What You Might Not Know About Harley-Davidson
- Jan 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 3
Harley-Davidson is arguably the most iconic motorcycle brand globally. Since its inception in 1903, Harley-Davidson has been synonymous with the American motorcycle industry. It was one of only two American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Second World War and remained the sole American motorcycle manufacturer for decades. Here's a list of fascinating facts about Harley-Davidson's journey through the years.
The Beginning with an Engine
The Harley-Davidson story began when William S. Harley and his friends Arthur and Walter Davidson built a small engine to fit onto a bicycle frame. This initial attempt failed to climb even the smallest hills. Undeterred, they designed a larger engine and a custom frame, completing their first machine in 1904.
2. Becoming the Largest Motorcycle Manufacturer
By 1905, Harley-Davidson was 'mass-producing' motorcycles, though only eight were made and sold that year. By 1920, Harley-Davidson had become the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, with 2,000 dealers in 67 countries.
3. A Return to Bicycles
In 1916, Harley-Davidson aimed to capture young minds by manufacturing bicycles. The components were made by the Davis Sewing Machine Company in Ohio and assembled in Milwaukee. Despite being well-made and comfortable, the bicycles were too expensive, and production ceased in 1921.
4. The Iconic V-Twin Engine
Harley-Davidson is forever linked with the V-Twin engine. The first 45° V-twin appeared in 1909 and has been the staple engine configuration ever since. In 1960, Harley-Davidson bought a 50% stake in Italian manufacturer Aermacchi, producing motorcycles with Aermacchi's single-cylinder engine. These were not considered true Harleys. In 1974, AMF-Harley Davidson acquired the remaining 50% of Aermacchi, selling it to Cagiva in 1978.
5. Nine V-Twin Engine Designs
Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has created only nine large-displacement V-twin engines: Flathead, Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Evolution, Twin Cam, Revolution, Milwaukee Eight, and Revolution Max. The distinctive 'potato-potato' sound of Harley engines is due to the unique ignition system and the 45° angle between the cylinders.
6. Surviving the Great Depression
The Great Depression wiped out many American motorcycle manufacturers, but Harley-Davidson and Indian survived. Harley-Davidson diversified into industrial engines and introduced the three-wheeled Servicar in 1932, which remained in production until 1973. The Servicar was the first civilian Harley to feature an electric start in 1964.
7. The Real HOG
Harley-Davidson owners can join the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.), and the bikes are often called hogs. This nickname originated in the 1920s when six-week-old piglet, adopted from a local farmer, who became the race-winner's mascot.
8. Dark Times
By the late 1960s, Harley-Davidson faced financial struggles and declining sales. American Machine and Foundry (AMF) bought the company, but quality suffered. It wasn't until a consortium of 13 former H-D executives bought the company back when things startred to improve.
9. Superstitions About Green
Harley-Davidson riders are known to avoid green bikes. Theories include bad refurbishments of ex-army models, the belief that riding a bike a soldier might have died on was bad luck, and the association with British racing green, which often beat American motorcycles.
10. The MV Agusta Episode
In 2008, Harley-Davidson bought Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta for €106 million. Due to the recession and collapsing sports bike sales, Harley sold MV Agusta back to the Castiglioni brothers for 3 Euros and paid €18 million into escrow for operating capital. This costly episode also saw Harley discontinuing the Buell brand to focus on its own motorcycles.
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