Harley-Davidson Motorcycles – The Beginning To Present
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The Harley-Davidson company began with two friends, in 1903, the headquarters of HD back then was Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The first project for Harley-Davidson motorcycles got its start thanks to William Harley and Arthur Davidson, project competition would depend upon the talents of Arthur's brothers, Walter and William. The latter two members of the group were essential in providing the success that would lead to the incorporation of the HD Company they founded, as Walter was a skilled mechanic and William a known toolmaker.
The first year, 1903, was a slimmer year than future ones would be, in terms of production, Harley-Davidson only produced 3 pre-paid motorcycles. Frequently called 'Silent Gray Fellows' because of their standard gray exterior, these motorcycles were far different from more outlandish bikes the company produces today. Motorcycle motors, marine motors, reversible propellers, and float feed carburetors all joined the company's famous motorcycle by 1905 as products produced by HD.
Throughout the ensuing decade, Harley-Davidson motorcycles maintained its steady growth, becoming increasingly desired by the public. The use of the products was not restricted to that of the general populace, as even the government got into the act, by employing the usage of the bikes in 9 departments (over 4,800 were used in the Postal service alone.) In 1916, with tensions between the US and Mexico running high, the government helped to solve their border problems with revolutionary Pancho Villa with HD's (those models included machine guns, of course.) Their motorcycles were also used in World War I with half of all models produced being shipped overseas.
The sport of racing was the way that HD thrived and prospered in the post-war years of the 1920s. The Great Depression did have a toll on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, but it was not a strong enough one to stop the expansion and prosperity of the company. When World War II began, the motorcycles began tools of the government, as they had been during the previous war.
The end of the Second World War did not slow down the company, far from it the company increased their marketing strategies and experienced even greater expansion during this time. Once again war broke out, this time in Korea but unfortunately motorcycles were replaced in popularity with the military with the Jeep. Civilian consumers more than made up for the lack of government contracts, Harley-Davidson responded by continuing to concentrate on the civilians who bought their products.
Not even the great company, however, could resist the change that was always prevalent in the 1960s. This decade is when the company began producing 3-wheeled golf carts. Though seen as a quirky decision by many, by the end of the 1960s, the carts comprised one-third of the United States' golf cart market, with many being sold overseas as well. Harley-Davidson also began marketing an extensive line of motorcycle accessories.
During the seventies, many additions to the motorcycles allowed the Harley-Davidson motorcycles to experience continued success in the racing world. With the 1980s came one of the greatest changes to the company since its beginning, as a buyback changed them into a private organization. In 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1989, the company's increasing desire to produce better quality machines won them exclusive contracts with the California Highway Patrol.
Customized factory motorcycles took center stage during the 1990s, when Harley-Davidson introduced the FLSTF Fat Boy. This bike was reminiscent of the past while still being up to date with the times. With the debut of the twenty-first century, the company continues to remain strong. Currently, the Harley-Davidson motorcycles include: Harley-Davidson Sportster, Harley-Davidson Dyna FXR, Harley-Davidson Softail, Harley-Davidson VRSC, Harley-Davidson Road King, Harley-Davidson Street Glide, Harley-Davidson Fatboy and the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide.
US $20,000.00
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