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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

2013-2014 Harley-Davidson Breakout Recalled for Faulty Fuel Indicators

Thu, 17 Apr 2014

Harley-Davidson is recalling 2013-2014 Breakout models, including CVO versions, because the fuel level indication system may not be properly reading the correct amounts of fuel. As of this publishing, recalls have been announced by government agencies in Australia and Canada; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not yet posted a recall but U.S.-based members of the Harley-DavidsonForums.com report American dealerships have already started receiving recall bulletins. According to a recall announcement by Transport Canada, some Breakout and CVO Breakout models may run out of fuel despite the fuel and range indicators indicating there is still enough fuel in the tank.

Colin Edwards Hosts NGM Forward Racing Teammates at Texas Tornado Boot Camp

Wed, 09 Apr 2014

Colin Edwards played the gracious host, welcoming his NGM Forward Racing teammates to the U.S. with a day of dirt riding at his Texas Tornado Boot Camp. Edwards’ teammate Aleix Espargaro and Moto2 riders Simone Corsi and Mattia Passini joined other riders at the camp ahead of this weekend’s MotoGP round at Circuit of the Americas.

Motus Hires Former H-D Test Rider + Video

Wed, 09 Apr 2014

Bruce Edmiston was a Harley-Davidson test rider for over 20 years. In that time, he estimates he’s racked up well north of 500,000 miles on a wide variety of motorcycles from many different parts of the world. He retired from Harley-Davidson in 2009, but the prospect of helping Motus develop an all-American sport-tourer was just the opportunity he needed to come out of retirement and utilize his test riding expertise.

Harley-Davidson-Powered Toyota Prius for Sale on eBay

Fri, 04 Apr 2014

“If you are the type to whine about undisclosed damage after the completion of the sale, don’t friggin’ bid on this. While the title and the donor car itself are 100% clean and (despite appearances) there’s no previous accident for this car, consider it a total POS. That about sums it up.” Not exactly a ringing endorsement for a used car, but that’s the description left by the owner of a 2008 Toyota Prius equipped with a Harley-Davidson Sportster engine.

Arizona Bike Week To Host Over 100,000 Motorcycles, April 2-6

Tue, 01 Apr 2014

Arizona Bike Week, one of America’s largest motorcycle rallies, will attract well over 100,000 bikers to the greater Phoenix area this year. This epic gathering of the riding community will be celebrated April 2-6, 2014 at WestWorld in Scottsdale. Arizona Bike Week, supported by numerous Valley businesses and national brands, has for the first time in its history secured presenting sponsors.

Edelweiss Bike Travel And Harley-Davidson Team Up

Tue, 25 Mar 2014

Harley-Davidson is teaming up with Edelweiss Bike Travel as part of its Harley-Davidson authorized tours program to offer riders a brand-new selection of premium riding tours across Europe and Africa. Edelweiss Bike Travel has more than 30 years of expertise in worldwide motorcycle touring and has created a range of once-in-a-lifetime touring rides for both new and experienced riders. The new Harley-Davidson authorized tours provided by the Edelweiss team include a breath-taking ride through the beauty of the Bavarian Forest and ancient Habsburg Empire, a spectacular journey through the rugged scenery of Scotland and an unforgettable adventure through the stunning landscape of Morocco on the African continent.

Harley-Davidson Invites Fan On Red Carpet At Captain America Premiere

Mon, 17 Mar 2014

Harley-Davidson and Marvel surprised fans at the premiere of Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier in Hollywood, by inviting them onto the red carpet after it closed. Fans at the event were spontaneously selected to walk and experience the official red carpet and to check out a brand new Street 750 motorcycle along with the stars of the film, who autographed the bike for charity. The Winter Soldier star Chris Evans signs a new Harley-Davidson Street 750 at the premiere in Hollywood, CA.  Following the premiere, Harley-Davidson will donate the bike to Concord Youth Theatre. In its continued partnership with Marvel Comics, Harley-Davidson had six motorcycles at the premiere along the red carpet, where fans took pictures and interacted with actor and musician, Tyler Posey, the official Harley-Davidson commentator and host.

Laguna Seca Added to 2014 AMA Superbike Schedule

Thu, 13 Mar 2014

AMA Superbike will be racing at Laguna Seca this year after all, with AMA Pro Racing announced the addition of the Monterey, Calif., circuit to its 2014 schedule, joining the World Superbike Championship on July 11-13. Laguna Seca was not included in AMA Pro Racing’s calendar, but its addition now increases the number of rounds in the series to six. That’s still down from the nine rounds held in 2013, but the absence of Laguna Seca and its famed Corkscrew would have been an especially tough loss.

Who To Watch In The AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Series

Thu, 13 Mar 2014

The Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Series is set to kick off this weekend at Daytona International Raceway, and the competition looks set to be as close as ever. In the contest’s three-year history, the combined margin of victory stands at just over two tenths of a second. And last year’s dogfight saw ninth position take the checkered flag less than eight tenths removed from the victory. Each previous contest has developed into a full-blown drafting war, with the class’ evenly matched machinery testing the tactical acumen of its pilots as they negotiate the high banks within inches of one another.

Paul James To Start His 20th Consecutive Road Racing Season At Daytona

Tue, 11 Mar 2014

Paul James isn’t just another Harley-Davidson employee, he’s one helluva fast rider. For 2014, James will be suiting up for his 20th consecutive season of road racing as he pilots his James Gang/Hoban Brothers Racing Harley-Davidson XR1200 for the AMA Pro Racing Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson series season opener at Daytona International Speedway. And he brings with him a new sponsor and a continued relationship with the VETMotorsports program.