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

Harley-Davidson Reports 2013 Sales Results

2013 was an outstanding year for Harley-Davidson. The company mark its 110th anniversary and launch new water-cooled models and small displacement models and capped things off with a net profit of $734.0 million, up from $623.9 million in 2012. “Without question 2013 was an outstanding year for Harley-Davidson.

Warlord Harley-Davidson Saddlebag Trays By First Shot Cycle Parts

If you’re the type who likes to stay ultra-organized, even (especially?) while riding your Harley-Davidson bagger, you might want to look at these Warlord saddlebag trays from First Shot Cycle Parts. While the concept of saddlebag trays is nothing new, the Warlord tray is well thought out. Dividers keep all of your small items where you can find them and not buried in the saddlebag. Each tray is lined, comes with removable dividers and all mounting brackets.

Don’t Run From This Cop – Video

Quinn Redeker is one talented motorcycle rider. In this impressive video, watch as he wins a motorcycle skills competition aboard his motorcycle. And oh yeah, Redeker is a motorcycle cop.

Las Vegas Harley-Davidson Breaks Ground On Vegas Strip

Las Vegas Harley-Davidson broke ground yesterday on a full-line Harley-Davidson dealership on the famed Las Vegas Strip. A custom Nevada Sesquicentennial-themed motorcycle celebrating the state’s 150th anniversary was revealed as part of the event, along with details on how one lucky rider will win it at the store’s grand opening. Harley-Davidson owners from around the city flocked to the site as Las Vegas Harley-Davidson President Don Andress and Vice President Timothy Cashman discussed the new location and, along with Governor of Nevada Brian Sandoval, unveiled a custom Nevada Sesquicentennial-themed motorcycle.

Harley Unveils Street Line in X Games Ice Racing Exhibition – Video

No, you didn’t read that headline wrong. Harley-Davidson will reveal its Street line of motorcycles to the US market at the X Games today with an ice racing exhibition. While exciting, the winter X Games have clearly been lacking one thing – motorcycles – and the Motor Company has joined with ESPN to bring ice racing to mainstream audiences. What could be a better way to introduce the Street 750 to a young, adventure sports-focused market to the Harley line designed by and for them?

Scott Russell, Neale Bayle On Talking Motorcycles With Barry Boone Tonight, 8pm EST

On tonight’s internet radio show Talking Motorcycles With Barry Boone, Scott Russell, Neale Bayle, and Mia the Flat Track Maiden give host Barry Boone an earful. While Scott Russell’s name is forever tied to Daytona International Speedway, “Mr. Daytona” amassed more than 40 national wins.

Motorcycle Stirrups – Yes, They Exist!

What do you get when a lifelong horse rider and motorcyclist from Nebraska gets inspired to combine his two loves? Why, motorcycle stirrups, of course! The idea came to Devin Santana, proprietor of Nebraska City Iron Works, one day when he was riding his Harley-Davidson down the road and looked down at his feet.

Want to Buy the Pope’s Harley?

In February, Bohnams auction house in Paris will allow both the Catholic and the Harley faithful to bid on a Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide owned by none other than Pope Francis, himself. Given to the Pope last year as part of the Harley-Davidson 110th anniversary celebration, the bike was unlikely to become the Popecycle because of the security required to protect the pontiff. The Pope donated the Dyna to the Roman Catholic charity Caritas Roma but not before signing the tank with “Francesco” at a special ceremony at the Vatican last November.

Harley-Davidson Museum Showing Living Lost Photographs by Josh Kurpius

The Harley-Davidson Museum is opening a new exhibit featuring photographs from custom builder and artist Josh Kurpius. Opening Jan. 17, the Living Lost Photographs by Josh Kurpius art exhibit includes 30 photographs taken during a series of road trips Kurpius took with friends, all riding vintage Harleys.

Harley-Davidson Announces Four Jackets with Thermal Reflective Technology

Just in time for winter, Harley-Davidson MotorClothes has announce a pair of men’s and a pair of women’s jackets featuring Thermal Reflective Technology. Designed to reflect and retain the body’s natural heat, Thermal Reflective Technology helps maintain core body temperature. Previously utilized in high-performance outdoor gear, the body’s warmth is contained without the bulk of older cold weather gear.