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

Most Obvious Press Release Of 2013: Biker Chicks Sexier Than Pedestrians

In a misallocation of funds Harley-Davidson recently spent an untold buttload of money proving something men have known for years: That women who ride motorcycles are sexier and better between the sheets than women who don’t ride. Common responses from male motorcyclists to the press release were: Duh; Tell me something I didn’t already know; Can I be a recruiter? Meant to entice non-riding females into the Harley-Davidson army by pimping the Bar & Shield’s website, www.h-d.com/women, the press release was peppered with effeminate catchphrases such as “physical intimacy, “communication,” and “improves relationships” but the basal message is one of female motorcyclists being sexier, happier and more confident than their non-riding counterparts.

A (Not So) Silent Night from Harley-Davidson – Video

It’s probably not conducive for sleeping in heavenly peace, but Harley-Davidson has released a Christmas-themed ad with the song “Silent Night” performed by the revving V-Twin engine of a Softail Breakout. Titled “The Sound of the Festive Season”, the ad spot was produced by U.K agency Big Communications for Harley-Davidson Europe Middle East and Africa. According to AdWeek, the ad was conceived, sold and produced in just 72 hours.

Detroit Police Department Restores 1937 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead

The Detroit Police Department revealed a restored a 1937 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead police bike that was found during the move to its new headquarters. The 76-year-old police motorcycle was found disassembled at the old headquarters after several decades in storage. According to MLive, the police department attempted to restore the motorcycle in 1974 but never got around to completing it.

Harley-Davidson Opens First Showroom in Vietnam

Harley-Davidson has opened its first dealership in Vietnam, the world’s fourth largest market for motorcycles. Located in Phu My Hung in District 7 of Ho Chi Minh City, the new Harley-Davidson of Saigon opened its doors this past weekend with a full lineup of 27 models. Vietnam is one of the world’s largest markets with sales of 3.1 million two-wheelers in 2012, trailing only China, India and Indonesia.

Small-Displacement Class Considered for 2015 AMA Pro Racing Season

More and more manufacturers are entering the small-displacement sportbike market and AMA Pro Racing has taken notice, opening the possibility of adding a new racing class representing the growing segment. With plans to consolidate the Daytona Sportbike and Supersport classes and the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson series signed through 2015, a spot will open up on race weekends for another racing class to support the premier Superbike Championship. The logical choice is to introduce a new small-displacement class.

Sturgis Buffalo Chip Student Build Challenge Will Use 2014 Harley-Davidson Street Glide

Next year’s Sturgis Buffalo Chip will once again feature the Student Build Challenge. The bike build project is a collaboration between the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, Sturgis Brown High School, Black Hills Harley-Davidson, Terry Components, Dakota V-Twin and a large group of industry-leading parts sponsors. The program provides the opportunity for Sturgis Brown High School students to learn from leading motorcycle industry professionals in order to create a one-of-a-kind custom motorcycle from a stock Harley-Davidson.

Book Release: Who is the Real Hog?

Bob Michel is a motorcycle industry veteran of almost 30 years, and like many career motorcycle folks, he has stories to tell. His credentials include 14 years with Harley-Davidson, culminating with his role as manager of dealer facilities planning. Naturally, when it was time to move on to other adventures, he chose to capitalize on his sales experience by becoming a partner and vice president of a Milwaukee dealership franchise.

46,061 Motorcycles Stolen in US in 2012

An average of 126 motorcycles were stolen in the U.S. every day in 2012, according to a report released by the the National Insurance Crime Bureau. That’s from a total of 46,061 motorcycles reported stolen that year a 1.3% improvement from the 46,667 motorcycles reported stolen in 2011.

Harley-Davidson Racers Visiting Troops In Middle East

A large number of military personnel are also motorcyclists, with many dreaming of the day they can hop back on their steeds after deployment. Harley-Davidson understands this, and in cooperation with Army Special Forces Association Chapter 64, Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines riders Eddie Krawiec and Andrew Hines are joining Summit Racing Equipment and Armed Forces Entertainment November 18-22 for Operation Appreciation, an annual visit to American troops stationed overseas. After three years of visiting American military personnel based in Europe, Operation Appreciation will travel to the Middle East to visit troops in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.

Buy Steve McQueen’s 1938 Harley!

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