Early History of Harley-Davidson Motorcycle

The Harley-Davidson motorcycle is a great American success story with a more than 100 year history.  As the most famous motorcycle company in the world, Harley-Davidson is much more than just a brand name.  The motorcycle dates back to 1901 when Bill Harley, just 21 years of age, drew a blueprint of an engine that was designed to fit on a bicycle. 

 

By 1903, Bill Harley and his friend, Arthur Davidson produced the first racing bike they called a Harley giving start to the Harley-Davidson Motor Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Shortly thereafter, Arthur’s brother, Walter joined the company.  They soon had their first sale from an old school friend, Henry Meyers.  

The success of the Harley-Davidson Company was rapid.  By 1905, they had won their first race in Chicago and a dealership had opened there the year before.  By the end of 1908 they had built 154 bikes and had a total of 20 employees.  Shortly after that, work was started on the familiar 45-degree V-twin.  However, it wasn’t until 1910 that the distinguishable “Bar and Shield” logo was developed that still continues today. 

Moreover, the company was early to export bikes.  In 1912 they sold their first motorcycles in Japan and by now had a total of 200 dealerships throughout the U.S.  Two years later the side-car was introduced.  H-D continued to draw attention by winning races and putting on displays of the motorcycle’s power with various endurance tests.

Once World War I started, nearly half of the Harley-Davidson motorcycles produced were sold to the U.S. military to be used in the war.  By the end of the war, it is believed that 20,000 motorcycles were used to aid in the effort and that the majority were Harley-Davidsons. 

  

*Read more from the official Harley-Davidson website.

The Car Show, Inc. is a family owned and operated dealership that has been offering unsurpassed service to the community since 1987.  Our motto is "If it has wheels, we sell it." You will find our prices are competitive on high-quality pre-owned cars, trucks, and motorcycles.