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

2022 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S and Low Rider ST First Look

Factory muscle cruisers inspired by the custom scene. Perhaps no other manufacturer harnesses the power of its history better than Harley-Davidson. But more than being able to tap into the company history, Harley is equally in tune with the custom scene and unique builds its loyal fan base has pumped out over the years.

The Milwaukee-based company has unveiled its new V-twin

The Milwaukee-based company has unveiled its new V-twin, a 131-inch 'crate engine' designed for post-2017 Touring models. Harley-Davidson has not yet had large engines in terms of capacity and power. This behemoth, which looks like a work of modern technoart, is called the Screamin' Eagle Milwaukee-Eight 131.

Expensive pleasure: the cost of the electric Harley-Davidson LiveWire announced

The first "electric train" from Milwaukee - this time for real! - will appear on the New World market in August and is expected to be one of the most expensive models in the corporate palette. Nearly thirty thousand dollars ($29,799) is the minimum price for a Harley-Davidson LiveWire.

Harley-Davidson to compete in Hill Climb

For the first time in the history of the World Extreme Games, in addition to skiers, snowboarders and other extreme winter sports, Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders will also start competing. The new Harley-Davidson Snow Hill Climb medal discipline will be introduced during the final days of the games, which will take place from January 25 to 28, 2018. Athletes will climb on motorcycles on the slope of the SuperPipe track.

Real "electric train": soon Harley-Davidson will launch an eco-friendly cruiser

New details about the expansion of the model range of the American concern. The Americans are going to bring out "electric trains" - and we are not talking about the big Electra Glide tourer, but about ... full-fledged electric motorcycles!

Harley-Davidson Unveils New Road King Special

The new modification for 2017 received a Milwaukee-Eight engine, a new fork and rear shock. With a dry weight of 355kg, the bike is powered by a 1750cc Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-twin engine delivering 150Nm at 3250rpm. The same unit is put not only on the Road King line, but also on other bikes from Milwaukee.

A custom Harley-Davidson Street 750

This amazing motorcycle was built in just four weeks in a workshop located 300 kilometers south of Harley-Davidson's Indian factory. The project came to life thanks to the efforts of Rajputana Customs and H.-D., which provided Street 750 as a donor. The first upgrade to the bike was a Suzuki GSX-R sport fork with stiffer springs and longer travel.

Las Vegas Harley-Davidson Now Open On The Vegas Strip

At long last, Las Vegas Harley-Davidson is now open on the Vegas strip. Located at 5191 S. Las Vegas Boulevard, the store is just steps away from the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign.

Ride With The Sons Of Anarchy Cast At 4th Annual Boot Ride And Rally

Are you a Sons of Anarchy fan? Have you ever wanted to ride with the cast (yes, some of them really do ride)? Now you’re in luck.

Perry King To Emcee 2014 AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony

From an AMA press release: Hollywood actor and longtime motorcyclist Perry King will serve as the master of ceremonies for the 2014 American Honda AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Harley-Davidson, on Friday, Oct. 17, at the Chapin Theater in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. The induction ceremony takes place during the 2014 AMA Convention, Oct.