Day: February 7, 2021

Harley Davidson is arguably the world’s most iconic motorcycle brand. The company was founded in a small shed by brothers Walter and Arthur Davidson, and William Harley during 1903.The century-old Harley Davidson story began in 1901, with a design for a small engine that could attach to a standard bicycle frame. William Harley refined this design over the years with his friends Arthur and William Davidson, to develop the first Harley Davidson bike in 1903. Unfortunately, the first model was rejected as being too weak to handle the roads of Milwaukee. However, that didn’t stop the team from investing in their first factory in 1906.

The three began work on a new and improved machine with an engine of 24.74 cubic inches (405 cc) with 9.75 in (24.8 cm) flywheels weighing 28 lb (13 kg). Its advanced loop-frame pattern was similar to the 1903 Milwaukee Merkel motorcycle designed by Joseph Merkel, later of Flying Merkel fame.

By 1920, Harley-Davidson was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, with 28,189 machines produced and dealers in 67 countries.In 1921, Otto Walker set a record on a Harley-Davidson as the first motorcycle to win a race at an average speed greater than 100 mph (160 km/h).The Great Depression began a few months after the introduction of their 45 cu in (740 cm³) model. Harley-Davidson’s sales fell from 21,000 in 1929 to 3,703 in 1933. Despite this, Harley-Davidson unveiled a new lineup for 1934, which included a flathead engine and Art Deco styling.

One of only two American cycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression,^[3][37] 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.As part of war reparations, Harley-Davidson acquired the design of a small German motorcycle, the DKW RT 125, which they adapted, manufactured, and sold from 1948 to 1966.

Modern Harley-branded motorcycles fall into one of seven model families: Touring, Softail, Dyna, Sportster, Vrod, Street and LiveWire. These model families are distinguished by the frame, engine, suspension, and other characteristics.

Harley-Davidson today is more than just a famous motorcycle manufacturer. This brand is among not only famous but legendary ones. 

Harley Davidson logo evolution

Harley-Davidson officially developed its first motorcycle in 1903. However, the first logo of Harley-Davidson appeared formally only in 1910. This year is considered to be the beginning of the history of Harley-Davidson logos. It received its name as Bar and Shield which is not less popular than the logo itself.

In 1929, the company developed a new V-shaped engine, which was so successful that it was used until 1972, passing only some stages of modernization. Celebrating its anniversary in 1953, Harley-Davidson decided to develop a new logo design, paying tribute to its engine which brought more success to the company. The “V” on the commemorative logo symbolizes the V-Twin engines. The version of this emblem of Harley-Davidson was present on the front fenders of the models of motorcycles which were produced in 1954. The logo was designed in a circle, and the letter V was going beyond its bounds. There were inscriptions ‘Harley-Davidson’, ‘50 years’ on it, in the upper part of the shield, and an inscription “American Made.”

The best known and most popular logo of Harley-Davidson today was introduced in 1965. The logo itself is standard, all the same Bar and Shield, but it has a more modern form and design. This logo is used today by the company on the manufactured motorcycles.

In honor of its centenary, which was celebrated by the Harley-Davidson company in 2003, it introduced a new design of its logo. All the same Bar and Shield, the significance of which could not fail to be mentioned, on the anniversary logo, and wings which were placed around them. The dates, namely, 1903 (the year of the foundation of the company) and 2003 (the year of the anniversary) were placed on the sides of the wings. There was a number, 100, below the Bar and Shield. This logo is also one of the most popular company logos. It was applied on the motorcycles and related goods of the company.

In 2008, the company ‘blew 105 candles’ on the cake in honor of the company’s anniversary, and in honor of its 105th anniversary, Harley-Davidson showed another anniversary logo that resembled the version of 2003. The Bar and Shield were placed in the middle of the circle, and it was made in black and orange colors, from the edges of which the curved wings went up, and went beyond the ring. There were an inscription ‘105 years’ between the wings of the Harley-Davidson logo, and the dates 1903 – 2008 were located along the contour of the circle at the bottom of the circular emblem. This version of the logo was available only on Dyna Fat Bob, Rocker and Rocker C motorcycles which were manufactured that year.

The Bar and Shield logo were used in a vast number of variations over many years. Sometimes this logo, made in the traditional combinations of black with orange, was seen on motorcycles.There are also versions of a simple, concise, steel logo design.