US motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson Inc. (HDI.N: Quote, Profile, Research) opened its first authorized dealership in China on Saturday amid hopes its rumbling bikes will strike a chord with wealthy Chinese. But the Wisconsin-based company has acknowledged ownership curbs on motorbikes in most Chinese cities could mean a slow journey in the fast growing nation.

?We?re taking a long-term market perspective with China?, David Foley, who oversees the firm?s China operations, told Reuters Television on the sidelines of an opening ceremony.

The new dealership would sell a variety of Harley models, offer training for would-be bikers and organize events, Harley said in a statement.

Harley, whose bikes have become an icon in America, first unveiled plans to set up the Beijing dealership last month.The company has said its long-term China strategy is to address riding restrictions over time and to help develop a leisure-oriented motorbike market as consumer buying grows.