In 1901, the 21 year-ancient William S. Harley had made the blueprint of an engine that was designed to fit in a conventional bicycle. Two years later, William together with his friend Arthur Davidson started and developed a one-cylinder engine that was installed on a conventional bicycle during that time. But, this motorized-bicycle was proved to be incapable of climbing through the Milwaukee hills without pedal help. Harley and Davidson developed additional their motor after that experience.

Immediately, they have made a larger engine (405 cc or 24.74 cubic inches) that was become the very first and real Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Meanwhile, the first Harley-Davidson factory was in a 10 x 15-foot wooden shed. The two friends were helped by Arthur’s older brother Walter.

After a year, the Harley-Davidson motorcycle entered its very first motorcycle race at Milwaukee.

The first years came in so quickly for the company that after 3 years, Harley-Davidson motorcycle production was transferred at Chestnut Street (that was later become Juneau Avenue). This is still the Harley-Davidson headquarters up to this time.

In 1907, William received a degree in mechanical engineering at University of Wisconsin. This helped them to enhancement of better Harley-Davidson engines in the future. The same year also provided them a much needed factory expansion for the growing motorcycle demands. The year 1907 introduced the 45-degree V-Twin engine which has become the sole Harley-Davidson engine for a very long time.

Over the years, the company has gained so much popularity that was converted into sales output. During the First World War, Harley-Davidson was commissioned to provide more than 20,000 units for military use. The tale of the Second World was the same for the company. They bent thousand upon thousands of motorcycle.

Before the entry of the 70′s, AMF or the American Machinery and Foundry bought Harley-Davidson. Policies had changed that resulted to labor strike and substandard bikes. The popularity and reputation of the company was severely hurt.

In the 80′s, it was sold to a group of investors headed by Willie G. Davidson and Vaughn Beals. The provided innovations such as the introduction of the “Sturgis”. The costumers started to return and the company had seen clearer promise.

Since then, the popularity of Harley-Davidson motorcycles was unquestionable. They regained their leadership in motorcycle industry as they make a unique line of motorcycles, different from the conventional Japan made. Now, after more than a hundred years of existence, Harley-Davidson motorcycles have become an attraction in each road around the world.

By: Low Jeremy

In this area the Author:

Leave a Reply

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website