MILWAUKEE (Sept. 11, 2015) — Michelin North America Inc. has agreed to make available to authorized Michelin dealers in the U.S. and Canada its line of Scorcher Michelin/Harley-Davidson co-branded motorcycle tires, which up to now have been sold exclusively through Harley-Davidson dealers.
The tire maker and Milwaukee-based motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson Inc. signed an agreement Aug. 13 to expand the distribution network for the Michelin Scorcher 11, 31 and 32 tires, which are fitted OE on Harley-Davidson Sportster, Dyna, V-Rod and Harley-Davidson Street motorcycles.
Michelin has produced the co-branded tires for Harley-Davidson since 2009, sourcing radial motorcycle tires from its plants in Spain and Thailand. This is the only instance of a co-branded product in Michelin's portfolio, the tire maker said.
The company said this move is being made to ensure more widespread availability of these OE-approved tires to Harley-Davidson riders.
Michelin did not comment on the move's anticipated effect on sales.