Harley-Davidson has opened its doors to their manufacturing facilities to provide a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a legend to life. Three manufacturing sites offer tours options for both independent travelers and groups in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin; York, Pennsylvania; and Kansas City, Missouri.
Powertrain Operations, Pilgrim Road, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
The tour center at the Harley-Davidson Kansas City Vehicle and Powertrain Operations facility. Image provided by Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s 849,000 square-foot Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations facility in Menomonee Falls, Wis., is home of the “Big Twin”. Pilgrim Road employees produce engines and transmissions for the 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.
Two factory tour experiences are offered at the Pilgrim Road facility:
Steel Toe Tour
The Steel Toe Tour package includes a ticket to the Harley-Davidson Museum®. A shuttle transports tour participants from the Museum to Pilgrim Road, where they will get an up-close-and-personal view of the assembly line, powder coat process, cold testing and steel and aluminum machining.
The tour experience includes an exclusive Steel Toe Tour pin, a group photo taken in the factory, transportation to and from the factory and admission to the Harley-Davidson Museum. Two sessions are offered on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:00 am and 12:15 pm. Steel Toe Tours cost $35/pp for groups of 20 or less. The experience lasts three hours. Please call for additional days during the summer. Purchase tickets at
h-dmuseum.com.
Free Factory Tour
Free Factory Tour offers a limited view of the assembly line and designated machining areas for groups of 20 or less. Tours begin at regular intervals between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm on Mondays and last approximately 30 minutes. The free Factory Tour begins at the Pilgrim Road facility.
Vehicle Operations, York, Pa.
Vehicle testing taking place at Harley-Davidson’s York Vehicle Operations facility. Image provided by Harley-Davidson Motor Company
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 components like frames, fuel tanks, and fenders.
At the Vaughn L. Beals Tour Center, guests explore exhibits that detail the manufacturing and assembly processes of the factory. They will 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.
The factory tour begins with an introductory video and continues on the factory floor with a behind-the-scenes look at the people, processes and products of Vehicle Operations. The tour travels through the fabrication and painting 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, Pa. to witness passion forged in steel. Two factory tour experiences are offered at the York facility:
Steel Toe Tour
The Steel Toe Tour provides guests the opportunity to learn Harley-Davidson history and get up-close and personal with the assembly of Softail®, Touring, Trike and CVO™ model families. Vehicle Operations in York, PA has an expanded Steel Toe Tour route that allows for smaller group sizes and a more personalized tour experience. The tour even takes guests through “employee only” paint and polish areas.
Two sessions are offered daily Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m, and each last approximately two hours. Steel Toe Tours cost $32/pp for 16 or more (up to 24). The package includes an exclusive pin, group photo inside the factory, a Steel Toe Tour high visibility vest and a $5 coupon redeemable in the Gift Shop. Purchase tickets by calling 877-883-1450 or 717-852-6440.
Free Factory Tour
Free tours begin at regular intervals, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Tickets are distributed on a first come, first served basis for each day’s available tours. It is recommended that you arrive early in the day. Tours are offered year round in York with free factory tours for up to 36 people from November through March and up to 54 people from April through October.
The Tour Center and Gift Shop hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. Please call or visit our web site for Saturday hours during the summer.
Vehicle & Powertrain Operations, Kansas City, Mo.
Employee at Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations facility shipping a completed powertrain. Image provided by Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Employees in Kansas City produce the Sportster®, Dyna® and V-Rod® families of motorcycles from fabrication and finishing through final assembly to include the liquid-cooled Revolution® powertrain for the V-Rod®.
The tour center features a series of displays that guide visitors through the various manufacturing and assembly processes. Guests also have the chance to sit on current production motorcycles and visit the gift shop, which features tour-related souvenirs.
The tour experience begins with an introductory video. Then it’s on to the factory floor where visitors witness a wide range of operations from pressing, welding, and laser-cutting to polishing and assembly. Guests will see fenders and fuel tanks being formed, newly painted frames hanging on the line, and sophisticated robotic welding technology. The tour also includes a look at how the Revolution® powertrain is assembled from crankcase to cylinder heads.
Free factory tours are offered Monday through Friday throughout the year from 9 am to 1:30 pm and on Saturdays during the summer months. There is typically no production on Fridays. Tours are offered year round in Kansas City for up to 36 people from November through March and up to 54 people from April through October.
The Tour Center and Gift Shop is open from 9 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday.
Due to manufacturing requirements, tours may be modified throughout the year. All factories are closed on major holidays. All factory tour guests must be 12 or older and are required to wear fully enclosed, low-heeled shoes. Safety glasses and steel toe covers (Steel Toe Tour only) are provided. Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more.
For more information on Harley-Davidson Factory Tours, call 1-877-883-1450 (toll free) or 414-343-7850
