Today, Harley Davidson motorcycles are a household name, but it hasn't always been that way. It began in the past in 1901, when a young man named William S. Harley had a vision for attaching an electric train engine to a bicycle.
William stood a friend named Arthur Davidson who embraced his concept. Together, they began working endless hours in a small wooden shed, with the words "Harley Davidson" scrawled about the door. By 1903, they presented the first production Harley Davidson motorcycle.
The legendary "Bar and Shield" logo became the defining symbol of Harley motorcycles in 1910. The logo is associated with strength and ruggedness. The look was patented in 1911 and is still used today.
In 1920, motorcycle racing legend, Leslie "Red" Parkhurst, broke numerous speed records over a Harley Davidson racing motorcycle. Every time Parkhurst won a race, he would carry a pig on a victory lap also it was during this time the term "hog" became related to Harley Davidson motorcycles.
During Ww 1 nearly half of the Harley motorcycles produced were sold to the United States Army. Throughout the 1920s, major changes happened to the design. The most notable was the modification in the gas tank, which was switched to the now infamous teardrop shape. In 1928, Harley introduced the first twin-cam engine and front wheel brakes. These modifications allowed Harley Davidson motorcycles to reach speeds more than 85 mph.
Throughout the 1930s, Harley Davidson motorcycles continued to break speed records and won multiple awards. Harley further expanded into commercial and police vehicles through the introduction of the three-wheel Servi-Car.
Appearance changes were made to Harley Davidson motorcycles and included the famous "eagle" design, that was painted on all Hd gas tanks. During this time, the trademark 1340 cc engine was introduced and also the "Knucklehead" motorcycle was launched.
Between the years of 1941 through 1945, Harley Davidson ceased civilian output of motorcycles and focused solely on providing reliable motorcycles towards the U.S. Armed Forces during Wwii.
When civilian production resumed, Harley motorcycles were in high demand. The business expanded and purchased the A.O. Smith Propeller Plant for use as a machine shop. Here they manufactured motorcycle parts and shipped them to the factory for final assembly.
1947 saw the creation of the "Panhead" Harley Davidson motorcycle, which was deemed "THE American Motorcycle". Two years later, hydraulic front brakes were introduced on the Hydra-Glide models.
The 1950s were full of challenges and triumphs. During this time, the British captured nearly 40 % of the motorcycle market using their ever-popular Triumph motorcycle. Harley Davidson owners knew they might have to get creative if they were to remain at the top.
To compete with the smaller, sportier motorcycles coming from Great British, Hd developed the side-valve K model having an integrated engine and transmission. Today, the K model is recognized as the Sportster.
1953 marked the 50th anniversary of Harley Davidson motorcycles. The organization marked this event by creating a special logo which included a "V", with a bar overlaid reading "Harley Davidson" and also the words "50 Years American Made". Every motorcycle produced in 1954 had a medallion version of the logo positioned on the front fender.
During the 60s, Harley scaled down production and offered the sole scooter bike ever produced. It was also during this time that the Sprint model was introduced. Other innovations included the electrical starter and the introduction of the "Shovelhead" engines.
The 70s brought about transformation of the Harley Davidson motorcycle. A brand new Sportster racing motorcycle was introduced in 1970. 12 months later, the FX 1200 Super Glide cruiser was introduced; combined with first Harley-Davidson snowmobile.
1977 brought the Harley-Davidson Low Rider for the forefront when it was debuted to the public in Daytona Beach. Later around, the Caf? Racer premiered.
Last, but not least, Harley Davidson introduced the FXEF Fat Bob in 1979. This bike has dual gas tanks and bobbed fenders. It had been featured in Hollywood films and quickly was a favorite of the American public.
Throughout the 80s, Harley Davidson went through considerable internal changes plus more attention was focused on motorcycle racing. Probably the most notable changes occurred in 1986, when Harley Davidson became listed on the American Stock Exchange.
In the 1990s, Harley Davidson expanded its U.S. operations to add a multi-million dollar paint facility, a new distribution center, power train plant, and production facility. Harley Davidson also opened a new assembly facility Brazil, the very first operations outside of the U.S.
Since the beginning of 2000, Harley Davidson is growing the marketplace with a variety of new and exciting motorcycles. Such as the Softail Deuce; the Buell Blast, Firebolt, and Lightning; the path King Custom; and the Street Glide.
Today, Harley Davidson owns more than 60 percent from the motorcycle market share. Considering their background and reputation, chances are good that Hd motorcycles will be around for an additional 100 years.
William stood a friend named Arthur Davidson who embraced his concept. Together, they began working endless hours in a small wooden shed, with the words "Harley Davidson" scrawled about the door. By 1903, they presented the first production Harley Davidson motorcycle.
The legendary "Bar and Shield" logo became the defining symbol of Harley motorcycles in 1910. The logo is associated with strength and ruggedness. The look was patented in 1911 and is still used today.
In 1920, motorcycle racing legend, Leslie "Red" Parkhurst, broke numerous speed records over a Harley Davidson racing motorcycle. Every time Parkhurst won a race, he would carry a pig on a victory lap also it was during this time the term "hog" became related to Harley Davidson motorcycles.
During Ww 1 nearly half of the Harley motorcycles produced were sold to the United States Army. Throughout the 1920s, major changes happened to the design. The most notable was the modification in the gas tank, which was switched to the now infamous teardrop shape. In 1928, Harley introduced the first twin-cam engine and front wheel brakes. These modifications allowed Harley Davidson motorcycles to reach speeds more than 85 mph.
Throughout the 1930s, Harley Davidson motorcycles continued to break speed records and won multiple awards. Harley further expanded into commercial and police vehicles through the introduction of the three-wheel Servi-Car.
Appearance changes were made to Harley Davidson motorcycles and included the famous "eagle" design, that was painted on all Hd gas tanks. During this time, the trademark 1340 cc engine was introduced and also the "Knucklehead" motorcycle was launched.
Between the years of 1941 through 1945, Harley Davidson ceased civilian output of motorcycles and focused solely on providing reliable motorcycles towards the U.S. Armed Forces during Wwii.
When civilian production resumed, Harley motorcycles were in high demand. The business expanded and purchased the A.O. Smith Propeller Plant for use as a machine shop. Here they manufactured motorcycle parts and shipped them to the factory for final assembly.
1947 saw the creation of the "Panhead" Harley Davidson motorcycle, which was deemed "THE American Motorcycle". Two years later, hydraulic front brakes were introduced on the Hydra-Glide models.
The 1950s were full of challenges and triumphs. During this time, the British captured nearly 40 % of the motorcycle market using their ever-popular Triumph motorcycle. Harley Davidson owners knew they might have to get creative if they were to remain at the top.
To compete with the smaller, sportier motorcycles coming from Great British, Hd developed the side-valve K model having an integrated engine and transmission. Today, the K model is recognized as the Sportster.
1953 marked the 50th anniversary of Harley Davidson motorcycles. The organization marked this event by creating a special logo which included a "V", with a bar overlaid reading "Harley Davidson" and also the words "50 Years American Made". Every motorcycle produced in 1954 had a medallion version of the logo positioned on the front fender.
During the 60s, Harley scaled down production and offered the sole scooter bike ever produced. It was also during this time that the Sprint model was introduced. Other innovations included the electrical starter and the introduction of the "Shovelhead" engines.
The 70s brought about transformation of the Harley Davidson motorcycle. A brand new Sportster racing motorcycle was introduced in 1970. 12 months later, the FX 1200 Super Glide cruiser was introduced; combined with first Harley-Davidson snowmobile.
1977 brought the Harley-Davidson Low Rider for the forefront when it was debuted to the public in Daytona Beach. Later around, the Caf? Racer premiered.
Last, but not least, Harley Davidson introduced the FXEF Fat Bob in 1979. This bike has dual gas tanks and bobbed fenders. It had been featured in Hollywood films and quickly was a favorite of the American public.
Throughout the 80s, Harley Davidson went through considerable internal changes plus more attention was focused on motorcycle racing. Probably the most notable changes occurred in 1986, when Harley Davidson became listed on the American Stock Exchange.
In the 1990s, Harley Davidson expanded its U.S. operations to add a multi-million dollar paint facility, a new distribution center, power train plant, and production facility. Harley Davidson also opened a new assembly facility Brazil, the very first operations outside of the U.S.
Since the beginning of 2000, Harley Davidson is growing the marketplace with a variety of new and exciting motorcycles. Such as the Softail Deuce; the Buell Blast, Firebolt, and Lightning; the path King Custom; and the Street Glide.
Today, Harley Davidson owns more than 60 percent from the motorcycle market share. Considering their background and reputation, chances are good that Hd motorcycles will be around for an additional 100 years.
