Born to be Wild – A Brief History of the Harley Davidson

The early history of Harley-Davidson started in 1901, when 21-year old William Harley began making sketches of a diminutive 116cc engine designed for mounting on an ordinary pedaled bicycle. This initial project got shelved after 2 years of collaboration with childhood friends Arthur and Walter Davidson. The end result was finished, but was found wanting in power. This learning experiment ignited the spark that would usher in the boys’ passion for the creation of the ultimate cycle machine.

Harley Davidson

WEANING OF A WINNER

The next couple of years saw a reinforced approach in the group’s experimentation. Bigger, more useful engines were made and marketed and the first ever Harley-Davidson dealership came to being courtesy of Carl H. Lang of Chicago in 1905. The following year, Harley and the Davidson brothers put up their first motorcycle factory in the same site where the Harley-Davidson’s corporate headquarters currently stand – the yellow brick factory on Chestnut Street, which was later to be known as Juneau Avenue.

POWER UP

440cc single-cylinder engines were the staple in 1905 and 1906. This paved the way for the production of 45-degree V-Twin prototypes which had displacements of 880c. These motorcycle engines boast of a 60 mph top speed and were absolute monsters in uphill rides. Shortly thereafter, in 1907, bannered by its continuing success, the tenderfoot motorcycle company was officially incorporated.

As production more than doubled, the market appeal of Harley-Davidson motorcycles spread like an epidemic, attracting many frustrated imitators and the patronage of police departments who would become among the most loyal users of the motorcycle brand.

The Power of Harley Davidson

MORE POWER

In 1911, an enhancement to the V-Twin model was introduced. Mechanically operated intake valves were its main attributes, as opposed to the automatic features of its precedent. The new version was compact, but more powerful. Harley-Davidson motorcycles in production after 1913 would mostly be V-Twin models.

Also around this time, the yellow brick factory was brought down to give way to a bigger motorcycle plant which was to be known as the red brick factory. The structural reinforcement became a necessity as Harley-Davidson started dominating the market and the cycle racing scene. In 1921, a Harley-Davidson became the first motorcycle to top a cycle racing event averaging over 100 mph in speed.

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

Harley-Davidson’s utility did not take a rest even during the two World Wars. In World War I, the motorcycle provided its power for combat purposes with no less than 20,000 Harley-Davidson machines being deployed to the military. During the 2nd World War, the motorcycle company supplied the United States Army with some 90,000 units of its WL model.

AGAINST THE ODDS

Through the years, the Harley-Davidson story is not without its lows. Hollywood had its role in the motorcycle’s tarnished image resulting from touring bandit biker gang flicks that proliferated during the 50’s through the 70’s. For quite a while, Harley-Davidson was taken to be synonymous with outlaw characteristics.

But the saga continues. The motorcycle has outlived the odds, and has continued to make a name for itself through its unwavering commitment to its universal pride, and the envy of the competition: the 45-degree V-Twin engine platform. This, coupled with a rich and colorful history, has made the brand bask in its proud glory, as cycle fanatics around the world continue to relish and cherish their priceless Harley-Davidson experience.