

This created significant tension within the company, which led to the company coming back to its original owners in the 1980’s. What Happened in The Harley-Davidson's AMF Years?ĭuring the ’70s, with the American economy in a recession, Japanese bikes like Yamaha and Honda were proving to be very popular with consumers. AMF basically tossed the then-financially shaky Harley-Davidson a financial life preserver, and maintained ownership of the motorcycle company for a dozen years. Prior to the acquisition of Harley-Davidson, AMF was a manufacturing company of bowling equipment, tennis rackets, and other recreational items.

In the year of 1969, the AMF corporation (American Machine and Foundry) originally took over production of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
