10 Things You Didn’t Know About Harley Davidson Bikes
Harley Davidson’s history can be traced back to 1885 when William Harley, Arthur Davidson, William Davidson, and Walter Davidson started the Harley-Davidson Motor Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Harley Davidson bikes are expertly crafted machines with many to offer riders on and off the road. Here are ten things you didn’t know about Harley Davidson bikes.
1. They Have Factories All Over the World
While Harley Davidson is most well-known as an American company, it produces bikes worldwide. The company has factories in the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, India, and Australia, to name a few.
Not only does Harley Davidson produce bikes for these countries, but it also sells engines and parts to other bike manufacturers worldwide. Hence, Harley Davidson offers riders a wide variety of products everywhere.
2. They Were Among the Motorcycle Manufacturers to Survive the Depression
The 1929 Great Depression was a time of great hardship and turmoil for many businesses, especially motorcycle manufacturers. In fact, of all the motorcycle manufacturers in operation at the time, only Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycle Company survived. The company’s survival is a testament to the quality of its bikes and the passion of its riders.
3. Their First Bike Was Built in a Shed
As many businesses begin, they have humble beginnings. The first Harley Davidson bike was built in a 10×15 foot shed in Davidson’s backyard. It was powered by a single-cylinder four-stroke engine with about five horsepower. The bike was finished in 1903 and reached a top speed of around 20 miles per hour.
4. They Have Been Providing Police Bikes for Over 100 Years
Harley Davidson has a long history of providing police bikes. The company started supplying police departments with motorcycles in 1908 and has been doing so ever since. The bikes are designed to give officers the power and agility they need to do their job. Harley Davidson even has a special division that provides training and support for police officers who use their bikes.
5. They Made Bicycles for a Short Time
In addition to motorcycles, Harley Davidson also briefly manufactured bicycles. The company produced two models of bicycles, the Silent Gray Fellow and the Davelle. Both models were designed for comfort and durability. The bikes were a success, but Harley Davidson decided to focus on motorcycles and stopped production in 1917.
6. During the Depression, Bikes Were Made and Sold in Japan
Before the Great Depression, Japan was the leading market for Harley Davidson. However, once the Great Depression began, it became expensive to export bikes to Japan. Thus, the founders decided to build a plant in Japan to produce bikes for the Japanese. However, this agreement only lasted a few years when Japan broke the deal at the start of the Second World War.
7. They Have Their Own Museum
As one of the oldest and most loved motorcycle companies, it’s no surprise that Harley Davidson has its museum. The Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, showcases the company’s history and bikes. The museum is home to over 350 bikes, as well as a variety of artifacts, photographs, and films. The museum is a must-see for any Harley Davidson fan.
8. They Were Presented with Two Army-Navy ‘E’ Awards
The Army-Navy ‘E’ award is given to companies in recognition of their contribution to the war effort during World War II. Harley Davidson was presented with two of these awards, one in 1943 and one in 1945.
The company was recognized for its efforts in producing motorcycles, engines, and other parts for the military. These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Harley Davidson employees.
9. The Bikes Are for More Than Just Fun
Although Harley Davidson bikes are fun to ride, the company has tried to diversify its product line over the years to keep its customers satisfied. This has included producing bikes for both recreational and commercial use.
Harley Davidson builds bikes specifically designed for police officers, as well as bikes that are used for transportation. If you want to get a feel for yourself, you can check out the Harley Davidson rentals in your area for a more personalized experience.
10. They Sell More Than Motorcycles
When the company was initiated, the founders noted that they would also sell motorcycle parts and accessories apart from motorcycles. This endeavor has been a success, and the company now sells a wide variety of merchandise, including clothing, jewelry, and even home décor. The company has also expanded its product line to credit cards and driving schools.
Bottom Line
Harley Davidson has a long and successful history. The company has tried to stay current by introducing new models and products, such as clothing and home décor. Overall, Harley-Davidson is a company that continues to impact the world positively.
