William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson had a dream of manufacturing a motorized bicycle. This dream would be realized with the addition of Walter and William Davidson. Although not the first motorcycle to appear, their efforts would be the beginning of a motorcycle legacy.

By 1900, a dozen U.S. companies were building motorized bicycles. Two hobby designers - William S. Harley (age 21, an apprentice draftsman) and Arthur Davidson (age 20, a pattern maker) - began tinkering with an idea for a motor-driven bicycle in their basement workshop. They progressed as far as they could with limited finances and tools but soon realized they could go no further without the help of a skilled mechanic.

Enter Arthur Davidson's brother, Walter, a railroad machinist working in Kansas. Arthur wrote a letter to Walter offering him a ride on their new motorcycle. Walter realized when he arrived that Arthur had failed to mention that their "new motorcycle" had yet to progress beyond blueprints. But Walter's disappointment soon turned to enthusiasm for the project, and he stayed to help. Soon the third Davidson brother, William (grandfather of current Vice President of Styling, Willie G. Davidson) lent his toolmaking skills to the joint endeavor.

 

1902 First motorcycle built

1903 Harley-Davidson is founded

1903 The first Harley-Davidson loop-frame motorcycle is manufactured.

1904 The first year of Harley-Davidson being in business as stated by William Davidson in a speech at the 50th Anniversary in 1954.

1905 The "Silent Grey Fellow" nickname coincides with the new standard grey color.

1907 William S. Harley, Arthur Davidson, Walter Davidson, and William (grandfather of current Vice President of Styling, Willie G. Davidson) Davidson formed Harley-Davidson and incorporated.  The first Harley-Davidsons were sold for police duty. Their sole product is a 4-hp Single called the Silent Gray Fellow.

1909 First "V-Twin" engine. Bill Harley perfects his first 45 degrees V-twin by grafting a second cylinder behind the forward-leaning cylinder of his existing Single.

1912 First clutch mechanism.

1914 Stepstarter and internal expanding rear brake.

1915 Three speed transmission.

1916 The first issue of "The Enthusiast" publication. The first military Harley-Davidsons- with sidecar-mounted machine guns-chase Pancho Villa into northern Mexico.

1917-1918 The fledgling company builds over 20,000 motorcycles for the
Allies during World War I, mostly V-twins of 61 cu. in.

1921 Harley introduces a new 74-cu.-in. Big Twin to go with the 61-cu.-in.
flathead.

1922 74" Twin engine debuts.

1928 Front wheel brake appears.

1929 WL 45" Twin engine. A small 45-cu.-in. side-valve V-twin is added to the line. This engine stays in production for 45 years.

1932 45" Servicar introduced.

1936 80" Side Valve Twin engine and the first "Knuckle Head" 61" engine. The 61-cu.-in. V-twin receives overhead valves and the 74-cu.-in.

side-valve V-twin is also produced in 80-cu.-in. form. The RLDR, a 45-cu.-in. competition machine, can be ordered ready-to-race from the
factory.

1937 William A. Davidson dies.

1940 The 80-cu.-in. engine is dropped.

1941 74" OHV Super Power engine.

1942 Walter Davidson dies at age 65.

1943 Bill Harley dies at age 66.

1946 Since 1941 88,000 military units are built during World War II, most of them
45-cu.-in. V-twins designated WLA.

1947 74" OHV Big Twin engine.  Last year of the knucklehead.

1948 74" "Panhead" engine is introduced.

1949 The Hydra-Glide debuts.

1950 Arthur Davidson dies at age 69.

1952 Last year for the 61-cu.-in. overhead-valve V-twin. First year of 19 tooth sprocket and 51 tooth rear sprocket on K model (Sportsters) .

1953 Hand clutch with foot shift instead of a shifter on the tank appears

.

1954 50th Anniversary models introduced (that's right, 1954 not 1953).

1956 The classic 45-cu.-in. racing model, the KRwith a 4-speed transmission, can now be ordered through any Harley dealer.

1957 XLH Sportster introduced. The first Sportster, the 55-cu.-in. overhead-valve XL, sets a whole new style with its "peanut" gas tank, 4-speed transmission, staggered shorty dual exhausts, massive rear fender mounts and minimal bodywork.

1958 The Hydra-Glide turns into the Duo-Glide. Rear suspension with dual shock absorbers is available for the first

time.

1959 XLCH Sportster.

1960 The "Topper," a fiberglass motorscooter, was introduced.

1960 Harley-Davidson teams up with Italian manufacturer Aeronautica Macchi S.p.A. to produce a line of smaller bikes including the Shortster and Sprint models.

1965 The Electra-Glide debuts. Electric starting is available for the first time, but only on the new Electra Glide.  Last year of the panhead.

1965 George Roeder sets a world land speed record (177.225 m.p.h.) for 250 cc motorcycles on a much modified Harley-Davidson Sprint.

1965 After being privately held for over 60 years, Harley-Davidson goes public.

1966 The introduction of the "shovel head" engine.

1967 Electric start Sportster.

1968 Harley produces only 15,475 motorcycles. The failing company is sold to leisure products conglomerate AMF.

1969 Merger with American Machine and Foundry Company (AMF). Harley introduces the XR-750, the definitive V-twin race bike.

1970 In consideration of new AMA rules for Class C racing, a new Sportster®-based motorcycle, the XR 750 racer is introduced.  Harley starts putting VIN numbers on the frames.

1971 FX 1200 Super Glide. Harley-Davidson introduces the FX 1200 Super Glide®, which combined a sporty front end (similar to that of the XL series) with the frame and powertrain of the FL series.  Designer Willie G. Davidson's first factory custom, the FX Super Glide, is a hot-selling red, white and blue amalgam of FLH and Sportster parts.

1972 1000 cc XLH/XLCH Sportster.

1972 First disc brakes on a Harley.  Last year for the Servicar. Sportster displacement increases to 61 cu. in.

1973 Harley starts using Japanese parts - Showa forks.  Showa is a subsidiary of Honda.

1974 FXE electric start.

1976 Harley starts using more Japanese parts - the Kehein carburetor. Kehein is a subsidiary of Honda.

1977 FXS 1200 Low Rider and FLHS are introduced. Willie G. Davidson unveils the 74-cu.-in. FXS Low Rider, the first Harley factory chopper. This is followed by the XLCR Cafe Racer, a European-style sportbike 10 years ahead of its time. The Sportster receives electric starting.

1978 75th Anniversary models. FLH 80 Electra-Glide (first 1340cc shovelheads) . First electronic ignition on a Harley.  Last year of 19 tooth sprocket and 51 tooth rear sprocket on Sportsters with rear drum brake.

1979 FXS 80 Low Rider.  Sportster gearing changed to 20 or 21 teeth from 19 depending on model and from 51 tooth rear sprocket to 47, 48 or 49 depending because this was allowed by the introduction of the disk brake. 16" rear tire/wheel was introduced on the XL boosting tire size to 130mm.

1980 First FLT which had a rubber mounted engine.   FXB Sturgis belt primary drive. A kevlar belt replaces the chain as the final drive. Willie G. introduces the FXB Sturgis, with toothed-belt final drive developed by Gates Rubber Company. 

1981 On February 26, thirteen Harley-Davidson senior executives led by Vaughn Beals  sign a letter of intent to purchase Harley-Davidson Motor Company from AMF. By mid-June, the buyback is official, and the phrase "The Eagle Soars Alone" becomes a rallying cry.   Harley-Davidson once again becomes a privately owned company.   FXR intoduced. 

1982   FXR/FXRS Super Glide® II with its rubber-isolated, five-speed powertrain and the welded and stamped frame for the new Sportster® models.

1983 The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) is established.   Harley-Davidson successfully petitions the International Trade Commission (ITC) for tariff relief, which is granted April 1, 1983 under President Reagan. The tariff, scheduled to end five years later, is placed on all imported Japanese motorcycles 700cc or larger as a response to Japanese motorcycle manufacturers stockpiling inventories of unsold motorcycles in the United States.

1984 The Introduction of the "Evolution" engine.  First Softail models and Air Assisted Anti-Dive. The new team introduces the 1340cc Evolution V-twin, with aluminum cylinders (no more cast iron cylinders), redesigned heads, oil-bath diaphragm clutch and electronic ignition.

1985 Last shovelhead built.

1986 By offering common stock and subordinated notes, Harley-Davidson once again becomes a publically owned corporation. The Evolution version of the Sportster is introduced in 883cc form. In midyear, Willie G. introduces the Heritage Softail, which looks like an early '50s Harley but hides a rear suspension slung horizontally beneath the gearbox. To diversify its holdings, Harley-Davidson purchases Holiday Rambler Corporation, producer of quality motor homes.

1987 In an unprecedented move, Harley-Davidson petitions the ITC for early termination of the five year tariff imposed in 1983. Harley-Davidson is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

1988 "85th Anniversary" homecoming. Patented "Springer" front-end returns. The Sportster engine is now available as an 883cc or bored-out 1200cc V-twin. Old-fashioned spring-fork front suspension is resurrected for the Springer Softail.

1990 Dyna model is introduced.  North Texas HOG chartered. Willie G. introduces the Fat Boy with disc wheels, custom exhaust and
traditional bodywork. Last year for the 4-speed transmission in the Sportster.

1991 All Harleys change to five speed transmission. The Dyna line of motorcycles debuts with the 1991 FXDB Dyna Glide Sturgis®. Sportster goes to rear belt drive.

1992 All Harleys adopt a belt drive. Harley-Davidson buys a minority interest in the Buell Motorcycle Company. Erik Buell created the Company to manufacture American sport motorcycles using Harley-Davidson® XL 883 engines.

1993 "90th Anniversary" homecoming.  Gina Galligan was the last "Miss Harley-Davidson" .  Harley goes "politically correct".

1994 Feb. 1 Harley filed an application  to register its trademark of the sound of its motorcycles with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Harley-Davidson enters Superbike racing with the introduction of the VR1000, a dual overhead cam, liquid-cooled motorcycle.

1995 First fuel injection models. The 30th Anniversary Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® becomes the first production Harley-Davidson motorcycle to include sequential port electronic fuel injection. The FLHR Road King® is introduced.

1997 A new 330,000-sq.- ft. plant in Kansas City produces its first Sportster. A new 217,000-sq.- ft. Product Development Center opens next to the Capitol Drive plant in Milwaukee. The building is dedicated to Willie G. Davidson.

1999 New Twin Cam 88 cu. in. motor introduced. Harley engineers introduce the Twin Cam 88, an all-new 1450cc V-twin. There are now three basic OHV engines: the Sportster, available in 883cc or 1200cc form, the 1340cc Evolution and the 1450cc Twin Cam. By juggling engines, frames, bodywork, suspensions and accessories, Harley creates 26 distinct models, ranging from the stripped $5345 XLH 883 Sportster to the full-dress $19,290 FLHTCUI Ultra Classic Electra Glide. Harley factories gear up to produce 200,000 units by the year 2003.  Harley-Davidson and Ford agree to celebrate joint 100th anniversaries with the Ford Harley-Davidson F-Series trucks in 2003.

2000 New Twin Cam 88B with internal counterbalancers introduced on the Softail and Dyna models .    Softail sprocket shaft bearing changed from Timken roller bearings to cheaper ball bearings.   Fuel injection is unveiled as a new feature on the Softail line of motorcycles for the 2001 model year.  The Softail Deuce makes its debut.  New stiffer softail frame introduced.   The first Buell Blast rolled off the assembly line Jan. 26.  June 20 Harley drops its application  to register its trademark of the sound of its motorcycles with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.   The 2000 Harley-Davidson™  limited-edition model F-150 Super Cab is jointly developed by Ford Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

2001 New optional Harley-Davidson security system. New models FXDP Dyna Defender police bike and FXDXT Dyna Super Glide T-sport.   New V-ROD (VRSC - V-Twin Racing Street Custom) introduced with fuel injection, overhead cams, liquid cooling and delivered 115 horsepower.  President George W. Bush visited the Pilgrim Road Powertrains Operations facility in Menomee Falls, Wisconsin.  Harley announced it ended its factory VR 1000 Superbike racing program. Harley-Davidson Racing adds 17 year old Jennifer Snyder, the first woman to win a national event in the AMA Formula USA National Dirt Track Series.  The 2001 Harley-Davidson™  limited-edition model F-150 SuperCrew  is jointly developed by Ford Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

2002 The dyna's final drive belt goes to the new narrow style. The rear wheel axle goes from the old 7/8" axle to the new 1" axle.  Last year's VRSCA V-Rod returns in its original anodized aluminum or, factory-painted for the first time, a new Two-Tone Sterling Silver and Vivid Black paint combination. Three variations of 100th Anniversary identification were available for most XL and Big Twin models, and two choices were available for the VRSC family. However, every 2003 model  featured a 100th Anniversary medallion on the engine crankcase and a 100th Anniversary model nameplate. The 100th Anniversary kicked off with the Open Road Tour, the world's largest rolling birthday party. The supercharged 2002 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 SuperCrew is the third truck jointly developed by Ford Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Motor Company.  The 2002 limited-edition truck features a 340hp supercharged 5.4-liter Triton™ V-8 engine with 425 ft-lbs of torque, unique styling cues and a new color option – Dark Shadow Grey.

2003 Happy 100th birthday to the dreams of one Harley and four Davidsons!  Welcome to Milwaukee. Sorry about Elton.  Anniversary models feature special paint colors and medallions.  FLT and Dynas sprocket shaft bearing changed from Timken roller bearings to cheaper ball bearings in late 2002 or early 2003.

2004 New Sportster with a 70 hp rubber-mounted Evo engine, extended kickstand, 150mm rear tire (up from 130mm), no trap door on the transmission and longer, larger 4.5 gallon gas tank.   Sportster sprocket shaft bearing changed from Timken roller bearings to cheaper ball bearings.  All touring models get a larger 143mm rear tire. New Road King custom introduced.  New tilted fairing for the FLT's.  VRSCA 1130cc 115 hp V-Rod returns in 5 colors.  CVO customs are the 95 cu. in. FXSTDSE2 Screamin' Eagle Deuce and the 103 cu. in. FLHTCSE Screamin' Eagle Electraglide.   Buell gets a 1203cc 103hp engine in the Lightning.  Motorclothes goes to extended sizes.  Ford Harley-Davidson F-Series trucks available in 4X4 F-250 and F-350 SuperCab or CrewCab powered by Ford's 6.0 liter Power Stroke Diesel engine.   Harley-Davidson and Ford agree to extend the Ford Harley-Davidson F-Series trucks to 2007.