Timeline Of Harley-Davidson History

100 years of the Motor Company

1903: William Harley and the Davidson brothers build their first motorcycle

in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photo: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives

1909: Harley-Davidson introduces its first V-twin engine.

Photo: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives

1936: Harley-Davidson's first overhead-valve engine, the Knucklehead

Photo: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives Debuted this year. H-D is one of only two American motorcycle makers to survive the depression (Indian is the other).

1941–45: Harley-Davidson manufactures more than 90,000 motorcycles

For use by the U.S. Photo: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives

1957: The XL Sportster model is introduced.

Photo: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives 1965: Harley-Davidson's first public stock offering.

1971: The Introduction of the FX Super Glide model

▶ Te Motor Company's first "factory custom" and precursor to models like the present-day Softail Deuce. The FX Super Glide was the company’s first “factory custom.

1981: Thirteen members of Harley-Davidson's senior management team

purchase the company from AMF in a leveraged buyout. Photo: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives

1984: Introduction of the Evolution V-twin engine

Also the debut of the first Softail model. Photo: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives 1986: Harley-Davidson returns to public ownership, with stock trading at $11 per share at its IPO.

1998: Harley-Davidson acquires Buell

More than 100,000 enthusiasts travel to Milwaukee to celebrate the Company's 95th birthday. Photo: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives

2001: The V-Rod,

Equipped with Harley-Davidson's first-ever liquid-cooled engine, is released. Photo: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives 2003: The Motor Company celebrates its 100th anniversary with a year-long, worldwide birthday celebration.