People were lined up for free 16-mile demo rides of the motorcycle-maker's new 2010 models, eager to test out the bike they had heard about or the bike they hoped to someday afford.

By 10 a.m. Thursday, there were more than 80 people in line.

But at least metaphorically, there are still a few clouds lingering overhead for people concerned about the future of the Springettsbury Township plant.

Harley-Davidson is studying whether to relocate the plant, which it has said isn't as profitable as it could be.

People from across the East Coast attend the open house. They said they might not be able to attend

Sean and Jennifer Rahilly of Paymyra, N.J., return to the Harley-Davidson plant in Springettsbury Township after taking a ride on some of Harley's 2010 motorcycles during the 25th anniversary factory tour event. (John Pavoncello Photo)

Sean and Jennifer Rahilly made the trek from Palmyra, N.J., on their 14th wedding anniversary to attend the open house.

It marked their first visit, and they said they made the trip because they were afraid it would be the last time they could.

Hope they stay: Standing in line to test drive the new CVO, Sean Rahilly, 38, said he and the members of his motorcycle club like the relative convenience of coming to York.

"God forbid the plant's not going to be here. ..." he said. "This is not gonna just affect
York. It's gonna affect the whole tri-state area."

He said he and other Harley lovers in surrounding states likely wouldn't be able to drive to an open house in the areas where Harley's considering relocating. The company has narrowed its search to Shelbyville, Ind., Shelbyville, Ky., or Murfreesboro, Tenn.

"I ain't going to Kentucky or wherever," said Harrisburg resident Tara Robertsen, 41, who was planning to test drive a Harley Tri Glide. "I wish they would stay right here. (Harley) is like a part of the area."

The plant's proximity to her house is the only reason she's able to attend a lot of Harley events, she said.

Exton, Pa., resident Adam Roman, 25, said he drives a used Kawasaki, but he's a Harley enthusiast. The prospect of the plant's moving farther away from Exton "kinda sucks," he said.

"I won't be able to come back here for a demo ride," he said.

Bike Night: Organizers of York Bike Night, which will be held Friday, have said they expect a big crowd this year because of the possibility that the York plant could close.

York Harley plant spokesman Michael DiMauro said it would be hard to count the number of people who came to York because of the news of a possible relocation, but Thursday's attendance was about average.

Harley is using the open house to focus on maintaining its corporate bond with the customer, and giving riders and non-riders a chance to experience the latest Harley products.

But it was clear that Harley enthusiasts weren't the only people who couldn't forget the clouds overhead -- Harley's impending decision.

DiMauro was wearing a Harley union-worker pin that read "Keep it Made in York, Pa."

The plant employs more than 2,000 workers, most of whom are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

The company has said a decision on the plant is expected between now and the end of the year. Company officials Thursday said they had no new information about when a decision will be announced.

--Reach Christina Kauffman at 505-5436 or ckauffman@yorkdispatch.com.