| Harley Davidson motorcycles are probably the | | | | Sales were down, but they began to book when |
| most popular motorbikes on the planet. It is a | | | | World War II started. Mass shipments were again |
| brand name that has been around for over one | | | | made to the armed forces. Later on, Harley |
| hundred years, and the name itself has inspired an | | | | Davidson bikes would earn a new reputation as |
| entire subculture for bikers everywhere. The | | | | motorcycles used by outlaw biker gangs. Many |
| Harley Davidson Motor Company is an American | | | | popular films in the 1950s through the 1970s |
| company that manufactures world-class bikes. | | | | brought the life of biker gangs to the big screen,. |
| The very first Harley Davidson motorcycles were | | | | It was during this time that the nickname "Hog" |
| made by William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson | | | | was adopted. |
| back around 1901. After failing to make a | | | | New ownership in the 1980s led to a number of |
| powerful bike on their first few attempts, the | | | | changes. The globalization of the motorcycle |
| young men learned from their mistakes and | | | | business really began to take hold, but Harley |
| constructed new models with bigger engines and | | | | Davidson bikes retained their status as quality |
| new frames. They soon had some moderate | | | | machines. The fame of these legendary bikes |
| success and were able to build their first factory | | | | exists today, just as it did so many years ago. |
| in 1906. Around 50 motorcycles were produced | | | | These iconic cruising machines as easily recognized |
| that first year. More and more improvements in | | | | on the road. The unique chopper style and |
| the design of these early Harleys led to increased | | | | powerful engines have garnered the international |
| demand for the bikes. When World War I came | | | | recognition they deserve. Many biker clubs and |
| around, the Harley Davidson Company ended up | | | | fan groups dedicated to this brand exist. If you |
| providing more than 20,000 to the armed forces | | | | are looking for a stylish motorcycle with grit and |
| for combat service. | | | | toughness, there is no bike like the Harley |
| Amazingly, by the year 1920 Harley Davidson | | | | Davidson. Just ask anyone who owns one and |
| was the biggest manufacturer of motorbikes in | | | | they will tell you what it feels like to own a piece |
| the entire world. When the Great Depression | | | | of history. |
| happened, the company struggled to survive. | | | | |