Harley Davidson Inc

Owning a chromed or custom Harley-Davidson is "not about transportation, it's about an experience," says the company's chief executive, James L. Ziemer. That's clear to even the most average of non-motorcycling Joes, who, on any given day, are likely to see T-shirts, leathers, window decals, cigarette lighters, bandannas and other paraphernalia emblazoned with the company's trademark bar and shield. But there's one Harley-Davidson Motor Co. item that hasn't been selling as well in the U.S.

He'd had a rotten day at the office -- the boss had barked at him, ordering him to get some mammoth project done within an impossible deadline. So he got aboard his pearl-white Harley-Davidson Street Glide, turned the ignition, gripped the throttle and revved the engine. He rode through streets crowded with apartments, past well-lighted skyscrapers. The city faded behind him and he breathed in the cool nighttime air, his motorbike roaring through the desert.

Harley-Davidson Inc. said that strong international sales of its motorcycles helped drive its fourth-quarter profit up 9.7% -- a touch above Wall Street expectations -- but also that U.S. sales were flat. Chief Executive Jim Ziemer pledged to ramp up dealer rallies and safety classes to bring in new riders to shore up the domestic market. Shares of Harley-Davidson fell $1.89, or 2.6%, to $70.95. Net income for the quarter ended Dec. 31 totaled $252.

Harley-Davidson Inc. locked out employees at its largest plant Thursday after workers authorized a strike that could start today. The company suspended production of Touring and Softail motorcycles at the York, Pa., factory, where the union representing 2,798 workers is fighting a contract proposal that would cut wages for new hires and change health benefits. A strike in York would be Harley-Davidson's first in 16 years.

Talks between Harley-Davidson Inc. and the striking workers at its largest plant will resume Wednesday, the union said Monday. "Unlike earlier meetings, this session will be face to face without mediators present," said Frank Larkin, a spokesman for the International Assn. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Nearly 2,800 workers at Harley's plant in York, Pa., walked off the job Feb. 2 after their contract expired. Harley is seeking a number of concessions from the workers.

Motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson Inc. said it had reached a tentative labor agreement with union workers at its largest manufacturing plant in York, Pa., a breakthrough in the 2-week-old strike by nearly 2,800 employees. A vote by the union rank and file is expected next week, the company said.

Workers at Harley-Davidson Inc.'s largest plant approved a new contract, ending a 3-week-old strike that cost the company an estimated $11 million a day. Frank Larkin, a spokesman for the International Assn. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, said the contract, which will raise workers' pay 12% over three years, was approved by more than 80% of the members of the union's Local 175.

Harley-Davidson Inc. is selling a new source of fuel, one that goes into mouths instead of gas tanks and comes in flavors including teriyaki and pepper. The iconic motorcycle maker is joining forces with one of the largest U.S. packaged-foods companies, Omaha-based ConAgra Foods Inc., to sell beef jerky and tap into the growing meat-snack business. It's the first time that Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson has lent its name and black-and-orange logo to a food product.

Harley-Davidson Inc. said Friday that it would cut 1,100 jobs over two years, close some facilities and consolidate others as it grappled with a slowdown in motorcycle sales. The Milwaukee company also reported its fourth-quarter profit fell nearly 60%, and said it was slashing motorcycle shipments in 2009 to cope with reduced demand. The motorcycle maker said it would consolidate two engine and transmission plants in Milwaukee into its Menomonee Falls, Wis., facility.