Harley Davidson Vehicle Operations in York, Pennsylvania

Today we headed West to York, to visit Harley Davidson. This was a 30 minute drive from our hotel. We left nice and early so we could get the first factory tour of the day, starting at 9am. Luckily we did because it was busy and by the time we finished there were heaps of people waiting.

"Vehicle Operations" is actually the factory where Harley Davidson assemble their motorcycles. The engines and other parts are made elsewhere, but in this factory the frames are assembled, metal tanks and fenders are shaped, all painting and artwork is done, and of course the bike is fully assembled.

We were taken on a walking tour on the factory floor where we got to see almost all stages of production apart from painting, which takes place in a special sealed area to avoid dust.

We've been to other factories including Mercedes Benz engine manufacturing, and Boeing (if you can compare motorcycles to Jumbo Jets) and what struck me was how manual this production line was. Lots of people assembling the bikes, and very little robots and automation. The only robots are welding the frames but even then, where are master welders who inspect and fix any problems by hand afterward.

Sadly, no photography was allowed on the factory floor.

In the visitor centre they have many bikes on display, and also various parts at different stages of production.

Helen bought a T-Shirt and cap. Nice one Helen, now everyone will think we own a Harley.

I sat on a Harley and Helen thought it suited me. But I'll stick with my BMW thanks.

After we were done, we headed up the road to a local diner for brunch. The meals were HUGE and we left having only eaten half of what we ordered. Only in America.