Harley Davidson History

Four young men experimented with internal combustion in a tiny wooden shed and the motorcycle they built went on to serve for over 100,000 miles under five different owners. The Harley-Davidson Motor Company has had its share of successes and failures before arriving at the prosperous organization it is today.

The first produced Harley Davidson motorcycle was introduced to the public in 1903. It was built in a tiny wooden shed with the words “Harley-Davidson Motor Company" scrawled on the door. They delved into motorcycle racing until finally, they won a 15-mile race on July 4, 1905.

In 1906, they built a 28-by-80 foot factory and their staff rose to six full-time employees. Harley Davidson Motor Company was incorporated in 1907 and both staff size and factory size were doubled. The racing team scored at least seven first-place victories in 1910.

The company enjoyed constant growth and success in the following years. They provided motorcycles to the military for World Wars I and II. Production of civilian motorcycles resumed in November of 1945. In 1953, Hendee Manufacturing, creator of the Indian motorcycle, went out of business. This left Harley Davidson as the sole U.S. motorcycle manufacturer until 1999. In 1969, Harley Davidson merged with the American Machine and Foundry Company (AMF). In 1981, Harley Davidson executives bought Harley-Davidson Motor Company from back from AMF.

Since reclaiming the company from AMF, quality and reliability have improved drastically. Harley-Davidson has made several acquisitions such as Buell Motorcycle Company, Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta and an RV Company. They have become a huge organization with a loyal following.