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

Harley-Davidson Announces Returning 2012 Sportster, Touring, and Trike Models

Harley-Davidson has begun shipping its 2012 Sportster, Touring and Trike models across the U.S. and Europe. The 15 announced 2012 models are all returning models from the 2011 lineup.

New 2012 Harley-Davidson Models Named in CARB Documents

Documents released by the California Air Resources Board reveal two new models from Harley-Davidson’s 2012 lineup: a 10th anniversary edition V-Rod and a new member of the Dyna family. The CARB documents list motorcycles that have received approval for the state of California. The Motor Company has received approval for several 2012 models including the 2012 Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special Anniversary and the 2012 Harley-Davidson Switchback.

Brammo Hires Ex-Harley-Davidson Dealer Development Director

Brammo has hired former Harley-Davidson dealer development director Jim Marcolina to develop the electric motorcycle maker’s North American dealer network. Marcolina was director of dealer development and dealer relations at Harley-Davidson after joining the Motor Company as a district sales manager. Brammo will rely on Marcolina’s experience working with Harley-Davidson’s dealer network to help establish its own fledgling network.

Best Western Holds Photo Contest for Motorcyclists

Best Western is holding a new contest for motorcyclists to celebrate its 65th anniversary and the launch of its three types of hotels. The Best Western Ride Rewards Photo Contest is open to motorcycle riders and runs until July 15. To enter, riders must submit photos of their motorcycles in front of a Best Western sign from the chain’s 2,200 North American locations to the Best Western Facebook page.

2011 US Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study by J.D. Powers and Associates

Arai retained the top spot on J.D. Power and Associates’ 2011 U.S. Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study, sharing top honors with Icon.

Zero Motorcycles Promotes Askenazi to CTO

Zero Motorcycles has promoted Abe Askenazi to the position of chief technology officer. A former Buell engineer, Askenazi joined Zero Motorcycles in 2010 as vice president of engineering where he played a vital role in developing the company’s 2011 line-up, overhauling over 80% of Zero’s existing electric motorcycle line-up while adding the Zero XU and street legal versions of the Zero X and Zero MX in just 10 months on the job. “Abe’s ability to effectively execute on an aggressive product development plan, select the best new technologies and rally his team is remarkable.

Harley-Davidson Opens New Asia Pacific Headquarters in Singapore

Harley-Davidson has opened a new regional headquarters for the Asian market in Singapore. The new facility will house Harley-Davidson‘s sales, marketing and dealer development operations for its Asia Pacific region. The region office was previously located at Harley-Davidson’s global base in Milwaukee.

Marlon Brando Estate Files Suit Against Harley-Davidson

Brando Enterprises, an operating entity that protects the Marlon Brando brand on behalf of the actor’s family, has filed a lawsuit against Harley-Davidson. The suit alleges Harley-Davidson used the legendary actor’s name without a license for a leather riding boot called “The Brando”. “It is interesting that Harley-Davidson – a company that is vigorously protective of its own brand – would seek to exploit an iconic property without benefit of a licensing agreement,” says  Jeffrey I.

Twin-engine pulsejet motorcycle. As you do..

The guy behind this twin-engined pulsejet motorcycle, Robert 'Bob' Maddox, fascinates me. He's a cabinet maker by trade but is somewhat an expert in the field of pulsejet engineering and has built a whole host of machines powered by the ever so subtle jet engine. This latest bike is dubbed a Harley-Davidson Sportjet, although it has nothing to do with Milwaukee and I'm not sure why H-D made it onto the tank...

£14,795 for a one-off Harley Sportster

A UNIQUE Harley-Davidson motorcycle – the only one in the UK – has been created by a Scottish dealership. Glasgow-based West Coast Harley-Davidson’s customised Bobber style XL1200 Nightster screams style and individuality, with a Harley-Davidson Factory Radical Paint set and a host of added accessories. Named Devil’s Infantry, the paint kit on the striking machine is one of just five across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.