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.
Please let us know what you think of this article by pasting this post’s URL on your Facebook page with your comment. Finally, you might want to check out our Major Motorcycle Rallies and Motorcycle Events Calendar.
