Harley-Davidson is more than a motorcycle brand. It’s a cultural icon, a symbol of grit and freedom that began humbly in a Milwaukee backyard in the early 1900s.
Over the last century, Harley-Davidson has grown from a small garage operation into one of the most recognizable motorcycle brands in the world. It’s outlasted wars, economic crises, and massive cultural shifts, all while staying true to its signature rumble.
Who was Harley and Who was Davidson?
It’s easy to assume Harley-Davidson was started by two men. In reality, there were four founding members: William Harley, Arthur Davidson, William Davidson, and Walter Davidson. Three of the four shared the same last name, but “Harley-Davidson-Davidson-Davidson” just didn’t have the same ring to it.
Weathering the Storm of the Great Depression
In the early 20th century, motorcycle manufacturers were everywhere. Then the Great Depression hit, wiping out nearly all of them. Only two survived: Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle. Harley-Davidson pulled through by adapting and introducing Art Deco styling, expanding power plants, and rolling out the Servi-Car, which became a staple of the era.
First to the Finish Line
Long before Harley-Davidson became a household name, the brand blazed a trail on the racetrack. In 1919, it became the first motorcycle manufacturer to officially sponsor a racing team. Riders like Otto Walker shattered speed records, pushing Harley-Davidson motorcycles past the 100-mph mark and fueling the company’s early momentum.
The One of Kind Growl
The throaty, syncopated rumble of a Harley isn’t an accident. It comes from the 45° angle of the V-twin cylinders, creating an uneven firing sequence that gives Harley-Davidson motorcycles their unmistakable sound. The company even attempted to trademark that growl in the 1990s, but the courts ultimately ruled it couldn’t be owned.
H.O.G. Has a Hog of Its Own
The nickname “Hog” goes way back to the 1920s. The Harley racing team adopted a piglet named Johnnie as their mascot, proudly parading him around after each win. Decades later, the Harley Owners Group, H.O.G., was born, carrying on the playful tradition that started on the racetrack.
Harley-Davidson’s empire started in a 10×15-foot wooden shed in 1903. By the following year, they’d already doubled production space and built a reputation that would eventually span the globe. Not bad for a backyard startup.
Riding Season Is Calling
There’s nothing like hitting the open road on a Harley. And for U.S. service members stationed overseas, Military AutoSource is proud to be the exclusive overseas provider of Harley-Davidson motorcycles to the U.S. Military and DoD.
Show Your Pride
Harley riders know what it means to stand for something bigger. Honor the U.S. Military and the Harley-Davidson legacy with exclusive tour-inspired apparel from HDMilitary.com.
About Harley-Davidson Military
Created to offer something more than a casual salute, Harley-Davidson Military gives service members and their families a unique way to honor both the grit of Harley riders and the proud tradition of military service.
Our exclusive designs pay tribute to overseas duty stations and the enduring bond between Harley-Davidson and the U.S. Armed Forces. Each piece is crafted to commemorate where you’ve been and the road ahead.
Harley-Davidson® Military is the officially licensed apparel division of Overseas Military Sales Corporation (OMSC), the parent company of Military AutoSource.
Exclusive. Authentic. Designed for those who serve.
