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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

Are You an Expert on Electric Vehicles? Come Work on Harley-Davidson’s Project LiveWire

Thu, 26 Jun 2014

Harley-Davidson is on a bit of a hiring spree following its Project LiveWire announcement, posting several new engineering job listings to work on the company’s electric motorcycle. In the week since Harley-Davidson announced Project LiveWire, the Motor Company has posted several open positions on its online job board calling for applicants with a background in electric vehicles and electromechanical engineering. Discuss this at our Harley-Davidson LiveWire Forum.

Rare Harley-Davidson Motorcycles and Memorabilia Up for Auction

Tue, 24 Jun 2014

More than 500 rare Harley-Davidson motorcycles and collector’s items will be hitting the auction block on June 28. The items belong to Ron Shreffler, former owner of a Harley-Davidson dealership in Manteno, Ill. The retired Shreffler once had plans to open a Harley-Davidson museum but has now decided to auction off his collection gathered from 48 years in the industry.

Harley-Davidson Reveals Project Livewire

Thu, 19 Jun 2014

Yesterday we published a scoop on what we believed to be a production electric motorcycle by, of all companies, Harley-Davidson, dubbed “Livewire.” Today, H-D officially announced Project LiveWire as the company’s first electric motorcycle.However, it appears as though our speculation about LiveWire going into production was a bit off base. Instead, The Motor Company is continuing with its customer-led product development approach and letting riders decide whether or not LiveWire sees the light of day. Starting next week select consumers across the country will be able to ride and provide feedback on the bike, helping to shape the future of Harley-Davidson’s first-ever electric motorcycle. While not for sale, Project LiveWire is specifically designed for the purpose of getting insight into rider expectations of an electric Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Harley-Davidson Financial Services to Refund $228,000 in Settlement

Thu, 12 Jun 2014

Harley-Davidson Financial Services agreed to reimburse more than 600 customers in Massachusetts a total of $228,000 to resolve a dispute over refunding enrollment fees on loans. Customers receiving financing occasionally pay optional enrollment fees for additional special loan terms. If a customer pays off its financing loan ahead of schedule, they may be entitled to a pro-rated refund on those enrollment fees.

Harley-Davidson Street 750 Goes Flat Tracking At X Games

Wed, 04 Jun 2014

Harley-Davidson’s new Street 750 is set to make its flat track debut this weekend at X Games Austin. Reigning AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National champion Brad “the Bullet” Baker will lead the exhibition race. Highlights of the race will air on ESPN during the X Games competition coverage. A Conversation With AMA Grand National Champion Brad Baker “The action-packed environment at X Games Austin fits perfectly with the attitude and identity of the new Street 750 motorcycle,” said Dino Bernacchi, Director U.S. Marketing, Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

Harley-Davidson Helps America Avoid Further Father’s Day Flubs

Fri, 30 May 2014

While Father’s Day is meant to celebrate fatherhood and family, new data shows most American dads aren’t feeling the love. The survey, commissioned by Harley-Davidson, interviewed more than 1,200 American dads about their Father’s Day gifts and experiences. The findings are clear that not all dads get their due on their day.

AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike Riders Gearing Up For Road America

Thu, 29 May 2014

The AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike class makes its much-anticipated return to Road America this weekend. The four-mile Wisconsin circuit is a particularly exciting place to watch the middleweight bikes because its long straights and braking zones make passing and lead changes commonplace. More than just a test of man and machine, the races often develop into a strategic battle leading up to the all-important last lap and run up the hill to the checkered flag.

2014 AMA Flat Track: Springfield Mile I Results

Mon, 26 May 2014

Bryan Smith edged out Kenny Coolbeth Jr. by a mere 0.041 seconds to win the AMA Pro Flat Track Experts Twins race at the Springfield Mile. The ten laps of the race saw Smith and his Kawasaki battling for the lead with Coolbeth and Jake Johnson and Jared Mees sitting close behind waiting for an opening.

HeliBars Installation Service Will Be Half Price At The Americade Rally

Tue, 20 May 2014

HeliBars, one of the leaders in replacement motorcycle handlebars and riser systems, is pleased to announce that installation labor of its innovative, patented products will be just $100–half price–during the Americade rally, in Lake George, New York from June 2nd to 6th. Americade attendees will have their new HeliBars installed and custom-tailored during the rally by factory certified HeliBars installer, Sportline Power Products, in nearby Queensbury. The shop will have on hand a wide selection of Heli comfort kits, headlined by the just-released Luxury Sport Touring Horizon handlebars for Honda Goldwings and F6Bs.

Airhawk Introduces DS Comfort Seating System For Dual Sport Bikes, Bikes With Narrow Seats

Fri, 16 May 2014

Airhawk, Inc., has introduced the DS Comfort Seating System, a cushion designed specifically for motorcyclists who ride dual sport bikes or bikes with narrower seats. Features of the DS cushion include a narrow front to match the seat profile of most dual sport/adventure bikes and bikes with narrow seats.  A tapered-down front minimizes unwanted pressure on the scrotum, and a heavy-duty hold-down strap system ensures a secure fit to the bike.  The DS also works well with narrow customized or aftermarket seats that have been installed for the purpose of getting the rider lower to the ground.