A history of Harley-Davidson

Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2003 | 10:55 a.m.

From Knuckleheads to Sportsters and Fat Boys: Harley-Davidson roars into its second century. Here's a look at the Milwaukee company's history:

1903: William S. Harley, 21, and Arthur Davidson, 20, offer the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The pair built the bike in a 10-by-15-foot wooden shed with the words "Harley-Davidson Motor Company" scrawled on the door. The first Harley-Davidson dealer opens in Chicago.

1906: The first factory is built in Milwaukee.

1907: Harley-Davidson Motor Co. is incorporated.

1909: The company introduces its first V-twin powered motorcycle, built with two cylinders in a 45-degree angle. That engine created Harley's distinctive rumble.

1913: The company enters motorcycle racing.

1915: Harley offers motorcycles with three-speed transmissions.

1918: Harley helps out the World War I effort with 20,000 motorcycles. The first American to enter Germany after the Armistice is signed is Cpl. Roy Holtz of Chippewa Falls, Wis., who rides a Harley across the border.

1925: The motorcycles now have gas tanks with a distinct teardrop shape. The basic appearance of Harleys will remain virtually unchanged.

1936: Harley introduces the EL, which earns the nickname "Knucklehead" because of the shape of its rocker boxes, which cover the valves that control the fuel and the exhaust.

1942-45: Harley makes 89,000 motorcycles for the military during World War II.

1949: Hydraulic front forks first appear on the new Hydra-Glide models.

1952: The K model is introduced, eventually evolving into the "Sportster.

1957: The Sportster debuts, the first of the "Superbikes."

1964: The three-wheeled Servi-car becomes the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle with an electric starter.

1969: Harley-Davidson merges with American Machine and Foundry Co.

1971: Harley introduces the FX 1200 Super Glide, which starts a new class of motorcycle, the cruiser.

1973: Harley moves its motorcycle assembly operation to York, Pa.

1981: Harley executives buy back company from AMF.

1983: Harley successfully petitions the International Trade Commission for tariffs on imported heavyweight motorcycles for five years. The company starts its Harley Owners Group, called HOG.

1986: Company returns to public ownership.

1987: Harley asked the International Trade Commission to end the five-year tariffs, a year ahead of schedule.

1988: The company has its first of six consecutive sold-out model years.

1990: Harley introduces the FLSTF Fat Boy.

1992: Harley-Davidson buys a minority interest in Buell Motorcycle Co. of East Troy, Wis.

1995: The 30th Anniversary Ultra Classic Electra Glide becomes the first production Harley with fuel injection.

1998: A new assembly facility opens in Manaus, Brazil, the first operation outside the United States. Harley-Davidson buys the remaining 49 percent interest in Buell Motorcycle Co.

2001: The V-Rod is introduced for the 2002 model year, the company's first motorcycle to combine fuel injection, overhead cams and liquid cooling. Harley-Davidson announces expansions at plants in Milwaukee, Tomahawk, Wis., and York, Pa.

2003: Harley-Davidson celebrates its 100th anniversary.

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Source: Harley-Davidson Inc.