Did You Know?

When you are off riding on the beautiful machine you refer to as “your baby”; have you ever wondered just how it came to be? Who had the brilliant idea to manufacture such product that would ultimately bring massive happiness to you and millions of other riders in this country?

The first motorcycle was manufactured in 1867 by Howard Roper. It had a steam engine powered by coal. Shortly thereafter, Gottlieb Daimler produced the first gas engine motorcycle in 1885. Over the next decade the desire by many inventors to develop a motorized bicycle diminished. Most inventors went on to produce other items and many moved into the world of traditional automobiles. But not William Harley and his partners Arthur and Walter Davidson.

That is right, during the next eighteen years, the trio worked to perfect the first working model of what has become a world recognized brand today. In 1903 they launched the Harley-Davidson Motor Company and embarked on manufacturing the very first motorcycle. The goal of the company was to produce a bike with a quality engine that would win races but also a bike that was ideal for transportation. The first Harley-Davidson motorcycle was sold by C.H. Lange shortly after the company launched.