Harley-Davidson is a USA carmaker founded in 1903. The cars themselves are another matter: across 2 VIN prefixes on record they came off lines in 1 country — the United States 100%. 122 models are tracked here (1981–2026). Reliable? yes, and comfortably so — 4.4 out of 5 across 122 rated models, though the spread between model years is far wider than the badge suggests (every model ranked →).
Who makes Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson Motor Company is an American motorcycle manufacturer headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Founded in 1903 by William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson (joined later by Walter Davidson and William A. Davidson), Harley-Davidson is one of two American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression and is the longest continuously operating American motorcycle company. Harley-Davidson dominates the US heavyweight (601cc+) cruiser segment with the Sportster, Softail, Touring, CVO and Trike families. The 2024 lineup spans the entry-level Nightster and the X 350/X 500 small cruisers (built in partnership with QJ Motor in China) through the touring Road Glide and CVO Pan America adventure-touring flagship. The 2019 LiveWire was Harley's first electric motorcycle and was spun off as a standalone brand (LiveWire Group, NYSE: LVWR) in 2022. Harley-Davidson trades on the New York Stock Exchange under HOG. Recall data for every Harley-Davidson motorcycle VIN sold in the US is reported to NHTSA. EPA emissions ratings, IIHS-equivalent moto safety data and consumer surveys provide independent benchmarks. ForCar.org decodes any Harley-Davidson VIN to surface trim, factory options, open recalls and original delivery price.
William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson built their first motorcycle in 1903 in a 10-by-15-foot wooden shed in Milwaukee. The 1907 incorporation of Harley-Davidson Motor Company introduced the V-Twin engine in 1909, an architecture the brand has maintained for 115 years. Harley-Davidson supplied military motorcycles to the US Army in both World Wars and was acquired by AMF in 1969 before a 1981 management buyout returned the company to independent ownership. The 1986 IPO took Harley-Davidson public.
| Harley-Davidson | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1903 |
| Founded by | William S. Harley, Arthur Davidson, Walter Davidson, William A. Davidson |
| Headquarters | Milwaukee, USA |
| Listed as | HOG |
| Slogan | «Live to Ride. Ride to Live.» |
| Assembled in | 1 countries |
Technology it is known for: Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin engine, Reflex Defensive Rider Systems, H-D Connect telematics, Revolution Max powertrain (Pan America, Sportster S), Screamin' Eagle performance tuning.
This page covers Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the motorcycle manufacturer — not LiveWire Group (the spun-off electric motorcycle subsidiary, sold separately as NYSE: LVWR) or Harley-Davidson Financial Services.
Where Harley-Davidson cars are actually built
A badge says where a company is registered, not where its cars were bolted together. The first three characters of any VIN — the world manufacturer identifier — say the second thing, and that is what we counted: 1,385 vehicles on record, 2 distinct manufacturer codes.
| Assembled in | Share | VIN starts with | Years seen |
|---|---|---|---|
| the United States | 1HD, 5HD | 1985–2026 |
Read your own: the first character is the region, the first three together identify the plant's manufacturer. A Harley-Davidson beginning 1HD was assembled in the United States.
All Harley-Davidson models 122
Every Harley-Davidson model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles 122
| Model | Years | Recalls | Complaints | Best MPG | ForCar score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson Street Glide | 1984–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Sportster | 1981–2026 | 15 | 69 | — | 3.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Road Glide | 1998–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Road King | 1981–2022 | 7 | 35 | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson V-Rod | 2002–2010 | 2 | 5 | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Nightster | 2007–2026 | 1 | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Fat Boy | 1981–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Breakout | 2013–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Street Bob | 1989–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 | 1981–2010 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Sportster S | 2021–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FXR | — | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Low Rider | 1981–2022 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 | 1981–2010 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Night Rod | 2006–2008 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail | 2005–2014 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Fat Bob | 2008–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Night Train | 1998–2009 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST | 2022–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Softail Standard | 1981–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Pan America | 2021–2026 | 1 | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited | 2016–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Low Rider S | 2016–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Freewheeler | 2015–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide | 1981–2015 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Rocker | 2008–2009 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide | 1981–2010 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight | 2010–2022 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra | 2016–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Softail Slim | 2012–2021 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FXRS | 1983–1985 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Softail Custom | 1981–2010 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide | 2000–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic | 1981–2021 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe | 1981–2021 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Road King Special | 2012–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special | 2014–2023 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic | 1981–2021 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special | 2015–2023 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson XL 1200 | 1998–2001 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FLHX | — | 32 | 182 | — | 3.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic | 2018–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Rocker C | 2008–2011 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FLH | — | 1 | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce | 2000–2007 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide | 2010–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle | 2009–2021 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Nightster Special | 2023–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Road Glide 3 | 2023–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Switchback | 2012–2021 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Street Glide Ultra | 2025–2025 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic | 2008–2015 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Street Rod | 2006–2021 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Sport Glide | 1981–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Fat Bob 114 | 2018–2023 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special | 2007–2021 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Road Glide ST | 2022–2023 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Military | 1981–1999 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FXST | — | 3 | 5 | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide RR | 2025–2025 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Cross Bones | 2008–2011 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Blackline | 2011–2013 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited | 2010–2015 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard | 1994–2022 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 114 | 2018–2023 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson CVO Breakout | 2013–2014 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST | 2024–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Police Road Glide | 2024–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson SuperLow | 2013–2020 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom | 1998–2021 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Road King Custom | 2004–2007 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Street Glide ST | 2022–2023 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Road Glide Custom | 2010–2015 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide | 1983–2013 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson XR1200 | 2008–2013 | 1 | 3 | — | 3.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FLHT | — | 12 | 14 | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson MT500 | 2000–2000 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FLHR | — | 24 | 62 | — | 3.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Classic | 1981–2013 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Police Road King | 2000–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FXDX | — | 1 | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 | 2018–2023 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited | 2020–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FLHX / Street Glide | 2026–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FXDWG | — | 6 | 21 | — | 4.0/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FXSTC | — | 2 | 8 | — | 3.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide 2 | — | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Heritage Springer | 1997–2003 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FXD / Dyna Super Glide | — | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FXDC | — | 8 | 19 | — | 3.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FXRT | — | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Dyna Fat Bob | 2008–2015 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited Low | 2015–2021 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Road Glide Ultra | 2011–2021 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FLSTN | — | 5 | 14 | — | 4.0/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FLTRX / Road Glide | — | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FXS | — | 2 | 3 | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FLHXS / Street Glide Special | — | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom | 2004–2014 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FXDL / Dyna Low Rider | — | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FLHTCUI | — | 3 | 21 | — | 4.0/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FXSB | 1981–1985 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Sport | 1997–2003 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson X350RA | 2023–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson XL1200S | — | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson XR100 | — | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FLSTC / Heritage Softail Classic | — | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson CVO Road King | 2002–2014 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FLHS | — | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FXRD | 1983–1985 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Pan America Special | 2021–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two | 2012–2021 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Highway King | 2023–2023 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FLHR / Road King | — | 1 | 1 | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FLHRCI | — | 2 | 9 | — | 4.0/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FLHTCU / Electra Glide Ultra Classic | — | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FLT | 1981–1985 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FXRC | 1983–1985 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson FXST / Softail Standard | — | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide Revival | 2024–2026 | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson XG500 / Street 500 | — | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
| Harley-Davidson XLH | — | — | — | — | 4.5/5 |
Harley-Davidson by the numbers
What the federal records say about the marque. Each line links to the full breakdown by model and year.
| Topic | Harley-Davidson | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Recalls | 129 campaigns | Most recalled: Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch |
| Owner complaints | 446+ filed | Most reported: FLHX |
Compare model years like a dealer does.
- Full research report on any model year
- Market chart: how this model holds value
- Exact values with mileage adjustment
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Get a Harley-Davidson window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Harley-Davidson's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Harley-Davidson window stickers →How to read a Harley-Davidson VIN
Every Harley-Davidson built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Harley-Davidson and the country it was built in (real Harley-Davidson codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA1HD
- Brazil932
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. Our VIN decoder breaks all seventeen positions down — year codes, country of assembly and the plant that built the car.
Who owns Harley-Davidson, and what you get
Harley-Davidson is independent, USA-owned and publicly listed as HOG. Harley-Davidson dominates the US cruiser, touring and trike motorcycle segments with US market share consistently above 35-40% in heavyweight motorcycles. The brand competes against Indian Motorcycle (the only other major US heavyweight manufacturer), Honda, Yamaha, BMW Motorrad and Triumph. International sales focus on Europe, Japan and Australia. The Pan America (2021) and adventure-touring Pan America CVO (2024) represent Harley's push into segments dominated by BMW and KTM.
| Harley-Davidson | |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | USA |
| Ownership | Independent |
| Stock ticker | HOG |
| Basic warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Assembly countries | United States |
⚠ Worth knowing before you rely on it: across our complaint records the typical car reaches the halfway point of its faults at five years, while basic cover here runs 3 years / 36,000 miles. See when Harley-Davidson models actually start to break →
Harley-Davidson — frequently asked
Is Harley-Davidson usa?
Harley-Davidson is a USA company, headquartered in Milwaukee and founded in 1903. The cars are a separate question: 100% of the Harley-Davidson vehicles in our records were assembled in the United States.
Where are Harley-Davidson cars made?
Across 2 manufacturer codes on record, assembly splits as: the United States (100%). The first three characters of a VIN identify the manufacturer and plant country — that is where these shares come from.
Who owns Harley-Davidson?
Harley-Davidson is independent, publicly traded as HOG.
How many Harley-Davidson models are there?
We track 122 Harley-Davidson models spanning 1981–2026. The full list is above, ordered by how often each is searched.
What is the Harley-Davidson warranty?
New vehicles come with 3 years / 36,000 miles basic cover and 5 years / 60,000 miles on the powertrain. Terms vary by model year and market — confirm with a dealer.
Is Harley-Davidson reliable?
It depends far more on the model and year than on the badge. Every Harley-Davidson model is ranked by complaint rate here, along with the age at which each starts to fail.