Harley Davidson Motorcycle Show 2001

The history of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle began in Milwaukee in 1903. This motorcycle was initially built for racing and was powered by a one-cylinder gasoline combustion engine. Later that year the first Harley-Davidson dealership, C.H. Lang of Chicago, opened and sold one of three motorcycles manufactured that year. In 1906, due to increasing demands and need for a larger facility to fabricate their motorcycles, Harley-Davidson moved to a new factory measuring just 28x80 feet on Juneau Ave. Along with this expansion came more jobs. By now Harley-Davidson employed 6 full-time employees. Also this year the first Company catalogue was produced and distributed. In 1907, some big advances took place. The Harley-Davidson Motor Company was incorporated on September 17th, 1907, and the number of employees increased to a healthy 18. The size of the factory also doubled. By now, the word of Harley-Davidson was spreading rapidly. Their motorcycle was breaking many records, including a fuel economy record in 1908, which was now set at 188.234 miles per gallon by the Harley-Davidson. In 1909 the first 1000 cc V-twin powered motorcycle was introduced. It produced a modest seven horsepower. The 45-degree V-twin would become one of the more recognizable images of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. 1910 brought the legendary "Bar and Shield" logo that was placed on their motorcycle. This would become the defining symbol of Harley-Davidson to this day. Numerous first place winnings in races, endurance contests and hill climbs give Harley-Davidson more recognition. The "F-head" engine is introduced in 1911. It will be the power workhorse until 1929, when the "Flathead" engine is introduced. The company enjoyed great racing success before World War I with the innovative 1916 8-valve V-Twin and the Wrecking Crew (a team of factory riders who regularly beat all comers), but it was between the wars that Harley-Davidson earned its stripes as a pre-eminent competitive force. In 1921, the Milwaukee manufacturer was the first to win a motorcycle race at an average speed better than 100 mph at the Fresno board track.

Harley Davidson Motorcycle Show 2001 - 2002

The 2001 International Bike Show, Manhattan December 30, 2001