The History of Harley-Davidson® Motorcycles
It’s almost impossible not to mention Harley-Davidson when talking about prestigious motorcycle brands. These motorcycles are a worldwide phenomenon, captivating the hearts of riders of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. Celebrities and daily commuters alike often choose Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Let’s hop on for a ride back in time to see how they paved their way and dominated the industry.
When you are ready to join the legacy, come to Road Track & Trail to select your very own Harley-Davidson motorcycle. We are your premier dealer in Big Bend, WI, and welcome every rider from Chicago, IL, and Milwaukee and Waukesha, WI.
The Founders
Harley-Davidson motorcycles were destined to be. Life brought together two childhood best friends by the name of William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson to work on a vision that would become a legacy.
The two friends collaborated to bring to life single-cylinder engines for motorcycles that would improve simple pedal designs. Eventually, they successfully created a blueprint for a 116cc engine. And that was the start of something that would revolutionize the game.
The First Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle
The early engine design came with challenges, as expected. The final product worked as they designed it; however, it lacked the strength to get a bicycle up a steep slope. This setback only served as fuel to push the two friends to dream bigger and across boundaries. With continuous dedication and modifications, they created a powerful engine that served as the foundation for their first motorcycle in 1904.
Constant Innovations
From there on, Harley-Davidson motorcycles gained popularity like wildfire. In a short period of two years, the Harley-Davidson factory was launched to keep up with high demand. This also meant constant innovations to perfect their engines and develop new ones, such as a brand-new V-Twin engine. By 1911, the engine operated at twice the horsepower of the first model, which led them to make appearances on the racing scene.
Surviving the Odds
Harley-Davidson was one of the few surviving motorcycle manufacturers after World War I in 1914. They were considered so reliable that they received an order for over 20,000 bikes during these times. They went on to be recognized as the largest motorcycle manufacturer on the planet by the end of 1920.
Ready to join the Harley-Davidson motorcycle family? Stop by Road Track & Trail in Big Bend, WI, and select your favorite model today. We offer a range of bikes for all budgets and riding styles. If you already own a bike, check out our parts replacement and service department. We can get any motorcycle running like new! Whatever you need, you can find it with us. We proudly serve those in the greater Chicago metro, as well as our neighbors in Milwaukee and Waukesha, WI.