Harley-Davidson to ramp up production.

Undaunted by the rising interest rates, rising fuel costs and the gyrating stock market that have hampered many U.S. manufacturers, Harley-Davidson Inc. plans to increase its motorcycle production this year to levels it didn't expect to reach for another three years.

"The market for Harley-Davidson motorcycles continues to roar," said Jeffrey Bleustein, the company's chairman and chief executive officer.

Harley-Davidson and Buell registrations were up 20 percent nationwide over the first five months of this year and would have been even higher if not for short-term production constraints, Bleustein said.

The market for so-called heavyweight motorcycles, which includes Harley-Davidson bikes, grew by 25 percent during the same period. The Buell division produces lighter-weight sport and touring motorcycles.

THREE …