Harley-Davidson began work in 1901 with the idea of attaching a motor to a bicycle. Today it is the most recognizable brand sold in all countries of the world. Both lovers of classic and sports driving will find a suitable model for themselves.
The Harley-Davidson motorcycle is the dream of many. For 110 years of its existence, the name has become a household name - today almost any such transport is called "Harley".
The beginning of the history and biography of manufacturers
Once Arthur and William decided to invent a self-assembled motor for a bicycle. To do this, I had to choose a garage located in the city of Milwaukee. The project was done in 1901, but it took the young people two years to assemble the first motorcycle with a 116 cc engine. see. All received transport has successfully passed the test on wooden velodromes. Over time, the wooden garage became the headquarters of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. The surname quickly became known all over the world.
By 1906, the first assembly shop was being completed, which occupied only 250 sq. m. Initially, it employed 6 people. In the same year, the first product catalog was published. A year later, William Davidson joined the company, and the company itself acquired the status of a joint stock company. In it, three brothers became shareholders of the capital.
In 1908, the creator wins first place in the competition among motorcycle manufacturers for reliability and durability. At the same time, it improves the motor, thanks to which it becomes economically profitable. It becomes possible to drive 199 miles per gallon of gasoline. Detroit City Hall draws attention to this, the company receives a large order for the production of motor vehicles for police officers.
Major events in the following years:
- 1909 - release of the first two-cylinder V-shaped engine with a capacity of 7 horsepower;
- 1912 - delivery of transport to Japan, expansion of the dealer network in America;
- 1914 - the first motorcycle with a sidecar and a two-stage transmission appears;
- 1915 - production of motorcycles with a three-speed gearbox.
In 1917, a third of the company's products were purchased by the US Department of Defense. A special school is opened at the plant to train military mechanics. Three years later, H-D becomes the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. By this time, there are more than 2000 official points of sale in 67 countries of the world.
Techniques are improved almost every year. Even during the Great Depression, the company manages to sell over 21,000 motorcycles.
The years of World War II and the post-war period
In 1941, the United States entered World War II, manufacturers began to focus on the production of motor vehicles that could be used to solve combat missions. For this, the WLA models were presented, which received the nickname "The Liberator". They had a V-shaped two-cylinder under-valve engine with a volume of 739 cc. see 90 thousand equipment of this model was made.
In 1942, a unique model XA 750 with a horizontally opposed arrangement of engine cylinders was developed. It has become an excellent option for operation in desert conditions. After the end of hostilities in North Africa, she never entered mass production.
After the end of the war, the production of civilian motorcycles was restored, and already in 1945 the assembly of the first transport for the ordinary population began. A year later, a sports model was presented, which became the best among the transport of that time.
In the first two decades after the war, new transport models were created. For example, in 1957, the Sportster was introduced to the general public. A little later, the model became the ancestor of a whole family that still exists to this day. Three years later, a scooter was introduced. At the same time, half of the European company was acquired, on the premises of which the creation of small single-cylinder motorcycles for the local market took place.
Major achievements from 1970 to 2000
In 1970, a world speed record for motorcycles was set at the Bonneville Salt Lake. Specially prepared equipment made it possible to accelerate to 426.5 km / h. Two years later, there is a sporty look for dirt track racing. The XR-750 is best-in-class for the next 30 years.
Further:
- 1977 introduced a model with a low seat position;
- 1980, a Kevlar drive belt appears on the equipment, which does not require constant maintenance, withstands enormous loads;
- 1984 - The first Softail model appears;
- 1990 - the Softail Fat Boy model appears on the market, which entered the history of cinema thanks to the film "Terminator 2: Judgment Day":
- 1998 - opening of the first branch abroad, in the Brazilian city of Manaus.
Harley Davidson motorcycles today
The company produces motorcycles of the "castrom", "cruiser" and "tourer" classes, as well as spare parts and accessories for them. The brand continues to grow, so in 213 a new model with an engine capacity of 500 and 750 cc was presented. see The platform for touring motorcycles has been radically updated.
Today there are different model ranges on sale:
- Sportster. It is distinguished by a round speedometer attached to the steering wheel, the absence of shock absorbers in the visible part. The motorcycle is considered a classic.
- Dinah. The type has a more powerful engine, which is attached to the frame with silent blocks. This creates vibration while driving. The speedometer is located on the gas tank, under the saddle there is an angular battery box.
- Softail. A heavy motorcycle that is almost impossible to buy in Russia. Outwardly they look like a classic bike. The impression is that the wheel is attached directly to the frame. Engines in this technique are rigidly fixed, there is also a balancing shaft.
- V-Rod. The fastest and most powerful. Engineers working on the Porsche car took part in its creation. The design was made so that the transport can reach maximum speed.
- Street. This range was created so that the technique is better sold in Asian countries. Therefore, this type is distinguished by its low price and simple design.
- Touring. A great option for long trips. Has a larger size and comfort.
- CVO. The best-selling motorcycles at the moment, the culmination of custom touring design. All models have an improved motor, a great option for bikers.
Thus, Harley-Davidson brought people from different countries together. The ideals of freedom and self-expression that the holding lives on have no boundaries. They resonate with a wide variety of people regardless of their age, gender and cultural background. Among the admirers of technology there are people of almost all professions.
