Harley-Davidson was officially founded in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson. The first Harley-Davidson motorcycle was built in a small wooden shed with the words "Harley-Davidson Motor Company" scrawled on the door.
The first Harley-Davidson motorcycle was a single-cylinder engine attached to a bicycle frame. It produced about 3 horsepower and had a top speed of around 25-30 mph. This prototype was completed in 1903, with production models following in 1905.
The company was named after its founders: William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson. Arthur's brothers Walter and William A. Davidson later joined the company, making it a true family business in its early years.
During both World Wars, Harley-Davidson produced motorcycles for the U.S. military:
- WWI (1917-1918): Produced about 20,000 motorcycles for the war effort
- WWII (1941-1945): Produced over 90,000 motorcycles (mostly WLA models) for Allied forces
The Harley-Davidson Knucklehead (introduced in 1936) is often considered the most iconic model, featuring the distinctive "knuckle" shaped rocker boxes. However, other legendary models include:
- Flathead (1929-1974)
- Panhead (1948-1965)
- Shovelhead (1966-1984)
- Evolution (1984-1999)
- Milwaukee-Eight (2017-present)
Harley-Davidson is famous for its 45-degree V-twin engines, which produce the distinctive "potato-potato" sound due to their unique firing order. This engine configuration has been a hallmark of Harley motorcycles since 1909, offering:
- High torque at low RPMs
- Distinctive vibration characteristics
- Recognizable exhaust note
- Air-cooled design (until recent liquid-cooled models)
The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) is the official riding club sponsored by Harley-Davidson, founded in 1983. With over 1 million members worldwide, it's the largest factory-sponsored motorcycle organization. Benefits include:
- Exclusive events and rallies
- Roadside assistance
- Discounts on parts and accessories
- Local chapter rides
- H.O.G. magazine subscription
Harley-Davidson has become an American icon representing freedom, rebellion, and the open road. Cultural impacts include:
- Appearances in hundreds of films (Easy Rider, Terminator 2, etc.)
- Association with WWII veterans and motorcycle clubs
- Influence on fashion (leather jackets, bandanas, etc.)
- Music references (Bruce Springsteen, Steppenwolf, etc.)
- Symbol of American manufacturing and craftsmanship