When talking about popular bikes and motorcycles, there is only one name that would immediately come to your mind: Harley-Davidson. William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson started working on a motorized bicycle in 1903 in a small shed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Two years after they started working on their first model of a motorized bicycle, they finally had a finished product. Eventually, in 1905, they began the mass production of the Harley-Davidson motorbike with eight motorcycles. Fifteen years later, in 1920, Harley-Davidson would be considered the biggest manufacturer of motorbikes worldwide.
Here are 10 of the things you probably didn't know about Harley-Davidson and their motorcycles.
1. They Sold Pedal Bikes
Harley and Davidson's goal was to create a bike that didn't pedal at all. They want something that could be successfully ridden on various terrain. However, the company created standard bicycles in 1916, and for six years, they sold standard bicycles.
2. The Logo was Created Seven Years After the Company's Establishment
The logo of Harley-Davidson is quite popular and distinctive. While there is very little information known about the logo's creation, it was said to be created in 1910, seven years after the motorcycle company was established, according to Hot Cars.
3. The First Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Was Built in a Shed
In 1903 in a small shed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Harley and Davidson, who were said to be childhood friends, began tinkering with motors to invent a motorized bicycle. Their humble beginning is rooted in a 10x15-foot wooden shed, according to Money Inc. That shed is where everything started; they created their motorbike model and released it into the world two years after.
4. For an 'American' Brand, Harley-Davidson Owns Factories All Over the World
Harley-Davidson has four factories in the United States of America. However, over the years, the motorcycle company has expanded in Brazil, Thailand, and India. They also have a metallurgy plant located in Australia. From its humble beginning in a shed, it has now become an international brand.
5. The Harley Bell Brings Goodluck to Riders
Superstitious Harley-Davidson riders usually put a Harley bell on their bikes. This is a small bell that you would notice dangling under the bike. According to beliefs, the Harley bell drives away evil road spirits. Buying the bell would give you luck but receiving one as a gift will give you twice the luck that you need.
Read Also: Can The Iconic Harley-Davidson Brand Really Produce An Electric Motorcyle Worthwhile?
6. A Major Harley-Davidson Recall
In 2018, Harley-Davidson recalled 250,000 motorcycles due to a brake problem. They recalled models from 2008 to 2011 that used the anti-lock brake system.
7. The Company Used to Make Three-Wheelers
Harley-Davidson used to manufacture three-wheel vehicles from 1932 until the 1970s. It was called the Servi-Car, which was manufactured during the time of the Great Depression.
8. Harley-Davidson Bikes Were Utilized During the World War One
When the Americans joined the war in 1917, the military ordered over 15,000 bikes from Harley-Davidson to be used in the war. Because of this, Harley-Davidson bikes grew in popularity and sales.
9. For Over 100 Years, Harley-Davidson Has Been Supplying Police Bikes
By around 1907, Harley-Davidson started supplying police bikes to law enforcement, and they've continued doing so for over 100 years.
10. Many Refused to Ride a Green Harley-Davidson Motorcycle
There has been a negative image attached to a green Harley-Davidson motorcycle, thus, many riders refuse to ride it. According to superstitious riders, the color denotes bad luck.
Related Article: Harley-Davidson's Electric Mountain Bikes: Does It Really Have No Front or Rear Suspension?
