Jochen Zeitz named Harley-Davidson interim CEO after Levatich steps down

Harley's bike sales in the United States last year were the lowest in at least 16 years

Harley-Davidson Inc said on Friday Matthew Levatich has stepped down as chief executive officer and the motorcycle maker named Jochen Zeitz as the interim CEO.

"The board and Matt mutually agreed that now is the time for new leadership at Harley-Davidson," Zeitz said.

Harley has, for years, failed to increase sales in the United States, its top market, which accounts for more than half of its motorcycles sold. As its tattooed, baby-boomer base ages, the Milwaukee-based company is finding it challenging to woo new customers.

Levatich, who took over the company's reins in May 2015, bet on building riders and new launches including