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First motorcycle
William Harley and the Davidson brothers (Walter and Arthur) build their first motorcycle in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. -
First evolution in the two-wheel market
In 1909, the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, after six years, presented its first major technological evolution in the two-wheel market. The world witnessed the birth of the first V-Twin engine mounted on motorcycle -
First overhead-valve
the company introduced the EL model, known as “Knucklehead”, equipped with side valves. This motorcycle was considered one of the most important ones launched by Harley-Davidson in its history. -
"Motorcycles are saving the lives of veterans wounded"
Between 1941 and 1945, during the Second World War, the company returned to supply its motorcycles to the American army and its allies. Almost all of its production, estimated at around 90,000 units, was sent to US forces during this period. -
Out for the public
The then young star Elvis Presley posed for the May 1956 issue of "Enthusiast" magazine with a Harley-Davidson model KH. One of the most traditional models in the history of Harley-Davidson, the Sportster, was introduced in 1957. To this day, this name arouses passions among fans of the brand. -
A step towards the future
In response to the trend towards personalization of motorcycles, in 1971, the FX 1200 Super Glide motorcycle was created - a hybrid model between Electra-Glide and Sportster. A new category of motorcycles, called a cruiser and intended for long journeys, was born there - a product tailored to cross comfortably and safely the immense North American roads. -
Harley Davinson merges with AMF
Another defining moment in Harley-Davidson's history occurred on February 26, 1981, when 13 senior executives of the company signed a letter of intent to buy the Harley-Davidson shares that belonged to the AMF. In June of the same year, the purchase was made and the phrase “The eagle soars alone” became popular. Immediately, the company's new owners implemented new production methods and quality management in the production of the brand's motorcycles. -
A big investment
In 1998, Harley-Davidson acquired the Buell Motorcycle Company, opened a new engine factory outside Milwaukee, in the city of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and built a new assembly line in Kansas City, Missouri. In the same year, the company celebrated its 95th anniversary in Milwaukee, with the presence of more than 140 thousand fans of the brand in the city. -
The arrival in Brazil
It was also in late 1998 that Harley-Davidson opened its factory in Manaus, Brazil. To this day, it is the brand's only assembly line installed outside the United States. The Softail FX, Softail Deuce, Fat Boy, Heritage Classic, Road King Classic and Ultra Electra Glide models are currently fitted to this unit. The new Road King Custom starts to be assembled in this unit in November. -
A milestone
In 2001, Harley-Davidson introduced a revolutionary model to the world: the V-Rod. In addition to the futuristic design, the model was the first in the history of the North American brand to be equipped with a water-cooled engine.