History of Harley-Davidson in Timeline

Harley-Davidson, Inc., founded in 1903 and based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a prominent American motorcycle manufacturer and lifestyle brand. Surviving the Great Depression alongside Indian Motorcycle, it navigated various economic challenges and competition to become an iconic brand. Known for its loyal customer base, Harley-Davidson fosters a strong community through global owner clubs, events, and a dedicated museum, solidifying its position in motorcycle history and culture.

1901: William S. Harley draws up plans for a small engine

In 1901, William S. Harley, at the age of 20, created plans for a small engine with a displacement of 7.07 cubic inches for use in a regular pedal-bicycle frame.

1903: Harley-Davidson Founded

In 1903, Harley-Davidson was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It became one of the two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression, along with Indian Motorcycle Company.

1903: First Motor-Bicycle Finished

In 1903, William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson finished their first motor-bicycle with the help of Arthur's brother, Walter Davidson. Upon testing, it was found unable to climb hills around Milwaukee without pedal assistance.

1903: Work Begins on Improved Machine

In 1903, work began on a new and improved machine with a larger 24.74 cubic inch engine. Its loop-frame pattern was similar to the 1903 Milwaukee Merkel motorcycle. They also received help with their bigger engine from Ole Evinrude.

September 8, 1904: Harley-Davidson Competes in Motorcycle Race

On September 8, 1904, the prototype of the new loop-frame Harley-Davidson was assembled and competed in a Milwaukee motorcycle race held at State Fair Park. Edward Hildebrand rode it and placed fourth.

January 1905: Advertisements Placed in Automobile and Cycle Trade Journal

In January 1905, the company placed small advertisements in the Automobile and Cycle Trade Journal offering bare Harley-Davidson engines to the do-it-yourself trade.

1905: Single-Cylinder Models Produced

In 1905, Harley-Davidson produced single-cylinder models with 26.84-cubic-inch engines.

1906: First Factory Built

In 1906, Harley and the Davidson brothers built their first factory on Chestnut Street (later Juneau Avenue), at the current location of Harley-Davidson's corporate headquarters. The company produced about 50 motorcycles that year.

1906: Single-Cylinder Models Produced

In 1906, Harley-Davidson produced single-cylinder models with 26.84-cubic-inch engines.

February 1907: Prototype V-Twin Engine Displayed

In February 1907, Harley-Davidson displayed a prototype model at the Chicago Automobile Show with a 45-degree V-Twin engine.

1907: Factory Expansion and Incorporation

In 1907, William S. Harley graduated and the factory was expanded. Production increased to 150 motorcycles, and the company was officially incorporated in September. They also began selling their motorcycles to police departments. William A. Davidson joined the Motor Company.

1908: Motorcycle Production Numbers

In 1908, 450 motorcycles were produced.

1909: Motorcycle Production Numbers

In 1909, motorcycle production jumped to 1,149 machines.

1910: Limited Production of V-Twin Models

Between 1907 and 1910, very few V-Twin models were built by Harley-Davidson. These first V-Twins displaced 53.68 cubic inches and produced about 7 horsepower.

1911: Introduction of Improved V-Twin Model

In 1911, Harley-Davidson introduced an improved V-Twin model with a displacement of 49.48 cubic inches and mechanically operated intake valves.

1912: Introduction of Patented "Ful-Floteing Seat"

In 1912, Harley-Davidson introduced their patented "Ful-Floteing Seat", which was suspended by a coil spring inside the seat tube.

1913: Majority of Bikes Produced Were V-Twin Models

After 1913, the majority of bikes produced by Harley-Davidson were V-Twin models.

1913: New Factory Built

By 1913, the yellow brick factory had been demolished and a new five-story structure had been built on the site which took up two blocks along Juneau Avenue and around the corner on 38th Street.

1914: Dominance in Motorcycle Racing

After 1914, Harley-Davidson dominated motorcycle racing. Production that year swelled to 16,284 machines.

1915: British Military Adoption of Motorcycles

In 1915, the British military adopted motorcycles for military issue, first with the British Model H produced by Triumph Engineering Co Ltd.

1917: Launch of Bicycle Line

In 1917, Harley-Davidson launched a line of bicycles in hopes of recruiting more domestic customers for its motorcycles. Models included the traditional diamond frame men's bicycle, a step-through frame 3–18 "Ladies Standard", and a 5–17 "Boy Scout" for youth.

1917: United States Enters World War I

In 1917, the United States entered World War I and the military demanded motorcycles for the war effort. The U.S. military purchased over 20,000 motorcycles from Harley-Davidson.

1920: Largest Motorcycle Manufacturer in the World

By 1920, Harley-Davidson was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, with 28,189 machines produced and dealers in 67 countries.

1921: Introduction of 74 Cubic Inch V-Twin

In 1921, Harley-Davidson introduced a new 74 cubic inch V-Twin engine.

1921: Otto Walker Sets Speed Record

In 1921, Otto Walker set a record on a Harley-Davidson as the first motorcycle to win a race at an average speed greater than 100 mph.

1921: Davis Machine Company Stops Manufacturing Bicycles

In 1921, the Davis Machine Company, which built bicycles for Harley-Davidson, stopped manufacturing bicycles.

1923: Discontinuation of Bicycle Line

In 1923, Harley-Davidson discontinued its bicycle line due to disappointing sales.

1925: Introduction of "Teardrop" Gas Tank

In 1925, Harley-Davidson added the "teardrop" gas tank.

1928: Addition of Front Brake

In 1928, Harley-Davidson added a front brake, although only on the J/JD models.

1929: Start of the Great Depression

In 1929, the Great Depression began shortly after the introduction of Harley-Davidson's 45 cu in model, leading to a significant drop in sales.

1929: Introduction of 45 Cubic Inch Flathead V-Twin

In the late summer of 1929, Harley-Davidson introduced its 45-cubic-inch flathead V-Twin, called the "D" model, to compete with the Indian 101 Scout and the Excelsior Super X.

1931: End of Production of "D" Model

The "D" model, first produced in 1929, was in production until 1931.

1933: Harley-Davidson Sales Decline

In 1933, Harley-Davidson's sales fell to 3,703, reflecting the impact of the Great Depression.

1934: Unveiling of New Lineup

In 1934, despite the Great Depression, Harley-Davidson unveiled a new lineup, which included a flathead engine and Art Deco styling.

1935: Addition of 80 Cubic Inches Flathead Engine

In 1935, an 80 cubic inches flathead engine was added to the Harley-Davidson product line, and the single-cylinder motorcycles were discontinued.

1936: Business Relations Severed with Sankyo Seiyaku Corporation

In 1936, Sankyo Seiyaku Corporation severed its business relations with Harley-Davidson and continued manufacturing the VL under the Rikuo name.

1936: Introduction of "Knucklehead" OHV Engines

In 1936, the 61E and 61EL models with the "Knucklehead" OHV engines were introduced, but valvetrain problems required a redesign and retrofitting of earlier engines.

1937: Flathead Engines Equipped with Dry-Sump Oil Recirculation Systems

In 1937, all Harley-Davidson flathead engines were equipped with dry-sump oil recirculation systems similar to the "Knucklehead" OHV engine. The revised 74 cubic inches V and VL models were renamed U and UL, the 80 cu in VH and VLH to be renamed UH and ULH, and the 45 cu in R to be renamed W.

1941: Introduction of 74-cubic-inch "Knucklehead"

In 1941, the 74-cubic-inch "Knucklehead" was introduced as the F and the FL, and the 80 cu in flathead UH and ULH models were discontinued.

1942: Production of Harley-Davidson XA

In 1942, Harley-Davidson produced the shaft-driven 750 cc Harley-Davidson XA. Production never entered full scale.

1942: Serial Numbers on WLAs produced during war

The WLAs produced during all four years of war production generally have 1942 serial numbers.

1943: Army-Navy "E" Award Received

In 1943, Harley-Davidson received an Army-Navy "E" Award for Excellence in Production during World War II.

1945: Second Army-Navy "E" Award Received

In 1945, Harley-Davidson received a second Army-Navy "E" Award for Excellence in Production during World War II.

1948: Adaption and Manufacture of DKW RT 125 Design

As part of war reparations, in 1948 Harley-Davidson adapted, manufactured, and sold the design of a small German motorcycle, the DKW RT 125.

1948: End of Flathead Models Production

In 1948, the 74-cubic-inchU & UL flathead models were produced up to this year.

1949: Resumption of WLA Production

In 1949, after stopping at the end of World War II, production of the WLA was resumed for use in the Korean War.

1952: End of WLA Production for Korean War

In 1952, WLA production for use in the Korean War ended.

1955: Production of Hummer Begins

In 1955, Harley-Davidson began producing the Hummer model.

1958: End of "Ful-Floteing Seat" Use

In 1958, Harley-Davidson stopped using "Ful-Floteing Seat" after using it since 1912.

1959: Production of Hummer Ends

In 1959, Harley-Davidson stopped producing the Hummer model.

1966: End of DKW RT 125 Design Production

In 1966, Harley-Davidson stopped selling DKW RT 125.

1973: Servi-Car Production Ends

In 1973, production of the Servi-Car, a three-wheeled delivery vehicle designed and built by Harley-Davidson, ended. Production started to help the company survive the Depression.