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

2014 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship On The Line At Pomona

Granted, flat track racing isn’t our specialty at MO, but we’re no doubt fans of the action. See our coverage from the 2012 season finale for proof. The following is from an AMA Pro Racing press release: A total of 15 races over eight months couldn’t separate Jared Mees and Bryan Smith by much.

HeliBars To Exhibit And Present At AIMExpo, October 16-19

From a Helibars press release: HeliBars, a leader in replacement motorcycle handlebars and riser systems for more than 25 years, is pleased to announce that it will be showcasing its multi-adjustable handlebar systems and presenting a seminar at the American International Motorcycle Expo, in Orlando, Florida, on October 16-19. Industry professionals and consumers are encouraged to stop by booth number 1777 to see a selection of Heli’s replacement bars and riser systems, including the new Horizon XP performance handlebar for Harley-Davidson Road Kings and Road Glides. This patented, multi-adjustable setup will be mounted on a 2015 Road Glide on loan from Orlando Harley-Davidson, a local dealership displaying in booth number 1139.

Harley-Davidson Recalls Over 100,000 Touring Models, 1400 Street Models

Harley-Davidson has recalled more than 105,000 Touring models from the 2014 model year, and approximately 1400 Street models from the 2015 model year. The Touring models have been recalled due to a possible failure of a component in the clutch master cylinder. This possible failure could cause a reduction in pressure available to keep the clutch disengaged, according to the NHTSA.

Harley-Davidson MotorClothes Releases New Jacket And Helmet

Harley-Davidson has teamed with French helmet maker, Shark, to introduce a new modular helmet to the Harley-Davidson MotorClothes collection. Elsewhere, H-D also introduces a three-season riding jacket. See the press releases below for more information.

Get A Harley-Davidson Demo Ride At American International Motorcycle Expo

From a press release issued by AIMExpo: The American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) announced today that the Harley-Davidson Demo Fleet will be featured at the 2014 event, offering test rides of the legendary company’s 2015 models. Additionally, Orlando Harley-Davidson becomes the newest exhibitor to join AIMExpo, which will host nearly 500 powersports companies from around the world October 16-19 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). The presence of the Harley-Davidson brand at AIMExpo for the first time adds to the growing excitement surrounding the 2014 event, now less than a month away.

Burly Preload Adjusters Available for Harley-Davidson Sportster And Dyna Models

For the discerning Harley-Davidson Sportster or Dyna rider who wants a bit of suspension adjustment, Burly has just released a line of preload adjusters for both models. Designed to replace the OEM fork caps, the machined aluminum adjusters can be installed in well under an hour with basic tools and are available for 39mm and 49mm Sportster and Dyna forks.  The adjusters sit tight against the triple tree to avoid handlebar interference and are available in clear or black anodized finish. Check out the Burly web site or contact your local dealer to get a set. Retail pricing is set at $139.95

Bring A UFC Fight To Your Hometown, Thanks To Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) launched a new contest at UFC 177 this weekend sure to make one fan an instant hometown hero. The Harley-Davidson Hometown Throwdown III event puts one lucky fan and their city in the spotlight; the two iconic brands will roll into the winner’s home town with the ultimate prize package – a UFC fight and tailgate party topped off with custom Harleys, live music, Octagon Girls and more. The contest, running through Dec.

Harley-Davidson Goes Low for 2015

Harley-Davidson revealed the new 2015 Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low and Ultra Limited Low, offering what it calls the the lowest seat height of any premium touring motorcycle on the market. Designed with riders 5 feet 7 inches and shorter in mind, the two Low models have a seat height of 25.6 inches from the ground, or 1.7 inches lower than the regular models. The lower seat isn’t the only change to accommodate shorter riders.

2015 Harley-Davidson Freewheeler Revealed

It’s no surprise, as we’ve already seen the spy photos and California Air Resources Board documents, but Harley-Davidson has officially introduced its new Freewheeler trike, adding a second three-wheeled model to go with the Tri Glide Ultra Classic. Whereas the Tri Glide is designed for touring needs, the Freewheeler is more of a cruiser with 12-inch mini-ape-hanger handlebars and bobtail fenders. Up front is a seven-piece nacelle with a dual halogen lamp mounted tight to the 49mm telescopic fork and frame.

2015 Harley-Davidson CVO Lineup Revealed

Harley-Davidson revealed its four-model Custom Vehicle Operations lineup for 2015, adding new CVO versions of the Road Glide Ultra and Street Glide to go with the returning CVO Softail Deluxe and CVO Limited. Our own Evans Brasfield is currently in Sonoma, Calif., for Harley-Davidson’s 2015 press launch, and he’ll have full first ride reports later this week. For now, let’s take a look at the CVO models.