The Harley-Davidson Motor Company is an American manufacturer of motorcycles based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. It is one of the two remaining American mass-producers of motorcycles (along with Victory). The company emphasizes heavy bikes designed for cruising and known for their distinctive exhaust note.

Harley-Davidson motorcycles (popularly known as "Harleys") are distinctive in both design and sound. Harley-Davidson motorcycles attract a loyal following (in marketing terms, the owners form a brand community). A recent study[1] suggests that Harley-Davidsons with removed mufflers are becoming an increasing point of ire in American suburbs, due to their loudness.

The Motor Company supplies many domestic police forces with their motorcycle fleets. Harleys are especially noted for the tradition of heavy customization that gave rise to the chopper-style of motorcycle. It also licenses its logo, which is a profitable side business ($41 million of revenue in 2004, or almost 5% of net income).

Since 1998 Harley-Davidson has also owned Buell Motorcycle Company.

Source: Wikipedia