Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson is an American manufacturer of motorcycles?, formed in 1903 by William Harley and Arthur Davidson. They soon became the world's largest producer of motorcycles, including thousands for the United States Army during World War I. One of only two American cycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression, they again produced large numbers of motorcycles for the Army in World War II and resumed civilian production afterwards, producing a range of large V-twin motorcycles that were successful both on racetracks and for private buyers.

Today the [Harley-Davidson Motor Company]? supplies many [police force]?s with their motorcycle fleets.

Engines

The Harley-Davidson engines are all two cylinder, V-Twin engines with the pistons placed at a 45 degree angle. The engine design, which is covered under several [United States Patent]?s, produces the unique, signature throbbing sound of the Harley-Davidson power plant.

Engine models include:

• The Shovelhead?
• The Panhead?
• The Knucklehead?
• The Blockhead? (also called the "Evolution Engine") in 1340, 1200 and 883 cc displacements.

Models

Motorcycle models include the [Road King]?, Dynaglide?, [Bad Boy]?, the Sportster? in [XL 1200]?, [XL 883]? and [XLH 883]? models.

(Not comprehensive, please add more and let's include years of production as well. Same goes for engine models.)

History

(These could probably be broken out by engine era, except this section shouldn't focus on mechanics. That should have been handled already above. Let's see how it shapes up.)

Founding of the Motor Company

World War I Era

World War II Era

Modern Era

By the 1970's, however, the "Hog's" design had remained basically unchanged for many years, and was expensive and far inferior in performance, handling, and quality compared to Japanese motorcycles. Rather than trying to match the Japanese at their own game, however, new management deliberately exploited the "retro" appeal of the machines, building motorcycles that deliberately aped the look and feel of their earlier machines and the subsequent customizations of owners of that era. Quality was greatly improved, and technical improvements have been made, but never at the cost of substantially modifying the design of the machine except by gradual degrees.

Even a brand new Harley therefore is in some respects a classic waiting to happen. Probably for this reason, as well as their general collectibility, Harley-Davidson motorcycles hold their resale value very well compared to other vehicles. A well maintained vehicle might never drop in value at all, although regular maintenance and customization are expected.

Similarly, the company now makes a great deal of profit from selling licensed merchandise featuring the Harley-Davidson logo to people who never have or will own one of their motorcycles.

Today, Harley-Davidson is considered an example of an American company that turned itself around from the brink of bankruptcy and back to profitability.