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Harley: The story of the Harley Davidson Motorcycle

by Harley: The story of the Harley Davidson Motorcycle

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Description

Harley-Davidson is one of the most iconic motorcycle manufacturers in the world, with a rich history dating back over a century. Here's a brief history of the company and its legendary motorcycles:
Founding and Early Years (1903-1919)
  • 1903: Harley-Davidson was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by William S. Harley, Arthur Davidson, Walter Davidson, and William A. Davidson. They built their first prototype motorcycle in a small wooden shed.
  • 1904: The first Harley-Davidson dealer, C.H. Lang of Chicago, sold one of their early bikes.
  • 1907: The company was officially incorporated, and they began producing motorcycles on a larger scale.
  • 1909: Harley-Davidson introduced its first V-Twin engine, which would become a signature feature of the brand.
  • 1917-1919 (World War I): The U.S. military ordered thousands of Harley-Davidson motorcycles for wartime use.
Expansion and the Golden Age (1920-1945)
  • 1920: Harley-Davidson became the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, selling bikes in over 67 countries.
  • 1929: Introduced the Flathead engine, which became popular for its reliability.
  • 1936: Launched the Knucklehead engine, setting the stage for modern Harley-Davidson designs.
  • 1941-1945 (World War II): Harley-Davidson supplied motorcycles to the U.S. military, producing the famous WLA model, nicknamed the "Liberator."
Post-War Boom and the Rise of Biker Culture (1946-1969)
  • 1948: Introduced the Panhead engine, which improved performance.
  • 1957: Released the Sportster, one of the most iconic and long-running Harley-Davidson models.
  • 1969: Harley-Davidson merged with American Machine and Foundry (AMF), leading to increased production but also quality control issues.
Struggles and Revival (1970s-1980s)
  • 1970s: Faced competition from Japanese manufacturers like Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki.
  • 1981: A group of Harley-Davidson executives led by Willie G. Davidson bought the company back from AMF.
  • 1984: Launched the Evolution (Evo) engine, significantly improving performance and reliability.
Modern Era and Continued Legacy (1990s-Present)
  • 1990s: Introduced models like the Fat Boy and Road King, which became instant classics.
  • 2000s: Harley-Davidson expanded its lineup with more touring and cruiser bikes.
  • 2014: Released the Street 500 and Street 750, aiming at a younger audience.
  • 2019: Entered the electric motorcycle market with the LiveWire.
  • 2021: Launched Pan America 1250, Harley-Davidson's first adventure touring motorcycle.
Harley-Davidson's Legacy
Harley-Davidson is known for its V-Twin engines, loud exhausts, and strong biker culture. The brand has built a loyal following, with clubs like the Harley Owners Group (HOG) and a reputation for producing some of the most iconic motorcycles in history.

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Product Details

  • Mar 14, 2025 Pub Date:
  • 9798314174173 ISBN-13:
  • 9798314174173 ISBN-10:
  • English Language