The history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles began in Milwaukee in 1903. Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson developed a one cylinder motorcycle in the turn of the century and the engine was developed with the introduction of the combustion engine of a cylinder gasoline used in 1903, designed for racing.
In 1908 already has a small company which built the motorcycle and another member of the Davidson family, William, joined the group. Then began to have employed about 20 people.
In 1909 Bill Harley made the first draft of the 1000 CC V-Twin, a modest seven horsepower making it the brand image of Harleys and more recognized.
In 1910 came the legendary "Bar and Shield" logo that was placed on the bike. This would become the symbol of Harley-Davidson. The numerous first places won in races, endurance contests and finally give recognition to the brand Harley-Davidson.
In 1911 the engine was introduced "F-head" engine until 1929 when the "Flathead" was placed.
In 1912 the growth of Harley-Davidson and Company had to build a new factory. It became an exporter in the same year with its first sale in Japan in the United States there were more than 200 dealers.
In 1914 dominated the racing motorcycles.
In 1915 appeared the three engine speeds.
In 1917 a third of all Harley-Davidsons were sent to the U.S. Military to fulfill their patriotic call and help in the war effort. The following year about half were sold to the U.S. Military. At the end of about 20,000 motorcycles were used in the war which were Harley-Davidson.
In 1918 already has one of the largest factories for the production of motorcycles in the world with approximately 2,000 dealers. The V-twin was Harley's time as trying to dethrone the Indiana. At this time the car was T-Ford and thus the Harley-Davidson began to dedicate to the manufacture of parts, lateral and even automobiles, aircraft engines and also to improve their own products.
In 1920 some changes occurred in the bike, which today are more recognizable. One such change was the identifiable teardrop shape, gas tank.
In 1926, a single cylinder engine was available again after being discontinued in 1918.
In 1928, the first twin-cam, engine and front wheel brakes were available on Harley-Davidson. With this modification, the motorcycle could reach speeds exceeding 85 mph.
In 1930 and subsequent years saw record losses of more awards and the Harley-Davidson.
In 1932, the three-wheel Servi-Car was introduced, becoming the police vehicle, business and family. The appearance also changes as the "eagle" placed on all Harley-Davidson in tanks of gasoline, as well as changes to the engine. Appeared then to CC in 1340, becoming the trademark of Harley Davidson motorcycle.
In 1936 became the year in which the Knucklehead of the motorcycle was launched.
In 1940, once again, the Harley-Davidson answered the call and sent its fleet of motorcycles for the war.
In 1941 the production was suspended for marketing calendar and open again in November 1945.
In 1957 the Sportster was born, becoming an immediate success.
In 1969, it was time for a merger with U.S. company Foudry Machine Company (AMF).
In 1970 there was a revolution of the Harley-Davidson.
In 1971, the cruiser was born.
In 1973 came a new plant.
In 1975 was the first of four consecutive years that the Harley-Davidson won the AMA Grand National Championships in dirt track.
In 1977, the FXS Low Rider and the FLHS Electra Glide Sport were introduced to the public.
In 1980 another change in partnership developed the engine and transmission.
In 1980, the FLT model was born with 5-speed transmission hard bolted to the engine.
In 1981 members of the Harley-Davidson purchased the Harley-Davidson Motor Company from AMF.
In 1983, the Hog group was founded and became the largest factory-sponsored motorcycle in the world. By the year 2000, the club had more than 500,000 members.
In 1984, the 1,340 cc V-twin engine was introduced, it took seven years to make.
In 1984, the company managed to create a modern motorcycle, which was still a Harley Davidson.
In 1987, the Harley-Davidson Company obtained a place in the New York Stock Exchange for those interested in having a financial stake in the company.
In 1988, Harley-Davidson celebrated its 85th anniversary in Milwaukee, an event that brought about 60,000 fans of Harley-Davidson. At the end of this revolutionary decade for Harley-Davidson, the FXSTS Softail Springer model was introduced. In the early 1990's the Fat Boy design was introduced and quickly succeeded. The name Fatboy was derived by combining the names of the two atomic bombs "Fat man" and "Little Boy" which were launched on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
In 1991, the Dyna line of Harley-Davidson's was introduced with the FXDB Dyna Glide Sturgis.
In 1994 saw the jump of Harley-Davidson for Superbike racing with the VR1000.
At this point in America, the Harley Davidson have 62% of the market of motorcycles with 850 CC or more! Due to the many fans around the world can say that is the brand of bikes with more success in the market for motorcycles.
