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

Donation of Photos and Memorabilia to Harley-Davidson Museum Reveal Glimpse of Early Days at Harley

Harley-Davidson Museum today posted on its Facebook page a selection of photos it received as part of collection of images and memorabilia donated by a former Harley employee. According to the Facebook post former H-D employee Bob Jameson donated “ two scrapbooks, numerous photographs, news clippings and other company related materials” for the museum’s collection. Jameson, following in his father’s footsteps, worked for The Motor Company, and in 1960 helped develop a motorcycle suited for use in the Vietnam war.

Willie G. Davidson Retiring From Harley-Davidson April 30, 2012

At the end of April 2012, Willie G., as he’s commonly known, grandson of Harley-Davidson co-founder, William A. Davidson, will end his career at Harley-Davidson.  Davidson’s time as Chief Styling Officer at H-D spanned nearly 50 years.

Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Team Unveils Restyled V-Rod Drag Bikes

The Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines racing team unveiled its restyled V-Rod drag motorcycles ahead of the first Pro Stock Motorcycle round of the 2012 NHRA Full Drag Racing series. Reigning champion Ed Krawiec and Andrew Hines will compete for the Harley-Davidson team on new V-Rod drag bikes, restyled to more closely resembled the Night Rod Special production model. This marks the first restyling of Harley-Davidson’s NHRA competition bikes since the V-Rod entered the competition in 2002, and comes as The Motor Company celebrates the V-Rod’s 10th anniversary.“The goal was to make the drag racing motorcycles look more like the current production Night Rod Special motorcycle,” says Kris Schoonover, Harley-Davidson racing manager.

Actor and Avid Rider, Lorenzo Lamas, to Lead Charity Ride for Abused Children

Lorenzo Lamas, the heartthrob who played ex-cop Reno Raines, a chopper/cruiser-riding beefcake sporting a flowing mane (that most women wished they had), out for justice in the ’90s TV drama, Renegade, is a real life motorcyclist, and will lead a charity ride on June 3 as the grand marshal for Child Abuse Awareness. Slated to join Lamas are actors/riders from Sons of Anarchy, Southland and American Ninja, as well as law enforcement and the general public, on the ride that will depart from Bartels’ Harley-Davidson in Marina del Rey, Calif., and end at the Newport Dunes Resort in Newport Beach, Calif. Here’s the full set of details on the ride from the press release: LOS ANGELES, CA – March 8, 2012 – Organizers have announced that the much anticipated ’Ride to the Dunes’ for Child Abuse Awareness, led by Grand Marshal, Lorenzo Lamas, scheduled forSunday June 3, 2012 will begin with a beautiful ride from Bartels’ Harley-Davidson, 4141 Lincoln Blvd., Marina Del Rey, CA to the serene Newport Dunes Resort, Newport Beach, CA.

Harley-Davidson and Brando Estate Settle Boot Suit

The estate of Marlon Brando and Harley-Davidson have reached a settlement in a civil suit over the use of the actor’s name. As reported last May, the dispute was over a leather riding boot Harley-Davidson sold as “The Brando”. The suit sought an injunction for Harley-Davidson to stop using the Brando name, and asked for unspecified damages.

Harley-Davidson Offers “Steel Toe Tour” of York Factory

Harley-Davidson is adding a new factory tour program offering visitors a personal look at the company’s York production facility. For years, the M has been offering free factory tours of its operations in York, Pa., Kansas City, Mo., Tomahawk, Wis., and Menomonee Falls, Wis., facilities. In 2009, Harley-Davidson introduced a premium tour that takes guests into “employee-only” areas called the “Steel Toe Tour” at its Menomonee Falls location.

Harley-Davidson Museum Announces Black Leather Jacket Exhibit

The Harley-Davidson Museum is opening a new exhibit dedicated to an iconic piece of motorcycle culture: the black leather jacket. The “Worn to be Wild: The Black Leather Jacket“  exhibit will showcase the ubiquitous article from many riders’ wardrobe.The exhibit includes over 100 artifacts including jackets designed by fashion houses such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Gianni Versace, as well as jackets worn by celebrities such as Elvis Presley. “The leather jacket symbolizes different things for each person who wears it, whether they are a motorcyclist, celebrity or a top designer,” says Bill Davidson, vice president of the Harley-Davidson Museum.

Harley-Davidson Raises $160,000 for USO

Harley-Davidson helped raise $160,000 for care packages to overseas troops through the United Service Organizations. The Motor Company challenged its dealers and over 200 chapters of the Harley Owners Group to raise over $500 each from Nov. 1 to Dec.

Harley-Davidson CEO Wandell Named Chairman of the Board

Harley-Davidson President and Chief Executive Officer Keith E. Wandell has been named chairman of the company’s Board of directors. Wandell, who was named president and CEO in May 2009, takes over for Barry K.

Avengers Assemble! Win a Harley-Davidson in Comic Book Movie Promotion

Harley-Davidson is holding a contest to promote Marvel Comics‘ upcoming film The Avengers with four new motorcycles to be given away. The Motor Company is giving away four grand prizes, including one reserved for active or veteran members of the U.S. military.