[History of Harley Davidson (1877-2000)]

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History of Harley Davidson (1877-2000)

Introduction

The evolution of the motorcycle has been closely associated with that of the bicycle, steam engine, and car. The concept of a steam-powered bicycle was first realized by S. H. Roper in the USA in the 1860s. During the war, motorcycles (often with sidecars) were extensively used by both sides. The interwar period saw the development of many classic designs: the Harley-Davidson in the USA; the Brough Superior, Triumph Speed Twin, and Ariel Square Four in the UK; and the German DKW two-stroke and BMW four-stroke. All these were in military use in World War II. (1)

Harley-Davidson is the parent company for the groups of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Co. operates in North America, Europe/Middle East/Africa, Asia/Pacific and Latin America. Co. operates in two segments: Motorcycles & Related Products, which designs, manufactures and sells at wholesale heavyweight (engine displacement of 651+cc) cruiser, touring motorcycles and a line of motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise and related services; and the Financial Services, which provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance and insurance-related programs to Harley-Davidson dealers and their retail customers. (2)

Thesis Statement

Harley-Davidson has shown a continuous growth since its inception.

Discussion

The history of Harley-Davidson is as follows;

History Time Line

1903: William Harley, and brothers, William Davidson, Arthur Davidson, and Walter Davidson, finish building and refining their first "motorized bicycle," with a three-horse power, 25-cubic inch engine. The foursome sell three of their machines. Harley-Davidson Motor Co. is incorporated. Their factory is the Davidson family shed. (3)

1907: It begins advertising. Steady demand and growth lead to the production of 61 machines, most of which are sold before they leave the factory.

1909: Introduces a new model with a V-twin engine and featuring the deep, rumbling sound that marks a Harley-Davidson bike. The new motorcycle is able to reach 60 miles per hour, an unprecedented speed.

1911: The firm competes with approximately 150 other motorcycle manufacturing companies.

1913: Henry Ford introduces the assembly line, thus realizing mass production. Rapid, efficient production affects the motorcycle industry much the same as it does the automobile industry; machine-operated vehicle ownership is no longer a luxury of the urban rich or professionals. Motorcycles, having been predominately tools of professional transport purposes, evolve to become recreational vehicles.

1914: World War I boosts H-D's business. Having won the confidence of the police and military, it gains a sizeable U.S. government account; 20,000 H-D motorcycles are used by the U.S. infantry throughout World War I.

1918: Famous H-D features are innovated during this period, such as the teardrop tank and the front brake.

1921: A Harley-Davidson motorcycle wins the first motorcycle race in which the machines reach over 100 miles per hour.

1929: The stock market crash followed by the Great Depression forces many of H-D's competitors out of business. H-D manages to survive due to a strong dealer network and a secure and diverse market, including the military, the police, the ...