The Harley-Davidson Motorcycle started its life
in Milwaukee Wisconsin in 1903.
At that time
Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson built a one-cylinder motorcycle. This motorcycle was well built and they ended up
selling it. They were now in the motorcycle
business.
They continued to build motorcycles and by 1908 they
had built 154. Around this time William
Davidson joined the company and it wasn't long before they had 20 employees and
a new factory. In 1909 Bill Harley took on a
project to built a V Twin engine.
It turned out to be a 1000 cubic centimeter,
45 degree V twin engine producing seven horse power. This 45 degree V twin
became one of the most recognizable symbols of the Harley-Davidson. The bar and
shield logo came in 1910 and is still with them today. The F Head engine was introduced in 1911 and was the
main power plant until 1929 when it was replaced by the flat head engine. By 1912 Harley-Davidson was ready to expand again
into a new 6 story plant. At this time they
also started exporting. From 1914 to the
1920's there was much advancement, such as the addition of a sidecar, the
three-speed sliding-gear transmission, and the change in styling, which looked
more like the motorcycles of today. In 1928
the first twin-cam engine and front wheel brakes were available. This enabled
the motorcycle to reach speeds of more then 85 mph.
1905 Harley Davidson