If we start looking into the origin of one of the most popular and loved motorcycling brands, it’s easy to understand and share the passion for the Harley-Davidson legendary Motor Company. Harley is about family, passion, gorgeous motorcycles and accessories whilst having a great time combining all these elements. There’s even some racing in Harley Davidson (HD) history.

The history of the American Motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson is truly unique. The company was founded in 1904 by William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson. After 113 years the company is going stronger than ever. William Harley and Arthur Davidson finished one bike in ’03 with the assistance of the German designer Emil Korger. The next two prototypes were sold in 1904. 1905 was the first year of ‘mass’ production for HD when they manufactured eight motorcycles that year. Harley-Davidson became the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer by 1920.

Harley-Davidson long jump world records

In 1975 Knievel jumped the XR-750 over 133 feet and 14 Greyhound busses, setting up the record then for the longest jump with his Harley-Davidson. In 2008 Bubba Blackwell extended the longest jump record to 157 feet. Seth Enslow then used a modified XR1200 in 2010 to jump an incredible 183.7 feet, the longest jump ever on his HD.

Harley-Davidson wins world championship in road-racing

1974 through 1976 HD won three consecutive 250cc World Championships with Walther Villa on his HD RR-250. In 1977 he also took the title for the 350cc with his HD. With the engineering help of Porsche, HD designed and developed the VR1000 superbike in 1994. Unfortunately this was short-lived as it proved to be an extremely expensive exercise with unsatisfying results according the Harley-Davidson standards.

Harleys manufactured in Japan

In the 1930s the Rikuo Internal Combustion Company manufactured motorcycles under the HD Tooling license. Rikuo means “Land King” or “Continent King”. The company built nearly 18,000 motorcycles between 1937 and 1942. Rikuo production continued following World War II until 1958.

Harley-Davidson made two-stroke engines

The Model S 125, which later became the Hummer, appeared in 1948 and claimed 3 horsepower. This Harley-Davidson introduced a lot of young enthusiasts to the world of motorcycling at an affordable price. The Hummer then eventually upgraded to 175cc Street and Dirt models that were available through 1967. These were replaced by the Rapido 125 and Baja 100 models with two-stroke Aermacchi engines.

Harley-Davidson built an inline V-cylinder engine

In the mid-sixties, HD put a transverse inline-four through the design phase. They had a wooden mock-up made for potential chassis fitment. Unfortunately HD marketing department decided not to continue because they felt that the air-cooled configuration across the frame could not succeed in America. It was in the late 1969 where the Honda CB750 proved that Harley-Davidson did indeed start something special.

Harley-Davidson bicycles

In 1916 the company started manufacturing bicycles for a few years. The components were made by the Davis Sewing Machine Co. of Dayton Ohio and assembled in Milwaukee. The HD bicycles were stylish but a little expensive. Unfortunately the HD bicycle operation ceased in 1921 but only because the motorcycle showed better prospects for the future.

In the mid-1970s, Harley embarked on what would now be called a middleweight sport-touring bike, the Nova. The compact, liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-4 engine displacing 800cc was designed by Porsche and was scheduled to eventually be built in sport, cruiser and racing configurations. The Nova project became a 9 million dollar investment that was unfortunately shelved. However, Harley Davidson has proved to be adventurous. They are not scared to endeavour into new territories to constantly improve and expand their model ranges. It’s no secret Harley-Davidson is one of the biggest and most popular motorcycle brands in the world today! It does not matter what your background in motorcycling is, there is guaranteed to be at least one HD that will capture your attention and show you a lifestyle that can only be explained once you decide to join the Harley-Davidson family.