Brief History of Harley Davidson

In 1901, William S. Harley, at the age of 21, designed a small engine with a small displacement of 7.07 cubic inches, or 116 cc ( cubic centimeters), and a four inch flywheel. The cubic centimeters of a motorcycle engine has becone the standard criteria used to describe it's size. This first engine was designed for use in a regular pedal bicycle frame.

Over the next two years Harley and his boyhood friend Arthur Davidson labored on their motor-bicycle using a tiny shed - machine shop at the home of their friend, Henry Melk. It was finished in 1903 with the help of Arthur's brother, Walter Davidson. Upon completion the boys found their power cycle unable to conquer Milwaukee's modest hills without pedal assistance. Will Harley and the Davidsons quickly wrote off their first motor bicycle as a valuable learning experience. They began work on their next motor bike and rode into history and the hearts of millions of bikers world wide!

Throughout the years the Harley Davidson Motor Company was born and is still based out of Milwaukee Wisconsin. The company has a network of dealers that are easily available in any U. S. geographical location as well as in many foreign countries. The company sells heavyweight motorcycles designed for cruising on the roadways of the world. Harley Davidson motorcycles (popularly known as "Harleys") have a distinctive design and exhaust note. Harley Davidson's are especially noted for the tradition of heavy customization that gave rise to the chopper style of motorcycle. Harley's are without a doubt an American Institution, and will live on for many generations to come.

People from all walks of life are now motorcycle enthusiasts and riders, thanks in part to the rich history and tradition of Harley Davidson Motorcycles. There are many Harley Davidson riders clubs. From the outlaw biker clubs to veteran rider clubs, local clubs, ladies only clubs, Christian biker clubs, and the famous H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group). There are biker bars and biker churches. The Harley Davidson, as well as all other motorcycle makes, riders are a diverse group indeed!

Harley Davidson riders have runs and rallies for socializing as well as for many charities. And then there's the granddaddy of them all. The world famous Sturgis Rally with thousands of bikers of all stripes and from every state in the Union making the trek to Sturgis, South Dakota yearly.

A whole wealth of business opportunities opened up as a direct result of the growth of the motorcycle culture. This marketing phenomenon all begins with the Harley Davidson and other new motorcycle dealerships. The list goes on and on, including, used motorcycle dealers, parts manufacturing, parts stores, repair shops, shops to customize motorcycles, Harley and other biker clothing and apparel stores and many other motorcycle retail and wholesale businesses.

The Internet has also become a very popular place to offer all of the retail and digital biker products for sale. You can even buy a Harley Davidson motorcycle or any other make of motorcycle, custom bike, or chopper, as well as all other biker related merchandise, including Harley t-shirts, tank tops, leathers and other clothing and accessories on eBay!