HARLEY-DAVIDSON GEARS UP FOR A FIGHT OVER ITS RIVAL

HARLEY-Davidson could be about to buy its Italian rival Ducati.

The legendary US motorcycle maker is reported to be lining up a £1.3bn takeover bid for Ducati, which is owned by Volkswagen.

But it may have a fight on its hands. Indian motorbike maker Bajaj Auto and several funds are also thought to be preparing to make offers for Ducati as soon as next week.

Ducati, which launched in 1926 and makes the iconic Monster bike, is based in Italian city Bologna. It is being sold by the German car firm’s Audi division. Ducati made profits of £524m last year.

It is understood that Volkswagen is looking to slim down its business as it recovers from the emissions scandal of 2015.

Harley-Davidson has cornered around half of the US big-bike market, but demand for luxury motorcycles is slowing. It did not comment on the takeover reports.

Harley-Davidson was founded in Wisconsin in 1901 8m of its bikes are registered worldwide The firm was made famous by 1969 film Easy Rider, starring Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, pictured Fonda’s motorcycle sold at auction for £840,000 Harley is...