Harley-Davidson, the motorcycle maker that made Milwaukee famous, celebrates 105 years in 2008. This is a breakdown of where the company has been -- and where it's headed. The information and photos on this timeline are courtesy of Harley-Davidson Motor Company.
Created by myfoxmilwaukee on Jun 26, 2008
Last updated: 03/12/10 at 01:55 AM
Harley-Davidson opens an all-new museum in Milwaukee.
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Harley-Davidson and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) mark the 25th anniversary of their partnership.
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More than 250,000 people come to Milwaukee for the final stop of the Open Road Tour and the Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary Celebration and Party.
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The VRSCA V-Rod® is introduced for the 2002 model year. Inspired by the VR-1000 racing motorcycle, the V-Rod is Harley-Davidson's first motorcycle to combine fuel injection, overhead cams and liquid cooling, and delivers 115 horsepower.
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The 30th Anniversary Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® becomes the first production Harley-Davidson motorcycle to include sequential port electronic fuel injection.
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Harley-Davidson is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
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In another bold styling and engineering move, Harley-Davidson releases the Heritage Softail®.
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The Motor Company is listed on the American Stock Exchange, the first time Harley-Davidson is publicly traded since 1969, the year of the AMF merger.
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On February 26, thirteen Harley-Davidson senior executives sign a letter of intent to purchase Harley-Davidson Motor Company from AMF. By mid-June, the buyback is official, and the phrase "The Eagle Soars Alone" becomes a rallying cry.
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Motorcycle production is upgraded when all assembly operations are moved to a modern 400,000 square foot plant in York, Penn. All other production operations remain in Milwaukee and Tomahawk. The Capitol Drive plant in Milwaukee begins production of engines.
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In response to the customizing craze, Harley-Davidson introduces the FX 1200 Super Glide®, which combined a sporty front end (similar to that of the XL series) with the frame and powertrain of the FL series. A new of motorcycle, the cruiser, is born.
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Harley-Davidson merges with the American Machine and Foundry Company (AMF), a longtime producer of leisure products.
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The first of the "Shovelhead" engines is introduced on the Electra-Glide models, replacing the Panhead.
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The three-wheeled Servi-Car becomes the very first Harley-Davidson motorcycle to receive an electric starter.
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The motorcycling public met a new motorcycle called the Sportster®. It premiers as a 55 cubic inch overhead valve engine, and within one year of its debut, becomes known as the first of the "Superbikes." Another Harley-Davidson tradition and legend is born.
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Harley-Davidson celebrates its 50th Anniversary in An attractive logo is created, depicting a "V" in honor of the engine which had brought the Company so far, with a bar overlaid reading "Harley-Davidson" and the words, above and below, "50 years--American made." A medallion version of this logo is placed on the front fenders of the 1954 models.
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New features are added to the 61 and 74 overhead valve engines, including aluminum heads and hydraulic valve lifters. Also new are the one piece, chrome plated rocker covers shaped like cake pans. The nickname "Panhead" only seemed logical.
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Harley-Davidson begins selling what will become the black leather motorcycle jacket.
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World War II ends, and Harley-Davidson has produced almost 90,000 WLA models for military use. Wasting no time, production of civilian motorcycles resumes in November.
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America is plunged into World War II. Production of civilian motorcycles is almost entirely suspended in favor of military production. The Service School is converted back to the Quartermasters School for the training of military mechanics.
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Harley-Davidson introduces the EL, an overhead valve, 61 cubic inch powered bike. With increased horsepower and bold styling changes, the motorcycle quickly earns the nickname of "Knucklehead," due to the shape of its rocker boxes. The same year, the Motor Company introduces a 80 cubic inch side valve engine.
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An art-deco "eagle" design is painted on all gas tanks. This marks the beginning of graphic designs on Harley-Davidson motorcycles (with the exception of previously special order-only paint schemes). This styling decision was made in part to stimulate the low sales numbers caused by the Great Depression.
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Front wheel brakes are now available on all Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
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Gas tanks on all models now have a distinct teardrop shape. This basic appearance is set for all subsequent Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
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Almost half of all Harley-Davidson motorcycles produced are sold for use by the U.S. military in World War I. At War's end, it is estimated that the Army used some 20,000 motorcycles in their efforts, most of which were Harley-Davidsons. One day after the signing of the Armistice, Corporal Roy Holtz of Chippewa Falls, Wis., is the first American to enter Germany. He is riding a Harley-Davidson.
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Sidecars are made available to Harley-Davidson buyers. Clutch and brake pedals now available on F-head singles and twins.
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The Motor Company formally enters motorcycle racing this year. The first Racing Engineer is William S. Harley. Within a few short years, team Harley-Davidson is referred to informally as the "Wrecking Crew" because of their incredible dominance of the sport.
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Construction begins on what will become the six story headquarters and main factory building at Juneau Ave. in Milwaukee. A separate Parts and Accessories Department is formed.
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H-D exports motorcycles to Japan, marking the first ever sales outside of the U.S. Dealer network grows to over 200 nationwide.
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The famed "Bar & Shield" logo is used for the first time. It is trademarked at the U.S. Patent office one year later.
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The six-year-old Harley-Davidson Motor Company introduces its first V-twin powered motorcycle. With a displacement of 49.5 cubic inches, the bike produces seven horsepower. The image of two cylinders in a 45-degree configuration would fast become one of the most enduring icons of Harley-Davidson history. Also available for the first time from the Motor Company are spare parts for motorcycles.
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The first motorcycle sold for police duty is delivered to the Detroit, MI, Police Department.
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Harley-Davidson Motor Company is incorporated on September 17th. The stock is split four ways between the four founders, and staff size has more than doubled from the previous year to eighteen employees. Factory size is doubled as well. Dealer recruitment begins, targeting the New England region.
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A new factory, measuring 28 x 80 feet, is built on the Chestnut St. site, later renamed Juneau Avenue. Staff size is increased to six full-time employees. Also, the first motorcycle catalog is produced by the Company and the nickname "Silent Gray Fellow" is used for the first time.
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William S. Harley, 21 and Arthur Davidson, 20 offer the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The pair built the bike in a 10-by-15-foot wooden shed with the words "Harley-Davidson Motor Company" scrawled on the door. The first Harley-Davidson dealership opens in Chicago.
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William S. Harley, age 21, completes a blueprint drawing of an engine designed to fit into a bicycle.
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