Harley-Davidson Has Best Growth Since Q3 2003; Retail Sales Rise 26%

Harley-Davidson (NYSE:

) had its best growth since Q3 2003, according to a report from the Motorcycle Industry Council on Friday. The report is published on the 20th of the month following the end of the quarter. Retail sales for Q1 rose 26%, compared with estimates of 17%. Shares of the Milwaukee-based motorcycle maker surged on the on the news, reaching a 52-week high of $52.03, before closing at $51.70. Harley-Davidson reports Q1 earnings on Wednesday April 25.