For over 100 years, Harley Davidson has been the most popular and well respected manufacturer of motorcycles in the United States. It was founded in 1903 and since than has become the most widely used brand of motorcycles whether it be for every day use, for racing, or for the military. Every year, motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where this reputable motorcycle brand was started. Bikers from all over unite in the Midwest to celebrate the successful history and present of the most popular motorcycle in the world.
THE FACTS:
In 1903, William Harley and Arthur Davidson founded what we all know as Harley Davidson. They manufactured their first Harley bike in a tiny 10 foot by 15 foot wooden shed in urban Wisconsin. In 1904, the first Harley-Davidson Dealership was introduced and by C.H. Lang in Chicago, Illinois. The first buyer of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle was named Henry Meyer and he bought the bike directly in its birthplace in the city of Milwaukee.
In the year 1905, for the first time ever, a Harley motorcycle won a race. By 1910, Harleys were competing in various races around the U.S. which ranged from hill climbing, lap races, and endurance competitions, all of which the Harley took first place in. In 1913, Harley's official racing department was created.
Beginning in 1917, about one third of all Harley-Davidson motorcycles were being sold to the elite Unites States Military. Shocking as it seems, by the year 1918, this number had increased to 50 percent. It has been estimated that by the end of World War One, more than 20,000 motorcycles were used in battle efforts, with the majority being Harley-Davidsons. The H.O.G. group was formed in 1983. This was the Harley Owners Group and it quickly became the largest factory sponsored motorcycle clubs in the history of automobiles. By the year 2000, there were more than 500,000 members actively participating in this group.
2009 marks an exciting new year for Harley-Davidson. The newest edition to the family is the Harley-Davidson XR1200 which comes equipped with a 1200cc Evolution Engine, a 2-1-2 straight shot exhaust, a custom sports fender and more. For one of these as stock, it will cost a happy driver a little more than $11,000. Click here for motorcycle parts that are highly compatible with any model Harley-Davidson motorcycle ever released. Customize your bike and take part in next year's collaborative Harley-Davidson ride to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
