Harley-Davidson: a Brief History of a Giant Company
The Harley-Davidson Company was founded in 1903 by William S Harley and Arthur Davidson.
After beginning work on the prototype, they enlisted the support of Arthur's two brothers - William, who was a skilled toolmaker, and Walter, who was an expert technician. These five men came together to create the Harley-Davidson Company.
During their first year, the Company made an impressive total of 3 motorcycles. These were all bought before completion. The original HD motorcycles had a standard gray color; they were on occasion called the "silent gray fellows". The motorcycles were sold at $200 each.
Within a couple of years the Company were also selling motorcycle motors, float feed carburetors, nautical motors and reversible propellers.
During the next decade the HD motorcycle continued to grow in popularity. By 1914, HDs were getting used by nine US government departments. More than 4,800 HD motorcycles were being employed by the US postal service alone, for delivering mail to country locations.
The Forces started utilizing Harley-Davidsons in 1916 in border engagements with Pancho Villa. Harley-Davidson motorcycles were also utilized in the First World War. It was about this period that the need for a service school became apparent. This requirement was met when the Company established the Harley-Davidson Service School.
After the war was over, motorcycle racing made its appearance, at which time HD played an important role. The Great Depression produced misery but the HD Company managed to pull through that challenging time. It continued to prosper throughout the 1930s.
Unhappily, the 1940s brought the Second World War and so the HD Company was once more pressed into service.
In the 1950s, new and more intense marketing techniques and expansion came about for the Company. War was upon them yet again, this time in Korea, but he armed forces Jeep was favored over the motorcycle. This made it feasible for HD to concentrate its interest on its civillian patrons.
The 1960s saw several transformations for HD as well as for Americans in general. The Company branched out into a new sphere with the manufacture of 3-wheeled golf carts. These carts embraced more or less one-third of the US market. They were also used abroad. The Company also started promoting a copious line of trimmings for the motorcycle.
Success in the racing field continued throughout the 1970s. Great advancements were shown in the Harley-Davidson racing cycles. In the latter part of that decade the Company unveiled its new snowmobile. A crucial change was the merger between Harley-Davidson and the AMF but the HD Company, through a buy-back, regained private ownership at the beginning of the 1980s.
There was a renewed interest in developing best quality machines. This enabled the HD Company to gain the deal with the California Highway Patrol in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1989.
The 1990s started with the arrival of the HD Company's most tailored factory custom motorcycle yet, the FLSTF Fat Boy. This model was reminiscent of the past but was still in tune with the times.
Right through its history the Harley-Davidson has strengthened and continues to be strong in the 21st century. The present lines of motorcycles include the Dyna, the Sportster, the VRSC, the Softail and a Touring line. There are several Harley-Davidson models in each line and they sell for between $6.000 and $25,000.
After beginning work on the prototype, they enlisted the support of Arthur's two brothers - William, who was a skilled toolmaker, and Walter, who was an expert technician. These five men came together to create the Harley-Davidson Company.
During their first year, the Company made an impressive total of 3 motorcycles. These were all bought before completion. The original HD motorcycles had a standard gray color; they were on occasion called the "silent gray fellows". The motorcycles were sold at $200 each.
Within a couple of years the Company were also selling motorcycle motors, float feed carburetors, nautical motors and reversible propellers.
During the next decade the HD motorcycle continued to grow in popularity. By 1914, HDs were getting used by nine US government departments. More than 4,800 HD motorcycles were being employed by the US postal service alone, for delivering mail to country locations.
The Forces started utilizing Harley-Davidsons in 1916 in border engagements with Pancho Villa. Harley-Davidson motorcycles were also utilized in the First World War. It was about this period that the need for a service school became apparent. This requirement was met when the Company established the Harley-Davidson Service School.
After the war was over, motorcycle racing made its appearance, at which time HD played an important role. The Great Depression produced misery but the HD Company managed to pull through that challenging time. It continued to prosper throughout the 1930s.
Unhappily, the 1940s brought the Second World War and so the HD Company was once more pressed into service.
In the 1950s, new and more intense marketing techniques and expansion came about for the Company. War was upon them yet again, this time in Korea, but he armed forces Jeep was favored over the motorcycle. This made it feasible for HD to concentrate its interest on its civillian patrons.
The 1960s saw several transformations for HD as well as for Americans in general. The Company branched out into a new sphere with the manufacture of 3-wheeled golf carts. These carts embraced more or less one-third of the US market. They were also used abroad. The Company also started promoting a copious line of trimmings for the motorcycle.
Success in the racing field continued throughout the 1970s. Great advancements were shown in the Harley-Davidson racing cycles. In the latter part of that decade the Company unveiled its new snowmobile. A crucial change was the merger between Harley-Davidson and the AMF but the HD Company, through a buy-back, regained private ownership at the beginning of the 1980s.
There was a renewed interest in developing best quality machines. This enabled the HD Company to gain the deal with the California Highway Patrol in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1989.
The 1990s started with the arrival of the HD Company's most tailored factory custom motorcycle yet, the FLSTF Fat Boy. This model was reminiscent of the past but was still in tune with the times.
Right through its history the Harley-Davidson has strengthened and continues to be strong in the 21st century. The present lines of motorcycles include the Dyna, the Sportster, the VRSC, the Softail and a Touring line. There are several Harley-Davidson models in each line and they sell for between $6.000 and $25,000.
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