Welcome to my newest page.This page is for anyone who wants to learn more about the history and background of the Harley-Davidson company. If you have any questions, comments or corrections please E-mail them to me. For those of you that have never met me, my name is BJ, I am 34 and live in the Dallas, Texas area. If you want to get to know me better please check out my home page.

In Milwaukee, William Harley, 21 and Arthur Davidson, 20, began to figure out how to "Take the work out of bicycling". They were soon joined by Arthur's brothers Walter and William.


Many changes were made to the engine design before the builders were satisfied. The looped frame was finalized and so began the production of the first 3 motorcycles.


Harley-Davidson created it's first building at the current Juneau Avenue site. In 1907, they were incorporated and 150 motorcycles were produced.


The trademark 45 degree V-twin engine was introduced. It displaced 49.5 cu in and produced seven horse power with a top speed of 60 mph. 1,149 motorcycles were produced.


The old 28'X80' factory had grown to 297,110 square feet and Harley began to dominate racing events. 12,904 motorcycles were produced.


After Harley-Davidson motorcycles had proven their military value in border skirmishes with Pancho Villa, they were called to duty when the U.S entered World War I. Approximately 20,000 motorcycles would be used for duty before the end of the war.


In February, Harley-Davidson became the first motorcycle to ever win a race with an average speed of over 100 miles per hour on a Fresno, California board track .


The 74 cu in V-twin was introduced in 1922. Tear drop shaped gas tanks came out in 1925 and the first front brake was used in 1928.




The 1923, JD 74 was offered at a reduced price, the bike listed for $330.00 and catalogs advertised "Double your riding pleasure and pocket the savings". A side car cost $98.00 additional.






The 74 cubic inch, 3-speed factory-built hill climb racer proved to be nearly unbeatable on any slope of America.





This was the year the Harley-Davidson's EL model was introduced. This bike featured the 61 cu in over head valve engine, and was also known as the "Knucklehead." In 1936, HD produced 9,812 motorcycles.




The one-piece handlebar with dual double-action twistgrip controls quickly made this motorcycle known for its easy and convenient handling qualities. The list price for this bike was $395.00



After the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, all of Harley-Davidsons out put were produced for Allied use. 90,000 motorcycles had been built and shipped by the end of the war.





In it's 12th year of production, the "Knucklehead" OHV engine was in it's last year. Only 2 years after the war, the iron-head design was destined to be superseded by an aluminum-head version, the famous "Panhead."



The 74 cu in engine with Hydraulic valve lifters and aluminum heads was produced. This was the birth of the "Panhead". This was a good year for production with 31,163 motorcycles produced.


While celebrating their 50th anniversary, their oldest competitor "Indian" went out of business. Only 14,050 motorcycles were produced this year.


The Sportster also known as the "Father of the Super Bikes" was introduced, followed by the Duo Glide in 1958. The Duo Glide featured a hydualic rear shock suspension to go with the hydraulically dampened front shock.



The Hydra Glide became the Duo Glide in 1958, when new hydraulically damped rear suspension was added to supplement the oil-damped front end. All motorcycles would eventually adapt this type of suspension system. This bike listed at $1,255.00




Willie G. Davidson joined Harley-Davidson as Design Director.


The world land speed record for 250cc motorcycles was set by George Roeder at 177.225 mph on a modified Harley-Davidson Sprint. During this time, the Duo Glide became the Electra Glide when an electric starter was added. This was the last year of the "Panhead". The "Shovelhead" engine took over the V-twin in 1966.


Harley-Davidson merged with American Machine Foundry. Having been a Harley fan since before World War II, the merger between the two was a dream come true for AMF's chairman, Rodney Gott.


Joe Smith, riding a drag bike powered by a single Harley-Davidson motor, was the first to break the 9 sec barrier in motorcycle drag racing. The Super Glide was also introduced and was considered the first true factory custom.


Engine and transmission production remained in Milwaukee but chassies and final assembly operation moved to a plant in York, PA. 75,403 motorcycles were produced.


The "King of the Highway" was introduced. This was a 80 cu in FLT Tour Glide with a 5-speed transmission, oil bath, enclosed rear chain, and vibration isolated engine. This bike was the predecessor of todays Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles.


On February 26, 1981 a letter of intent to purchase the company from (AMF) was signed by 13 senior Harley-Davidson executives led by Vaughn Beals. Settled by June 16,1981 the executives celebrated with a ride from York to Milwaukee. 41,586 motorcycles produced.


The Harley-Davidson Company formed the Harleys Owners Group (H.O.G) to get Harley owners more involved in the sport. This is the largest factory sponsered motorcycle club in the world.


After 7 years of developing, Harley-Davidson introduced the 1340cc V-2 evolution engine, designed for high reliability with a minimum of scheduled maintenance.


The first 74 cu in Sportster with 1200cc was produced. To mark the companies 85th anniversary a cross country ride was held benefiting Muscular Dystrophy.


The Fatboy was introduced.


On June 12th ten rides joined in Milwaukee for a festival to observe the company's 90th anniversary. More then 100,000 supporters came for the event, highlighted by an eight mile long parade with over 60,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles.


Harley-Davidson got back into road racing with the introduction of the VR1000.



Harley had a record season with 105,104 motorcycles produced.


The Heritage Springer Softail is introduced. Harley-Davidson has entered into the future by staking claim to it's biggest asset...............the past.



In response to rule changes, Harley's racing department developed the XR-750 dirt track racer in only 4 months. It featured a short-stroke engine with iron barrels and heads.






A road racing version was also made.








Turn the page by Bob Seger.


All the information and pictures on this page have been received from family members, Collect-a-Card, and many hours of online research. If you see any mistakes in the history of Harley-Davidson or on this page please e-mail me so I can get them corrected.....thank you.

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Last updated 2-17-98 at 12:11am by: BJ