Harley-Davidson

William S. Harley, co‑founder and chief engineer, died of natural causes on September 18, 1943, while on a round of golf in Milwaukee. His passing marked the end of an era for the company he helped build from a backyard shed to a globally recognized motorcycle icon.

On January 1, 1942, William Herbert Davidson, son of founder William A. Davidson, assumed the presidency of Harley‑Davidson (serving until 1971). His leadership steered the company through and beyond World War II, maintaining its role in military production and post‑war motorcycle culture.

In 1936 Harley‑Davidson introduced the EL “Knucklehead” engine—the company’s first overhead‑valve Big Twin design. This represented a significant technological leap, offering improved power and reliability. The Knucklehead would become legendary and influence Harley design for decades.

In 1925 Harley‑Davidson introduced the iconic “teardrop” gas tank, refining both aesthetics and fuel capacity. Then in 1928 it added a front brake (initially on J/JD models), improving rider safety and signaling an evolution in motorcycle design and usability.

By 1920 Harley‑Davidson produced 28,189 motorcycles and had dealers in 67 countries, becoming the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. This international presence demonstrated the company's rapid growth from a shed operation to a global industry leader.

By 1913, Harley‑Davidson had grown substantially and moved into a new five‑story brick factory spanning two blocks along Juneau Avenue and 38th Street in Milwaukee. This expansion enabled mass production and firmly established Harley‑Davidson as a major motorcycle manufacturer in the United States.

In 1909 Harley‑Davidson introduced its first V‑Twin motorcycle, featuring a 49.48 cubic‑inch (around 811 cc) engine. This powerful configuration greatly improved performance and became the cornerstone of Harley‑Davidson’s identity, with V‑Twin models dominating production thereafter.

In 1906, Harley‑Davidson built its first dedicated factory on Juneau Avenue in Milwaukee, evolving from the backyard shed. This facility, later expanded several times, laid the foundation for rapid industrial growth. It would eventually be recognized for its historical importance and be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

By 1905, the Harley‑Davidson “Model 1” entered early production. This standard class motorcycle featured a 440 cc (approximately 405 cc) single‑cylinder four‑stroke engine, delivering around 3 horsepower and reaching about 56 km/h. Only 38 copies were made, as the company remained small but steadily increasing its capabilities.

In 1903, William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson built their first motorcycles in a 10‑foot by 15‑foot wooden shed at the Davidson family home in Milwaukee. That modest effort marked the founding of Harley‑Davidson Motor Company, setting the stage for it to become one of America’s longest‑lasting and most iconic motorcycle manufacturers.

William Sylvester Harley was born on December 29, 1880, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He would later become the co‑founder and chief engineer of Harley‑Davidson Motor Company, leading early innovations including the first true motorcycle clutch and the “Big Twin” engine for the 1936 Knucklehead model. His engineering vision and leadership in design shaped the company’s growth until his death in 1943.