With the help of a childhood friend named William Harley and a dollop of good old American know-how, Arthur Davidson developed early prototypes of the world-famous Harley-Davidson (HOG) motorcycle a hundred years ago in his Wisconsin toolshed.

Ever since, virtually all Harleys have been made on U.S. turf, including the modern-day "Hogs" with their distinctive Big V-Twin engines, by now a piece of American culture. Many Harley riders wouldn't have it any other way -- one reason the company won't move production outside the U.S., company spokesman Bob Klein says.

The company resolved tense labor disputes at its big York, Pa., plant two years ago, and that plant, along with factories in Wisconsin and Missouri, continue to churn out bikes and accessories sold around the globe. Foreigners buy 30% of the bikes and gear sold by Harley-Davidson, the only major U.S. motorcycle company, helping to keep its 9,300 U.S. workers busy.