When we say 'motorcycles', what images come to mind? Many people might immediately think of Harley-Davidson - and no surprise - because it's the most iconic motorcycle brand in history. But do you know the story of the company's humble beginnings? Harley-Davidson is celebrating their 115th anniversary in 2018 and to join in the excitement, we're sharing their life story with you. Read on to discover more...
A Winner from the Start
The adventure started in 1901 when 20-year-old William S. Harley drew up plans for a small engine designed for use in a regular pedal-bicycle frame. Over two years, he and his childhood friend Arthur Davidson worked on their first motor-bicycle in their friend's machine shop. It was finished in 1903 with the help of Arthur’s brother, Walter Davidson. They quickly wrote off this project when they tested the motor-bicycle and discovered that it could not climb the hills around their Milwaukee home without assistance from peddling. Their second model had a bigger 1-cylinder engine and a so-called loop-frame design which took the vehicle out of the motorised bicycle category. This first real Harley-Davidson prototype was completed and functional in 1904. It won a Milwaukee motorcycle race that same year. Harley-Davidson was officially incorporated in 1907 when William S. Davidson employed both his brother and Arthur.
Military Motorcycles
In 1907 Harley-Davidson developed a 49Ci V-Twin engine, their signature. But only a few of them were made until an improved version of the V-Twin came on the market in 1911. During this decade, Harley Davidson began to expand, selling many motorcycles to the US army during the First World War. They continued to grow and by 1920 they were producing 28,000 motorcycles a year. They barely had any competition other than Indian Motorcycles in that time. The production increased even further during World War II, when they sold a high quantity of motorcycles to the American military again.
An Icon is Born
After the war Harley-Davidson introduced the Sportster in 1957. This model is one of the most iconic Harleys and is still in production, after some innovations of course. The 70s, 80s and 90s saw the introduction of model families that continue to this day, like the Softail, FLT and Road King lines, joining classic models like the Electra Glide.
From War Machines to Road Racers
Harley-Davidson is known in America as a real icon on the road. Cruising Route 66 on a big Harley is the dream for many. But do you know Harley-Davidson has a rich racing history as well? In the early years, heroic riders dominated a lot of hill climbs and dirt track races. After the war, Harley-Davidson motorcycles were also good competitors in road races.
One name will be forever linked with Harley-Davidson: Cal Rayborn. This hero won back-to-back Daytona 200s for Harley and also set the ultimate motorcycle land speed record at Bonneville with a 265.492 mph run in a Harley-Davidson-powered streamliner!
If you are in you're looking for some adventure, have a look in our bi-weekly Harley-Davidson auction and our weekly Motorcycle auction. If you already have a nice Harley and want to sell it, register as a seller on Catawiki and try your luck. Professionals and non-professionals alike are welcome to offer up their motorcycles and other special objects for auction!
You might also like these articles: