100 Years Of Harley-Davidson
The Harley-Davidson Company or HD has been around for just over 100 years. It all began with two friends in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1903. William S. Harley stands for the H in HD. Arthur Davidson is one of three D’s. The other two D’s being his brothers, Walter and William Davidson. William Harley and Arthur Davidson began working on the prototype and eventually sought the help of Walter and William. Walter was a skilled mechanic. William was an experienced toolmaker. Together the group formed the HD Company, which was later incorporated.
During 1903 HD turned out a grand total of 3 motorcycles. All were bought and paid for before completion. Gray was the standard color of the first HD motorcycles, which were often referred to as the “Silent Gray Fellows”.
By the end of 1905 the HD Company was not only selling motorcycles, but also motorcycle motors, marine motors, reversible propellers and float feed carburetors. The price of the motorcycle was $200.
The popularity of the HD motorcycle continued to grow through out the following decade. By 1914, nine departments of the federal government of the United States used HD’s. The U.S. Postal service alone used more than 4,800 Harley Davidson motorcycles for rural mail delivery.
In 1916 the military began using HD’s in border skirmishes with Pancho Villa. The motorcycles were equipped with machine guns. HD motorcycles were also used in World War I with half of all models produced being shipped overseas. The war also was responsible for the establishment of the first Harley-Davidson Service School. The HD Company saw a need and met it.
The 1920′s brought an end to the war and a beginning to the world of racing. HD made quite an impact. Harley-Davidson suffered, but managed to survive the Great Depression and continued to prosper through the 1930′s.
Unfortunately World War II came in the 1940′s and HD was pressed into service once again.
The 1950′s brought about new, more aggressive marketing strategies and expansion for this great company. Once again war broke out, this time in Korea. Motorcycles were replaced in popularity with the military with the Jeep. HD was free to concentrate on its civilian consumers.
The 1960′s brought about as much change for HD as everyone else in the United States. This was also when the company began to branch out into an unrelated field of leisure product with the production of 3-wheeled golf carts. By the end of the decade these carts cornered about one third of the United States market, and were even used oversees. HD also began marketing an extensive line of motorcycle accessories.
The 1970′s saw continuing success in the racing venue. Great advancements were made in the racing bikes that were produced by HD. In late 1970 the company also unveiled its brand new snowmobile. Perhaps the biggest change was the merger between HD and the AMF.
The 1980′s began with a buyback, and the HD Company returned to private ownership. The company seemed to show a renewed interest in building better machines So much so that they won the contract with the California Highway Patrol in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1989.
The 1990′s were ushered in with the appearance of HD’s most customized factory custom motorcycle to date, the FLSTF Fat Boy. This bike was reminiscent of the past while still being up to date with the times.
The Twenty first century has come and HD remains strong. Its current line of bikes includes the Sporster, the Dyna, the Softail, the VRSC, and a Touring line. Each line includes several models. Bikes now sell from between $6,000 and $25,000.
Which Type of Harley Davidson Motorcycle is Best for You?
You’ve been wanting one for so long. When you hear the roar of the engine, your heart skips a beat. You stop and stare, fantasizing about what it would be like if YOU were sitting in the seat.
Before you go out and buy yourself a Harley, it’s wise to do your homework and determine which type of motorcycle is best suited for you. To begin you want to match the type of bike to your riding style, expectations, experience, and ability. You also want to consider how you will be riding the bike.
Last, but not least, you’ll want to take into consideration your physical size and abilities. A common mistake many people make is to buy a motorcycle that is too big for them. Obviously, this can result in serious injury or death. It’s important to select a motorcycle that you can skillfully maneuver and manage.
Harley Davidson offers a wide range of motorcycles and can accommodate nearly everyone’s needs. Let’s take a look at the various types of Harley Davidson motorcycles:
Touring: If you plan on taking road trips, this is the Harley for you. However, if you are a beginner, this type of bike is probably more than you can handle. When these bikes are fully loaded, they can weigh up to 800 pounds. Harley touring bikes include Road Kings and Glides.
Cruisers: Harley Cruisers are a lighter weight motorcycle than Touring bikes; however, they are still heavy and not recommended for beginners. Cruisers are categorized as Softails and include the Harley Fat Boy, Heritage and Nostalgia models.
Softails: The term softail refers to a type of rear suspension system installed to absorb shock. Softails were designed to be reminiscent of the rigid mount design of earlier models; but provide a more comfortable ride. Harley Softails are a popular choice for daily riding. Many riders choose the Softail when they want to create their own custom design.
Softails are lighter in weight than Touring or Cruiser Harley’s. Models include the Softail Custom, Springer Softail, Heritage Softail, Heritage Springer, Night Train, Deuce, and Fat Boy.
Dynas: The Dynas model has a dual shock rear suspension like the Touring bikes and a front end like the Softail and Sportster models. The engine has a rubber mounted support system to reduce engine vibration. Dynas are available with a wide-glide or narrow-glide front end. This type of bike is a good choice for street riding and appropriate for beginners.
Sportster: These are the perfect choice of Harley motorcycles for beginners. These bikes have a smaller engine and smaller frame and are the lightest bikes offered by Harley-Davidson. Sportsters are the only Harley with two engine sizes, the 883 and 1200. They are about half the cost of the big twin Harley’s; making them the most affordable choice the company offers.
V-Rod: The V-Rod is newest Harley model and introduces a water cooled engine. The V-Rod motorcycle has the style of an imported sport bike, yet retains the stretched out forward controls that are uniquely Harley. This is a good daily riding motorcycle and makes a good choice for those who are experienced in riding.
Buell: Although this isn’t exactly a Harley; Buell sport bikes are made and sold through Harley Davidson. Buell motorcycles are a traditional sports bike powered by an American V-Twin engine. Buell motorcycles are a great all-around bike, suitable for daily riding or shorter road trips. Several engine sizes are available, making Buell motorcycles a good choice for beginners to seasoned riders.
How to Travel Across America on a Harley Davidson Motorcycle
Imagine hopping on a big fat Harley Davidson motorcycle. As you turn the key, the motorcycle begins to rumble and your adrenaline starts to flow. With the wind on your face and pavement under your feet, you hit the road for an adventure of a lifetime.
Before heading out and exploring, you’ll want to pick up a copy of Harley Davidson’s Ride Atlas. This must-have guide has a durable rubber-like cover and contains well-designed and easy-to-read pages of scenic routes complete with detailed descriptions and maps.
You’ll also want to pick up a copy of “Riding the World” by Gregory Frazier. This unique book offers expert traveling advice to motorcycle riders and includes color photos, with sections on routes, motorcycle preparation, sleeping, eating, what to take, and whether to go it alone.
You don’t need to own a Harley Davidson motorcycle to embark on a journey across America. There are many companies that allow riders to rent nearly any model of Harley Davidson motorcycle. Most offer travel packages that include hotel accommodations, sightseeing tours, and meals. Riders can rent a motorcycle daily, weekly, or monthly.
Ride Free Motorcycle Tours are designed to deliver life altering travel experiences. Ride Free offers a variety of tours including a cruise from L.A. to Vegas; a weekend ride along the California coastline; the Route 66 to Grand Canyon ride; and the ever-popular Sturgis Rally.
The Sturgis Rally began in 1938 and has grown to be a worldwide motorcycle event that attracts more than 500,000 motorcycle enthusiasts each year. Bikers from all walks of life join together to celebrate their love of motorcycles and the freedom they provide.
EagleRider Motorcycle Rental has a nationwide network of locations where you can choose from the world’s largest rental inventory of Harley Davidson motorcycles. While EagleRider specializes in motorcycle tours of San Francisco and Northern California, they also offer tours to destinations across the United States. Riders can escape for a weekend or participate in a month-long cross country tour.
When traveling on a motorcycle, the first thing you must realize is you will have to pack lightly and include only the basic essentials. Pack a small travel bag for personal items and include travel size bottles of everything needed. Choose items that have multiple uses such as an Army knife.
Saddle bags are one of the best options when it comes to storing food, clothing and personal gear. Take clothing that is versatile, easy to care for, and requires little space. Bring along sealable storage bags or plastic grocery bags to store dirty clothes or dispose of any trash.
If you will be camping out, you can use the luggage rack or passenger seat to hold camping equipment. Look for lightweight gear and compact equipment that can be tightly folded or rolled up. Cooking equipment should be limited to one pot and eating utensils.
If you’re riding your own motorcycle, take it in for a thorough check-up before heading out on an extended trip. If you’re renting a motorcycle, ask the representative to show you the written maintenance record on the motorcycle before taking it out on the road.
Always chart your route so that you know where gas stations, restaurants and camping facilities are located. Leave a copy of your route with a friend or family member and keep a map and compass handy so you don’t get lost on the road or while camping.
Harley Davidson motorcycles are one-of-a-kind bikes, designed for the ultimate driving experience. Isn’t it time you threw your cares to the wind and ventured out for a weekend getaway or a month long hiatus?
What Type of Person Owns a Harley Davidson Motorcycle?
Many people carry the belief that people who own Harley Davidson motorcycles are hardcore, tattoo-laden, testosterone-filled men who drink hard liquor and end up in bar room brawls. While this profile makes for a good Hollywood movie, the vast majority of Harley owners are laid-back, friendly individuals who give back to the community.
Harley Davidson has gone to great lengths to build a community of camaraderie amongst those who own a harley. The wildly successful Harley Owners Group (HOG) has over 1 million members worldwide. With local chapters around the globe, members unite to share their passion for the Harley-Davidson lifestyle.
Harley Davidson owners include men and women who range in age from 18 to 88. Some harley owners have been riding Harley Davidson motorcycles for more than 50 years. Many of the soldiers who served in WWII became avid fans of the motorcycle, as they were frequently used for transportation during wartime. A few of these soldiers still ride today.
The female population of harley riders has significantly increased during the past two decades. Perhaps the most famous female Harley motorcyclists are Avis and Effie Hotchkiss. In 1915, this mother and daughter duo traveled from New York to California on a three-speed V-Twin with a sidecar.
Another female trendsetter was Linda Dugeau, co-founder of the Motor Maids, Inc. Linda began riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle in 1932. She traveled around the United States and stories about her travels were published in Motorcyclist magazine. In 1938, Dugeau began establishing a network of female motorcyclists, which officially became The Motor Maids. The organization was chartered with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in 1941, making it the oldest motorcycle organization for women in North America.
Women of all ages and backgrounds are showing an interest in motorcycles and the lifestyle they offer. Not only are more females riding street bikes, they are also participating in motorcycle racing. Female celebrities, such as pop singer, Pink and supermodel, Niki Taylor, are jumping into the driver’s seat of harley’s and encouraging other women to ride.
Harley-Davidson dedicates an entire section to women harley owners, where women can learn to ride, connect with others, read inspirational stories, and get involved with the many activities Harley Davidson has to offer.
Motorcycle riding is quickly becoming a favorite family activity. Safety equipment is available to protect children while riding and include tether straps, helmets, jackets, chaps, and gloves. Touring bikes and cruisers make it relatively easy to take the kids on a weekend camping or road trip.
Many members of the military are avid harley riders. They love the feeling they experience when they hit the road and connect with their fellow brothers and sisters through sponsored events or charity rides. Harley-Davidson promotes multiple rides for U.S. troops and Veterans.
A common trait of people who own Harley Davidson motorcycles is that of a giving nature. Harley owners frequently embark on charity rides to help national organizations or to provide for the needs of someone in their local community.
Harley owners have raised millions of dollars in their fundraising efforts and have donated to cancer research, Alzheimer’s research, Autism and many other worthy causes.
There is a tremendous amount of camaraderie and friendship amongst harley owners. They are a group of passionate people who love the thrill of adventure. One thing is for certain… there is no other sport that brings together such a diverse group of people from all backgrounds and ages.
