How a small engine shop became a world leader for motorcycle innovation
By Ronald L. McDonald

Owning a Harley is a fascination I can relate to. My first model was a flat head springier, which was eventually replaced by a pan head. After that I owned one of the earliest “K” models. There is a mystique surrounding Harleys which has never been duplicated by any other motorcycle company in the world. The same can be said of the hamburger business my family built from a single store in San Bernardino, Calif. to the world’s most recognized name in fast food, the McDonalds franchise.

The Harley saga began with a simple idea. In 1903 the 21-year-old William Harley and his friend, Arthur Davidson, designed a small displacement gasoline engine fitting in a bicycle frame. The project was of limited success because the engine was too weak to climb the rolling hills of Milwaukee, Wis. without using the bike pedals for assistance. However, they concluded it might work with a bigger and more powerful engine.

Driven by their vision of building the first motorized bicycle, the boys consulted their friend, Ole Evinrude. He had started using gasoline engines for out-board motors and helped them increase the horsepower of their bike engine. In 1904 they successfully tested the prototype “Harley – Davidson” motorcycle in the Milwaukee Motorcycle race.

Motivated by the positive outcome they immediately started selling engines to hobby mechanics. By the end of 1905 they were turning out complete motorcycles and needed more space. Therefore, they built their first factory which has been the company’s headquarters ever since 1906.

At beginning of World War I the original Harleys turned from a mere conveyance into a valuable tool for the U.S. military. Harley–Davidson motorcycles were put to use in the war due to their durability and flexibility, which made them useful for medical as well as scouting purposes. Needless to say, by the 1920’s they had become the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.

When World War II broke out the Harley-Davidson was immediately hot and ready to crank out 90,000 vehicles for the U.S military and all Allies. Harleys were the vehicle of choice for the U.S. military and quickly found their way into the hearts of the Allies as well.

Since World War II people throughout the world have fallen in love with this great American icon. No other motorcycle manufacturer has been able to duplicate the deep signature rumble which is audible at the arrival and departure of a Harley. Just as love transcends everything, Harleys are more than just a brand and a machine. They have become a passion and a life style for bikers on all continents.