Motorcycle and Bicycle Manufacturers

The 423 manufacturers in the US produce motorcycles, bicycles, and scooters, as well as related parts, components, accessories, and apparel. Various models of cycles, which include on-road and off-road cycles, offer different types of rides. Firms may specialize in a particular type of bike. Channels of distribution include wholesalers, distributors, dealers, and retailers. Firms may also sell products directly to riders through websites.

Competition from Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers dominate the global and domestic motorcycle and bicycle market, due to lower material and labor costs.

Competition from Used Cycles

Demand for new motorcycles typically drops when the supply of used cycles rises or when the price of used cycles decreases.

Oct 20, 2026 - Bicycles and E-Bikes Excluded From Proposed China Tariff Relief

• Bicycles, electric bicycles, and bicycle parts were excluded from a list of Chinese imports recommended for potential US tariff relief in September 2026, according to industry association PeopleForBikes. The September 28 update followed a US-China trade review that identified other products for possible preferential treatment. The exclusion suggests that bicycle manufacturers and suppliers importing Chinese components may continue facing elevated tariff costs. For US bicycle manufacturers, persistent duties could increase component sourcing expenses and create challenges for businesses dependent on international supply chains. However, domestic manufacturers and suppliers competing against imported finished bicycles could benefit from continued import barriers. Companies may need to reassess sourcing strategies, supplier relationships, and pricing to manage trade-related uncertainty.
• US motorcycle, bicycle, and parts manufacturing shipments totaled approximately $3.39 billion in 2024, down 9.9% from $3.76 billion in 2023, according to Census Bureau Annual Integrated Economic Survey data updated September 10, 2026. Shipments have fallen substantially from their 2021 level of $5.84 billion, highlighting the industry's contraction following the pandemic-era surge in recreational equipment demand. The data include motorcycle, bicycle, and related parts manufacturing and do not isolate individual product categories. For US manufacturers, the decline underscores challenges associated with changing consumer demand, production volumes, and competition from imported products. Businesses may need to control inventory and production costs while pursuing product innovation and new market opportunities to support growth.
• New US trade actions could raise input and sourcing costs for motorcycle and bicycle manufacturers, while strengthening incentives for domestic production, according to a recent Motorcycle & Powersports News report. Section 301 tariffs of generally 10%–12.5% on imports from more than 80 countries took effect July 24, adding costs to many imported components and materials. Beginning Aug. 19, certain Canadian imports—including motorcycles over 800cc—will face an additional 50% duty, while expanded Section 232 tariffs continue to affect imported steel and aluminum. For manufacturers, higher material and component costs could pressure margins or lead to higher wholesale prices, while supply chains may shift toward U.S. or lower-tariff suppliers. The new aluminum onshoring incentive could eventually help domestic producers secure lower-cost metal inputs. Overall, trade policy favors greater US sourcing but creates near-term cost and planning uncertainty.
• Harley-Davidson’s Q2 2026 performance points to improving conditions for US motorcycle manufacturers, with North American retail sales up 3%, wholesale shipments up 9%, and HDMC revenue up 6% to $1.1 billion. Dealer inventory in North America fell 15%, helping align production more closely with retail demand, while Harley raised its full-year retail and wholesale unit guidance. For the broader motorcycle and bicycle manufacturing industry, the results suggest healthier channel inventories, improving demand, and continued opportunity from new models and electrification. LiveWire revenue rose 52%, helped by higher electric motorcycle and STACYC balance-bike sales. However, tariffs, supplier issues, and affordability remain risks to production costs and margins.

Industry size & Structure

The average US motorcycle or bicycle manufacturer operates out of a single location, employs less than 20 workers, and generates about $9.3 million annually.

• The motorcycle and bicycle manufacturing industry consists of about 423 firms that employ over 8,500 workers and generate about $4.9 billion annually.
• The industry is highly concentrated; the top four companies account for about 65% of industry revenue.
• Large motorcycle manufacturers include Harley Davidson, Indian (Polaris), Honda, and Kawasaki. The largest bicycle manufacturers started as US companies but were eventually acquired by foreign firms, such as Giant (Taiwan), United Wheels (Hong Kong), and Pon Holdings (The Netherlands). Most US firms are low-volume producers that specialize in niche products for hard-core bikers. Large domestic firms include Trek and BCA.
• The median age of a motorcyclist is 50 years old, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. Over 80% of riders are male. The median household income of motorcyclists is $62,500.