Going Back In Time With Harley Davidson Bikes
Never underestimate the power of youth, for William S. Harley was only 21, when in 1901, he created the blueprint for a motor on a bicycle frame and started what was to become the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Company. In fact, William did not graduate from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a degree in mechanical engineering for another six years. It seems he had to keep taking time out to solve issues with the motorcycle.
Just two years later, Harley along with his brother, and childhood friend, Arthur Davidson, started the company which sold its first motorcycle in 1903, to Henry Meyer, from a wooden shed measuring just 10 x 15-foot, which was owned by Henry Melk. The bike was a 3-1/8 inch bore and 3-1/2 inch stroke engine with a 4 inch flywheel, and was intended to be a racing bike.
A year later, in 1904, the first dealership was opened by C.H. Lang The company’s line at that time included three different motorcycles. In 1906, the company was so successful that it was forced to move to a new, larger location measuring 28 x 80 feet. This company still serves as the company’s headquarters today. In 1907, the young company went public selling stock to its employees, which number 18 at the time.