History of Harley Davidson Motorcycles
History of Harley Davidson Motorcycles: Today, Harley Davidson motorbikes are household names, but not always like that. It began in 1901, when a young man named William S. Harley had a vision to install a machine on a bicycle.
William has a friend named Arthur Davidson who adheres to the concept. Together, they began working endless hours in a small log cabin, with the words "Harley Davidson" written on the door. In 1903, they launched the first production Harley Davidson motorcycle.
William has a friend named Arthur Davidson who adheres to the concept. Together, they began working endless hours in a small log cabin, with the words "Harley Davidson" written on the door. In 1903, they launched the first production Harley Davidson motorcycle.
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| History of Harley Davidson Motorcycles |
The legendary "Bar and Shield" logo became the main symbol of the Harley Davidson motorcycle in 1910. The logo represents strength and robustness. The design was patented in 1911 and continues to be used today.
In 1920, the legend of motorbike racing, Leslie "Red" Parkhurst, broke many speed records on the Harley Davidson racing motorbike. Every time Parkhurst wins a race, he will bring a pig in the lap of victory and this is when the term "pig" is associated with a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
During World War I almost half of the Harley Davidson motorbikes produced were sold to the United States Army. Throughout the 1920s, major changes occurred in design. The most notable is the change in the gas tank, which shifts to the now famous teardrop shape. In 1928, Harley Davidson introduced the first twin-cam engine and front wheel brakes. This modification allows Harley Davidson motorcycles to reach speeds of more than 85 mph.
Throughout the 1930s, Harley Davidson motorcycles continued to break speed records and win many awards. Harley Davidson then expanded into commercial vehicles and police through the introduction of three-wheeled Servi-Car.
Changes in appearance are made for Harley Davidson motorbikes and include the famous "eagle" design, painted on all Harley Davidson gas tanks. During this time, the 1,340 cc trademark engine was introduced and the "Knucklehead" motorcycle was launched.
Between 1941 and 1945, Harley Davidson stopped producing civilian motorbikes and focused solely on providing reliable motorbikes for the U.S. Armed Forces. during World War II.
When civilian production continued, Harley Davidson motorbikes were in great demand. The organization expanded and bought A.O. Smith Propeller Plant for use as a machine shop. Here they produce motorcycle parts and send them to the factory for final assembly.
1947 saw the introduction of the Harley Davidson "Panhead" motorcycle, which was considered "THE American Motorcycle". Two years later, hydraulic front brakes are introduced to the Hydra-Glide model.
The 1950s were filled with challenges and victories. During this time, Britain controlled almost 40 percent of the motorcycle market with the popular Triumph motorcycle. Harley Davidson owners know they must be creative if they want to stay on top.
To compete with smaller and sporty motorbikes from the United Kingdom, Harley Davidson developed the K-side valve model with integrated engines and transmissions. At present, the K model is known as the Sportster.
1953 marked the 50th anniversary of the Harley Davidson motorcycle. The organization marked this event by creating a special logo that included "V", with a bar that read "Harley Davidson" and the words "50 Years American Made". Every motorcycle produced in 1954 has a medal version logo placed on the front fender.
During the 60's, Harley Davidson reduced production and offered the only bicycle scooter ever produced. It was also during this time that the Sprint model was introduced. Other innovations include electric starters and the introduction of the "Shovelhead" engine.
The 70s brought about the transformation of the Harley Davidson motorbike. The new Sportster racing motorcycle was introduced in 1970. One year later, the FX 1200 Super Glide cruiser was introduced; along with the first Harley-Davidson snowmobile.
1977 brought Harley-Davidson Low Rider to the front line when it debuted to the public at Daytona Beach. Later that year, Café Racer was released.
Last but not least, Harley Davidson introduced FXEF Fat Bob in 1979. This motorbike has a double gas tank and bob fenders. It was featured in Hollywood films and quickly became a favorite of the American public.
During the 80s, Harley Davidson experienced considerable internal changes and more attention was focused on motor racing. One of the most prominent changes occurred in 1986, when Harley Davidson was listed on the American Stock Exchange.
In the 1990s, Harley Davidson expanded its operations in the U.S. to include millions of dollars in paint facilities, new distribution centers, power plants and production facilities. Harley Davidson also opened a new Brazilian assembly facility, the first operation outside the US.
Since the beginning of 2000, Harley Davidson has exploded on the market with a variety of new and exciting motorbikes. This includes Softail Deuce; Buell Blast, Firebolt, and Lightning; King Custom Road; and Street Glide.
Today, Harley Davidson has more than 60 percent of the motorcycle market share. Considering their history and reputation, it's a good possibility that Harley Davidson motorbikes will be around 100 years away.
In 1920, the legend of motorbike racing, Leslie "Red" Parkhurst, broke many speed records on the Harley Davidson racing motorbike. Every time Parkhurst wins a race, he will bring a pig in the lap of victory and this is when the term "pig" is associated with a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
During World War I almost half of the Harley Davidson motorbikes produced were sold to the United States Army. Throughout the 1920s, major changes occurred in design. The most notable is the change in the gas tank, which shifts to the now famous teardrop shape. In 1928, Harley Davidson introduced the first twin-cam engine and front wheel brakes. This modification allows Harley Davidson motorcycles to reach speeds of more than 85 mph.
Throughout the 1930s, Harley Davidson motorcycles continued to break speed records and win many awards. Harley Davidson then expanded into commercial vehicles and police through the introduction of three-wheeled Servi-Car.
Changes in appearance are made for Harley Davidson motorbikes and include the famous "eagle" design, painted on all Harley Davidson gas tanks. During this time, the 1,340 cc trademark engine was introduced and the "Knucklehead" motorcycle was launched.
Between 1941 and 1945, Harley Davidson stopped producing civilian motorbikes and focused solely on providing reliable motorbikes for the U.S. Armed Forces. during World War II.
When civilian production continued, Harley Davidson motorbikes were in great demand. The organization expanded and bought A.O. Smith Propeller Plant for use as a machine shop. Here they produce motorcycle parts and send them to the factory for final assembly.
1947 saw the introduction of the Harley Davidson "Panhead" motorcycle, which was considered "THE American Motorcycle". Two years later, hydraulic front brakes are introduced to the Hydra-Glide model.
The 1950s were filled with challenges and victories. During this time, Britain controlled almost 40 percent of the motorcycle market with the popular Triumph motorcycle. Harley Davidson owners know they must be creative if they want to stay on top.
To compete with smaller and sporty motorbikes from the United Kingdom, Harley Davidson developed the K-side valve model with integrated engines and transmissions. At present, the K model is known as the Sportster.
1953 marked the 50th anniversary of the Harley Davidson motorcycle. The organization marked this event by creating a special logo that included "V", with a bar that read "Harley Davidson" and the words "50 Years American Made". Every motorcycle produced in 1954 has a medal version logo placed on the front fender.
During the 60's, Harley Davidson reduced production and offered the only bicycle scooter ever produced. It was also during this time that the Sprint model was introduced. Other innovations include electric starters and the introduction of the "Shovelhead" engine.
The 70s brought about the transformation of the Harley Davidson motorbike. The new Sportster racing motorcycle was introduced in 1970. One year later, the FX 1200 Super Glide cruiser was introduced; along with the first Harley-Davidson snowmobile.
1977 brought Harley-Davidson Low Rider to the front line when it debuted to the public at Daytona Beach. Later that year, Café Racer was released.
Last but not least, Harley Davidson introduced FXEF Fat Bob in 1979. This motorbike has a double gas tank and bob fenders. It was featured in Hollywood films and quickly became a favorite of the American public.
During the 80s, Harley Davidson experienced considerable internal changes and more attention was focused on motor racing. One of the most prominent changes occurred in 1986, when Harley Davidson was listed on the American Stock Exchange.
In the 1990s, Harley Davidson expanded its operations in the U.S. to include millions of dollars in paint facilities, new distribution centers, power plants and production facilities. Harley Davidson also opened a new Brazilian assembly facility, the first operation outside the US.
Since the beginning of 2000, Harley Davidson has exploded on the market with a variety of new and exciting motorbikes. This includes Softail Deuce; Buell Blast, Firebolt, and Lightning; King Custom Road; and Street Glide.
Today, Harley Davidson has more than 60 percent of the motorcycle market share. Considering their history and reputation, it's a good possibility that Harley Davidson motorbikes will be around 100 years away.
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