Harley davidson Motorcycle

Harley-Davidson 1340 Electra Glide Road King 1994

2006-08-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

General information

Model: Harley-Davidson 1340 Electra Glide Road King

Year: 1994

Rating: 68.8 out of 100. Show full rating and compare with other bikes Engine and transmission Displacement: 1338.00 ccm (81.64 cubic inches)

Engine type: V2

Stroke: 4

Power: 60.00

HP (43.8 kW)) @ 5000 RPM

Torque: 94.15

Nm (9.6 kgf-m or 69.4 ft.lbs) @ 3600 RPM

Valves per cylinder: 2

Gearbox: 5-speed

More details Consult a Harley-Davidson repair manual. Physical measures

Dry weight: 314.0 kg (692.3 pounds)

Seat height: 749 mm (29.5 inches)

If adjustable, lowest setting. Chassis and dimensions

Front brakes: Dual disc

Rear brakes: Single disc

Speed and acceleration Power/weight ratio: 0.1911 HP/kg

Other specifications

Fuel capacity: 18.90 litres (4.99 gallons)

Harley-Davidson 1340 Electra Glide Classic-1993

2006-08-28T14:54:00.000-07:00

General information

Model:
Harley-Davidson 1340 Electra Glide Classic
Year:
1993
Rating:
64.1 out of 100. Show full rating and compare with other bikes
Engine and transmission
Displacement:
1338.00 ccm (81.64 cubic inches)
Engine type:
V2
Stroke:
4
Power:
60.00 HP (43.8 kW)) @ 5000 RPM
Torque:
94.15 Nm (9.6 kgf-m or 69.4 ft.lbs) @ 3600 RPM
Valves per cylinder:
2
Gearbox:
5-speed
More details
Consult a Harley-Davidson repair manual.
Physical measures
Dry weight:
340.0 kg (749.6 pounds)
Seat height:
711 mm (28.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Chassis and dimensions
Front brakes:
Dual disc
Rear brakes:
Single disc
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio:
0.1765 HP/kg
Other specifications
Fuel capacity:
18.90 litres (4.99 gallons)

Harley-Davidson 1340 Dyna Wide Glide 1995

2006-08-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

General information

Model:
Harley-Davidson 1340 Dyna Wide Glide
Year:
1995
Category:
Custom / cruiser
Rating:
69.7 out of 100. Show full rating and compare with other bikes
Engine and transmission
Displacement:
1338.00 ccm (81.64 cubic inches)
Engine type:
V2
Stroke:
4
Power:
48.00 HP (35.0 kW)) @ 4900 RPM
Torque:
86.30 Nm (8.8 kgf-m or 63.7 ft.lbs) @ 2400 RPM
Valves per cylinder:
2
Starter:
Electric
Cooling system:
Air
Gearbox:
5-speed
Transmission typefinal drive:
Belt
More details
Consult a Harley-Davidson repair manual.
Physical measures
Dry weight:
272.0 kg (599.7 pounds)
Seat height:
755 mm (29.7 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Chassis and dimensions
Front brakes:
Single disc
Rear brakes:
Single disc
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio:
0.1765 HP/kg

Harley-Davidson 1340 Dyna Wide Glide - 1994

2006-08-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

General information
Model:
Harley-Davidson 1340 Dyna Wide Glide
Year:
1994
Rating:
51.3 out of 100. Show full rating and compare with other bikes
Engine and transmission
Displacement:
1338.00 ccm (81.64 cubic inches)
Engine type:
V2
Stroke:
4
Power:
48.00 HP (35.0 kW)) @ 4900 RPM
Torque:
86.30 Nm (8.8 kgf-m or 63.7 ft.lbs) @ 2400 RPM
Valves per cylinder:
2
Gearbox:
5-speed
More details
Consult a Harley-Davidson repair manual.
Physical measures
Dry weight:
272.0 kg (599.7 pounds)
Seat height:
755 mm (29.7 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Chassis and dimensions
Front brakes:
Single disc
Rear brakes:
Single disc
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio:
0.1765 HP/kg
Other specifications
Fuel capacity:
18.90 litres (4.99 gallons)

Harley-Davidson 1340 Dyna Wide Glide-1993

2006-08-28T07:34:00.000-07:00

General information

Model:
Harley-Davidson 1340 Dyna Wide Glide
Year:
1993
Rating:
63.8 out of 100. Show full rating and compare with other bikes
Engine and transmission
Displacement:
1338.00 ccm (81.64 cubic inches)
Engine type:
V2
Stroke:
4
Power:
48.00 HP (35.0 kW)) @ 4900 RPM
Torque:
86.30 Nm (8.8 kgf-m or 63.7 ft.lbs) @ 2400 RPM
Valves per cylinder:
2
Gearbox:
5-speed
More details
Consult a Harley-Davidson repair manual.
Physical measures
Dry weight:
274.0 kg (604.1 pounds)
Seat height:
755 mm (29.7 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Chassis and dimensions
Front brakes:
Single disc
Rear brakes:
Single disc
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio:
0.1752 HP/kg
Other specifications
Fuel capacity:
18.90 litres (4.99 gallons)

Harley-Davidson 1340 Dyna Super Glide

2006-08-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

General information

Model:
Harley-Davidson 1340 Dyna Super Glide
Year:
1995
Category:
Custom / cruiser
Rating:
58.2 out of 100. Show full rating and compare with other bikes
Engine and transmission
Displacement:
1338.00 ccm (81.64 cubic inches)
Engine type:
V2
Stroke:
4
Power:
48.00 HP (35.0 kW)) @ 4900 RPM
Torque:
86.30 Nm (8.8 kgf-m or 63.7 ft.lbs) @ 2400 RPM
Valves per cylinder:
2
Starter:
Electric
Cooling system:
Air
Gearbox:
5-speed
Transmission typefinal drive:
Belt
More details
Consult a Harley-Davidson repair manual.
Physical measures
Dry weight:
272.0 kg (599.7 pounds)
Seat height:
685 mm (27.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Chassis and dimensions
Front brakes:
Single disc
Rear brakes:
Single disc
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio:
0.1765 HP/kg

Harley-Davidson 1340 Dyna Low Rider

2006-08-27T17:31:00.000-07:00

General information

Model:
Harley-Davidson 1340 Dyna Low Rider
Year:
1995
Category:
Custom / cruiser
Rating:
55.4 out of 100. Show full rating and compare with other bikes
Engine and transmission
Displacement:
1338.00 ccm (81.64 cubic inches)
Engine type:
V2
Stroke:
4
Power:
48.00 HP (35.0 kW)) @ 4900 RPM
Torque:
86.30 Nm (8.8 kgf-m or 63.7 ft.lbs) @ 2400 RPM
Valves per cylinder:
2
Starter:
Electric
Cooling system:
Air
Gearbox:
5-speed
Transmission typefinal drive:
Belt
More details
Consult a Harley-Davidson repair manual.
Physical measures
Dry weight:
272.0 kg (599.7 pounds)
Seat height:
685 mm (27.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Chassis and dimensions
Front brakes:
Dual disc
Rear brakes:
Single disc
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio:
0.1765 HP/kg

Harley-Davidson 1340 Dyna Convertible

2006-08-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

General information

Model:
Harley-Davidson 1340 Dyna Convertible
Year:
1995
Category:
Custom / cruiser
Rating:
68.3 out of 100. Show full rating and compare with other bikes
Engine and transmission
Displacement:
1338.00 ccm (81.64 cubic inches)
Engine type:
V2
Stroke:
4
Power:
48.00 HP (35.0 kW)) @ 4900 RPM
Torque:
86.30 Nm (8.8 kgf-m or 63.7 ft.lbs) @ 2400 RPM
Valves per cylinder:
2
Starter:
Electric
Cooling system:
Air
Gearbox:
5-speed
Transmission typefinal drive:
Belt
More details
Consult a Harley-Davidson repair manual.
Physical measures
Dry weight:
282.0 kg (621.7 pounds)
Seat height:
699 mm (27.5 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Chassis and dimensions
Front brakes:
Dual disc
Rear brakes:
Single disc
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio:
0.1702 HP/kg

Harley-Davidson 1340 Bad Boy

2006-08-27T17:20:00.000-07:00

General information

Model:
Harley-Davidson 1340 Bad Boy
Year:
1995
Category:
Custom / cruiser
Rating:
69.6 out of 100. Show full rating and compare with other bikes
Engine and transmission
Displacement:
1338.00 ccm (81.64 cubic inches)
Engine type:
V2
Stroke:
4
Power:
48.00 HP (35.0 kW)) @ 4900 RPM
Torque:
86.30 Nm (8.8 kgf-m or 63.7 ft.lbs) @ 2400 RPM
Valves per cylinder:
2
Starter:
Electric
Cooling system:
Air
Gearbox:
5-speed
Transmission typefinal drive:
Belt
More details
Consult a Harley-Davidson repair manual.
Physical measures
Dry weight:
284.0 kg (626.1 pounds)
Seat height:
663 mm (26.1 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Chassis and dimensions
Front brakes:
Single disc
Rear brakes:
Single disc
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio:
0.1690 HP/kg

Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster Sport - 1998

2006-08-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

General information

Model:
Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster Sport
Year:
1998
Category:
Custom / cruiser
Rating:
60.7 out of 100. Show full rating and compare with other bikes
Engine and transmission
Displacement:
1199.00 ccm (73.16 cubic inches)
Engine type:
V2
Stroke:
4
Power:
61.00 HP (44.5 kW)) @ 6500 RPM
Torque:
90.00 Nm (9.2 kgf-m or 66.4 ft.lbs) @ 4000 RPM
Valves per cylinder:
2
Starter:
Electric
Cooling system:
Air
Gearbox:
5-speed
Transmission typefinal drive:
Belt
More details
Consult a Harley-Davidson repair manual.
Physical measures
Dry weight:
227.0 kg (500.4 pounds)
Seat height:
734 mm (28.9 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Chassis and dimensions
Front brakes:
Dual disc
Rear brakes:
Single disc
Speed and acceleration
Top speed:
160.0 km/h (99.4 mph)
Power/weight ratio:
0.2687 HP/kg

Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster Custom -1998

2006-08-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

General information

Model:
Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster Custom
Year:
1998
Category:
Custom / cruiser
Rating:
69.2 out of 100. Show full rating and compare with other bikes
Engine and transmission
Displacement:
1199.00 ccm (73.16 cubic inches)
Engine type:
V2
Stroke:
4
Power:
59.00 HP (43.1 kW)) @ 5200 RPM
Torque:
89.00 Nm (9.1 kgf-m or 65.6 ft.lbs) @ 3900 RPM
Valves per cylinder:
2
Starter:
Electric
Cooling system:
Air
Gearbox:
5-speed
Transmission typefinal drive:
Belt
More details
Consult a Harley-Davidson repair manual.
Physical measures
Dry weight:
223.0 kg (491.6 pounds)
Seat height:
688 mm (27.1 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Chassis and dimensions
Front brakes:
Single disc
Speed and acceleration
Top speed:
160.0 km/h (99.4 mph)
Power/weight ratio:
0.2646 HP/kg

Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster - 1998

2006-08-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

General information
Model:
Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster
Year:
1998
Category:
Custom / cruiser
Rating:
74.3 out of 100. Show full rating and compare with other bikes
Engine and transmission
Displacement:
1199.00 ccm (73.16 cubic inches)
Engine type:
V2
Stroke:
4
Power:
59.00 HP (43.1 kW)) @ 5200 RPM
Torque:
89.00 Nm (9.1 kgf-m or 65.6 ft.lbs) @ 3900 RPM
Valves per cylinder:
2
Starter:
Electric
Cooling system:
Air
Gearbox:
5-speed
Transmission typefinal drive:
Belt
More details
Consult a Harley-Davidson repair manual.
Physical measures
Dry weight:
223.0 kg (491.6 pounds)
Seat height:
736 mm (29.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Chassis and dimensions
Front brakes:
Single disc
Speed and acceleration
Top speed:
160.0 km/h (99.4 mph)
Power/weight ratio:
0.2646 HP/kg

Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster - 1995

2006-08-27T16:53:00.000-07:00

General information

Model:
Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster
Year:
1995
Category:
Custom / cruiser
Rating:
72.4 out of 100. Show full rating and compare with other bikes
Engine and transmission
Displacement:
1189.00 ccm (72.55 cubic inches)
Engine type:
V2
Stroke:
4
Power:
50.00 HP (36.5 kW)) @ 5200 RPM
Torque:
75.50 Nm (7.7 kgf-m or 55.7 ft.lbs) @ 3600 RPM
Valves per cylinder:
2
Starter:
Electric
Cooling system:
Air
Gearbox:
5-speed
Transmission typefinal drive:
Belt
More details
Consult a Harley-Davidson repair manual.
Physical measures
Dry weight:
223.0 kg (491.6 pounds)
Seat height:
737 mm (29.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Chassis and dimensions
Front brakes:
Single disc
Rear brakes:
Single disc
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio:
0.2242 HP/kg

Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster - 1993

2006-08-27T16:46:00.000-07:00

General information

Model:
Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster
Year:
1993
Rating:
69.5 out of 100. Show full rating and compare with other bikes
Engine and transmission
Displacement:
1189.00 ccm (72.55 cubic inches)
Engine type:
V2
Stroke:
4
Power:
50.00 HP (36.5 kW)) @ 5200 RPM
Torque:
75.51 Nm (7.7 kgf-m or 55.7 ft.lbs) @ 3600 RPM
Valves per cylinder:
2
Gearbox:
5-speed
More details
Consult a Harley-Davidson repair manual.
Physical measures
Dry weight:
216.0 kg (476.2 pounds)
Seat height:
737 mm (29.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Chassis and dimensions
Front brakes:
Single disc
Rear brakes:
Single disc
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio:
0.2315 HP/kg
Other specifications
Fuel capacity:
8.50 litres (2.25 gallons)
Further information
Parts and accessories
Check out parts and accessories from our partners.
Ask questions
Join the 93 Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster discussion group
Insurance, loans, tests
Search the web for dealers, loan and insurance costs, tests, customizing, etc.
Related bikes
List related bikes for comparison of specs

Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster - 1994

2006-08-27T16:35:00.000-07:00

General information
Model: Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster
Year: 1994
Rating: 57.4 out of 100. Show full rating and compare with other bikes
Engine and transmission
Displacement:
1189.00 ccm (72.55 cubic inches)
Engine type:
V2
Stroke:
4
Power:
50.00 HP (36.5 kW)) @ 5200 RPM
Torque:
75.51 Nm (7.7 kgf-m or 55.7 ft.lbs) @ 3600 RPM
Valves per cylinder:
2
Gearbox:
5-speed
More details
Consult a Harley-Davidson repair manual.
Physical measures
Dry weight:
223.0 kg (491.6 pounds)
Seat height:
737 mm (29.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Chassis and dimensions
Front brakes:
Single disc
Rear brakes:
Single disc
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio:
0.2242 HP/kg
Other specifications
Fuel capacity:
8.50 litres (2.25 gallons)
Further information
Parts and accessories
Check out parts and accessories from our partners.
Ask questions
Join the 94 Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster discussion group
Insurance, loans, tests
Search the web for dealers, loan and insurance costs, tests, customizing, etc.
Related bikes
List related bikes for comparison of specs

Harley Davidson World War I and II

2006-08-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

United States was drawn into World War I 1917 and the military demanded motorcycles for the war effort. Harleys had already been used by the military in border skirmishes with Pancho Villa but World War I was the first time the motorcycle had been adopted for combat service. Harley-Davidson provided over 20,000 machines to the military forces during World War I.
By 1920, Harley-Davidson was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. Their motorcycles were sold by dealers in 67 countries. Production was 28,189 machines.
In 1921, a milestone was reached in motorcycle racing. A Harley-Davidson machine was the very first to win a race at an average speed of over 100 mph (160 km/h).
During the 1920s, several improvements were put in place, such as a new 74 cubic inch (1.2 L) V-Twin, introduced in 1922, and the gas tank still seen today, called a "Teardrop" tank, in 1925. A front brake was added in 1928.

One of only two American cycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression, Harley-Davidson again produced large numbers of motorcycles for the US Army in World War II and resumed civilian production afterwards, producing a range of large V-twin motorcycles that were successful both on racetracks and for private buyers.
During World War II, the U.S. Army asked Harley-Davidson to produce a motorcycle as good as BMW's side-valve R71. So Harley copied the BMW engine and transmission, simply converting metric measurements to inches, and produced the shaft-drive 750 cc 1942 Harley-Davidson XA. Due to the superior cooling of an opposed twin, Harley's XA cylinder heads ran 100° cooler than its V-twins'. The XA, though a wonderful motorcycle, was eclipsed by the Jeep. Only 1,000 were made and the XA never went into full production.
As part of war reparations, Harley-Davidson acquired the design of a small German motorcycle, the DKW RT125 which they adapted and marketed as the "Hummer" from 1948 to 1966 (in in the UK, BSA took the same design as the foundation of their BSA Bantam).

Harley Davidson Revolution water-cooled engine

2006-08-27T15:57:00.001-07:00

Harley davidson Revolution, 2002-present, 69 cubic inches (1.13 L), 60 degree V-twin, Liquid cooled.
Used in VRSC (V-Twin Racing Street Custom) models. At first it was used in a single model called the V-Rod. By 2006, the line had been expanded to five consumer model V-Rods, including the standard V-Rod, the "roadster-styled" Street Rod, the long and low Night Rod, and the VRSCSE² Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod.
There is also a non-street variant: the VRXSE SE Destroyer. The Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod Destroyer is a 165+hp, professional-level drag racing motorcycle designed exclusively for competition by Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations; it comes stock with larger 79 in³ engine, air shifter and wheelie bar, among other features. The Destroyer is tuned to make sub 10-second quarter mile runs in the hands of an experienced rider.

The Small Twins and K models and Sportster

2006-08-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

The Small Twins harley davidson :
D Model, 1929-31 750cc
R Model, 1932-36 750cc
W Model, 1937-52 750cc, solo (2 wheel) frame only)
G (Servi-Car) Model, 750cc 1937-73

The K Models and Sportsters Evolution Sportster cruising around downtown Buenos AiresK Model, 1952-53 750cc KH Model, 1954-56 900cc Ironhead, 1957-1970 900 cc, and 1971-85 1000 cc Evolution, 1986-present, 883, 1100 and 1200 cc All Sportster engines are air-cooled 45-degree V-Twins.

The Big Twins

2006-08-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

Harley-Davidson Electra Glide "Ultra Classic".F-head, also known as JD, pocket valve and IOE (intake over exhaust), 1914-29 (1000cc), and 1922-29 (1200cc) Flathead, 1930-1948 (1200cc) and 1935-41 (1300cc). Knucklehead, 1936-47 61 cubic inches (1000cc), and 1941-47 74 cubic inches (1200cc) Panhead, 1948-52 61 cubic inches (1000cc), and 1948-65, 74 cubic inches (1200cc) Shovelhead, 1966-85, 74 cubic inches (1200cc) and 82 cubic (1340cc) inches since late 1978 Evolution (aka "Evo" and "Blockhead"), 1984-99, 82 cubic inches (1340cc) Twin Cam 88 (aka "Fathead") 1999-present, 88 cubic inches (1.4 L) Twin Cam 88B (counter balanced version of the Twin Cam 88) 2000-2006, 88 cubic inches (1.4 L) Twin Cam 96, 2006-present, 96 cubic inches (1584cc) All Big Twins are air-cooled 45-degree V-Twins. Two important events in the lengthy development of Harley’s perennial v-twin occurred in the mid-1960s when the 74 cubic-inch (1,200cc) FH and FLH Duo Glide adopted electric starting (1965) and the revised ‘Shovelhead’ engine the following year. Now known as the ‘Electra Glide’ - without question one of the most evocative names in motorcycling history – Harley’s updated cruiser featured a new frame to house the large 12-volt battery and a reshaped primary drive cover to accommodate the electric starter mechanism. H-D was unable to afford the costs of developing an entirely new engine, so made do instead with a revised top end (the ‘Shovelhead’) featuring a larger aluminum version of the Sportster ’head, an improvement that liberated a further 5bhp. The Shovelhead ’Glide continued in production for a further 18 years, gaining alternator electrics, electronic ignition and disc braking as the years progressed.

Police forces throughout the USA have used Harleys since the marque’s earliest days, the police-specification Electra Glide being designated ‘FLHP’. This example was in service between 1980-1983 and has enjoyed two private owners prior to the vendor. Acquired by the latter in October 2004, it benefits from extensive restoration carried out between then and November 2005, the motorcycle and engine having been rebuilt by SuperSonic Motors of Newbury, OH and the transmission overhauled by Cycle Performance of Woonsocket, RI. We are advised that the following parts are new: pistons and rings, cone, valve spring gaskets, push-rods, rocker arms and seals, clutch and basket, output shaft, H-D wiring harness, pipes, controls, sheet metal, seat, kick-start and gears, dash, Crane ignition, regulator, S & S Super E carburetor, hand grips, primary cover, mirrors, battery, tires and handlebars. Invoices are available for inspection. The machine has covered a mere 78 miles since completion and picked up a 2nd place award in the Old School Judged Class at the Easy Rider Bike Show in Columbus, OH in February 2006. This machine is offered with Certificate of Title.

V-Twins Engine

2006-08-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

The classic Harley-Davidson engines are two-cylinder, V-twin engines with the pistons placed at a 45 degree angle. The crankshaft has a single pin, and both pistons are connected to this pin through their connecting rods. This design causes the pistons to fire at uneven intervals. On the V-twin, the sequence is as follows: the first piston fires (this is the 0° position) the other piston fires at 315° into the stroke there is a 405° gap (as both cylinders go through their exhaust stroke) until the first piston fires again This design, which is covered under several United States patents, gives the Harley-Davidson V-twin its unique "potato-potato" sound. On 1 February 1994, the company filed a trademark application for the distinctive sound of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle engine: "The mark consists of the exhaust sound of applicant's motorcycles, produced by V-twin, common crankpin motorcycle engines when the goods are in use". Nine of Harley-Davidson's competitors filed comments opposing the application, arguing that cruiser-style motorcycles of various brands use a single-crankpin V-twin engine which produce a similar sound. These objections were followed by litigation. After six years, Harley-Davidson withdrew their trademark application.
Harley model designations are a sequence of letters and numbers, combined in limited ways. The sequences can be long, as in the 2006 model designation FLHTCUSE.The first letter may be one of the following:E, F, J, U, V (Big Twin), D, G, R, W (Small Twin), X (Sportster), or V (VRSC) Letters are appended singly or in pairs, as follows:B (Belt Drive), C (Classic or Custom), D (Dyna Glide), DG (Disk Glide), E (Electric start), F (Fat Boy (1990-present) or Foot-shift (1972 and prior)), H (High compression), L (Hydra Glide forks), LR (Low Rider), P (Police), R (Race or Rubber-mount), S (Sport or Springer), SB (Single belt final drive), ST (Softail), T (Touring), WG (Wide Glide), I (Fuel injection), SE (Screamin’ Eagle), U (Ultra) Custom Vehicle Operations models can also have a number (2,3,4) added.Note that these conventions for model designations are broken regularly by the company.

History Harley Davidson Motorcycle

2006-08-27T14:50:00.000-07:00

Harley-Davidson Motor Company is an American manufacturer of motorcycles based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States.
Company foundingThe company considers 1903 to be its year of founding, though the Harley-Davidson enterprise could be considered to have started in 1901 when William S. Harley, age 21, drew up plans for a small engine that displaced 7.07 cubic inches (116 cc) and had four-inch flywheels. The engine was designed for use in a regular pedal-bicycle frame.
Over the next two years Harley and his boyhood friend Arthur Davidson labored on their motor-bicycle using the northside machine shop of their friend Henry Melk. It was finished in 1903 with the help of Arthur's brother, Walter Davidson. Upon completion the boys found their power-cycle unable to conquer Milwaukee's modest hills without pedal assistance. Will Harley and the Davidsons quickly wrote off their first motor-bicycle as a valuable learning experiment.
Work was immediately begun on a new and improved machine. This first "real" Harley-Davidson motorcycle had a bigger engine of 24.74 cubic inches (405 cc) with 9-3/4 inch flywheels weighing 28 pounds. The machine's advanced loop-frame was similar to the 1903 Milwaukee Merkel motorcycle. They also got help with their new engine from outboard motor pioneer Ole Evinrude. Elder brother William A. Davidson also lent a hand.
The prototype of the new improved loop-frame model was assembled in a 10 by 15 foot (3 by 5 meter) shed in the Davidson family backyard. The machine was functional by 8 September 1904 when it was entered in a Milwaukee motorcycle race, the first known appearance of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
In January 1905 small advertisements were placed in the "Automobile and Cycle Trade Journal" that offered bare Harley-Davidson engines to the do-it-yourself trade. By April, complete motorcycles were in production on a very limited basis. In 1905 no more than a dozen machines were built in the backyard shed. (Some years later the original shed was taken to the Juneau Avenue factory where it would stand for many decades as a tribute to the Motor Company's humble origins. Unfortunately, the first shed was "accidentally" destroyed by contractors in the early 1970s during a clean-up of the factory yard.)
In 1906 Harley and the Davidsons built their first factory on Chestnut Street (later Juneau Avenue). This location remains the Motor Company's corporate headquarters today. The first Juneau Avenue plant was a modest 40 by 60 foot single-story wooden structure. That year around 50 motorcycles were produced.
1907 model.In 1907 William S. Harley graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a degree in mechanical engineering. That year additional factory expansion came with a second floor and later with facings and additions of Milwaukee pale yellow ("cream") brick. With the new facilities production increased to 150 motorcycles in 1907. That September a milestone was reached when the fledgling company was officially incorporated. They also began selling their motorcycles to police departments around this time, a tradition that continues today.
Production in 1905 and 1906 were all single-cylinder models with 26.84 cubic inch (440 cc) engines but as early as February of 1907 a prototype model with a 45-degree V-Twin engine was displayed at the Chicago Automobile Show. Although shown and advertised, very few dual cylinder V-Twin models were built between 1907 and 1910. These first V-Twins displaced 53.68 cubic inches (880 cc) and produced about 7 horsepower (5 kW). This gave about double the hill-climbing power of the first singles. Top speed was about 60 mph (97 km/h). Production jumped from 450 motorcycles in 1908 to 1,149 machines in 1909.
The success of Harley-Davidson (along with Indian's success) had attracted many imitators. By 1911 some 150 makes of motorcycles had already been built in the United States -- although just a handful would survive the 1910s.
In 1911 an improved V-Twin model with mechanically operated intake valves was introduced. (Earlier V-Twins had used "automatic" intake valves that opened by engine vacuum). Displacing 49.48 cubic inches (810 cc), the 1911 V-Twin was actually smaller than earlier twins, but gave better performance. After 1913 the majority of bikes produced by Harley-Davidson would be V-Twin models.
By 1913 the yellow brick factory had been demolished and on the site a new 5-storey structure of reinforced concrete and red brick had been built. Begun in 1910, the red brick factory with its many additions would take up two blocks along Juneau Avenue and around the corner on 38th Street. Despite the competition, Harley-Davidson was already pulling ahead of Indian and would dominate motorcycle racing after 1914. Production that year swelled to 16,284 machines.