It is about as American as apple pie and has been a fixture in the US culture for over a century. However, due to the economic downturn, Harley Davidson Motor Company (NYSE: HOG) has been deeply impacted, leaving many analysts concerned about the company's future.

Despite the bleak outlook, it is a safe assumption that Harley Davidson will recover when the current recession ends. The company's very name and trademark logo are iconic symbols of the American way of life. Therefore, as goes the company, so goes the country -- and for this reason, it cannot and will not fail.

Although brewing for quite some time, problems for Harley Davidson became widely apparent in the company's 2008 fourth quarter report, which revealed significant drops in production and sales, along with large layoffs. The company also reported big problems in its lending division as well.

Adding to the concern was the recent announcement of multiple leadership changes within the company.

Despite the difficulties, many Harley enthusiasts are learning to become more resourceful, opting for pre owned Harleys and used Harleys as an alternative to purchasing the new and more expensive bikes from dealers and showrooms.

As one of the bedrocks of American culture, Harleys have also played a major part in cinema and pop culture. From 'Easy Rider' to 'Raising Arizona' to 'Wild Hogs,' Harleys and those who ride them have been immortalized in films.

Another factor that will contribute to the company's turnaround is its loyal customer base. Harley Davidson riders are some of the most passionate individuals in the world and despite common misconceptions, these customers range from doctors to attorneys to successful businessmen and women.

Consumer demand is and always has been the lifeline of the company. Baby Boomers, who are currently watching their retirement accounts dwindle at an alarming pace, will be vital to any type of recovery. When the fundamentals of the economy begin to stabilize, consumer confidence will increase, giving Boomers the ability to once again use their discretionary income to purchase both new and used Harleys.

It is also important to note that the Harley Davidson Motor Company is still profitable. The company is making money, which is more than can be said for a large swath of companies also trying to weather the current financial crisis.

Just as GM and AIG were not permitted to fail, it is evident that Harley Davidson will not fail either. If it ever did reach a financial tipping point, their would be a heart-cry of support from countless individuals around the world that take pride in owning one the most revered vehicles in modern history.