How Harley-Davidson Started?
Harley-Davidson was the brainchild of two young men who became firm friends. William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson were born and raised in Milwaukee. Quickly discovering a passion for bicycles and motorcycles in the late 1800s, the friends put their heads together to develop their ideas further, beginning the history of Harley-Davidson.
William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson
William Harley was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1880. Arthur Davidson was also born in this city, down the road from William. At the age of 15, William first began working at the American Meiselbach bicycle factory in the city, soon moving to Barth Manufacturing to work as a draftsman. Arthur was born in 1881. He also began his career at Barth Manufacturing as a pattern maker at a young age.
A Shared Passion
William Harley and Arthur Davidson soon discovered a shared interest in engines. This passion grew as the pair experimented with single-cylinder engines for motorized bicycles in 1901. Henry Melk and Ole Evinrude, a machinist, and engineer, soon joined the friends in their endeavours.
However, their first efforts were unsatisfactory, leading to more work. By 1903, the friends had developed a bigger engine and sturdier frame. Needing help, Arthur asked his brother Walter Davidson, a machinist, to join them. Besides Harley and Davidson going on to create the Harley-Davidson motorcycle company, Evinrude developed outboard marine motors later in his career.
The First Harley-Davidson Factory In 1903
Starting out in William Davidson’s backyard, Arthur’s father eventually asked the friends to move their experiments from the basement to the garden. The friends erected a shed to house their work, creating the first Harley-Davidson factory. From these humble beginnings, the group sold their first Harley-Davidson motorcycle to a friend, Henry Meyer.
1904 – 1907 Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Much change took place in these years, including doubling the size of the factory and Harley's enrollment in an engineering program at the University of Wisconsin. Becoming the Harley-Davidson Motor Company incorporated in 1907 boosted cash inflows with stock sales. Davidson also became the official works manager for the manufacturing side.
Rapid Growth and Progress
The company opened second and third factories in the following years. During this time, Charl H. Lang, a Chicago businessman, became the company’s first dealer in 1908. Lang’s shop was called Windy City, and it sold the company’s first Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
To promote sales, Harley Davidson started holding motorcycle racing events with their Wrecking Team racing crew dominating American racing events. The popularity of Harley-Davidson motorcycles quickly spread to Europe and Asia. Rapid growth ensured HDMC became known as the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.
Harley Davidson Motorcycles
Notwithstanding many challenges over the past century, like the Great Depression, World War I, and World War II, this motorcycle company went on to produce memorable products. Some of these all-time favourites include the Racer, Sportster, Electra Glide, Super Glide, Softail, and others.
Today, motorcycle enthusiasts can visit the Harley-Davidson Museum and join the Harley Owners Group (HOG). Best of all, motorcyclists can visit Redline Harley for all their riding needs.