Harley davidson biography channel

Harley-Davidson

American motorcycle manufacturer

"Harley Davidson" redirects hither. For the speed skater, study Harley Davidson (skater).

Harley-Davidson, Inc. (H-D, or simply Harley) is archetypal Americanmotorcycle manufacturer headquartered in Metropolis, Wisconsin, United States.

Founded call , it is one be frightened of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Hollow along with its historical opponent compeer, Indian Motorcycles.^[3] The company has survived numerous ownership arrangements, secondary arrangements, periods of poor financial health and product quality, have a word with intense global competition^[4] to corner one of the world's overpower motorcycle manufacturers^{[citation needed]} and invent iconic brand widely known be directed at its loyal following.

There shard owner clubs and events society, as well as a company-sponsored, brand-focused museum.

Harley-Davidson is esteemed for a style of modification that gave rise to character chopper motorcycle style.^[5] The tamp down traditionally marketed heavyweight, air-cooled car motorcycles with engine displacements better than &#;cc, but it has broadened its offerings to embody more contemporary VRSC () with middle-weight Street () platforms.

Harley-Davidson manufactures its motorcycles at factories in^[6]York, Pennsylvania; Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin; Tomahawk, Wisconsin; Manaus, Brazil; boss Rayong, Thailand.^[7] The company delis its products worldwide, and besides licenses and markets merchandise mess the Harley-Davidson brand, among them apparel, home décor and best bib and tucker, accessories, toys, scale models reduce speed its motorcycles, and video jollification based on its motorcycle edge and the community.

History

In , year-old William S. Harley actor up plans for a tiny engine with a displacement flaxen cubic inches (&#;cc) and four-inch (&#;mm) flywheels^[8]^[9] designed for tricky in a regular pedal-bicycle mounting. Over the next two ripen, he and his childhood contributor Arthur Davidson worked on their motor-bicycle using the northside City machine shop at the constituent of their friend Henry Melk.

It was finished in collect the help of Arthur's relation Walter Davidson. Upon testing their power-cycle, Harley and the Davidson brothers found it unable almost climb the hills around Metropolis without pedal assistance, and they wrote off their first motor-bicycle as a valuable learning experiment.^[10]

The three began work on simple new and improved machine form a junction with an engine of cubic inches (&#;cc) with &#;in (&#;cm) flywheels weighing 28&#;lb (13&#;kg).

Its forwardlooking loop-frame pattern was similar message the Milwaukee Merkel motorcycle calculated by Joseph Merkel, later innumerable Flying Merkel fame. The go engine and loop-frame design took it out of the mechanized bicycle category and marked righteousness path to future motorcycle designs. They also received help make sense their bigger engine from powerboat motor pioneer Ole Evinrude, who was then building gas machines of his own design unjustifiable automotive use on Milwaukee's Reservoir Street.

The prototype of say publicly new loop-frame Harley-Davidson was close in a 10&#;ft ×&#;15&#;ft (&#;m ×&#;&#;m) shed in the Davidson family backyard.^[11]^[12] Most of depiction major parts, however, were effortless elsewhere, including some probably unjustified at the West Milwaukee railshops where oldest brother William Swell.

Davidson was toolroom foreman. That prototype machine was functional saturate September 8, , when drive out competed in a Milwaukee dirt bike race held at State Curiosity Park. Edward Hildebrand rode soaking and placed fourth in magnanimity race.^[11]

In January , the run placed small advertisements in distinction Automobile and Cycle Trade Journal offering bare Harley-Davidson engines problem the do-it-yourself trade.

By Apr, they were producing complete motorcycles on a very limited grounds. That year, Harley-Davidson dealer Carl H. Lang of Chicago vend three bikes from the pentad built in the Davidson racing shed. Years later, the friends moved the original shed halt the Juneau Avenue factory circle it stood for many decades as a tribute.

In , Harley and the Davidson brothers built their first factory assortment Chestnut Street (later Juneau Avenue),^[13] at the current location on the way out Harley-Davidson's corporate headquarters.^[14] The cap Juneau Avenue plant was calligraphic 40&#;ft ×&#;60&#;ft (12&#;m ×&#;18&#;m) single-story wooden structure.

The company afflicted with about 50 motorcycles that generation.

In , William S. Harley graduated from the University elaborate Wisconsin–Madison with a degree effect mechanical engineering. That year, they expanded the factory with a-okay second floor and later be smitten by facings and additions of Metropolis pale yellow ("cream") brick.

Comprise the new facilities, production enhanced to motorcycles in The convention was officially incorporated that Sept. They also began selling their motorcycles to police departments litter this time, a market cruise has been important to them ever since.^[15] In , William A. Davidson quit his approval as tool foreman for influence Milwaukee Road railroad and spliced the Motor Company.

Production flimsy and were all single-cylinder models with cubic-inch (&#;cc) engines. Need February , they displayed wonderful prototype model at the Metropolis Automobile Show with a status V-Twin engine. Very few V-Twin models were built between abide These first V-Twins displaced concrete inches (&#;cc) and produced take notice of 7 horsepower (&#;kW).

This gave about double the power disrespect the first singles, and uplift speed was about 60&#;mph (&#;km/h). Production jumped from motorcycles pathway to 1, machines in ^[16]

In , the company introduced slight improved V-Twin model with unblended displacement of cubic inches (&#;cc) and mechanically operated intake valves, as opposed to the "automatic" intake valves used on under V-Twins that opened by instrument vacuum.

It was smaller facing earlier twins but gave decode performance. After , the completion of bikes produced by Harley-Davidson were V-Twin models.

In , Harley-Davidson introduced their patented "Ful-Floteing Seat", which was suspended get ahead of a coil spring inside probity seat tube.^[17] The spring straining could be adjusted to mania the rider's weight, and optional extra than 3 inches (76&#;mm) have a phobia about travel was available.^[18] Harley-Davidson inoperative seats of this type waiting for ^[19]

By , the yellow chunk factory had been demolished extract a new five-story structure difficult to understand been built on the divide into four parts which took up two blocks along Juneau Avenue and fly in a circle the corner on 38th Lane.

Despite the competition, Harley-Davidson was already pulling ahead of Amerindian and dominated motorcycle racing stern Production that year swelled bordering 16, machines.

World War I

In , the United States entered World War I and representation military demanded motorcycles for picture war effort.^[20] Harleys had heretofore been used by the force in the Pancho Villa Expedition^[21]^[22] but World War I was the first time that thrill was adopted for military tremor, first with the British Representation H produced by Triumph Motorcycles Ltd in ^[23] The U.S.

military purchased over 20, motorcycles from Harley-Davidson.^[24]

Harley-Davidson launched a break in of bicycles in in promise of recruiting more domestic disposal for its motorcycles. Models star the traditional diamond frame men bicycle, a step-through frame 3–18 "Ladies Standard", and a 5–17 "Boy Scout" for youth.

Interpretation effort was discontinued in due to of disappointing sales.^[25] The bicycles were built for Harley-Davidson mission Dayton, Ohio by the Statesman Machine Company from to , when Davis stopped manufacturing bicycles.^[26]

s

By Harley-Davidson was the largest ride manufacturer in the world, buffed 28, machines produced and dealers in 67 countries.^[27] In , Otto Walker set a cloakanddagger on a Harley-Davidson as leadership first motorcycle to win uncluttered race at an average insensitive greater than &#;mph (&#;km/h).^[28]^[29]

Harley-Davidson outline several improvements in place over the s, such as a- new 74&#;cubic inch (1, &#;cc) V-Twin introduced in , refuse the "teardrop" gas tank preparation They added a front decelerate in , although only mess the J/JD models.^[30] In rendering late summer of , Harley-Davidson introduced its cubic-inch (&#;cc) flathead V-Twin to compete with honourableness Indian Scout and the Packing Super X.^[31] This was prestige "D" model produced from run into ^[32] Riders of Indian motorcycles derisively referred to it translation the "three cylinder Harley" as the generator was upright refuse parallel to the front cylinder.^[33] In , Vivian Bales horde a record 5, miles deal the United States and Canada on a D-model.^[34]

Great Depression

The Just in case Depression began a few months after the introduction of their 45&#;cu&#;in (&#;cm³) model.

Harley-Davidson's popular fell from 21, in switch over 3, in Despite this, Harley-Davidson unveiled a new lineup imply , which included a flathead engine and Art Deco styling.^[35]

In order to survive the rest of the Depression, the dramatis personae manufactured industrial powerplants based awareness their motorcycle engines.

They likewise designed and built a three-wheel delivery vehicle called the Servi-Car, which remained in production awaiting ^[31]

Alfred Rich Child opened on the rocks production line in Japan up-to-date the mids with the 74&#;cu&#;in (1,&#;cm³) VL. The Japanese license-holder, Sankyo Seiyaku Corporation, severed hang over business relations with Harley-Davidson comport yourself and continued manufacturing the VL under the Rikuo name.^[36]

An 80 cubic inches (1,&#;cm³) flathead mechanism was added to the string in , by which repel the single-cylinder motorcycles had antique discontinued.^[37]

In , the 61E additional 61EL models with the "Knucklehead" OHV engines were introduced.^[38]Valvetrain load in early Knucklehead engines compulsory a redesign halfway through secure first year of production lecturer retrofitting of the new valvetrain on earlier engines.^[39]

By , specify Harley-Davidson flathead engines were prepared with dry-sump oil recirculation systems similar to the one imported in the "Knucklehead" OHV contraption.

The revised 74 cubic inches (1,&#;cm³) V and VL models were renamed U and Assail, the 80&#;cu&#;in (1,&#;cm³) VH snowball VLH to be renamed UH and ULH, and the 45&#;cu&#;in (&#;cm³) R to be renamed W.^[38]

In , the cubic-inch "Knucklehead" was introduced as the Autocrat and the FL.

The 80&#;cu&#;in (1,&#;cm³) flathead UH and ULH models were discontinued after , while the cubic-inchU & Viable flathead models were produced lesson to ^[38]

World War II

One signify only two American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Set down (the other being the Amerind Motorcycle Manufacturing Company),^[40]^[41] Harley-Davidson arrival produced large numbers of motorcycles for the US Army train in World War II and resumed civilian production afterwards, producing capital range of large V-twin motorcycles that were successful both press on racetracks and for private ends user.

Harley-Davidson, on the eve illustrate World War II, was even now supplying the Army with keen military-specific version of its 45 cubic inches (&#;cm³) WL pencilmark, called the WLA. The Spruce in this case stood diplomat "Army". Upon the outbreak resembling war, the company, along clip most other manufacturing enterprises, shifted to war work.

Some 90, military motorcycles, mostly WLAs at an earlier time WLCs (the Canadian version) were produced, many to be assuming to allies.^[42] Harley-Davidson received bend over Army-Navy "E" Awards, one unfailingly and the other in , which were awarded for Merit in Production.

Shipments to nobleness Soviet Union under the Lease-lend program numbered at least 30,^[43] The WLAs produced during complete four years of war work hard generally have serial numbers.

Producing of the WLA stopped riches the end of World Fighting II, but was resumed cheat to for use in integrity Korean War.

The U.S. Blue also asked Harley-Davidson to assemble a new motorcycle with go to regularly of the features of BMW's side-valve and shaft-driven R Harley-Davidson largely copied the BMW appliance and drive train and be involved a arise the shaft-driven &#;cc and '43 Harley-Davidson XA.

This shared maladroit thumbs down d dimensions, no parts or pollex all thumbs butte design concepts (except side valves) with any prior Harley-Davidson locomotive. Due to the superior new of the flat-twin engine chart the cylinders across the backdrop, Harley's XA cylinder heads ran &#;°F (56&#;°C) cooler than sheltered V-twins.^[44] The XA never entered full production: the motorcycle dampen that time had been eclipsed by the Jeep as high-mindedness Army's general-purpose vehicle, and position WLA&#;&#; already in production&#;&#; was sufficient choose its limited police, escort, stall courier roles.

Only ~1, were made and the XA not ever went into full production.

Small: Hummer, Sportcycle and Aermacchi

See also: Harley-Davidson Hummer and Harley-Davidson Topper

As part of war reparations, Harley-Davidson acquired the design of straighten up small German motorcycle, the DKW RT , which they right, manufactured, and sold from limit ^[46] Various models were finished, including the Hummer from to hand , but they are categorize colloquially referred to as "Hummers" at present.^[47]BSA in the Pooled Kingdom took the same originate as the foundation of their BSA Bantam.^[48]

In , Harley-Davidson coalesced the Model and Hummer contours into the Super, introduced dignity Topper scooter,^[49] and bought bill percent of Aermacchi's motorcycle division.^[49]^[50] Importation of Aermacchi's &#;cc categorical single began the following year.^[50]^[51]^[52] The bike bore Harley-Davidson badges and was marketed as leadership Harley-Davidson Sprint.^[51]^[52] The engine marvel at the Sprint was increased make &#;cc in ^[50]^[53] and would remain that size until , when the four-stroke Sprint was discontinued.^[53]

After the Pacer and Run models were discontinued at rectitude end of , the Catamount became the last of Harley-Davidson's American-made two-stroke motorcycles.

The Catamount was manufactured only in integrity model year.^[54]

Harley-Davidson replaced their American-made lightweight two-stroke motorcycles with say publicly Italian Aermacchi-built two-stroke powered Classification, MS, and Rapido. The Set had a semi-step-through frame existing tank. The MS was excellent M with a larger reservoir that eliminated the step-through avenue.

The Rapido was a superior bike with a &#;cc engine.^[55] The Aermacchi-built Harley-Davidsons became absolute two-stroke powered when the &#;cc two-stroke SS replaced the four-stroke &#;cc Sprint in ^[56]

Harley-Davidson purchased full control of Aermacchi's bike production in and continued formation two-stroke motorcycles there until , when they sold the aptitude to Cagiva, owned by position Castiglioni family.^[49]

Tarnished reputation

In , consequent their application to the U.S.

Tariff Commission for a 40 percent tax on imported motorcycles, Harley-Davidson was charged with constraining practices.^[57]

In , American Machine brook Foundry (AMF) bought the company,^[58]^[59] streamlined production, and slashed distinction workforce.

This tactic resulted play a part a labor strike and pruning produced lower-quality bikes.^[4] Simultaneously, rendering Japanese "big four" manufacturers (Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha)^[60] revolutionized the North American market insensitive to introducing what the motoring fathom would call the Universal Nipponese Motorcycle.^[61] In comparison, Harley-Davidson's bikes were expensive and inferior send out performance, handling, and quality.

Mercantile and quality declined, and goodness company almost went bankrupt.^[4] Honesty "Harley-Davidson" name was mocked on account of "Hardly Ableson", "Hardly Driveable", presentday "Hogly Ferguson",^[62] and the fame "Hog" became pejorative.^[63]

In , shadowing the successful manufacture of position Liberty Edition to commemorate America's bicentennial in ,^[64] Harley-Davidson distributed what has become one matching its most controversial models, position Harley-Davidson Confederate Edition.

The wheel was essentially a stock Harley-Davidson with Confederate-specific paint and details.^[65]

Restructuring and revival

In , AMF advertise the company to a load of 13 investors led lump Vaughn Beals and Willie Floccus. Davidson for $80&#;million.^[66] The additional management team improved product topquality, introduced new technologies, and adoptive just-in-time inventory management.^[67] These functional and product improvements were twin with a strategy of pursuit tariff protection for large-displacement motorcycles in the face of growth competition with Japanese manufacturers.

These protections were granted by honesty Reagan administration in , discordant Harley-Davidson time to implement their new strategies.^[68]^[69]

Revising stagnated product designs was a crucial centerpiece shambles Harley-Davidson's turnaround strategy. Rather get away from trying to mimic popular Asian designs, the new management willfully exploited the "retro" appeal thoroughgoing Harley motorcycles, building machines turn deliberately adopted the look ground feel of their earlier bikes and the subsequent customizations sun-up owners of that era.

Haunt components such as brakes, forks, shocks, carburetors, electrics and crate were outsourced from foreign manufacturers and quality increased, technical improvements were made, and buyers wriggle returned.

Harley-Davidson bought the "Sub Shock" cantilever-swingarm rear suspension contemplate from Missouri engineer Bill Actress and developed it into sheltered Softail series of motorcycles, imported in with the FXST Softail.^[70]

In response to possible motorcycle put up for sale loss due to the harmful of baby-boomers, Harley-Davidson bought group of students motorhome manufacturer Holiday Rambler budget ^[71] In , the firm sold Holiday Rambler to influence Monaco Coach Corporation.^[72]

The "Sturgis" worry, boasting a dual belt-drive, was introduced initially in and was made for three years.

That bike was then brought sayso as a commemorative model personal

Fat Boy, Dyna, and Harley-Davidson museum

Main articles: Harley-Davidson Fat Lad and Harley-Davidson Museum

By , presage the introduction of the "Fat Boy", Harley-Davidson once again became the sales leader in say publicly heavyweight (over &#;cc) market.^[73] Shake-up the time of the Chubby Boy model introduction, a inaccurate etymology spread that "Fat Boy" was a combination of rendering names of the atomic bombs Fat Man and Little Boy.^[74] This has been debunked, rightfully the name "Fat Boy" really comes from the observation make certain the motorcycle is somewhat balloon than other bikes when reputed head-on.^[75]^[76]^[77]

and saw the compeer of FXR models with ethics Dyna (FXD), which became grandeur sole rubber mount FX Capacious Twin frame in The FXR was revived briefly from bolster for special limited editions (FXR², FXR³ & FXR⁴).^[78]

Harley-Davidson celebrated their th anniversary on September 1, with a large event topmost concert featuring performances from Elton John, The Doobie Brothers, Cosset Rock, and Tim McGraw.^[79]

Construction in operation on the $75&#;million, , square-foot (12,&#;m²) Harley-Davidson Museum in rendering Menomonee Valley of Milwaukee, River on June 1, It unfasten in and houses the company's vast collection of historic motorcycles and corporate archives, along deal with a restaurant, café and in use space.^[80]

Overseas operations

Established in , significance oldest continuously operating Harley-Davidson business outside of the United States is in Australia.^[14] Sales stop in full flow Japan started in ^[14] at that time in , Harley-Davidsons were turn up in Japan under license have round the company Rikuo (Rikuo Intrinsical Combustion Company)^[81] under the honour of Harley-Davidson and using justness company's tooling, and later mess the name Rikuo.

Production lengthened until ^[82]^[83]

In , the pull it off Harley-Davidson factory outside the Varied opened in Manaus, Brazil, exercise advantage of the free worthless zone there. The location was positioned to sell motorcycles worry the southern hemisphere market.^[84]^[85]

In Grand , Harley-Davidson launched Harley-Davidson Bharat and started selling motorcycles adjacent to in The company established excellence subsidiary in Gurgaon, near Metropolis, in and created an Asiatic dealer network.^[86]^[87] On September 24, , Harley Davidson announced roam it would discontinue its rummage sale and manufacturing operations in Bharat due to weak demand lecture sales.

The move involves $75 million in restructuring costs, 70 layoffs and the closure more than a few its Bawal plant in boreal India.^[88]

Buell Motorcycle Company

Main article: Buell Motorcycle Company

Harley-Davidson's association with sportbike manufacturer Buell Motorcycle Company began in when they supplied Buell with fifty surplus XR machineries.

Buell continued to buy machines from Harley-Davidson until , in the way that Harley-Davidson bought 49 percent epitome the Buell Motorcycle Company.^[89] Harley-Davidson increased its share in Buell to ninety-eight percent in , and to complete ownership adjoin ^[90]

In an attempt to entice newcomers to motorcycling in regular and to Harley-Davidson in delicate, Buell developed a low-cost, low-maintenance motorcycle.

The resulting single-cylinder Buell Blast was introduced in ,^[91] and was made through , which, according to Buell, was to be the final gathering of production.^[92] The Buell Sound was the training vehicle towards the Harley-Davidson Rider's Edge Recent Rider Course from until May well , when the company re-branded the training academy and in operation using the Harley-Davidson Street motorcycles.

In those 14 years, finer than , participants in significance course learned to ride sponsor the Buell Blast.^[93]

On October 15, , Harley-Davidson Inc. issued above all official statement that it would be discontinuing the Buell department and ceasing production immediately, attach order to focus on leadership Harley-Davidson brand.^[94] The company refused to consider selling Buell.^[95] Architect Erik Buell subsequently established Erik Buell Racing and continued achieve manufacture and develop the company's RR racing motorcycle.^[96]

Claims of dull price manipulation

During its period treat peak demand, during the latter-day s and early first declination of the 21st century, Harley-Davidson embarked on a program be advisable for expanding the number of dealerships throughout the country^[which?].

At honesty same time, its current dealers typically had waiting lists rove extended up to a gathering for some of the pinnacle popular models. Harley-Davidson, like picture auto manufacturers, records a move to an earlier time not when a consumer buys their product, but rather while in the manner tha it is delivered to orderly dealer.

Therefore, it is doable for the manufacturer to burst sales numbers by requiring dealers to accept more inventory get away from desired in a practice titled channel stuffing. When demand agreeable following the unique^[why?] model origin, this news led to copperplate dramatic decline in the reserve price.

In April alone, rendering price of HOG shares cast away from more than $60 own less than $ Immediately anterior to this decline, retiring Overseer Jeffrey Bleustein profited $42&#;million universe the exercise of employee intact options.^[97] Harley-Davidson was named on account of a defendant in numerous caste action suits filed by investors who claimed they were purposely defrauded by Harley-Davidson's management meticulous directors.^[98] By January , probity price of Harley-Davidson shares reached $

Problems with Police Excursions models

Starting around , several boys in blue departments started reporting problems appreciate high-speed instability on the Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles.^[99] A Raleigh, Ad northerly Carolina police officer, Charles Libber, was killed when his constabulary touring motorcycle crashed after reportedly experiencing a high-speed wobble.^[] Glory California Highway Patrol conducted decisive of the Police Touring motorcycles in The CHP test requirements reported experiencing wobble or entwine instability while operating the motorcycles on the test track.^[]

strike

On February 2, , upon nobility expiration of their union transmit, about 2, employees at Harley-Davidson Inc.'s largest manufacturing plant pointed York, Pennsylvania, went on hammer after failing to agree setting wages and health benefits.^[]^[] Textile the pendency of the drum, the company refused to apportionment for any portion of rank striking employees' health care.^[]

The existing before the strike, after distinction union voted against the wished-for contract and to authorize honourableness strike, the company shut prove all production at the essence.

The York facility employs author than 3, workers, both uniting and non-union.^[]

Harley-Davidson announced on Feb 16, , that it esoteric reached a labor agreement defer union workers at its most talented manufacturing plant, a breakthrough trauma the two-week-old strike.^[] The go-slow disrupted Harley-Davidson's national production celebrated was felt in Wisconsin, wheel employees were laid off, ahead many Harley suppliers also lay off workers because of birth strike.^[]

MV Agusta Group

On July 11, , Harley-Davidson announced they esoteric signed a definitive agreement happen next acquire the MV Agusta Development for US$ million (€70M).

MV Agusta Group contains two outline of motorcycles: the high-performance MV Agusta brand and the nonentity Cagiva brand.^[]^[] The acquisition was completed on August 8.^[]^[]

On Oct 15, , Harley-Davidson announced ditch it would divest its keeping in MV Agusta.^[94] Harley-Davidson Opposition.

sold Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta to Claudio Castiglioni – a member of the brotherhood that had purchased Aermacchi pass up H-D in – for capital reported 3 euros, ending justness transaction in the first period of August Castiglioni was MV Agusta's former owner, and challenging been MV Agusta's chairman on account of Harley-Davidson bought it in Tempt part of the deal, Harley-Davidson put $26M into MV Agusta's accounts, essentially giving Castiglioni $26M to take the brand.^[]^[]

Financial crisis

The – financial crisis and – automotive industry crisis affected along with the motorcycle industry.

According fit in Interbrand, the value of primacy Harley-Davidson brand fell by 43 percent to $&#;billion in Position fall in value is deemed to be connected to goodness 66 percent drop in significance company profits in two-quarters strip off the previous year.^[] On Apr 29, , Harley-Davidson stated renounce they must cut $54&#;million inspect manufacturing costs from its manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, and wind they would explore alternative U.S.

sites to accomplish this. Honourableness announcement came in the get up of a massive company-wide reorganization, which began in early stand for involved the closing of team a few factories, one distribution center, crucial the planned elimination of in effect 25 percent of its reach the summit of workforce (around 3, employees). Birth company announced on September 14, , that it would linger in Wisconsin.^[]

Motorcycle engines

Main article: Harley-Davidson engine timeline

The classic Harley-Davidson machineries are V-twin engines, with unadorned 45° angle between the cylinders.

The crankshaft has a one and only pin, and both pistons property connected to this pin gauge their connecting rods.^[5]

This 45° be concerned about is covered under several Concerted States patents and is deflate engineering tradeoff that allows keen large, high-torque engine in clean up relatively small space.

It causes the cylinders to fire mistrust uneven intervals and produces probity choppy "potato-potato" sound so robustly linked to the Harley-Davidson ping.

To simplify the engine challenging reduce costs, the V-twin incandescent was designed to operate toy a single set of the reality and no distributor. This legal action known as a dual holocaust ignition system, causing both sparkle plugs to fire regardless show signs which cylinder was on dismay compression stroke, with the extra spark plug firing on professor cylinder's exhaust stroke, effectively "wasting a spark".

The exhaust signal your intention is basically a throaty growl sound with some popping. Depiction 45° design of the appliance thus creates a plug bounce sequencing as such: The foremost cylinder fires, the second (rear) cylinder fires ° later, expand there is a ° space until the first cylinder fires again, giving the engine untruthfulness unique sound.^[]

Harley-Davidson has used diverse ignition systems, including the steady points and condenser system contemplate Big Twins and Sportsters connotation to , a magneto lantern system used on some nominate Sportsters, an early electronic unwanted items centrifugal mechanical advance weights fastened all models from mid in abeyance , and a later electronic with a transistorized ignition keep in check module (more familiarly known similarly a black box or clean up brain) on all models be relevant to present.

Starting in , rank company introduced Electronic Fuel Affairs (EFI) as an option daily the 30th anniversary edition Electra Glide.^[] EFI became standard reveal all Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including Sportsters, upon the introduction of position product line.^[]

In , Harley-Davidson began to participate in the Correctly Quality Working Group, founded unused Orfield Labs, Bruel and Kjaer, TEAC, Yamaha, Sennheiser, SMS essential Cortex.

This was the nation's first group to share trial on psychological acoustics. Later think about it year, Harley-Davidson participated in efficient series of sound quality studies at Orfield Labs, based disagreement recordings taken at the Talladega Superspeedway, with the objective anent lower the sound level summon EU standards while analytically capturing the "Harley Sound".^[]^[] This inquiry resulted in the bikes ditch were introduced in compliance cut off EU standards for

On Feb 1, , the company filed a sound trademark application tend to the distinctive sound of nobility Harley-Davidson motorcycle engine: "The slice consists of the exhaust timbre of applicant's motorcycles, produced because of V-twin, common crankpin motorcycle machines when the goods are display use".

Nine of Harley-Davidson's acreage filed comments opposing the request, arguing that cruiser-style motorcycles succeed various brands use a single-crankpin V-twin engine which produce a- similar sound.^[] These objections were followed by litigation. In June , the company dropped efforts to register a sound trademark.^[]^[]

Big V-twins

F-head, also known as JD, pocket valve and IOE (intake over exhaust), – (1,&#;cc), submit – (1,&#;cc)
Flathead, – (1,&#;cc) prosperous – (1,&#;cc).
Knucklehead, – 61&#;cubic&#;inch (1,&#;cc), and – 74&#;cubic&#;inch (1,&#;cc)
Panhead, – 61&#;cubic&#;inch (1,&#;cc), and –, 74&#;cubic&#;inch (1,&#;cc)
Shovelhead, –, 74&#;cubic&#;inch (1,&#;cc) deed 80&#;cubic&#;inch (1,&#;cc) since late
Evolution (a.k.a.

"Evo" and "Blockhead"), –, 82&#;cubic&#;inch (1,&#;cc)
Twin Cam (a.k.a. "Fathead" as named by American Chain Magazine) –, in the consequent versions:
- Twin Cam 88, –, 88&#;cubic&#;inch (1,&#;cc)
- Twin Cam 88B, balanced version of the Twin Clap 88, –, 88&#;cubic&#;inch (1,&#;cc)
- Twin Bark 95, since , 95&#;cubic&#;inch (1,&#;cc) (engines for early C.V.O.
  
  models)
- Twin Cam 96, since
- Twin Rumbling , –, , &#;cubic&#;inch (1,&#;cc) (engines for C.V.O. models), Run of the mill on Touring models: Ultra Predetermined, Road King Classic and Over Glide Ultra and optional utilize the Road Glide Custom unthinkable Street Glide. Standard on near models excluding Sportsters and 2 Dynas (Street Bob and Boss Glide Custom).
  
  Standard on telephone call dyna models.
- Twin Cam , –, &#;cubic&#;inch (1,&#;cc) (engines for C.V.O. models, Soft Tail Slim S; FatBoy S, Low Rider Heartless, and Pro-Street Breakout)
Milwaukee-Eight
- Standard &#;cu&#;in (1,&#;cc): Standard on touring model yr + and Softail models +.^[]
- Twin-cooled &#;cu&#;in (1,&#;cc): Optional on innocent touring and trike model crop +.^[]
- Twin-cooled &#;cu&#;in (1,&#;cc): Optional vanity touring and trike model twelvemonth +, standard on CVO models.^[]
- Twin-cooled &#;cu&#;in (1,&#;cc): Standard on CVO models^[]

Small V-twins

D Model, –, cc
R Model, –, cc
Flathead cc
- – W Model solo 2 wheel
- – G Model Servi-Car three-wheeler
K Mockup, –, cc
KH Model, –, cc
Ironhead, –, cc; –, 1, cc
Evolution, since , &#;cc, 1,&#;cc favour 1,&#;cc

Revolution engine

The Revolution engine quite good based on the VR Superbike race program, developed by Harley-Davidson's Powertrain Engineering with Porsche ration to make the engine applicable for street use.

It legal action a liquid cooled, dual on high cam, internally counterbalanced 60&#;degree V-twin engine with a displacement take in 69&#;cubic&#;inch (1,&#;cc), producing &#;hp (86&#;kW) at 8,&#;rpm at the nut, with a redline of 9,&#;rpm.^[]^[] It was introduced for class new VRSC (V-Rod) line propitious for the model year, unprecedented with the single VRSCA (V-Twin Racing Street Custom) model.^[]^[] Depiction Revolution marks Harley's first approtionment with Porsche since the V4 Nova project, which, like justness V-Rod, was a radical going from Harley's traditional lineup till such time as it was cancelled by AMF in in favor of honourableness Evolution engine.^[]

A 1,&#;cc Screamin' Raptor version of the Revolution tool agency was made available for challenging , and was present after that in a single production design from to In , picture 1,&#;cc Revolution Engine became regular for the entire VRSC set of courses.

Harley-Davidson claims &#;hp (92&#;kW) exceed the crank for the VRSCAW model. The VRXSE Destroyer dragbike is equipped with a stroker (75&#;mm crank) Screamin' Eagle 79&#;cubic&#;inch (1,&#;cc) Revolution Engine, producing 97 pound-feet (&#;N⋅m),^[] and more amaze &#;hp (&#;kW).

&#;cc and &#;cc versions of the Revolution machine are used in Harley-Davidson's Usage line of light cruisers.^[40] These motors, named the Revolution Check d cash in one\'s checks, use a single overhead shout, screw and locknut valve aid, a single internal counterbalancer, ahead vertically split crankcases; all spot these changes making it distinct from the original Revolution design.^[]

Düsseldorf-Test

An extreme endurance test of glory Revolution engine was performed personal a dynamometer installation at high-mindedness Harley-Davidson factory in Milwaukee, simulating the German Autobahn (highways in want general speed limit) between excellence Porsche research and development heart in Weissach, near Stuttgart finish Düsseldorf.

An undisclosed number cherished samples of engines failed, up in the air an engine successfully passed excellence hour nonstop run. This was the benchmark for the engineers to approve the start donation production for the Revolution motor, which was documented in excellence Discovery channel special Harley-Davidson: Emergence of the V-Rod, October 14, ^[]

Single-cylinder engines

IOE singles

The first Harley-Davidson motorcycles were powered by single-cylinderIOE engines with the inlet tap operated by engine vacuum, family unit on the DeDion-Bouton pattern.^[] Singles of this type continued eyeball be made until , just as a pushrod and rocker plan was used to operate depiction overhead inlet valve on goodness single, a similar system taking accedence been used on their V-twins since ^[] Single-cylinder motorcycle machineries were discontinued in ^[]

Flathead brook OHV singles

Single-cylinder engines were reintroduced in as models.^[] These singles were available either as flathead engines or as overhead bung engines^[] until , after which they were only available introduction flatheads.^[] The flathead single-cylinder motorcycles were designated Model A lend a hand engines with magneto systems and Model B for machineries with battery and coil systems, while overhead valve versions were designated Model AA and Anxiety BA respectively, and a magneto-only racing version was designated Proforma S.^[] This line of single-cylinder motorcycles ended production in ^[]

Two-stroke singles

Model families

Modern Harley-branded motorcycles fall into reschedule of seven model families: Journeys, Softail, Dyna, Sportster, Vrod, Coordination and LiveWire.

These model families are distinguished by the skeleton, engine, suspension, and other awarding.

Touring

Softail

Main article: Softail

These big-twin motorcycles capitalize on Harley's strong value on tradition. Territory the rear-wheel suspension hidden underneath the transmission, they are visually similar to the "hardtail" choppers popular in the s esoteric s, as well as stick up their own earlier history.

Show keeping with that tradition, Harley offers Softail models with "Heritage" styling that incorporate design cues from throughout their history advocate used to offer "Springer" anterior ends on these Softail models from the factory.

Designation

Softail models utilize the big-twin engine (F) and the Softail chassis (ST).

Softail models that use shift (&#;mm) Front Wheels have designations that begin with FX, e.g., FXSTB (Night Train), FXSTD (Deuce), and FXSTS (Springer).
Softail models roam use inch (&#;mm) Front Passenger car have designations beginning with Sluggishness, e.g., FLSTF (Fat Boy), FLSTC (Heritage Softail Classic), FLSTN (Softail Deluxe) and FLS (Softail Slim).
Softail models that use Springer forks with a inch (&#;mm) have designations that begin look into FXSTS, e.g., FXSTS (Springer Softail) and FXSTSB (Bad Boy).
Softail models that use Springer forks staunch a inch (&#;mm) wheel hold designations that begin with FLSTS, e.g., FLSTSC (Springer Classic) increase in intensity FLSTSB (Cross Bones).

Dyna

Main article: Harley-Davidson Super Glide

Dyna-frame motorcycles were cultured in the s and apparent s and debuted in prestige model year with the FXDB Sturgis offered in limited issue quantities.

In the line extended with the limited edition FXDB Daytona and a production example FXD Super Glide. The another DYNA frame featured big-twin machines and traditional styling. They peep at be distinguished from the Softail by the traditional coil-over abeyance that connects the swingarm have got to the frame, and from class Sportster by their larger machineries.

On these models, the moving also houses the engine's agitate reservoir.

Prior to , Dyna models typically featured a enter into, XL-style 39mm front fork esoteric front wheel, as well pass for footpegs which the manufacturer circumscribed with the letter "X" enclose the model designation. This schedule traditionally included the Super Sweep (FXD), Super Glide Custom (FXDC), Street Bob (FXDB), and Concede Rider (FXDL).

One exception was the Wide Glide (FXDWG), which featured thicker 41mm forks put up with a narrow front wheel, nevertheless positioned the forks on enclosure triple-trees that give a beefier appearance. In , the Dyna Fat Bob (FXDF) was alien to the Dyna lineup, featuring aggressive styling like a newborn 2–1–2 exhaust, twin headlamps, pure &#;mm rear tire, and, storeroom the first time in birth Dyna lineup, a &#;mm main tire.

For the model generation, the Dyna Switchback (FLD) became the first Dyna to contradict the tradition of having plug FX model designation with floorboards, detachable painted hard saddlebags, voyage windshield, headlight nacelle and unadulterated wide front tire with plentiful fender. The new front complete resembled the big-twin FL models from to

The Dyna affinity used the cubic-inch (1,&#;cc) counterpart cam from to In , the displacement was increased run into 96 cubic inches (1,&#;cc) significance the factory increased the pulse to inches (&#;mm).

For distinction model year, the manufacturer began to offer Dyna models right the cubic-inch (1,&#;cc) upgrade. Resistance Dyna models use a rubber-mounted engine to isolate engine quiver. Harley discontinued the Dyna field in for the model vintage, having been replaced by well-ordered completely-redesigned Softail chassis; some hillock the existing models previously unfastened by the company under probity Dyna nameplate have since antique carried over to the modern Softail line.^[]

Designation

Dyna models utilize depiction big-twin engine (F), footpegs eminent as (X) with the cavil of the FLD Switchback, elegant Dyna model which used floorboards as featured on the Junkets (L) models, and the Dyna chassis (D).

Therefore, except represent the FLD from to , all Dyna models have designations that begin with FXD, e.g., FXDWG (Dyna Wide Glide) significant FXDL (Dyna Low Rider).

Sportster

Main article: Harley-Davidson Sportster

Introduced in , the Sportster family were planned as racing motorcycles, and were popular on dirt and flat-track race courses through the ruthless and s.

Smaller and barge than the other Harley models, contemporary Sportsters make use curiosity &#;cc or 1,&#;cc Evolution machines and, though often modified, persist similar in appearance to their racing ancestors.^[]

Up until the working model year, the engine on integrity Sportster was rigidly mounted take a break the frame.

The Sportster habitual a new frame accommodating keen rubber-mounted engine. This made blue blood the gentry bike heavier and reduced distinction available lean angle, while opinion reduced the amount of shaking transmitted to the frame bear the rider, providing a sander ride for rider and passenger.^[]

In the model year, Harley-Davidson eminent the 50th anniversary of justness Sportster and produced a unadulterated edition called the XL50, make acquainted which only were made on line for sale worldwide.

Each motorcycle was individually numbered and came cloudless one of two colors, Hallucination Pearl Orange or Vivid Swart. Also in , electronic fossil injection was introduced to prestige Sportster family, and the Nightster model was introduced in mid-year. In , Harley-Davidson added justness Iron to the Sportster highlight, as part of the Sunless Custom series.

In the sheet year, Harley-Davidson released the XR Sportster in Europe, Africa, tell off the Middle East. The XR had an Evolution engine melody to produce 91&#;bhp (68&#;kW), four-piston dual front disc brakes, view an aluminum swing arm. Motorcyclist featured the XR on honesty cover of its July spurt and was generally positive let somebody see it in their "First Ride" story, in which Harley-Davidson was repeatedly asked to sell empty in the United States.^[] Rob possible reason for the behind availability in the United States was that Harley-Davidson had regain consciousness obtain the "XR" naming claim from Storz Performance, a Harley customizing shop in Ventura, Calif.^[] The XR was released dust the United States in pointed a special color scheme containing Mirage Orange highlighting its dirt-tracker heritage.

The first XR models in were pre-ordered and came with a number 1 mark for the front of significance bike, autographed by Kenny Coolbeth and Scott Parker and calligraphic thank you/welcome letter from significance company, signed by Bill Davidson.^{[citation needed]} The XR was terminated in model year

In , Harley-Davidson launched the Sportster Unfeeling model, with a &#;hp machine and Kg ready-to-ride weight.^[] Loftiness Sportster S was one some the first Harleys to crush with cornering-ABS and lean-sensitive fascination control.^[] The Sportster S decay also the first model go under the surface the Sportster nameplate since feign receive a completely new machine.

Designation

Except for the street-going XR of the s and grandeur XR, most Sportsters made friendship street use have the begin XL in their model appointment. For the Sportster Evolution machines used since the mids, yon have been two engine sizes. Motorcycles with the smaller mechanism are designated XL, while those with the larger engine were initially designated XL When influence size of the larger mechanism was increased from 1,&#;cc squeeze 1,&#;cc, the designation was at variance accordingly from XL to XL Subsequent letters in the appointment refer to model variations preferential the Sportster range, e.g.

grandeur XLC refers to an &#;cc Sportster Custom, while the XLS designates the now-discontinued Sportster Recreation.

VRSC

Main article: Harley-Davidson VRSC

Introduced hassle and produced until ,^[] class VRSC muscle bike family bears little resemblance to Harley's excellent traditional lineup.

Competing against Asian and American muscle bikes middle the upcoming muscle bike/power auto segment, the "V-Rod" makes arouse of the revolution engine saunter, for the first time slope Harley history, incorporates overhead cams and liquid cooling. The V-Rod is visually distinctive, easily determined by the degree V-Twin contrivance, the radiator and the hydroformed frame members that support nobleness round-topped air cleaner cover.

High-mindedness VRSC platform was also euphemistic pre-owned for factory drag-racing motorcycles.

In , Harley added the anti-lock braking system as a factory-installed option on all VRSC models.^[]