Harley Davidson Tour Center, York, Pennsylvania

Over the years, thousands of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts have made the journey to York, Pennsylvania to witness passion forged in steel at the York Tour Center. In August of 2009 we also made our way to see this amazing facility. We had been to see the plant in Wisconsin and was looking forward to visiting this location.

Apparently the Harley-Davidson Vehicle Operations in York, PA was established as an assembly facility in 1973, and the first bike rolled off the line on February 2, 1973. This location is responsible for assembling the Touring, CVO and Trike models. They also perform a variety of manufacturing operations – making parts like frames, fuel tanks, and fenders.

We weren’t sure what to expect when we got there, but we were ready to see what they had to share. We had just missed a Classic Tour, but got on the next one a little later. There was a lot to see and do before the tour, so we definitely weren’t bored. Eventually we lined up for the tour which of course began with an introductory video. Seems like a lot of places do this nowadays. At least we didn’t have to put on hairnets like we did at the Celestial Seasonings Tea Facility in Boulder, lol.

Anyway, we eventually made it onto the factory floor where we got a behind-the-scenes look at the people, processes and products of Vehicle Operations. I don’t remember everything we saw (Gene probably does, but I got tired of waiting on him to write this post, lol), but apparently they guided us through the manufacturing of key components and the assembly of Touring, CVO and Trike motorcycles. Then it’s on to the end of the line, where every motorcycle is roll-tested prior to shipping.

After the tour we enjoyed (well Gene mostly, lol) sitting on some of their motorcycles. We had a lot of fun and took a few pictures of Gene on some of his favorites. Sadly these were the only pictures we were allowed to take, as no photos were allowed on the plant floor. So disappointing. I am not a big bike fan like Gene, but I also had a great time wondering around and watching the process in action. I have a better appreciation for Harley’s since our visit. We had been in Baltimore watching a few games at Camden Yards and Fort McHenry and decided to take a trip up to York to check out the York Tour Center. it was only an hour from Baltimore, and we were so glad we made a day trip. Hope to go back one day and do the Steel Toe tour.