The Harley Davidson Brand name has come to be arguably one of the most recognized motorcycle names internationally. With over 300 motorcycle manufacturers, the Harley has emerged as one of the greatest in the motorcycle business.
The Harley Davidson Brand name has come to be arguably one of the most recognized motorcycle names internationally. With over 300 motorcycle manufacturers, the Harley has emerged as one of the greatest in the motorcycle business. Celebrating its 110 birthday this year, here are some facts you Harley Davidson owners and enthusiasts may like to know.
1. November 11th 1881 - 20 year old Arthur Davidson and his friend William Harley, began working on a motor driven bicycle. The company was finally incorporated in 1907. The four founders, William Harley, William Davidson, Arthur Davidson and Walter Davidson became part of the Board of directors. At that time there were 18 employees and the factory was 2,380 square feet.
2. November 2nd 1913 - the Nomad Motorcycle club sponsored an economy test to see how fuel efficient the bike was. The Harley Davidson went 19 miles on 23 ounces of gas. It set a new world record of 150 miles per gallon.
3. December 8th 1913- Motorbike racers, Ray Watkins and Ben Torres set a world record by completing 17miles ahead of their competitors without making any stops for repairs proving the durability and power of the Harley brand bikes.
4. September 28th 1916 - The unique Harley bike emblem and gear wheel design with the letters "HD" gain recognition on all the bikes internationally.
5. October 24th 1927- Harley introduced the two -cam twin to the normal population. It was considered to be powerful as it was previously used in races and hill climbing. The two-cam twin had top speeds of 85-100 miles per hour. However, with the onset of the Great Depression in 1929 the production of these motorcycles was ceased.
6. January 8th 1934 - CAC Racer was introduced. This was specially made for short track racing. Most of these models were used up in the tracks and only one model can be found in the Harley Davidson archives museum today.
7. December 2nd 1936 - the El modo models were introduced. This brand of motorbike went on to become one of the most famous and iconic bike in Harley history! The El modo had an overhead engine that greatly increased its horsepower. The engine was placed in a double loop, truss frame and was topped off with a teardrop gas tank. They also featured new hand shift and four speed transmission which was in a new oil tank.
8. September 3rd 1953 - the Harley Davidson celebrated 50 years in the business. They launched a new line of bikes that bore the Golden Anniversary medallions.
9. September 12th 1974 - Dave Barr, a Californian ex-marine and amputee, set out to ride across six drivable continents on his Harley. He rebuilt his Super Glide Harley to accommodate his disabilities. The ride saw him pass through Zaire, Moscow, Beijing and the Arctic Circle. The trip was to raise awareness on people with disabilities.
10. October 10th 2006 - the prototype concept XR1200 was revealed in the International Motorcycle Show in Cologne, Germany. It featured a 1200cc air cooled V-Twin exhaust with downdraft fuel injection.
The Harley Davidson, now over 100 years old has had its share of achievements over the years; from setting world records to touring the world over. The Harley has and will always set the trend when it comes to motorcycles.
No wonder it's been said that not only does Harley Davidson produce American Motorcycles, but they produce an American legend.
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