
FACTORY TOUR DETAILS:
Cost: FREE, first come first serve basis.
Reservations: For groups of 10 or more, call ahead: 877-883-1450
Tour Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Factory hours: M-F 9AM-1:30PM
Harley Davidson Factory
11401 N Congress Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64153
harley-davidson.com
Harley Davidson Powertrain Operations – Menomonee Falls, WI
From Harley Davidson’s website:
Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s 849,000 square-foot Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations facility in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, is home of the “Big Twin.” Pilgrim Road employees produce engines and transmissions for the final assembly plants in York, Pennsylvania, and Kansas City, Missouri, for Touring, Softail® and Dyna® model families. Engines and transmissions are also produced for sale through Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts and Accessories business.
The Standard Factory Tour offers a view of the assembly line and designated machining areas.
