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 Post subject: Harley Davidson History
PostPosted: Sat May 24, 2008 10:19 pm 
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Joined: Wed Apr 30, 2008 8:30 pm
Posts: 148
:icon_hat: Hi all!
Here is a link to a lot of Harley Davidson History it is from the Wiki website.
Feel free to add any historical facts that could contribute to this history forum. :icon_toocool:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harley-Davidson


The Ultimate Harley Davidson Motorcycle Website "Harley Riders Forum"


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 Post subject: a brief history
PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 11:06 am 
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Joined: Sat Feb 28, 2009 11:40 am
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Location: st.catharines ontario canada
When? What?
2002 Harley-Davidson VRSCA goes on sale
Buell XB9R goes on sale
Tube framed Buell models manufacture to cease in summer
Victory launch V92TC bagger, and TC Deluxe, and fit revised V92 engine across range
IMCOA Indian Chief relaunched with Indian PowerPlus 100 engine: other models continue with S&S
Indian launch their own PowerPlus100 engine
2001 Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod announced.
Harley-Davidson announce VR "Revolution" engine
Buell XB9R Firebolt announced with redeveloped short-stroke engine and radical frame.
Harley-Davidson FXDXT Super Glide T-Sport launched.
Victory V92C Cruiser Deluxe launched.
Indian Motorcycles Ltd launch Dakota 4: a rebadged, Indianised Swedish Wiking, in-Line 4
IMCOA Indian Scout launched: 88ci S&S Superstock engined Sportster
Parker Indian (Australia) developing OHV and side-valve Sport Scout and Chief engines.
Honda VTX1800 launched: an American-built 1800 V-Twin
2000 Harley-Davidson introduce Twin Cam 88B motor, and fit it to all Softail models.
Harley-Davidson FXSTD Deuce launched.
Victory launch V92C Cruiser and V92SC SportCruiser in the UK.
IMCOA Indian Chief launched: 88ci S&S Superstock engined heavyweight
1999 Harley-Davidson introduce Twin Cam 88 motor and fit it to all Dyna and Touring models.
Harley-Davidson FXDX Dyna Super Glide Sport launched.
Harley-Davidson FLTR Road Glide loses fuel injection option.
Buell introduce DDFI Fuel Injection on selected models.
Buell X1 Lightning launched with fuel-injected Thunderstorm engine.
Buell S3 Thunderbolt fitted with fuel-injected Thunderstorm engine.
Buell M2 Cyclone gets carburettor-equipped Thunderstorm engine and revised styling.
Buell White Lightning offered in a range of colours as Lightning Strike models.
Victory appoint EP Barrus as UK distributor.
Indian reborn as the American Indian Motorcycle Company (IMCOA).
Indian name being used on German-built V8 in Dortmund: now agents for IMCOA
1998 Harley-Davidson FXSTB Night Train launched.
Harley-Davidson XL53C Custom 53 Sportster launched.
Harley-Davidson FLHRCI Road King Classic launched: soft panniers, injection only.
Harley-Davidson FLT reintroduced as FLTR (carb) and FLTRI (injection) Road Glide. Frame mounted screen.
Harley-Davidson XL1200S engine tweaked: twin-plug, high comp heads, new cams, ignition.
Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King loses fuel injection option.
Buell introduce the Thunderstorm engine.
Buell S1 White Lightning launched with Thunderstorm engine.
Victory V92C launched in the USA
Buell sells additional 49% stake in Buell Motor Company to H-D, who now own 98%.
Indian prototype to be shown by Eller Group: blocked due to wrangle over ownership of name.
Indian name sold to Indian Motorcycle Company of America.
1997 Harley-Davidson FLSTS Heritage Springer launched: heavyweight Softail
Buell M2 Cyclone launched
Buell S3 Thunderbolt launched with 86 hp, 79 ftlb motor.
Victory V92C cruiser released to the press
1996 Harley-Davidson FLHR (FLHRI) Road King launched: revamped version of Electra Glide Sport.
Harley-Davidson XL1200S Sport launched: improved suspension.
1995 Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide launched.
Harley-Davidson FXR frame dropped: loses FXR Super Glide.
Harley-Davidson introduce Fuel Injection to selected models.
Buell S1 Lightning launched
Indian prototype shown by Wayne Baughman: wooden mock-up of new engine in new chassis.
1994 Buell S2 Thunderbolt launched: produced in association with H-D
1993 Harley-Davidson FXDL Dyna Low Rider launched.
Harley-Davidson FXDWG Wide Glide launched.
Buell forms alliance with The Motor Company and forms Buell Motorcycle Company
Polaris start to develop a new motorcycle from scratch: code name Victory

1992 Harley-Davidson FXDB Daytona replaces Sturgis as limited edition Dyna model.
Harley-Davidson FXDC Dyna Custom launched as standard availability FX model.
1991 Harley-Davidson introduce Dyna Chassis.
Harley-Davidson FXD Sturgis launched: styling based on original 1981 model.
Harley-Davidson Sportsters get a 5-speed box. 1200 and 883 Deluxe get belt final drive.
1990 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy launched: disc wheels under cropped FLH mudguards.
1989 Harley-Davidson FXRS-Conv launched with removable screen and panniers.
Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster Deluxe introduced with dual seat and tacho.
Buell RS1200 Westwind launched: beginnings of modern Buells
1988 Harley-Davidson XL1200 Sportster launched.
Harley-Davidson reintroduce the "Springer" forks with hydraulic damping
1987 Harley-Davidson FXLR Low Rider Custom launched: custom with disc rear wheel, 21-inch front.
Harley-Davidson XL883 Hugger introduced with lower seat height and price.
Buell RR1000 Battletwin launched: first Harley-engined Buell, fully faired bike.
1986 Harley-Davidson stock available again: return to public ownership.
Harley-Davidson drop 4-speed chassis: loses FXE Super Glide, FXSB Low Rider
Harley-Davidson FXRS Low Glide renamed FXRS Low Rider
1985 Harley-Davidson FXRC Low Glide Custom launched as limited edition.
Harley-Davidson FLHX Electra Glide launched: limited edition Shovelhead Glide
Harley-Davidson introduce Evolution Sportster engine first as XLH-883 and then as XLH-1100
Harley-Davidson modify 4-speed frame to accommodate Evo engine.
Harley-Davidson drop Shovelhead: all remaining 4-speeds now Evo powered
Harley-Davidson fit belt drives to FXR range.
Harley-Davidson drop XR1000.
1984 Harley-Davidson FXRDG Disc Glide launched as limited edition with solid back wheel.
Harley-Davidson introduce V2 Evolution Motor.
Harley-Davidson introduce Softail (ST) frame.
Harley-Davidson FXST Softail launched: Softail with XL forks.
Harley-Davidson FLST Softail launched: Softail with FL forks
Buell builds his first motorcycle: the RW750 race bike: changes in rules ban it from racing.
1983 Harley-Davidson FXRT Sport Glide launched as a touring FX.
Harley-Davidson XLX-61 launched as a budget Sportster.
Harley-Davidson XR1000 launched as high performance Sportster.
Harley-Davidson drop FXB Sturgis.
Harley-Davidson fit Sturgis' dual belts to FXS Low Rider which becomes FXSB Low Rider.
Harley-Davidson drop XLCH model.
1982 Harley-Davidson FXRS Low Glide launched to sits alongside FXS Low Rider.
Harley-Davidson modify Sportster frame to lose forgings at the junctions.
1981 Harley-Davidson introduce 5-speed FXR chassis with rubber mounted engine.
Harley-Davidson Super Glide II launched in the 5-speed FXR chassis.
Harley-Davidson management buy the company from AMF parent.
Harley-Davidson drop FXE/F. XLS gets bigger tank.
1980 Harley-Davidson FLT Tour Glide launched
Harley-Davidson FXB Sturgis launched: all-black with original Low Rider styling.
Harley-Davidson FXWG Wide Glide launched, with 5-gal fat-bobs, FLH speedo and wideglides.
Harley-Davidson introduce rubber-mounted touring chassis for new FLT.
Harley-Davidson introduce twin belt-drive on new FXDB.
Harley-Davidson FXS Low Rider gets buckhorns.
Harley-Davidson Super Glide gets the 1340 motor.
Harley-Davidson drop 1200cc / 74ci Shovelhead.
1979 Harley-Davidson introduce 80ci/1340cc motor, and fit it to FXS Low Rider and FXE/F Fat Bob
1978 Harley-Davidson FXE/F Fat Bob launched: a Super Glide with fat-bobs and Low Rider console.
Harley-Davidson XLS custom styled Sportster launched.
Harley-Davidson drop kickstart-only FX.
Harley-Davidson XLs get the XLCR chassis.
Harley-Davidson drop XLCR and XLT.
1977 Harley-Davidson FXS Low Rider launched: dragbars, fat-bobs and new speedo/tacho console.
Harley-Davidson XLCR Café Racer launched: available as a limited edition model.
Harley-Davidson introduce new, XR-derived frame for XLCR.
1976 Harley-Davidson XLT Sportster launched, and gets bigger Super Glide tank.
1975 Harley-Davidson XL Gearchange is swapped to left-hand side.
Indian 900 launched based round Ducati engine
1974 Harley-Davidson FXE launched: electric start-only version of FX.
Harley-Davidson drop 45ci flathead-powered Servicar
1973 Harley-Davidson fit disc brakes to the FX and XL ranges.
Harley-Davidson FX loses 3.5 gallon fat-bobs for a one-piece fuel tank.
1972 Harley-Davidson XL grows to 61ci (1000cc)
Harley-Davidson drop foot clutch / hand shift option on big twins
1971
1970 Harley-Davidson FX Super Glide launched: amalgamation of FL and XL: kickstart only.
Harley-Davidson FX and XLH gets boat-tail seat unit
Harley-Davidson FL tourers lose kickstart.
Harley-Davidson big twin generator cases give way to alternator "Cone" timing cover.
Indian closes again with death of Floyd Clymer.
Indian versions of Royal Enfields sold to Rickman to produce Rickman Enfield
1969 Harley-Davidson merge with AMF
Indian build prototypes based around Velocette, Norton and Royal Enfield motors
Indian Velocette Single launched
Indian Royal Enfield Twin launched
1968 Harley-Davidson introduce "Ham Can" air filter to all models.
1967 Harley-Davidson Sportster gains an electric starter.
Indian rebadge NSU-powered Münch Mammoth.
Indian rebadge Italjet-built Bonnevilles for Italian market.
Indian and Münch produce prototype 45ci sidevalve Munch.
Indian and Münch produce prototype Horex-powered OHC parallel twin.
1966 Harley-Davidson introduce Shovelhead engine to replace the Panhead
1965 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide launched as a Panhead.
Harley-Davidson goes into public ownership.
Indian name bought by publisher, Floyd Clymer, who intended a new model.
1964 Harley-Davidson fit their first electric start: to the 45 flathead-powered Servicar!
Harley-Davidson Sportsters get a full width aluminium front hub
1963 Willie G Davidson joins family firm as director of styling
Indian name sold to Berliner Motor Corporation
1962
1961
1960 Harley-Davidson introduce cast aluminium nacelle in place of tin Hydra Glide item.
1959 Harley-Davidson XLCH gets lights.
Harley-Davidson XLH gets valanced mudguards, nacelle and optional dresser kit
1958 Harley-Davidson DuoGlide launched, introducing rear swing-arm suspension to big twins
Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster launched: high-compression roadster
Harley-Davidson XLC and XLCH Sportsters launched: basic version with on/off road tyres
.
1957 Harley-Davidson XL Sportster launched as 55ci/883cc roadster.
Harley-Davidson drops Springer forks as Servicar goes to Hydra-Glide forks
1956 Harley-Davidson: No new models
1955 Harley-Davidson launch 60hp FLH, as high performance version of FL
Harley-Davidson 125cc Lightweight redesignated "Hummer"
1954 Harley-Davidson: No new models
1953 Harley-Davidson KH launched: size boosted from 750cc to 883cc
Harley-Davidson KHK launched as a high-performance version in limited numbers.
Harley-Davidson drop 61-ci / 1000cc Model E
Indian can't afford retooling costs for OHV engine and and cease production.
Indian name appears on imported Royal Enfields
1952 Harley-Davidson Model-K launched: unit-construction, 750 side valve, RH gearshift, full suspension.
Harley-Davidson introduce foot shift on FLF
Harley-Davidson drops the WL 45 sidevalve engine except for Servi-Car (continues to 1970)
Indian drop Warrior
1951 Indian introduce foot shift as an option on Chief
Indian name sold to AMC - owners of AJS, Matchless, Royal Enfield, Velocette and Norton.
1950 Indian Chief relaunched as Blackhawk Chief: 80ci 40hp with telescopic forks
Indian Warrior launched: 500cc version of the Scout
Indian drop Scout twin and Arrow single
Indian's debt called in by Brockhouse Ltd.
1949 Harley-Davidson introduce the Hydra-Glide telescopic forkand fits to Panheads
Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide models launched.
Harley-Davidson drops the 74ci Model-U sidevalve
Indian withdraw the Chief for a year to concentrate on smaller singles and twins.
Indian finance new models with loans from British company, Brockhouse Ltd.
1948 Harley-Davidson introduce the 55hp 74 "F" and 61ci "E" Panhead engines, to replace the Knucklehead.
Harley-Davidson launch 125cc Lightweight single: 2-stroke DKW and the birthplace of the Sportster tank
Indian Arrow launched: 220cc single.
Indian Scout launched: 440cc parallel twin, with Super Scout as deluxe model.
1947 Harley-Davidson: No new models
1946 Harley-Davidson: No new models, but Springers got a Monroe shock absorber in place of the friction damper
Indian launch Post-War Chief: forks from 841B but otherwise the same 74ci side-valve V.
1945 Harley-Davidson: No new models
1944 Harley-Davidson: No new models
1943 Harley-Davidson: No new models
Indian: No new models except a prototype 841B: Transverse V-twin 45ci, shaft drive, military.
1942 Harley-Davidson show a prototype XA: flat twin 45ci, shaft drive military based on BMW engine.
Harley-Davidson drops the 80ci Model-U side-valve
1941 Harley-Davidson launch 74ci version of the Knucklehead: called the FL
Indian 741 military bike produced: based on 30.50 with 45ci transmission
1940 Indian 440 launched: valanced mudguards.
1939
1938 Indian revert to original head design for fours to cure overheating problems.
1937 Harley-Davidson put side-valve models into new frame with fatbobs.
Model V (80ci) redesignated as Model U.
Model R (45ci) redesignated as Model W.
1936 Harley-Davidson introduce the 61-cu.in OHV E Knucklehead: the beginning of the modern age.
Harley-Davidson introduces new frame and fatbob tanks on the new 61E.
Indian revise the head on the four in attempt to gain more power.
1935 Harley-Davidson 80 VLDD launched: 80ci / 1340cc side-valve.
Harley-Davidson drops their single-cylinder side-valve models B and C.
1934 Harley-Davidson VLD launched: 74ci / 1200cc side-valve: fixes problems of first VLs.
Indian Scout Sport launched: 45ci /750cc side-valve with full mudguards and suspension.
1933 Indian Scout Pony 45 launched: as before but with 45ci side-valve engine.
1932 Harley-Davidson Model D (45ci) becomes Model R.
Harley-Davidson show OHV Model DAH for hill-climbing competition.
Harley-Davidson Servi-Car launched.
1931 Harley suspend Model A and B single for a year.
Indian Scout Pony launched: 37ci V-twin.
Indian drop original Scout and replace it with a new Scout - a 45ci version of the Chief.
Henderson and Excelsior are closed down by Schwinn at onset of American Depression.
1930 Harley-Davidson 74V and 74VL sidevalve launched: 74ci / 1208cc
Harley-Davidson drop 61ci inlet-over-exhaust Model J.
Harley-Davidson drop 74ci inlet-over-exhaust Model J.
Harley-Davidson introduce "Springer" forks
1929 Harley-Davidson introduce their first side-valve engine - the Model D
Harley-Davidson "45D" launched: 45 Side-valve.
Harley-Davidson Model C 30.50ci / 500cc single launched. Known as the thirty-fifty.
1928 Harley-Davidson introduce 61ci JH and 74ci JDH - twin-cam development of the original J models
Harley-Davidson drop Model A single.
1927 Indian 101 Scout launched: 45ci side-valve.
Indian Four launched.
1926 Harley-Davidson A (magneto), B (battery) 21ci / 350cc 8hp side-valve singles launched.
Harley-Davidson AA (magneto), BA (battery) and S (magneto) OHV 21ci / 350cc 12hp singles launched.
Harley-Davidson drop Model F inlet-over-exhaust models (magneto only, no lights).
Indian acquires manufacturing rights to Ace, forms basis of their inline fours from 1927-42.
1925 Indian Prince launched: 21ci side-valve single.
Excelsior Super-X launched: first 45ci V-Twin.
1924 Harley-Davidson drop Fore and Aft Model W sport twin model.
Ace in financial difficulties.
1923 Hendee changes its name to Indian Motocycle Company.
1922 Indian Chief launched: 61ci, 42 degree V-twin.
Indian Big Chief launched: 74ci V-twin.
1921 Harley-Davidson introduce 74ci / 1200cc JD and FD to run alongside existing 61ci / 1000cc J and F models
1920 Indian Scout launched: 37ci with 3-speed gearbox.
1919 Harley-Davidson Model W launched: Fore and Aft flat twin.
Harley-Davidson drop Model E: direct geared, magneto, 16hp twin.
Henderson brothers leave Henderson.
William Henderson founds the Ace brand building inline fours.
1918
1917 Harley-Davidson 17 replaced "silent" grey with olive drab as Harley gears up for war work.
Henderson bought by Schwinn.
1916 Harley-Davidson 16 signals a change in model IDs to match calendar year.
Harley-Davidson 3-speed models get kickstart in place of bicycle pedals
Harley-Davidson 8-valve racer introduced to compete with Indian
Indian PowerPlus launched: first Indian to use side-valve engine.
1915 Harley-Davidson 11 and first Model J with first H-D electric headlamp.
Harley-Davidson range comprised 11B single speed, single, 11C two speed single, 11E single speed V-twin, 3- speed 11F and 3-speed 11J.
Harley-Davidson 3-speed gearboxes introduced.
1914 Harley-Davidson 10F model updates the smaller, 810cc / 49ci V-twin
1913 Harley-Davidson 9
1912 Harley-Davidson 8D and 8E V-twin introduced with increased capacity of 989cc / 60ci
Harley-Davidson introduced a clutch mechanism: a rear wheel device, models identified by "X" prefix.
Harley-Davidson introduce chain final drive option on clutch models: belt-drive X8D, chain-driven X8E.
Henderson brothers begin manufacture of inline four cylinder bikes.
1911 Harley-Davidson 7D nas a revamped V-twin
Excelsior bought by Schwinn, continue to make IoE singles and V-twins up to 61ci.
Indian works riders on modified 585cc twins win the IoM TT races with a 1-2-3.
1910 Harley-Davidson 6.
Excelsior introduces a V-twin production motorcycle.
1909 Harley-Davidson 5-A increases engine size to 494cc
Harley-Davidson 5-D launched: first 45-degree, 7hp, V-Twin making 810cc / 49ci.
1908 Harley-Davidson Model 4
1907 Harley-Davidson become an incorporated company.
Harley-Davidson build prototype V-twin.
Indian 39ci Twin launched.
Indian patent left-hand twistgrip.
Excelsior Supply Company produces bikes powered by their own single cylinder engines.
1906 Harley-Davidson 440cc "Silent Grey Fellow" - named after paint choice - moniker lasted until 1917
Indian pre-production V-twin is ridden coast-to-coast.
1905 Indian introduce fully adjustable front suspension.
1904
1903 Harley-Davidson Motor Company produce their first motorcycle: 405cc inlet over exhaust (F-head) single
1902
1901 Hendee produce their first motorcycle, a 1.75hp single. They call it an "Indian".
1900 Hendee and Hedstrom form the Hendee Manufacturing Company.


1986 883 MOTOR BORED TO 1200
1996 CUSTOM SOFTTAIL FRAME
VANCE AND HINES SIDE SHOTS
STAGE 1 AIR FILTER
16 FAT BOY CHROME REAR WHEEL
21 INCH FRONT WHEEL
WIDE GLIDE FRONT END
FRONT END LOWERED 2 INCHES
METZELER ME880 150/80HB-16 REAR
ME880 90/90H-21 FRONT


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 Post subject: Re: Harley Davidson History
PostPosted: Wed May 20, 2009 12:53 pm 
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Joined: Sat May 09, 2009 12:24 pm
Posts: 12
Location: Bakersfield California
I got this from another forum and found the pictures just great.

http://harley-davidson.oldcarandtruckpictures.com/


RickyBobby


'06 FXDBi Street Bob
V&H pipes
High 5 intake
Carlini bars


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 Post subject: Re: Harley Davidson History
PostPosted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 7:28 am 
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Joined: Mon Feb 22, 2010 4:10 pm
Posts: 5
The History of Harley-Davidson
The history of the Harley Davidson motorcycles first began in 1903 in Milwaukee. Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson introduced a one-cylinder motorcycle. It was beautiful and reliable, and soon it was sold to a man named C. H. Lange. By 1908, 154 of these motorcycles were made, and they had themselves their own small company with about only twenty employees.
In 1909, Bill Harley finished his project of the 1000cc V-twin. It had a fair horsepower of seven. The 45-degree V twin become the most recognizable symbol of Harley Davidson motorcycles, and stayed in the family for many years to come.
Soon, Harley Davidson motorcycles grew fame by numerous racing and rock climbing awards and first place prizes.
1912 was a more achievable year for the Harley-Davidson. They opened up their 6-story factory, and began their first over-seas exports with the Japanese. Soon their company was zooming past the other companies like Excelsior, Pierce, Merkel, and Schickel. They also opened two hundred dealerships in the US.
Soon the cry of the World Wars provoked the Harley Davidson to ship their motorcycles to the US military. The war used more then 19000 motorcycles, most of which were Harley Davidson's. They also won the Army-Navy "E" award after shipping their bikes in the Second War.
By the 1918, they were the biggest motorcycle company in the world; with more than two thousand dealerships in the world!
In the 1920s more features were added to the HD motorcycles. They used single cylinders, identifiable teardrop shape gas tank, front wheel brakes and twin cam
engines.
In the 1930s the Harley Davidson 1340 CC became the biggest motorcycle they ever made. In 1948 the Panhead engine was produced and Harley Davidson became the best motorcycles in the US.
In 1957 the fastest Harley Davidson was born- Sportster. This enormous success put them past scale with the bike's speed, stability, and looks.
In 1969, the Harley Davidson Company emerged with the AMF (American Machine and Foundry Company). But the SLCR Caferacer of 1970 was a disgrace and the Harley Davidson quality decreased.
The Harley Davidson bought themselves back with the 1984 new evolution motor.
As time passed Harley Davidson survived and won back it's glory with it's endless models and strategies. Some of the motorcycle models include- FLHS Electra Glide Sport, The FXSTS Springer Softail, FXDB Dyna Glide Sturgis and many more. Today Harley Davidson is the best motorcycle company in the US, and holds about 65 percent of America's market.The moment anyone mentions about motorcycles, more often than not the name Harley Davidson comes into mind. In fact, the name Harley Davidson has become the benchmark for the motorcycle industry. It is worthy to note that it was not an easy task for the Harley Davidson "brand" to rise to the top, and a lot of patience was involved as well. This shows that the reputation and fame of Harley Davidson motorcycles was not built overnight. Besides, the trust and respect earned from consumers took decades to be established.
Based in Wisconsin, the Harley-Davidson Motor Company is one of the two still-existing large-scale motorcycle manufacturers in the United States, the other being Victory Motors. What made Harley Davidson motorcycles a big hit compared to other manufacturers at that time were the
elegant design and the remarkable sound produced by those motorcycles. Those were the major characteristics consumers were craving for.
The humble beginnings of the company began in 1903, when an ambitious 21-year-old young man came up with the idea brilliant idea of replacing flywheels with a small engine. The engine was meant to be fixed onto a bicycle to make it run quicker.
With the engine idea as the basis of research, William Harley and his pal Arthur Davidson spent approximately two years developing on the idea, with occasional help from Arthur's brother Walter. When they completed their maiden prototype and did some testing on it, they discovered that the machine had difficulties mounting hills if pedals were excluded. Based on the failure of the first prototype, they continued to improve and adjust the prototype to make it better.
Their second prototype made use of a larger engine. This model was the brainchild of William, Arthur and Walter with help from Ole Evinrude, an outboard motor pioneer. In fact, the first Harley Davidson motorcycle had a loop frame almost identical to the second prototype. The second prototype was completed by 1904 and participated in a motorcycle race that year itself. Via a do-it-yourself trade, the engine was commercialized in 1905 with several more Harley Davidson motorcycles manufactured.
The three aspiring young men, pretty sure that their motorcycles will make a name someday, went on to construct a motorcycle factory on Chestnut Street, a street name later modified to Juneeau Avenue. A special memorial for Harley Davidson currently exists there. When the factory was first built, it was only constructed using wood; however that did not that particular year itself.
Graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin proved useful for William because he could use the knowledge to expand the motorcycle business. 1907 was a successful year for the three young men, when they expanded their productivity to produce approximately 150 units of motorcycles and managed to sell some units to the police department and the government. In addition, their business became an "incorporated" company, an achievement the three could definitely be proud of.
A new prototype was also released in 1907. This new prototype had several added-on features that are advantageous to the motorcycle; a dual-cylinder engine known as the V-twin model, a horsepower of 7 (double that of the previous prototype) and an increase in speed to around 60mph. In 1911, the engine was slightly modified by introducing mechanically operated intake valves to it. This makes the engine smaller, but have elevated performance, which is desirable.
The business evolved so successfully by 1913 that the three upgraded the existing factory to a 5-story one. From then on, the Harley Davidson "brand" motorcycle went on to become so well-known that they became the benchmark for the motorcycle industry, as mentioned earlier. The absolute best way to find Harley custom chrome and Harley motorcycle parts or Harley Davidson replacement parts without the hassle of going to your local store or paying store prices.
Any Harley enthusiast will tell you that a part of owning one is modifying it once it's yours. I can remember the days when I would go through my Harley Davidson parts catalog local store looking for Harley motorcycles parts. Chrome Harley Davidson parts can be hard to come by if you are looking for something unique that will make yours stand out from the crowd. The only problem was if I didn't
see it in the Sunday paper, I would have to wait another week before the next full classified ad section would come out. The information age has made those days a distant memory that most of us have forgotten. Motor-sports blogs have changed the way we go about getting our information forever.
I have found a Harley motorcycle enthusiasts God's send on eBay's HOG parts blog. The blog is designed to match Harley Davidson parts and accessories with a Harley owners looking for the perfect add on to your bike. Ebay and Google's Blogger.com have united to help people like you and I have access to this motorcycle superstore. Last month I was able to get a great offer through eBay's HOG parts blog when I had to sell my Harley Davidson fairing, Harley Davidson headlight and Harley Davidson grips. I even saw vintage motorcycle parts there. The HOG parts blog is a great source to send you in the right direction for basically anything you could need for your upgrades.
What's even better is that all the info is at your fingertips and completely free. The way to keep up with everything is to go to eBay's Motorcycle Blog and click on the RSS feeder icon in the corner of your URL. This is so cool because it will update you for whatever you are looking for. All the deals come to you instead of you having to seek them. I wish you riding joy and of course ride safe.
One of the greatest things about owning a Harley is the camaraderie that goes along with it. If your reading this and you don't own a Harley yet, get ready for the attention. I've noticed so much change since I've left my sport bike in the garage. There's a form and level of respect that comes with riding a Harley. I didn't know this would happen but I definitely feel the difference.
I plan on continuing to make upgrades to my bike and eventually I want to design my own custom and really
stand out from the crowd. It's all about expression of self and there is no better way to do it than with your Harley upgrades. Daytona is coming up soon and it will be my first trip to Biketoberfest. I'm excited about the trip and plan on making it an annual event for my family.
When the partnership of William Harley and Arthur Davidson produced the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle in 1903 it became clear that the motorcycle business was born to succeed. Between 1903 and 1904, three motorcycles were produced and sold before they were even built. In 1909 the first V-Twin powered motorcycle was introduced and the engine shape became the trademark of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Many models followed such as the 1936 Knucklehead. In 1948 the second overhead cam engine was introduced as the Panhead.
Harley-Davidson was pretty much in control of the motorcycle market in the 1950s.
In the late 1950s Japanese motorcycles started to grow in size, reliability, and performance. They are no longer the Asian size that we know. The Japanese motorcycle industry took a large share of the market for two decades. Harley-Davidson merged with the American Machine and Foundry Company in 1969 but that merger seems to be meaningless because consumers started to shy out from any brand of motorcycle in the 1970s. Happy times are over for Japanese motorcycles. In 1981 Harley-Davidson regrouped and a buyback was initiated. The American Machine and Foundry Company was out and Harley-Davidson Company rallied with the phrase, "The Eagle soars alone." Harley-Davidson started to build improved and reliable models such as the FXR/FXRS Super Glide II.
Today, Harley-Davidson motorcycles are back to being the "King of the Road" with the 2008 FLHRC Road King Classic and the 2008 FLHTCU Ultra Classic Electra Glide.


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 Post subject: Re: Harley Davidson History
PostPosted: Fri Feb 17, 2012 8:25 pm 
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Joined: Fri Feb 17, 2012 8:17 pm
Posts: 10
Location: Berlin, Germany
In 1903, William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson make available to the public the first production Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. The bike was built to be a racer, with a 3-1/8 inch bore and 3-1/2 inch stroke. The factory in which they worked was a 10 x 15-foot wooden shed with the words "Harley-Davidson Motor Company" crudely scrawled on the door. Arthur's brother Walter later joins their efforts.


Do you need a topcase, bags or crashbars from Touratech, GIVI, SW-Motech or Hepco&Becker? https://www.motorcycle-luggage-shop.com


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 Post subject: Re: Harley Davidson History
PostPosted: Sat Feb 18, 2012 7:46 am 
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Joined: Sun Oct 24, 2010 8:05 pm
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The (titled) 1974 FXE models were shipped with a battery the size usually installed in 450 Hondas. Since one particular FXE was shipped with a 'milky' battery, the 140 pound fool who bought the bike assumed that since he worked at a dealership it would "be no problem."

After a season of kicking it like an XLCH, the clueless lad rid himself of the bike and ended up with a 750cc Moto Guzzi Sport, which actually started. (And actually stopped! It had two hydraulic front disc brrakes!)

While history will forever remember these bikes as "bowling ball bikes" referring to the AMF era, this bike is truly a bowling ball model. To this reporter's knowledge, the offending FXE is still at the bottom of Lake Mendota, chained down with numerous other fine AMF bowling products.

This has been a MoCo moment.


"Imagine a king who fights his own battles. Wouldn't that be a sight?" Brad Pitt as Achilles in the movie 'Troy'


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 Post subject: Re: Harley Davidson History
PostPosted: Fri Oct 17, 2014 12:34 pm 
Rider
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Joined: Fri Oct 17, 2014 12:29 pm
Posts: 1
Good afternoon,

I hope this letter finds you well. I’m the Wisconsin Publishing Editor for Arcadia Publishing, which is North America's leading publisher of local and regional history. I would love to pursue a photographic history book about The Harley-Davidson Company through our Corporate History series and thought you might have some ideas about whom to contact as a potential author based on your strong connection to the subject matter.

Arcadia is a traditional publishing company (there is no cost to work with us) with a popular series of photographic histories called Images of America, which chronicles the histories of communities throughout the country through about 200 historical images and corresponding captions. We offer royalties to all our authors, as well as deeply discounted rates to purchase copies of the book for resale and fundraising purposes. We work with local historians, librarians, historical societies, writers, folks who know almost the entire community, educators, chambers, or main street groups compiling photographic histories of their hometowns and the institutions that are central to their story. I encourage you to visit our website, https://www.arcadiapublishing.com, to explore our new titles, and I would be thrilled to hear any suggestions of local writers or history enthusiasts who may be interested in the project.

Please contact me directly at emonell@arcadiapublishing.com.

Thank you!

All best,
Emilia Monell
Publishing Editor - IA, MI, WI
Arcadia Publishing
ph: +1 843.853.2070 x210 and fax: +1 843.853.0044


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