When Did Harley Davidson Start?

When did Harley Davidson start? Well Harley-Davidson embodies a lifestyle, not just a motorcycle so here is the history of the most famous brand.

Harley Davidsonʻs humble beginnings

In 1903, the Davidson brothers and their friend William Harley engineered a pioneering loop-frame motorcycle in a modest shed at the Davidson family’s residence in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This historic innovation laid the foundation for a legendary legacy in the world of motorcycles.

A new prototype featuring a bigger engine was completed in 1904. This model participated in motorcycle racing at State Fair Park in Milwaukee.

The company experienced rapid growth, securing a loan from a Davidson uncle Carl Lang. The first Harley-Davidson factory commenced operations in 1906.

Two years later, police forces across the country began adopting and utilizing Harley motorcycles due to their exceptional quality and reputation. Meanwhile, in Chicago, Carl Lang orchestrated the inaugural motorcycle ride for his clientele.

The first Harley-Davidson factory was built in 1906 on Chestnut Street in Milwaukee, where the company produced 50 bikes that year. The company was officially created in 1907, when 2 more of the Davidson brother joined the initiative.

Who started Harley-Davidson?

William S. Harley (December 29, 1880 – September 18, 1943) was an American mechanical engineer and businessman. He was one of the four co-founders of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. In 1901, while working as an apprentice draftsman at the Barth Mfg. Co., Harley started designing an engine that could be mounted on an ordinary bicycle.

Arthur Davidson (February 11, 1881 – December 30, 1950) was an American businessman. One of Davidson’s favourite pastimes was fishing which inspired him to create a motorcycle that would, “take the hard work out of pedalling a bicycle”.

William A. Davidson (October 14, 1870–April 21, 1937) was a very skilled mechanic and together with his brothers, was one of the co-funders.

Walter Davidson Sr. (September 30, 1876-February 7, 1942) raced bicycles and his experience in machining, came in handy as he teamed up with his brother Arthur.

When did Harley Davidson start?

How the spark came to life.

In the 1890’s, William Harley and Arthur Davidson became good friends by sharing the same passion for mechanics and design, but the initial spark was ignited by the entertainment.

One night, the 2 friends attended a show where the famous entertainer Anna Held was ridding some sort of three-wheeler propelled across the stage by a single-cylinder engine.

Not long after, the pair began experimenting whit single-cylinder engine adapted for bicycles. They soon realised that its not powerful enough so Davidson wrote a letter to his brother Walter who was an expert in machining.

With this Harley-Davidson was founded in 1903 and they sold their first bicycle to a local friend Henry Meyer.

The World War

During World War I, the U.S. government purchased 20,000 motorcycles from Harley-Davidson, which helped the company expand.

By 1920, it had become the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer.

In 1929, Harley-Davidson introduced its largest stock engine, the 737 cc V-Twin.

Despite the Great Depression causing a decline in motorcycle sales, Harley-Davidson managed to survive while many other manufacturers failed.

During World War II, the company supplied around 90,000 motorcycles to the U.S. government and other allied countries.

A brief history

1903

Serial no.1: When was the 1st Harley-Davidson made? When Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson, childhood friends, started a prototype motorcycle and enlisted the help of Arthur’s brothers Walter and William, the first Harley, known as Serial No.1, was born.

The bike in the harley davidson museum is, in fact, a close approximation of the original, built using a 1903 engine and a 1905 frame.

1911

First V-twin engine: Harley-Davidson introduced its first V-twin engine configuration in 1909, which became synonymous with the company. However, the Model 5-D, which had defective atmospheric intake valve technology, was a failure and Harley discontinued it right away.

F-Head, a refined design, was introduced with success in 1911. By 1919, the brand had switched to a V-twin layout, and it quickly became the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.

1920

When did Harley-Davidson get popular? In 1920 they sold 20,000 motorbikes to the government which made them the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.

1923

When did Harley Davidson entered motorcycle racing? Board track racing on wooden ovals was a big deal back then, but it was dangerous and expensive to maintain.

Harley-Davidson’s factory-made eight-valve racer was the first to go over 100 mph. It was designed by William Ottaway and Henry Ricardo, and cost a lot for back then at $1500 each.

Each cylinder had two mechanically operated intake valves and two exhaust valves. Soon, flat track racing on dirt became more popular than board track racing. Flat track racing is still popular today.

1936

EL Model ”Knucklehead”. During America’s Great Depression, the US motorcycle industry suffered greatly, with only Harley-Davidson and Indians managing to survive. Harley’s survival was attributed to the 1936 EL model.

In the early 1930s, Harley-Davidson took a bold step by initiating the development of a new design to position the company for the future.

This new design featured the innovative ‘Knucklehead’ engine, which was the first to have recirculating oil. Additionally, the motorcycle included new features such as the teardrop tank, valanced fenders, and bold colors.

Despite being a huge risk, the new design proved to be a huge success for the company.

1942

“The Liberator”. During World War II, Harley-Davidson outperformed Indian motorcycles in securing war contracts.

The military version of the civilian WL was used by US, British, French, and Russian forces, with around 60,000 built by the end of the World War.

After the war, surplus WLAs were modified by GIs, becoming the first ‘bobbers’. The 1949 ‘HydraGlide’ was the first Harley-Davidson with telescopic forks.

1940s – 1950

Post-War Era After World War II, Harley-Davidson quickly resumed civilian production. The demand for motorcycles surged as returning soldiers sought the freedom of the open road.

Harley-Davidson introduced the Panhead engine, named for its distinctive valve covers, which provided better lubrication and improved performance.

The company modernized its manufacturing processes and expanded its product line up, maintaining its dominance in the heavyweight motorcycle market.

1960s

In response to financial difficulties, Harley-Davidson merged with the American Machine and Foundry Company (AMF). This period was marked by increased production but also declining quality, leading to customer dissatisfaction.

The Sportster line, initially introduced in 1957, continued to gain popularity throughout the 1960s, appealing to a younger demographic.

1970s

Under AMF’s management, Harley-Davidson faced significant quality control issues, which tarnished its reputation.

Japanese manufacturers like Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha entered the U.S. market, offering reliable and affordable motorcycles that further challenged Harley-Davidson’s market position.

However The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) was formed, in 1973, fostering a strong community among Harley-Davidson enthusiasts and creating a loyal customer base.

1980s

A group of 13 Harley-Davidson executives, led by Vaughn Beals and Willie G. Davidson, bought the company from AMF, embarking on a campaign to restore the brand’s quality and reputation.

Harley-Davidson invested in modernizing production, improving quality, and introducing new models. The introduction of the Evolution engine in 1984 was a significant milestone, known for its reliability and performance.

In 1986, Harley-Davidson went public, selling shares on the New York Stock Exchange and providing the capital needed for further improvements and innovations.

1990s

Harley-Davidson introduced several new models, including the Dyna series, which combined classic styling with modern engineering.

The company expanded its market presence internationally and opened new manufacturing plants.

Harley-Davidson utilized its iconic brand to establish itself as the quintessential representation of the vibrant and alluring American motorcycle lifestyle.

2000s

The company faced new challenges from both economic downturns and evolving consumer preferences.

Despite this, Harley-Davidson continued to innovate with models like the V-Rod, featuring the company’s first liquid-cooled engine, and expanded its focus to include younger and more diverse riders, introducing the Street series aimed at urban riders.

2010s

Harley-Davidson increased its global footprint, establishing new markets in Asia and other regions. The introduction of electric motorcycles, such as the LiveWire, marked a significant shift toward sustainable technologies.

The company continued to leverage its cultural impact, reinforcing its image through events, merchandise, and media.

2020s and Beyond

Harley-Davidson is still facing the challenge of adapting to a rapidly changing market, with increasing competition from electric vehicles and shifting demographics. But the company is refocused on core markets and product lines, streamlining operations and emphasizing its heritage while also innovating for future growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns Harley Davidson now?

As of 2024, Harley-Davidson is a publicly traded company, meaning it is owned by its shareholders. The company’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol “HOG.”

Public Shareholders: The majority of Harley-Davidson’s shares are owned by institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual shareholders who buy and sell the stock on the open market.

Institutional Investors: Large financial institutions such as Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and various pension funds typically hold significant percentages of Harley-Davidson shares.

Executive Management and Board of Directors: The company’s executives and board members also own shares, aligning their interests with those of the shareholders.

Major Shareholders: While there might be significant individual or institutional investors with large stakes, no single entity owns a controlling share of the company. Instead, ownership is dispersed among numerous investors.

How much does a Harley Davidson cost?

The cost of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle can vary widely depending on the model, customization options, and other factors. Here are some general price ranges for different types of Harley-Davidson motorcycles as of 2024:

Street Series

Harley-Davidson Street 500: Starting around $6,899
Harley-Davidson Street 750: Starting around $7,599

Sportster Series

Harley-Davidson Iron 883: Starting around $10,249
Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight: Starting around $12,299

Softail Series

Harley-Davidson Softail Standard: Starting around $14,599
Harley-Davidson Fat Bob: Starting around $18,799
Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic: Starting around $20,449

Touring Series

Harley-Davidson Road King: Starting around $21,999
Harley-Davidson Street Glide: Starting around $23,999
Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited: Starting around $29,199

Trike Series

Harley-Davidson Freewheeler: Starting around $29,999
Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra: Starting around $37,499

CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) Series

Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide: Starting around $41,899
Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide: Starting around $42,899

Electric

Harley-Davidson LiveWire: Starting around $22,799

Is Harley Davison owned by Kawasaki?

No, Harley-Davidson is not owned by Kawasaki. Harley-Davidson is an independent, publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “HOG.” It remains one of the most iconic American motorcycle manufacturers.

Conclusion

Harley-Davidson, a renowned motorcycle manufacturer, continues to excel in producing high-performance and visually striking motorcycles that stand out in the market. The company has upheld its reputation for crafting aggressive and bold bikes with an unmistakable attitude, solidifying its legacy in the industry and even when purchasing a used Harley, it maintains excellent quality.

What is Harley-Davidson up to now?

“Electric motorcycles are important to Harley-Davidson’s future and we are passionate about leading the electric motorcycle market and remain committed to staying at the forefront… We are proud to be the pioneers in this space through LiveWire, widely regarded as the leading electric motorcycle in the world.”

Harley-Davidson remains a symbol of American freedom and craftsmanship, committed to preserving its legacy while navigating the evolving landscape of the global motorcycle industry by selling 162771 motorcycle per year world wide.

When Did Harley Davidson Start?

Harley Davidsonʻs humble beginnings