Harley-Davidson Inc, which has ridden a wave of rising popularity over the past decade, Thursday reported that profits drooped 2.5 per cent in the first quarter compared to the same period last year, according to dpa. US sales fell 13 per cent amidst rising energy prices and the declining economy, chief executive officer Jim Ziemer said. The company is reducing shipments to US dealers, he said. "There's no sign of when things may turn around," Ziemer was quoted as saying by Bloomberg financial news service. The declining dollar, however, made Harley's products more attractive abroad and helped prevent a bigger decline, analysts noted.
