To trace the history of the motorcycle is to trace the history of Harley-Davidson.

The story begins in Milwaukee in 1901. By day, Bill Harley worked as a draftsman. His friend, Arthur Davidson, was a pattern-maker. They spent their evenings experimenting in a basement workshop with a rudimentary Dedion gasoline engine. Their idea was to take the work out of bicycling. As their hobby progressed, they called upon two other Davidson brothers, Walter, a railroad machinist, and William, an experienced toolmaker. Together they began devoting all their free time to the project.

Problems that seem inconsequential today were major obstacles then. There were no filling stations. Gasoline had to be bought by the pint from drug stores. Since no component parts were available, ingenuity and mechanical skill were prime requisites.

By 1903 the first Harley-Davidson "factory" was in operation. In that tiny structure, the first model year was completed with 3 motorcycles being produced. Harley was off and running. By 1907, production was up to 150 motorcycles and just 10 years later to 18,000.

As long as there are motorcycles, there will always be Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. The world now recognizes Harley-Davidson as the premier name in motorcycling.

Matchbox model motorcycles are intricately detailed and realistically designed to replicate what fans see on the street and are an integral part of a pop culture.

Each 1:12 scale Matchbox collectable includes manufacturer-specific details.