Who Were Harley’s Founders?

Of course, you know Harley-Davidson, the company. But do you know who all the founders of Harley were and when they joined the company? 

HD’s Founders from Left to Right: William Davidson, Walter Davidson, Arthur Davidson, and William Harley

In 1901, William Harley drew up designs for a 7.07 cu in (116 cc) small engine when he was only 20 years old. The engine was designed to fit in a bicycle frame.

He worked with his childhood friend, Arthur Davidson, on their motorized bicycle. Then, in 1903, Walter Davidson helped the two finish their motor-bicycle.

Unfortunately, the motorized bicycle’s engine did not have enough power to climb hills in Milwaukee without pedaling. Their first motorcycle was not a total failure, but more of a learning experience.

Next, the three started working on a 24.74 cu in (405 cc). It used a loop-frame design with a larger engine. And it was assembled in a shed in the Davidson backyard. This brought it from the realm of being a motor-bicycle to a motorcycle.

Then, with the help of William Davidson, the motorcycle was finished in September of 1904.

This design was a lot faster; it took fourth place in the Milwaukee State Fair race. In 1906, the Chestnut Street (later Juneau Avenue) was built as the first Harley-Davidson factory. And from there, four young men started the legendary brand.

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