• January 22, 2010

Harley-Davidson, Inc. says it shipped 35,938 Harley-Davidson motorcycles to dealers and distributors worldwide last quarter, down 53.1% from the fourth quarter of 2008 but in line with previous guidance of 35,000 to 40,000 units.

The Milwaukee motorcycle maker says last-quarter retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 21.4% worldwide: 27.9% in the U.S. and 10.3% in international markets, compared to the prior-year quarter. The company said its sales of its heavyweight (651cc+) motorcycles in the U.S. declined 20.9% during the quarter, compared to the year-ago period.

For the full-year 2009 compared to 2008, the company posted a 22.7% decline in worldwide motorcycle sales: 25.8% in the U.S. and 15.4% in international markets. Industry-wide U.S. retail heavyweight motorcycle sales declined 36.7% percent in 2009 compared to 2008, per the company.

The company says revenue from parts and accessories totaled $144.6 million for the quarter, down 4.9%, and licensed merchandise including apparel saw revenue drop 3.2% compared to the year-ago period.--Karl Greenberg