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

Third Annual ‘The MEET’ at ACM

More than 2,000 attendees visited America’s Car Museum for its 3rd annual Vintage Motorcycle Festival ‘The MEET’ last weekend in Tacoma, Washington, where over 300 motorcycles and scooters were showcased on the Haub Family Field at LeMay. The event drew pre-1981 motorcycles and scooters from the U.S. and Canada, including an antique motorcycle display, swap meet, cruise-in and a 78-mile roundtrip tour from ACM’s Anderson Plaza to Mt. Rainier.

NHTSA Launches Recall Look-up by VIN Tool

The U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have launched a new free online tool that should make it easier for consumers to inspect their vehicles’ safety recall histories. The new search tool, available at http://www.safercar.gov/vinlookup, allows people to look for recall campaigns by entering Vehicle Identification Numbers.

Scorpion V-Rod Reverse Trike

There’s a lot going on in the world of three-wheelers. From Can-Am’s Spyder to Polaris’s Slingshot, and Travertson’s recently announced Striker, we have a sudden abundance of reverse trikes from which to choose. Joining the fray early next Spring is Scorpion.

2015 Harley-Davidson CVO and Twin-Cooled Models Certified by CARB

The California Air Resource Board has released new certification documents revealing most of Harley-Davidson‘s 2015 line-up. The CARB executive orders, required before a motorcycle is allowed to be sold in California, reveal new CVO versions of the Road Glide Ultra and Street Glide, two low versions of the Electra Glide and more models receiving Harley-Davidson’s Twin-Cooled engine. Introduced last year on the Ultra Limited, CVO Limited and Tri-Glide Ultra trike, the Twin-Cooled engine uses liquid-cooling for the cylinder heads, reducing emissions.

Harley-Davidson Motorclothes Turns to 3M For Conspicuous Riding Gear

Motorcyclists should always be concerned with their conspicuity. Never is this more important than in the rain or after dark where vision is severely limited. The Motorclothes division of Harley-Davidson decided highlight its riding gear – literally.

“The Meet” Vintage Motorcycle Show This Saturday

The stage is set for ”The Meet at ACM” motorcycle show this weekend in Tacoma, WA. While festivities will begin on Friday evening, America’s Car Museum (ACM) will host the third annual Vintage Motorcycle Festival on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Organizers expect 450 vintage motorcycles and scooters from all over the nation to attend.

Firebrand Announces Double Down Slip-Ons for Touring Harleys

In the constant quest to make your Harley-Davidson bagger different from the others out on the road, riders need to track new products to stay ahead of the curve. So, as a service to you, the rider in search of something new, behold the Double Down Slip-Ons for Harley tourers from Firebrand. These slip-on mufflers begin with 1.75 in.

Willie G. Davidson To Be Inducted As AMA Hall Of Fame Legend

At the 2014 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Oct. 17, in Orlando, Florida, Willie G. Davidson will be honored as a Legend. AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends are existing members of the Hall of Fame whose lifetime accomplishments are showcased as part of the annual induction ceremony of new Hall of Famers. The grandson of Harley-Davidson founder, William A.

ACCEL Stealth Supercoils Now Available For Harley-Davidson Sportsters

ACCEL today announced the company’s popular motorcycle Stealth SuperCoils will now be available to owners of 2007-2014 Harley-Davidson Sportsters.  First introduced in late-2013 for Harley-Davidson Twin-Cam engines, ACCEL’s Stealth SuperCoils provide quicker engine starting and improved throttle response, while hiding all ignition wiring in the head of the self-contained coil pack; eliminating the need for spark plug wires and creating a clean, custom look. In addition to the flat black and natural aluminum finishes, the Sportster Stealth SuperCoils are offered in flat black with polished aluminum edges. Each SuperCoil mounts directly to the spark plug and features a cross-functional cast aluminum cover that also acts as a heat sink, pulling heat away from the cylinder heads.

Harley-Davidson Museum’s Custom Bike Show Weekend on Labor Day

Labor Day weekend 2014, the place for Harley-Davidson fans to be is at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Starting Thursday, August 28 at 5:00 PM, the biggest bike night of the riding season kicks off the event-filled weekend. The holiday gathering will also include two custom bike shows, a women’s ride, displays of the 2015 Harley-Davidson Models, and the last chance to see the H-D Museum’s summer show entitled The American Road.