MILWAUKEE — Harley-Davidson's earnings shot up 10 percent during the second quarter, driven by an aggressive expansion abroad and revamped production.

The new dealership opened late last month in Salvador, Brazil, marked the company's 104th since late 2009, meaning that it has already reached its goal of opening between 100 and 150 dealerships outside of the U.S. by the end of 2014.

It has been a remarkable recovery for an iconic American company that teetered after the economic meltdown in the U.S. several years ago.

Worldwide sales rise 5.2 percent and in the U.S., dealers sold 58,241 new motorcycles, up 4.4 percent compared with last year.

"During the second quarter, we completed our first year of seasonal surge production at York with great success," said CEO and Chairman Keith Wandell. "We also surpassed a milestone for international dealership growth."

For the quarter ended June 30, the Milwaukee company earned $271.7 million, or $1.21 per share, up from $247.3 million, or $1.07 per share, in the same quarter of 2012. That topped Wall Street expectations for earnings of $1.17 per share, according to FactSet.

Revenue from motorcycles and related products increased 4 percent to $1.63 billion from $1.57 billion.

Global sales volumes rose 5 percent to 90,193 new bikes and included a 4 percent increase in U.S. sales to 58,241. International sales increased 7 percent to 31,952, helped by steep increases in Latin America and Asia Pacific demand.

Financial services revenue edged up about 1 percent to $162.8 million.

Harley said it still expects to ship 259,000 to 264,000 motorcycles to dealers and distributors around the world this year.

Third-quarter shipments are expected to total between 51,000 and 56,000 motorcycles, compared with 52,793 motorcycles in the same quarter of 2012.

Shares of Harley-Davidson Inc. rose 3 percent before the opening bell.