Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

About Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson Inc (NYSE: HOG, formerly HDI), often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression.

The company sells today only heavyweight motorcycles with over 700 cc, designed for cruising on highways. Harley-Davidson motorcycles, or "Harleys", are noted for the tradition of heavy customization. Harley-Davidson's attempts to establish itself in the light motorcycle market have met little success and have largely been abandoned since the 1978 sale of its Italian Aermacchi subsidiary.

In 1901, William S. Harley, age 20, drew up plans for a small engine with a displacement of 7.07 cubic inches (116 cc) and four-inch (102 mm) flywheels. The engine was designed for use in a regular pedal-bicycle frame. On a practice, though, it was only experiment, somewhat unsuccessful but a start for more. So first "real" Harley-Davidson motorcycle had a bigger engine of 24.74 cubic inches (405 cc) with 9.75 inches (25 cm) flywheels weighing 28 lb (13 kg).

In September 8, 1904, Harley competed in a Milwaukee motorcycle race held at State Fair Park. This is the first documented appearance of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle in the historical record.

Production in 1905 and 1906 were all single-cylinder models with 26.84 cubic inches (440 cc) engines. Starting from 1907, V-Twin engines appeared, having 53.68 cubic inches (880 cc) and producing about 7 horsepower (5.2 kW).

In 1911, an improved V-Twin model was introduced. The new engine had mechanically operated intake valves, as opposed to the "automatic" intake valves used on earlier V-Twins that opened by engine vacuum. With a displacement of 49.48 cubic inches (811 cc), the 1911 V-Twin was smaller than earlier twins, but gave better performance. After 1913 the majority of bikes produced by Harley-Davidson would be V-Twin models.

By 1920, Harley-Davidson was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, with 28,189 machines produced, and dealers in 67 countries.

During the 1920s, several improvements were put in place, such as a new 74 cubic inch (1,212.6 cc) V-Twin, introduced in 1922, and the "Teardrop" gas tank in 1925. A front brake was added in 1928 although notably only on the J/JD models. In the late summer of 1929, Harley-Davidson introduced its 45 cubic inches (737 cc) flathead V-Twin, "D" model. An 80 cubic inches (1,300 cc) flathead engine was added to the line in 1935, by which time the single-cylinder motorcycles had been discontinued.

After World War II, as part of war reparations, Harley-Davidson acquired the design of a small German motorcycle, the DKW RT 125, which they adapted, manufactured, and sold from 1948 to 1966. Harley experienced changes in ownership in the ‘60s, going public in 1965 and eventually merging with American Machine and Foundry (AMF) in 1969. The ‘80s and ‘90s saw the introduction of model families that continue to this day, like the Softail, FLT and Road King lines, joining classic models like the Electra Glide. The story continues today.

Moto blog

YouTuber pokes fun at Harley-Davidson [video]

Here at Motorcycle.com we generally have nice things to say about Harley-Davidson products. But we also like a good joke. Especially when it’s full of biting sarcasm.

Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight and Roller Derby? [Video]

Canadian publication Cycle Canada had some fun on a photoshoot for its review of the Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight for the July issue. As Pete wrote in our own review, the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has a rugged, bobber-inspired look with its chopped fender, chubby front tire and underslung mirrors. For the guys over at Cycle Canada, the Forty-Eight conjured up a rather odd image: roller derby.

35 years ago this month

IT'S 35 YEARS since Evel Knievel attempted to jump 13 London buses at Wembley Stadium. Riding a heavy, slow Harley-Davidson XR750, the American daredevil had serious reservations about the jump, admitting the take-off ramp was too short, therefore limiting the bike's speed. But even though the plucky American knew his chances of pulling off the stunt were slim, he was reluctant to disappoint the 80,000-strong Wembley crowd.

Harley-Davidson in China

Harley-Davidson opened its first dealer in China in 2005, they now have four dealers operating nationwide (Shanghai, Beijing, Qingdao and Hong Kong). Harley reported that sales had doubled in China last year and plans to open four new dealerships this year (Wenzhou, Xiamen, Dalian and Chengdu). According to Rodney Copes, Harley’s Vice President of international sales, China is the fastest growing market for the American motorcycle manufacture.

Marisa Miller and Harley-Davidson Team-Up Again [video]

After recently being named the “Sexiest Woman on Earth” by FHM magazine, Marisa Miller steps up to the plate once again for Harley-Davidson to help promote the “Start Something” contest.  The grand prize is a Harley-Davidson motorcycle of your choice, meet Marisa and go on the ultimate guys road trip with three of your friends. Check out more photos of Marisa and a behind the scenes video that was shot during the photo shoot after the jump. Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Style Your Garage with a Harley

If you ever wanted to own a Harley-Davidson Road King or a Night Rod Special but just don’t have the available funds at the moment, well you can fake it till you make it with a 3-D garage mural from styleyourgarage.com for only $59 + shipping.  Since this garage billboard was developed in concert with Harley (according to the site) they can offer it at this cut rate. Check out some more samples after the jump.

Calling all Harley-owning, Olympus-toting shopaholics

GOOD LORD: where will it ever end?Harley-Davidson and Olympus cameras have launched a range of branded leather bags, specifically for use with Olympus cameras. The cases come replete with 'silver studs, buckles, chains and the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycle brand in four distinct styles,' says Olympus.The camera company continues: 'Whether you’re a two-wheeled novice, a seasoned road warrior or just enjoy the look, the new Harley-Davidson accessory cases are for you.'Mmmmm.The limited-edition leather accessory bags will be available in February 2010.Wonder if the cost of the new leather pouches will be Harley-Davidson inspired, too?

Barbie and Ken get biker makeover

IF YOU'VE a young daughter and you want to keep her away from motorcycles when she's older (or more likely the men that ride them) then look away now.Yes folks, Barbie and Ken are getting serious makeover to keep them up-to-date for 2010 - the new Harley-Davidson endorsed couple now come complete with biker gear, tattoos and even piercings (a Prince Albert, perhaps?). It makes you wonder what Mattel, the company behind the plastic duo, has next in the pipeline. Maybe they'll have a model of Birmingham airport, where Ken can kick the sh*t out of rival bike gang members?

2010 Sportster Forty-Eight [video]

Watching the promo videos that Harley-Davidson puts out does get me pumped.  Harley does however really seem to reinforce the stereotype of a typical Harley rider, I’m not sure if I am cool enough but the new Sportster Forty-Eight looks great!  Harley could use some positive feedback after they announced their Q4 results… Get the Flash Player to see this player. The 2010 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight retails for $10,499 for the black version, $10,789 for the silver or orange. Click here for more info.

Happy Birthday Elvis!

Born on January 8th, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis Aaron Presley would have been 75 years ago today if he was still alive today.  As a tribute to “The King” of Rock and Roll, the Harley-Davidson Museum has created a special exhibit, expanding on the semi-permanent collection from Elvis that has been on display since the museum was opened in 2008. The bill of sale, insurance, and registration papers for the 1956 Harley-Davidson KH pictured above will be on display along with the motorcycle that was owned by Elvis and the Graceland Museum has loaned some rare photos for the occasion. Along with Cadillac’s, Elvis had a passion for motorcycles but especially loved his Hogs and rode Harley’s in many of his films, including Roustabout (1964), Viva Las Vegas (1964), Clambake (1967) and Stay Away Joe (1968).