The History Of Harley Davidson Motorcycles

Most everyone who knows motorcycles knows there are different types of motorbikes. Harley Davidson Motorcycles still remain at the forefront when it comes to good, strong quality bikes. One of the only brands to offer annual festival and events to riders, it also remains one of the most popular brands on the market today.

As only one of two brands to survive the Great Depression, the company has gone through several changes in ownership. Changes which have often led to poor economic and quality conditions over the course of history. After much time, the company rebounded financially, improved quality standards and became popular once again. As such, the brand still remains one of the world's most popular motorbikes.

In addition to private clubs, there are also a number of company sanctioned owner clubs and worldwide events held each year. The brand-focused museum clearly shows the brand being one of a historic nature. The museum hosts a number of exhibits which include more than four hundred fifty motorcycles and artifacts dating back to the early 1900s. The museum is conveniently located in Milwaukee just off I-94.

Movies like Easy Rider definitely help promote the brand and company in the late 1960s and early 70s. During these years, Harley Davidson shops would often host free bands and food to attract customers. A number of high school and first year college students often attended these events on a regular basis. As such, the movie created a storm of activity at these shops which included teenagers, young adults, middle aged folk and retirees.

The Davidson brothers and Mr. Harley all played a role in the development, build and marketing phase. Once a working model was complete, the boys provided the brand name and founded the company. A company that has now been making motorcycles and motorcycle accessories and parts since the early 1900s.

Over the next two years, Harley and his childhood friend Arthur Davidson dedicated a great deal of spare time working on these plans. Using a Milwaukee machine shop at the home of Henry Melk, the boys were able to design and build a bike according to Harley's specifications.

When first testing the initial prototype, the bike did not have the power to climb hills in and around Milwaukee. While the boys used pedals to achieve this goal, the process did not meet the specifications Harley had defined in the plans. As a result, the boys wrote the build project off as a learning experience. The boys started over from scratch, rebuilding the motorbike into one that had more horsepower. Once complete, the boys finally had a working model.

The prototype was completed and functional on September 8, 1904. After which, the bike was entered into competition at the Milwaukee State Fair. Ridden by Edward Hildebrand, it placed fourth, which most found amazing for a prototype. Then, after several small advertisements were placed in the Automobile and Cycle Trade Journal, the company found the popularity and acclaim many know the brand for today.