The History of Harley-Davidson®
Harley-Davidson bikes are legendary in the motorcycle world. Many famous celebrities throughout history, such as Elvis, chose to cruise around town on a Harley bike. Today, motorcycle enthusiasts of all skill levels continue to seek out these iconic motorcycles.
But even legends need to get their start somewhere. Below we cover highlights from Harley-Davidson's history. When you are ready to explore Harley motorcycles for sale, visit Crystal Harley-Davidson in Homosassa, Florida.
The Start of it All
Two innovative individuals, named William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson, collaborated to create a single-cylinder engine for motorcycles. They hoped to create a simple pedal bike design and together they crafted a blueprint for a 116cc engine.
Their design was successful, but it didn't have the power necessary to get bikes around the steep hills of Milwaukee. They went back to the drawing board and altered the engine so that it would be compatible with bikes lacking pedals. They also increased the power of the engine. This design led to the release of the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle in 1904.
The first model saw great success and the company grew rapidly over the next two years. The first Harley-Davidson factory was opened to help the company keep up with high demand. In a few years, the new V-Twin engine was crafted. By 1911, the engine operated at twice the power potential of the first model.
The Expansion of Harley-Davidson®
With the arrival of World War I, there came a need from the military for motorcycles. Harley-Davidson got an order for 20,000 motorcycles. The company expanded their operation so that they could fulfill the order. By the end of 1920, the company was known as the largest motorcycle manufacturer on the planet.
Then the Great Depression arrived. At the start of the Great Depression, there were hundreds of motorcycle manufacturers but by the end, Harley-Davidson was one of two to have been continually operating. Then World War II arrived and brought with it an order for 90,000 Harley-Davidson bikes.
Harley-Davidson® Today
Harley-Davidson has continued to build upon its impressive history of innovation. The company continually strives to unleash better features and performance capabilities so that they can offer exceptional rides to their fans.
There are many different types of Harley-Davidson motorcycles to choose from that offer different riding experiences. For example, the Street Rod model was the company's first entry into the medium-weight sports bike market. These models allow riders to enjoy adrenaline rushes and unforgettable rides. The Road King line is full of motorcycles that are stripped down to the essentials, allowing them to offer incredible agility and speed. The Harley-Davidson trikes offer a unique experience. They are almost like a mix of a traditional motorcycle and a hot rod car. Their extra wheel allows them to offer improved stability and their innovative frame allows them to offer incredibly comfortable rides. Of course, these are only a few of the many Harley-Davidson motorcycles on the market. Whether you are brand new to riding or are an experienced pro, there is an H-D model out there for you!
Ready to explore Harley-Davidson motorcycles for sale? Check out the selection at Crystal Harley-Davidson. Our expert staff is happy to help you find the right model for your lifestyle, so stop by and visit today. We proudly serve those in New Port Richey, Spring Hill, and St. Petersburg, FL.