History of Harley-Davidson motorcycle began in Milwaukee in 1903. In Milwaukee, Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson developed a one-cylinder motor. Around the turn of the century the gasoline engine was developed and introduced a single-cylinder motor.
India in 1901 was the first in 1903 and Mitschell motorcycles, Merkel and Yale.
This motor was originally built for racing and is supported by a single-cylinder gasoline combustion engine.
In 1903 in Milwaukee, Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson developed a one-cylinder motor. That is a reliable and even a beautiful cycle. And ... someone buy it!! In 1905 they had made 11 motorcycles, in 1908 it was 154 and ... they have a company, in a small wooden shed, which was built by Davidson's father.
Small company extended quickly and another member of the Davidson family, William, joined them. In a short time they hired about 20 employees at a factory building especcially stone.
In 1909, Bill Harley made the first project 1000 CC V-Twin. It produces modest seven horsepower. 45-degree V-twin would become one of the more recognizable images of Harley-Davidson. V-Twin is staying with HD long, long time. Maybe hard to believe, but Harley-Davidson did not create the V-twins!! When Bill Harley developed one, he just followed the trend of time.
1910 brought the legendary "Bar and Shield" logo is placed on their motorbikes. This will be a defining symbol of Harley-Davidson to this day. Many first place victory in the race, endurance contests and hill ride Harley-Davidson to give more recognition.
"F-head" engine introduced in 1911. This will be a hard worker power until 1929, when the "Flathead" engine is introduced.
In the year 1912 saw further development of Harley-Davidson Company. Construction began on the new 6-story factory. Harley-Davidson also became an exporter this year and sales in their first overseas are made in Japan. In these countries there are now more than 200 dealers.
1914 saw the addition of sidecar to the Harley-Davidson. The Company also formally put their hand in the ring motorcycle racing this year and will soon dominate the sport and became known as the "destroyer Crew".
1915 saw the emergence of three-speed sliding gear transmission. In 1917, one third of all Harley-Davidson sent abroad for the U.S. Military to fulfill their patriotic call and to assist in the war effort. The next year, roughly half of the motorcycles produced were sold to the U.S. military. In the end, about 20,000 motorcycles are used in the war, most of them Harley-Davidson. At this time, Harley-Davidson is the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world with nearly 2,000 dealerships worldwide. 1918 Harley-Davidson is the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. They even survived the depression. V-twin was Harley's specialty, so the company tries to beat rival the one who left ... India.
But these days are thoughest, because a motorbike out of date and declining car prices (T-Ford was born).
Therefore, Harley Davidson tried other technical companies, such as manufacturing parts, side cars and even airplane motor-engines, but they also improve their own products.
1920s saw several changes in motor performance, better known today. One of these changes is the form of identifiable teardrop gas tank. In 1926, single-cylinder engine once again available, which was discontinued in 1918. In 1928, the first twin-cam engine and front wheel brake is available at Harley-Davidson. With this modification, the motorcycle can reach speeds exceeding 85 mph.
The 1930s and subsequent years saw more record and get a prize Harley-Davidson. In 1932, three-wheel Servi-Car was introduced and will become familiar commercial and police vehicles. Along with appearance changes such as "eagle" design, painted on all Harley-Davidson gas tanks, changes are also done on the engine.
These days the biggest Harley ever appeared, CC 1340. This Harley Davidson motorcycle into a trademark. 1936 was also a milestone in history. Stupid launched that year and this bike is also a victory over India. And when in 1947 the Panhead was expelled from the factory, Harley Davidson The American Motorcycle.
In the 1940s, Harley-Davidson once again answered the patriotic call and sent motorcycles overseas to help in the war effort. In 1941, civilian production on the motorcycle was mostly suspended as the company turned out motorcycles for the war. Because of the commitment and excellence, Harley-Davidson received the Army-Navy "E" award; this will not be the last time. In November 1945, civilian production once again started. In 1947, Harley-Davidson to buy A.O. The old Smith Propeller Plant and used it as a machine shop. Section made here was sent back to the old factory on Juneau Avenue for final assembly. In 1949, hydraulic front brakes were introduced on the Hydra-Glide models.
In the fifty's Harley survived another bad period. UK owned 40% of the motorcycle market with a Triumph! In 1957 fortunately Sportster was born, the fastest Harley ever. A great success! Just as the British motorcycle industry, Harley stuck to the technique, style and caracter. That's why this motorcycle was so populair for many, many years.
In contrast to England manufacturors, Harley Davidson survived this decision. Since the attacks of Japanees from the Far East, England disappeared without a trace and America nearly to death. Even the Shovelhead could not save his ass.
1969, Time for a merger with American Machine and Foudry Company (AMF).
However, the decline in the quality and ernormously Super Glide and the 1970 year SLCR Caféracer got a bad name. But Harley Davidson bought itself out and survived and with launching the new Evolution-motor in 1984, the company managed to create a modern motorcycle, which was Harley Davidson.
Historic Factory
Beginning in the 1970s saw a revolution of the Harley-Davidson. In 1971, the cruiser is born. This machine united a sporty front end with the frame and power train of the FL series. 1973 saw the move of assembly operations of new 400,000 square foot plant in York, Pennsylvania. Year 1975 is the first of four consecutive years that the Harley-Davidson won the AMA Grand National Championships in dirt track racing. In 1977, the FXs Low Rider and FLHS Electra Glide Sport were introduced to the public. The special display FXs seating position is lower (the distinguishing term Low Rider ...). The FLHS was a low cost base line FLH Electra Glide with modifications intended to make the model sportier.
Early 1980s saw another change in the partnership between the engine and transmission. In 1980, the FLT model was born with 5-speed transmission hard shot into the engine. Also this year, the train journey was replaced with Kevlar belts. In 1981 a senior member of the Harley-Davidson bought back Harley-Davidson Motor Company from AMF.
In 1982 Harley-Davidson introduced material as Needed (MAN) application in their production. This will cut production costs and improve the quality of the parts. In 1983 HOG group was founded and became the largest factory-sponsored motorcycle club in the world. In 2000, the club has more than 500,000 members. In 1984, 1340 cc V-twin engine was introduced, seven years in the making. Also this year, the Softail model became available. Most particularly the Softail distinguished by hidden rear shock absorbers.
In 1987, Harley-Davidson launch "Buy Back Program" which offered full trade in value within two years on certain models. Also at this time, Harley-Davidson Company obtained a place in the New York Stock Exchange for those interested to take a financial stake in the company. In 1988 Harley-Davidson's 85th anniversary celebration in Milwaukee, an event which gave birth than 60,000 Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. At the end of this revolutionary decade for Harley-Davidson FXSTS Springer Softail model was introduced into the lineup. FXSTS Springer Softail was a modern day recreation of the 1940s, Harley-Davidson. It's the classic biker look with a 1340 cc engine symbolizing the new era of Harley-Davidson.
In the early 1990s, the Fat Boy design was introduced and quickly caught. Name Fatboy obtained by combining the names of two atomic bombs "Fat man" and "Little Boy" dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. It was destined from the beginning to become a Collector's item among biking enthusiasts and would achieve that status throughout its existence. Also in 1990, construction on the 31 million dollar state of the art paint facility began in York, Pennsylvania. It was completed in the next year.
In 1991, The Dyna line of Harley-Davidson introduced the Dyna Glide FXDB Sturgis. 1994 saw the jump of Harley-Davidson into the Superbike racing with the VR1000. The VR1000 display and dual overhead cam engine cooling fluid and showed that Harley-Davidson is not entirely refuse to manufacturing a race inspired sport bike.
In 1996 the state of the art Parts and Accessories distribution plant was opened in Franklin, Wisconsin. The next year a new Product Development Center opened in Milwaukee. Also in 1997, a 330,000 square foot plant in Kansas City made the first Sportster. In 1998, assembly operations take place in other parts of the world, Brazil. In 2001 Fuel Injection is available on the Softail models.
Today, in America, Harley-Davidson has 62% of the motorcycle market with 850 CC or more!!
Harley is, like the porch, funn stuff for people with money and appearance. So, "rich" customers rule the market. This could be tempted to Harley Davidson to participate in this advertising hype, but when the hype is over, they knew the company will remain and will continue to sell the bike ... because of the loyal followers.
For these people, despite age and appearance, a Harley is the only one. This is obviously proud, great and cool cycle, without doing the best for it. However, Harley is not fastest and manageable cycles, riding Harley is uncomparable with riding any other bike ...
Harley-Davidson motorcycle called the new 2010 model Harley-Davidson 48 (HD-48). Evolution has a machine such as a V-Twin 1200ss, a front suspension really new, broad and fat front tire, studded with rear suspension. The bike has a low single seat, mirrors, steering wheel mounted below the handle, and the exhaust pipe is remarkable.
