1901
Picture credits: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives
William S. Harley, aged 21, completes a blueprint for an engine designed to fit into a bicycle.
The journey of Harley-Davidson
By Shyam Krishna, Senior Associate Editor and Vijith Pulikkal, Assistant Product Manager
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Picture credits: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives
1903
Picture credits: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives
William Harley and the Davidson brothers (Arthur, Walter and William) build their first motorcycle in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States.
1909
Picture credits: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives
Harley-Davidson introduces its first V-twin engine.
1936
Picture credits: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives
Harley-Davidson's first overhead-valve engine, the Knucklehead, is debuted.
1941–1945
Picture credits: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives
Harley-Davidson manufactures more than 90,000 motorcycles for use by the US military and its allies during the Second World War.
1957
Picture credits: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives
The XL Sportster model is introduced.
1971
Picture credits: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives
The FX Super Glide model is introduced. It’s a precursor to models like the present-day Softail Deuce.
1981
Picture credits: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives
Thirteen members of Harley-Davidson's senior management team purchase the company from AMF in a leveraged buyout.
1984
Picture credits: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives
The Evolution V-twin engine is unveiled.
1998
Picture credits: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives
Harley-Davidson acquires Buell. More than 100,000 enthusiasts travel to Milwaukee to celebrate the company's 95th birthday.
2001
Picture credits: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives
The V-Rod, equipped with Harley-Davidson's first-ever liquid-cooled engine, is released.
2003
The Harley-Davidson Motor Company marks its 100th anniversary with a year-long, worldwide birthday celebration.
2007
Picture credits: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives
FXDB Dyna Street Bob: The design of the Street Bob was inspired by minimalist styling and is aimed at the solo rider.
2014
Picture credits: Harley-Davidson Motor Company
XG Street, a sporty displacement bike, was introduced to capture a younger market.
2019
Picture credits: Harley-Davidson Motor Company
The Livewire was the first electric vehicle designed by Harley-Davidson, with a battery that provides 146 miles of city range.
2021
Picture credits: Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Harley-Davidson releases its first all-terrain adventure-touring bike: Pan America 1250