New York ? Harley-Davidson Inc. reported a fourth-quarter loss Friday, its first quarterly deficit in 16 years, after restructuring costs and the sluggish economy.

Harley-Davidson has come under pressure over the last year as tight credit markets and the weak economy led consumers to shun purchases of its high-end, heavyweight motorcycles.

The company has been reorganizing through layoffs, factory closures and shuttering or selling unwanted brands.

“We expect 2010 to continue to be challenging,” Chief Executive Keith Wandell told investors in a conference call.