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

2012 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback Revealed

Harley-Davidson has revealed a new member to its Dyna family featuring quick change convertibility from touring to cruiser mode. As we expected, the new Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback features hard saddlebags and fork-mounted windshield that can be removed quickly and without tools, allowing it to change from a touring motorcycle to a cruiser, and back again. The Dyna Switchback uses Harley-Davidson’s Twin Cam 103 engine, 2-into-1 chrome exhaust, and five-spoke cast aluminum wheels with full fenders.

2012 Harley-Davidson V-Rod 10th Anniversary Edition and Updated Night Rod Unveiled

Harley-Davidson is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its V-Rod line with a few updates as well as a special edition model. First introduced in the 2002 model year, the V-Rod marked a new era for Harley-Davidson, with the V-Rod’s 1130cc 60-degree  V-Twin Revolution engine, the Motor Company’s first production engine with liquid cooling and overhead camshafts. The 2012 Harley-Davidson V-Rod line is equipped with the latest generation 1250cc Revolution engine with dual overhead camshafts,  four-valve cylinder heads and fuel injection.

Harley-Davidson Reports Q2 2011 Results

Harley-Davidson reported a net income of $190.6 million over the second quarter of 2011, thanks to the first year-on-year quarterly improvement in the U.S. market in nearly five years. For the three months ended June 26, 2011, Harley-Davidson’s operating income totaled $301.9 million, a 38.0% increase from the $218.8 million reported in the same period of 2010.

Harley-Davidson at the 71st Annual Sturgis Rally

Harley-Davidson has announced its plans for the 2011 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Aug. 6-13 in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. Scheduled Harley-Davidson activities include the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, the XR1200 Racing Experience, Muscular Dystrophy Association pin sale and custom motorcycle raffle and the Harley-Davidson Ride-In Show.

Zero Motorcycles Launches Dealer Network

Zero Motorcycles announced a new network of eight dealerships as the electric motorcycle company begins the transition from an online-based sales model to a traditional showroom sales model. Until now, Zero conducts its sales over the Internet with the help of a system of Independent Representatives around the country who use a handful of demo models instead of actual inventory to showcase the brand. As both demand and production have increased, Zero is ready to adopt a new dealer-based model.

Harley-Davidson Ultimate Learn-to-Ride Contest for Women

Harley-Davidson announced a new contest for women looking to get started into riding motorcycles. The “Ultimate Learn-to-Ride” Experience will award four women with a prize package including a new Harley-Davidson Sportster personally designed through the H-D1 Factory Customization program, $1,000 in Harley-Davidson apparel and a trip for two to Milwaukee to take the Harley-Davidson Riders Edge rider course. To enter, visit www.h-d.com/mytime and fill out the form.

Harley-Davidson Announces Returning 2012 Sportster, Touring, and Trike Models

Harley-Davidson has begun shipping its 2012 Sportster, Touring and Trike models across the U.S. and Europe. The 15 announced 2012 models are all returning models from the 2011 lineup.

New 2012 Harley-Davidson Models Named in CARB Documents

Documents released by the California Air Resources Board reveal two new models from Harley-Davidson’s 2012 lineup: a 10th anniversary edition V-Rod and a new member of the Dyna family. The CARB documents list motorcycles that have received approval for the state of California. The Motor Company has received approval for several 2012 models including the 2012 Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special Anniversary and the 2012 Harley-Davidson Switchback.

Brammo Hires Ex-Harley-Davidson Dealer Development Director

Brammo has hired former Harley-Davidson dealer development director Jim Marcolina to develop the electric motorcycle maker’s North American dealer network. Marcolina was director of dealer development and dealer relations at Harley-Davidson after joining the Motor Company as a district sales manager. Brammo will rely on Marcolina’s experience working with Harley-Davidson’s dealer network to help establish its own fledgling network.

Best Western Holds Photo Contest for Motorcyclists

Best Western is holding a new contest for motorcyclists to celebrate its 65th anniversary and the launch of its three types of hotels. The Best Western Ride Rewards Photo Contest is open to motorcycle riders and runs until July 15. To enter, riders must submit photos of their motorcycles in front of a Best Western sign from the chain’s 2,200 North American locations to the Best Western Facebook page.