The Harley Davidson Motorcycle Company originated in the year 1903 in Milwaukee Wisconsin. During this period of time, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson tried making a motorcycle powered by a single cylinder.  Once a working model was in production newly invented motorcycle became so successful that eventually it became a big hit from coast to coast.  The two friends brought on Arthur’s brother to help run the company and  after William Davidson saw the motorcycle design he chose to join his two brothers in launching the Harley Davidson Company. Soon the company was the #1 selling motorcycle in the nation.

In the year 1909, Bill Harley volunteered to begin developing different styles of Harley Davidson motorcycles. One of Bill’s first accomplishments was to build a V Twin engine that was 1000 cubic centimeters in displacement where both cylinders were slanted at a 45 degree angle.  This became known as the V Twin engine.

Due in part to it’s power and reliability, the V twin engine became one of the most popular and most admired trademarks of the Harley Davidson in United States.  It created huge brand awareness and the bar and shield logo of the company is associated with it to this day.

The Harley Davidson founders again decided to build another style of engine that  was eventually known as the F Head engine, this kind of engine became the most important power plant and this was pioneered in the year 1911  and remained in production until the year 1929.

In the year 1912, Harley Davidson continued to develop the company’s production facilities in an effort to maintain quality while growing the business. Eventually, these different motorcycles were actually sold to other countries, and fortunately, many foreigners grew fond of motorcycles and quickly accepted the Harley Davidson brand which is still, loved, and trusted worldwide.

From the year 1914 until 1920, Harley Davidson became progressive and also became very famous internationally. During this time, many changes swept the company such as the introduction of the now-famous sidecar, a new three-speed sliding device transmission, and the introduction of a number of different styles and designs for various motorcycle needs.

In the year 1928, another innovation was brought online in the form of the twin-cam engine while at the same time front wheel brakes were introduced.

After the World War II, the Harley Davidson Sportster was sketched out and brought into the lime light. It couldn’t have been better timing either.  The American bikes were popular in the motorcycle industry and held an upper hand, but the Japanese manufacturers were also known for producing motorcycles that were quickly gaining sizable market share.

Different companies from Japan were known for making good quality vehicles such as the Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki. These different companies paved the way for new innovation that seemed as if it would leave Harley Davidson behind.  However, the resilient company did not give up but instead; the Harley Davidson management team struggled to bring back what the company has started years before.

Many motorcycle riders are thankful for the company’s enduring spirit.  After a number of hurdles including a corporate takeover and subsequent buy-out, struggles to regain it’s identity, and most recently, battling the economic recession as a company that produces what most consider to be a luxury, the company is now leading the way to recovery with their well-known “Screw It, Let’s Ride” marketing campaign and rediscovered philosophy.  Harley Davidson always has been, and looks as if it always will be, the trend setter for the motorcycle industry as a whole.