Harley-Davidson Motor Company (NYSE: HOG, formerly HDI[2]) is an American manufacturer of motorcycles based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company sells heavyweight (over 750 cc) motorcycles designed for cruising on the highway. Harley-Davidson motorcycles (popularly known as "Harleys") have a distinctive design and exhaust note. They are especially noted for the tradition of heavy customization that gave rise to the chopper-style of motorcycle. [3] [4]
Harley-Davidson attracts a loyal brand community,[5] with licensing of the Harley-Davidson logo accounting for almost 5% of the company's net revenue ($41 million in 2004).[6] In 2003, the Buell Motorcycle Company became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harley-Davidson,[7] the same year that the Motor Company celebrated its 100th birthday. The Motor Company supplies many American police forces with their motorcycle fleets.[8]
