An Introduction to Harley Davidson
Harley Davidson or Harleys are heavy engine, above 750 cc, chopper styled motorcycles from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US based Harley-Davidson Motor Company. This top-of-the-class genre of motorcycle is know for their awesome design, looks and the engine capacity. The credit of visualizing and making the powered motorcycle bikes goes to William S. Harley, Arthur Davidson and his brother Walter Davidson.
The great machine came into life, when in 1901, William S. Harley started with the designing an engine that can easily fit in a small pedal cycle. This power cycle was completed in 1903, but on its first test ride, the cycle was not able to give pick up performance in the majestic Milwaukee's hills. Taking it as their learning experience, Harley and Davidson brothers, together with the technical support from Ole Evinrude of the outboard motor pioneer, made modifications in engine design only to come up with the "real" Harley-Davidson motorcycle. This first practical design of the motorcycle had a more powerful engine of 24.74 cubic inches or (405 cc) that could now tread the hills and high altitude areas. The motor bicycle now had a powerful engine and a loop-frame design, on the similar lines as that of Milwaukee Merkel motorcycle.
By 1905, the production of motorcycles began, and "Automobile and Cycle Trade Journal" was loaded with advertisements, offering the Harley-Davidson engines to Do-It-Yourself (DIY) stores. Carl H. Lang, from Chicago was the first dealer of Harley Davidson and he made 3 sales out of dozen. These motorcycles had been the first lot, manufactured in the Davidson backyard shed. Later the factory was shifted to the Juneau Avenue factory.
Harley Davidson is ideally designed for power pickups and adventure trips to high altitude and rugged terrains. The highway riding motorcycle has been associated with many socio-cultural groups and sub-groups such as Biker, Motorcycle Club, Outlaw Bikers/One Percenters, Outlaw Motorcycle gangs and many more.
With growing times, Harley Davidson has undergone many modifications in their body and engine design. It has its own loyal brand community. Today, it holds to its credit many designs, which have been created for different purposes and different people. You have a Harley Davidson for mountain adventure, for plain terrains, city bikes, fun ride bikes, and many more. The motorcycle has been serving smart to the American armed and police forces, besides, the regular range of customers. As part of its expansion, in 2008, Harley Davidson acquired Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta. And you know what, this acme of automobile has continuously increasing fan club.