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CardboardHarley-270
Bronze medal from the Paris Mint (cornucopia hallmark from 1880).
Medal struck in 1970.
Some minimal traces of handling.
Engraver : C Gondard .
Dimension : 80mm.
Weight : 246 g.
Metal : bronze.
Hallmark on the edge (mark on the edge) : cornucopia + bronze.
Quick and neat delivery .The support is not for sale.
The stand is not for sale.
The engine is a 45° V-twin. Pushers actuate the overhead valves, two in number per cylinder. It is the third type of V-twin engine used by Harley-Davidson, replacing the 1936 Flathead VL model, the brand's top of the range. The engine was manufactured until 1947 and was replaced by the Panhead model in 1948. The Knucklehead models were initially called "OHV" by enthusiasts of the time and in official Harley literature. The nickname originated from the chopper culture in California in the late 1960s.
As the design of Harley-Davidson engines has evolved through the years, the particular shape of the valve covers has allowed Harley-Davidson enthusiasts to recognize an engine simply by looking at the shape of these covers. The valve head of the Knucklehead engine has contours resembling fingers (knuckles) on a fist which gives it its name.
The Harley-Davidson FL is a Harley-Davidson motorcycle model whose designation dates back to 1941. The FL prefix is primarily used for large-frame Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including the Touring and Softail series. This particularly refers to motorcycles with traditional styling with a sixteen-inch front wheel and large diameter Springer or telescopic forks.
Early Early FL models
The FL introduced to the Harley-Davidson lineup in 1941 used a 74 ci (1,210 cc) version of the 61 ci (1,000 cc) OHV Knucklehead engine from the EL models. It also shares its frame with the EL/U and UL models which use the 74 ci (1,212 cc) Flathead engine. The FL replaces the UH and ULH, which use the same frame with an 80 ci (1,300 cc) flathead engine1.
The FL was relatively unchanged until 1948, when both this model and the EL received redesigned Panhead engines with the same displacement as before. These engines see several improvements over previous Knuckleheads, including self-adjusting hydraulic lifters and aluminum cylinder heads to reduce weight and improve cooling2. The flathead twin engines of the U and UL models were discontinued in 1948, keeping only the EL and FL OHV models as Harley-Davidson3 wide-frame motorcycles.
Hydra-Glide
FL Hydra-Glide 1949.
In 1949, a year after receiving the Panhead engine, the FL was equipped with a new front suspension with telescopic forks and hydraulic damping, replacing the springer fork with springs4,5. In 1949, these telescopic forks became standard on all large twin models, including the E, EL, F and FL series. Harley-Davidson continues to offer spring suspensions for these models and recommends their use for sidecars, because hydraulic forks do not have enough travel to allow the assembly to be stable and ensure safe operation.
In 1949, for the first year of marketing, Harley-Davidson designated this new suspension system hydraulic front ends (“hydraulic front forks”). In 1950, Harley-Davidson's marketing department promoted this new suspension by renaming the big twins "Hydra Glide". For Harley-Davidson, this is the origin of the use of alphabetical lettering to identify its models4. This name changes twice in the history of the base wide-frame E and F series models, each time signaling an improvement in moto2 technology. Additionally, the Glide suffix is used on other models, based on the FL and FX series.
In 1952, the manual gearbox and foot clutch system of the Hydra-Glide transmission was supplemented as an option with a foot shift and hand clutch. The original system continued to be offered as an option until 19782. 1952 was also the last year of the 61 ci (1,000 cc) engine in the EL, making the FL model the last wide-frame model6.
Although 1903 is now considered the founding year of the brand and serves as the basis for anniversary models, Harley-Davidson's 50th anniversary was celebrated in 1954 with special paintwork and badges on the front mudguard because the first year of mass production is actually 1904.
A more powerful engine with high compression cylinder heads, cams with higher profiles and polished intake tracts is offered with the 19557 FLH version. The FLH designation has continued to the present.
Duo-Glide
FLH Duo-Glide 1961.
In 1958, the FL model received a new frame with a rear swingarm suspended by a pair of coil springs. In honor of this fully suspended frame, the FL model name is changed from Hydra-Glide to Duo-Glide8.
Unlike the OHV configuration with its aluminum cylinder heads and telescopic front suspension, this technical improvement was first applied to small frame motorcycles, the K series having received a rear suspension from 19529.
Electra Glide
Electra Glide Ultra Classic. Based on the Tour Glide frame, but with a batwing fairing mounted on an Electra Glide fork.
The third and final change to the name of the base model FL occurred in 1965, the last year of Panhead engine production. These latest “Panheads” are the first Harley-Davidson big-twin engines to be equipped with electric starters. Please note, however, that the Servi-Car received this equipment the previous year. This innovation for Harley-Davidson is greeted with the new model name of Electra Glide2.
In 1966, the Panhead gave way to the Shovelhead engine, thus gaining a power increase of around 10%10.
In 1969, a fork-mounted fairing was available on Electra Glides. This accessory became informally known as the batwing11 fairing. Although this fairing was an easily removable option on the first Electra Glides, it is no longer so on the following machines: the instruments are moved from the fuel tank into the fairing.
Electra Glide.
In 1971, the FL frame served as the basis for the FX Super Glide. The FX combines a FL frame with the XL Sportster fork and buckhorn handlebars. A large fiberglass fairing completes the Super Glide12 specification.
In 1972, the FL received a front disc brake13.
In 1977, the three-speed plus reverse gearbox option was abandoned14.
In 1977 a Confederate Edition version of the FLH Electra Glide was produced featuring commemorative paint and tank and fender decorations. Unit production is so low — only 44 examples — that it makes it one of the firm's rarest motorcycles15.
In 1978, an 80 ci (1,300 cc) engine option was available for the Electra Glide. The FL designation was, however, not changed accordingly14. In 1981, the 80 ci engine was the standard engine and the 74 ci engine was discontinued16.
In 1979, the low compression FL engine was dropped, as was the option for manual gearbox controls and foot clutch2,14.
Tour Glide
In 1979, the FLT Tour Glide was introduced as a 1980 model. Sold alongside the existing FLH Electra Glide, the FLT has a larger frame with rubber engine mounts, a five-speed transmission, an 80 ci engine, and a frame-mounted fairing. So that the FLT frame, larger and heavier than the FLH frame, can perform acceptably, the front forks receive radical steering geometry. These are mounted behind the steering head, the frame behind the steering being recessed to allow locking of the steering lock16.
In 1983, the FLHT was presented. This is an Electra Glide based on the FLT Tour Glide frame, but using the batwing fairing of the Electra Glide instead of the frame-mounted fairing of the Tour Glide16. The police version of the FLHT is designated FLHTP18.
In 1984, with the exception of the base FLH, all FLs were equipped with the new Evolution engine mounted on silent blocks and a five-speed transmission19.
In 1985, all Shovelhead engines were discontinued20. That year, the FLH with rigid mounting and four-speed gearbox was modified to accept mounting on silent blocks and the Evolution engine.
In 1986 the FLH was removed and all Touring models subsequently used the FLT/FLHT16 frame.
In 1996, the FLT Tour Glide, which introduced the current Touring frame, was removed from the lineup.
In 1998, a smaller version of the frame-mounted Tour Glide fairing was reintroduced with the FLTR Road Glide.
In 1999, the Evolution engine was replaced by the Twin Cam 88 (1,442 cc) on all wide-frame Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
In 2007, the Twin Cam engine increased from 88 to 96 ci (1,573 cc)21.
Glides without fairing
Road King Custom 2006.
From 1979 to 1982, a fairingless version of the FLH Electra Glide, the FLHS Electra Glide Sport, was available.
In 1987, a fairing-less FLHT Electra Glide reintroduced the FLHS Electra Glide Sport name.
In 1994, the FLHS Electra Glide Sport was replaced by the FLHR Road King16.
2009 Touring Chassis
For the 2009 model year, Harley-Davidson is revamping the entire touring lineup. Changes include a new frame, new swingarm, completely revised engine mounting system, 17-inch front wheels for all models (except Road King Classic), 6-gallon (23 liter) fuel tank , and a 2-1-2 exhaust. These changes result in greater load capacity, better handling, a smoother engine, greater range and less exhaust heat transmitted to the driver and passenger22,23.
Tri Glide 2012.
Tri Glide Ultra Classic
In 2009, the Tri Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCUTG) was launched, the first three-wheeled Harley-Davidson since the discontinuation of the Servi-Car in 1973. This model features an exclusive 103 ci frame and engine.
FL Softails
2002 FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic.
In 1984, Harley-Davidson introduced the Softail24 chassis. Originally the Softail used the small FX telescopic forks, but in 1986 the FLST Heritage Softail appeared with a large FL telescopic fork.
In 1988, the FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic was offered, with a wide front fork and retro styling25.
Other Softails with wide forks followed, such as the FLSTF Fat Boy of 1990 and the FLSTN Cow Glide produced only in 199326,27.
In 1991, the FLST Heritage Special base was abandoned16.
The FLSTN model was produced from 1993 without the bull motif as the Nostalgia model until 1996, then replaced by the FLSTS Heritage Springer in 1997.
The Heritage Springer was produced until 2003, and the FLSTSC Springer Classic introduced in 2005.
The Heritage Springer and Springer Classic retain the FL designation despite the use of Springer forks instead of the wide FL28 telescopic forks.
In 2000, all Softails, including FL models, switched from the Evolution engine to the counterbalanced Twin Cam 88B engine specially developed for rigid engine mounting in the frame16.
In 2005, the FLSTN designation reappeared with the Softail Deluxe29 model.
FLD Dyna Switchback
In 2012, Harley-Davidson introduced the FLD Dyna Switchback30 with 103 ci (1,700 cc) Twincam engine. Designed to recall the Duo Glide models of the late 1950s31, the Switchback is Harley-Davidson's first Dyna platform motorcycle to use an FL front end. It is marketed as a convertible model, with saddlebags and removable windshield allowing the user to easily convert the motorcycle for touring use32.
References
Mitchell, p. 95
Mitchell, p. 134-135
Mitchell, p. 141
Bruce (III) Palmer, How To Restore your Harley-Davidson, vol. 1, 2nd ed.
Greg Field, Original Harley-Davidson Panhead, St. Paul, MN, USA, MBI Publishing, 2002 (ISBN 0-7603-1062-9, Original Harley-Davidson Panhead on Google Books), p. 27
Mitchell, p. 150
Mitchell, p. 164
Mitchell, p. 186
Mitchell, p. 158
Mitchell, p. 206
The A-Z of Harley-Davidson Part Two
Mitchell, p. 234
Mitchell, p. 244
Mitchell, p. 258
Harley-Davidson Confederate Edition, Motorcycle Classics
The AZ of Harley-Davidson Part Three
Harley-Davidson Buyer's Guide: 1984-2011, p. 22
“Harley-Davidson FLHTP Electra Glide Police” [archived Mars 4, 2016] (accessed July 11, 2015)
Mitchell, p. 273
Mitchell, p. 274
Edge, “MD First Test: Harley-Davidson's New Twin-Cam 96 Engine and Cruise Drive Six-Speed Transmission” [archived December 28, 2010], Motorcycle Daily, August 4, 2006 (accessed May 4, 2013)
Harley-Davidson 2009 model line
Edge, Dirck, Harley-Davidson Touring Models and V-Rod Muscle - MD First Rides
Mitchell, p. 272
Mitchell, p. 277
Mitchell, p. 311
Mitchell, p. 288
2007 Harley-Davidson Softail Springer Classic specifications
2007 Harley-Davidson Softail specifications
“2012 Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback” [archive], Total Motorcycle
Frank and Riles, “2012 Harley-Davidson Switchback,” September 8, 2011 (accessed October 18, 2016)
Elvidge and Allen , “Harley-Davidson Switchback — Long-Term Test Wrap-Up”, May 14, 2014 (accessed October 18, 2016)
Harley-Davidson (HD, or Harley) is an American motorcycle manufacturer based in Milwaukee (Wisconsin, United States). Founded in 1903, Harley-Davidson is one of only two American manufacturers to survive the Great Depression, and the only one to have produced under its brand continuously until the present day. Harley is today one of the world leaders in large displacement motorcycles. Its models are renowned for their aesthetics, their V-twin engine with its particular sound and their significant customization possibilities. The Harley-Davidson brand benefits from a very strong image, supported by multiple enthusiast clubs and numerous events each year. It is used, directly and by companies that have licensing agreements with Harley, in a very wide variety of products. The recovery of Harley-Davidson since the 1980s and the management of the brand since that time are regularly cited as being among the great managerial successes.
History
Innovations and developments since 1903
Harley-Davidson has made several innovations and developments since its creation in 1903. The most significant are presented chronologically and synthetically in the list below, then detailed and commented on in the paragraphs dedicated to each period of the brand's activity.
1903: Serial Number One. Harley-Davidson's first model, this motorcycle features a 405cc single-cylinder engine, a belt final drive and pedals that allow the motorcycle to be started like a bicycle. Braking is done by backpedaling4.
1909-11: 811 cc twin on Model D5; acetylene lighting4.
1912: two-speed gearbox and chain final drive on X8E6.
1914: Model 10F sidecar, offered with several nacelle sizes7.
1915: three-speed manual gearbox with kick start8.
1919: end of manufacturing of high-displacement single-cylinders4; electric lighting on Model W Sport Twin8.
1925: teardrop tank on Model JD8.
1928: front drum brake on Model JDH8.
1929: Flat head V-twin engine on Model D9.
1932: Servi-Car trike, which will be produced until 19749.
1934: gearbox with reverse on Servi-Car9.
1936: Knucklehead10,11 engine.
1937: Model U four-speed gearbox, widespread in 194112.
1947: first small-displacement road model, the S-125.
1948: Panhead13 engine
1949: hydraulic fork on Hydra Glide14.
1952: foot gear selector on Model K15.
1958: rear suspension on Duo Glide.
1965: electric starter on Electra Glide16.
1966: Shovelhead17 engine.
1971: front disc brake on Electra Glide16.
1978: electronic ignition18; end of production of small and medium displacements.
1980: five-speed gearbox and silent blocks for mounting the engine on FLT Tour Glide18.
1980: final transmission by toothed belt on FXB19.
1984: V2 Evolution engine and Softail20 line.
1995: electronic injection on Electra Glide21.
1998: Twin Cam engine.
2001: Liquid-cooled Revolution engine on V-Rod.
2009: Tri Glide trike.
2014: ABS braking.
2016: Milwaukee-Eight engine.
2019: LiveWire electric motorcycle.
2021: Pan America trails (en).
Foundation (1903-1916)
From left to right: William Davidson, Walter Davidson, Arthur Davidson and William Harley.
Harley-Davidson 1907.
The Harley-Davidson company had a humble beginning in 1903 when William Harley, then 21, and Arthur Davidson (20) built a prototype motorized bicycle in Davidson's mother's kitchen. The two young men continued the development of their machine in the tiny garage of one of their friends in Milwaukee22, Henry Melk, who owned a machining lathe23.
Father Davidson provided them with his garden shed, a workshop in which they produced only three motorcycles the first two years. They are helped by brothers William and Walter Davidson. The production model is the "Silent Grey", a single-cylinder with automatic intake valve and no gearbox. In 1904, the company took the name “Harley-Davidson Motor Company” (HDMC or Motorco)24. The frame design was changed and production that year was three machines.
Harley employees and their production in front of the Juneau Avenue workshop (1906).
In 1906, Harley-Davidson opened its first workshop on Juneau Avenue, which is still the location of its headquarters. The Silent Gray Fellow, with a 440 cc engine, sold for $220 and production reached 50 units25.
In 1907, Walter Davidson became the first president of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. William Harley is appointed chief engineer. Arthur Davidson is in charge of the commercial side while William Davidson manages the workshop. The shares are equally distributed among the four founders. Eighteen employees work for the company and production reaches 150 units7.
In 1908, Harley-Davidson made its competitive debut: Walter Davidson, aged 32, entered the endurance race on "New York's Catskill Mountain" with his personal Silent Gray Fellow. In June he won the race with a perfect score of one thousand points ahead of sixty-two other participants. The following weekend, he won an Economic Run on Long Island by covering 188 miles on a gallon of gasoline7. Following these victories, dealers saw sales increase significantly. The single-cylinder delivers 4 hp and reaches 75 km/h.
“Fork and blade” or “knife and fork” connecting rods.
William Harley, returning from college, studies a more powerful engine. Instead of creating a completely new block, he grafted a second cylinder directly onto the Silent Gray Felow. William Harley uses a forked connecting rod which mates in the same plane with the single cylinder connecting rod on the crankshaft. The Harley V-twin was born.
Harley inaugurates a numbering system making the year 1904 the year zero of production. The 1908 models are therefore called “Model 4”. The first motorcycle sold to a police department was delivered this year to the Detroit Police Department26. Total production is 450 copies.
In 1909, Harley-Davidson offered for sale its very first twin-cylinder called “5D”. It is already in V, set at 45° and develops 7 hp. The intake valves are no longer pushed, but tumbled as on the single-cylinder. The V-twin reaches 97 km/h. It is then the fastest motorcycle on the market. Only 27 V-twins will find buyers, while 1,100 single-cylinders are sold. The twin-cylinder will be withdrawn from sale for two main reasons: the engine is unreliable and, unlike the single-cylinder, it is not equipped with a belt tensioner which then acts as a clutch, which requires cutting the engine at each stop then restart while pedaling. Harley publishes its first spare parts catalog7.
In 1910, the Harley-Davidson Motor Company used the famous “Bar & Shield”27 logo for the first time, which became a registered trademark in 191128. The 492 cc single-cylinder now produces 4.34 hp under the name “Model 6”. The motorcycle produced then weighs less than 100 kg.
In 1911, the twin-cylinder was made more reliable and it was once again offered for sale under the name 7D. The company's success began to attract attention and competition (150 types of motorcycles had already been built in the United States until 1911).
Harley X8E twin-cylinder (1912). We see the gear shift lever on the left side of the tank.
1912 was a great year in the evolution of the brand: the 61 ci (1,000 cm3) X8E model was a success thanks to a clutch system placed in the rear wheel hub by William Harley. Called “free wheel control”, this is controlled with the left hand by an imposing lever. And the comfort of Harley-Davidson products is improved thanks to a patented saddle system suspended by springs, the “Full Floating Seat”29. At the end of 1912, Harley-Davidson offered a choice of final drive by leather belt or chain. More than two hundred dealers were then spread across the country28.
In 1913, the workshop became a 28,000 m2 factory and the company dominated the market with a production of 12,904 machines since the creation of the company28. Harley launches the 9G three-wheeler: it is a model 9 with two wheels at the front which will be produced successfully until 1915.
Versions with sidecars were sold from 1914 and officially appeared in the catalog in 1915, immediately enjoying great commercial success30,31.
At the end of 1916, Harley's production capacity was 5,000 machines/year28.
World War I and 1920s
Harley 18F military version with and without sidecar. Note the white tires, gun cases and long crutches (1918).
In 1917, the United States entered the war in Europe. The American armed forces are requesting motorcycles. They had already used them in skirmishes with Pancho Villa, but the First World War was the first conflict with a massive use of motorcycles, since twenty thousand machines were assigned to them in several versions, notably machine gun carriers or sidecars. Most of these motorcycles were supplied by Harley, which, during the war, devoted about half of its production capacity to models intended for the army, equipped with the 61 ci (1,000 cc) Flat Head engine29. Harley also created a training program for military mechanics, which would then be reconverted to train civilians32.
WJ flat-twin (1922).
From 1919 to 1923, Harley also produced an entirely different model: the Model W Sport Twin, which had a 584 cc flat-twin engine.
In 1920, Harley-Davidson was officially the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. The brand's motorcycles are distributed in 67 countries for a total of 28,189 machines. In 1921, a Harley-Davidson was the first to win a race at an average speed above 160 km/h.
Model A (1927).
But the American motorcycle market began to contract in the early 1920s. Many customers prefer to buy a car, the prices of which have fallen significantly. So, for example, a Ford T was sold for $460 in 1921, while the Harley JDH was then offered at $37534. Harley's sales were almost divided by three between 1920 (28,000 units sold) and 1921, a year which, with only 10,000 units sold, marked the company's first financial year35.
Harley-Davidson then launched a vast plan to reduce costs and relaunch civilian sales in the United States (release of the JD 74 1,200 cm3, implementation of credit purchases for individuals), in Europe (where the single-cylinder A of 350 cm3 and its sports derivative the Peashooter met with great success) and in Japan36.
JD with front drum brake (1928).
Several improvements were made to the range, including a brake on the front wheel in 1928 and an increased displacement. As for the fuel tank, in 1925 it took on the teardrop shape which continues to this day.
In 1929, Harley significantly increased its sales with 22,000 units sold36.
It was then the shock of the crisis of 1929 and the start of the Great Depression which hit the entire American economy. The American market, which had reached 32,000 units/year at its best, fell to 6,000 units in 1933, including 3,703 Harleys12. Of the approximately two hundred American motorcycle manufacturers that existed before the war, only two survived this crisis: Harley-Davidson and Indian3537,38.
1930s and World War II
Servi-Car with Springer type parallelogram fork.
In 1932, Harley-Davidson marketed its first trike, the Servi-Car, a 45 ci (740 cm3) WL motorcycle whose transformed rear supported a trunk: offered at $450, the Servi-Car immediately found a very wide variety civilian users (retailers, delivery men) but also institutional users (police, firefighters). It was produced until 1974, benefiting from several improvements over the years: reverse gear (1934), more powerful engine (1937), electric starter (1964), disc brakes (1973)9. The R series, with a 45 ci (740 cc) Flat Head engine, appeared in 1932, then replaced by the W series which was produced from 1937 to 1952. In 1933, Harley generalized the use of an eagle's head on the tanks of its models, an animal emblem used continuously since and which will give its name to the "Screaming Eagle" accessories39.
RL 45 belonging to Clark Gable (1934)
In 1934, sales rose to 10,000 units. The following year, Harley began producing in Japan39.
At the end of 1941, the United States entered the war. As during the previous world conflict, the American armed forces placed very large orders for motorcycles, both for their own needs and to equip their allies1240.
WLA (1944). The gear shift lever is visible to the left of the tank.
Harley then successfully offered the “WLA” model, derived from the civilian WL, which used the very robust 740 cc engine produced since 1929, with a four-speed gearbox controlled by a lever located to the left of the 1240 tank. That same year, 1941, specific training was created for military mechanics39.
Harley-Davidson benefits greatly from military orders, to which it devotes almost all of its production capacities: the WLA model, and its WLC variant developed for the Canadian armed forces41, are delivered in 88,000 units in solo version (UA) or sidecar (United States), a third of which supplied to Russia40. Production of these models reached 27,000 units in 1943 alone.
XA with flat-twin engine (1942).
At the request of the American army, Harley also developed the XA42 model: inspired by BMW's R71 and R75 and intended for operations in North Africa, it is based on a 739 cc flat-twin engine33 with shaft final drive. The XA was only produced in around a thousand units, as well as a few dozen sidecars in 1942-43409.
Harley was recognized with several Army-Navy “E” Awards for his contribution to the war effort.
Post-war and 1950s: European competition
The immediate post-war period was a prosperous period for Harley: production reached a historic peak of 31,000 units in 194844.
Model S single-cylinder 125 cm3 2-stroke (1948).
This is the moment when Harley decides to enter the small-displacement market, targeting in particular the market of American soldiers returning home who could not afford to buy a large displacement. This is the start of thirty years of Harley's presence in the small and medium displacement segment.
The first model, launched in 1947, was the S-125, a single-cylinder 2-stroke based on plans from the German company DKW, also used by the English BSA for its Bantam model. But sales, around 4,000 units/year, are half lower than expected, despite the appearance of a telescopic fork in 1951. Production stopped in 1952. Its successor, the slightly more powerful ST-165, was produced from 1953 to 1959. In 1955, Harley again tried to sell a 125 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, the Model B Hummer, of which it released a 165 cc version in 1960, the BT Super Ten. Production of the B/BT Super Ten line stopped in 196145.
Hydra Glide (1949).
The Hydra Glide, equipped with the Panhead engine launched in 1948, initially offered in two versions (1000 and 1200 cm3), and the first model to have a telescopic fork, renewed the high-end offering in 1949 14.
But from the beginning of the 1950s, English competition intensified: Triumph quickly deployed in the United States, offering models, such as the 650 Thunderbird 6T46, more efficient, lighter, more manageable and more reliable than those of Harley and Indian44.
KH (1955).
Harley tried to react with the Model K, launched in 1952: it was the first Harley to be suspended at the front and rear and to have a foot gear change as standard. But its engine is of an old design, its performance remains much lower than that of the Triumph Thunderbird (135 km/h for the Harley compared to more than 160 km/h for the Triumph), and it suffers from initial reliability problems. Despite several improvements and variants (KH and KHK), Harley only sold 7,700 Model Ks between 1952 and 19564415.
Indian went bankrupt in 1953. Harley then became the only American motorcycle manufacturer, but its sales in the United States and Europe collapsed: production was reduced to only 12,000 machines in 1955.
Sportster XL 883 (1957).
Duo Glide (1958).
Harley's counterattack arrived in 1957, with the release of the XL Sportster 883 which inaugurated the very long line of Sportsters and became a reference model in the range. Equipped with the new 883 cc Ironhead overhead valve engine and priced at $1,103, the Sportster XL represented more than 20% of the brand's sales upon its release, and its notoriety accelerated with the release of high compression variants. (XLH/XLCH) from 1958. The Sportster range will be continued continuously until today, with 1000 then 1200 cc engines.
Harley's top of the range was renewed again in 1958 with the fully suspended, foot-shifted Duo Glide, which replaced the Hydra Glide.
1960s: Japanese competition and diversification
In 1959, Honda opened an office in Los Angeles, then steadily strengthened its presence (factories, distribution network, research centers), selling a million motorcycles in the United States in ten years48,49.
This new wave of competition, this time of Japanese origin, is shaking up the American market50.
Faced with this situation, Harley will launch several initiatives aimed at expanding and diversifying its markets.
Scooter Topper (1963).
Harley will in particular expand its offering of small displacement two-strokes manufactured in the United States, by launching the Topper in 1960. The only scooter ever produced by Harley, it is equipped with a 165 cc two-stroke engine with a horizontally arranged single cylinder. The Topper also has some interesting features, including a fully automatic transmission, silent block mounted engine, parking brake and ample under-seat storage. But offered at $430, it only convinced 4,000 buyers the first year, and only 500 in 1965, the last year of marketing.
Scatter (1963)
From 1962, Harley launched a family of three motorcycles whose engine was derived from that of the BT Super Ten with a cylinder capacity increased to 175 cm3: the BT Pacer, for road use, the BT Ranger for off-road use, and the BT Scat for mixed use. They will be equipped with rear suspension in 1963. The Ranger disappeared from the catalog in 1963, the Scat and the Pacer two years later. Their successor, the BT Bobcat, would only be produced for one year (1966) and would be the last small-displacement model manufactured by Harley in the United States45.
Aermacchi Harley-Davidson 250 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke (1967).
To be able to offer medium-displacement motorcycles, Harley decided in 1960 to become a 50% shareholder in the motorcycle division of the Italian group Aermacchi to be able to manufacture models which, imported from Italy, would be marketed according to the markets and times under the names Harley-Davidson, Aermacchi Harley-Davidson or AMF Harley-Davidson. The best known models, which won several races, were the Sprint 250 then 350 cm3, powered by a 4-stroke horizontal single cylinder51. Production of 4T models will last until 19745253. Aermacchi Harley-Davidson will also produce several 2-stroke single-cylinder models from 50 to 125 cc, including the M-50, M-65, Rapido and Baja45.
Zbigniew Brzezinski and Cyrus Vance at Camp David on a Harley golf cart (1978)
A Harley-Davidson Tomahawk boat (circa 1960).
Harley is also seeking to diversify, particularly in markets requiring mastery of fiberglass molding: Tomahawk boats54,55, then golf carts56 and motorcycle accessories52.
The large displacement range offered from 1965 the Electra Glide, replacing the Hydra Glide, with an electric starter which would gradually be generalized, and, from 1966, the new Shovel Head engine.
Electra Glide (1970).
Advertisement for Harley small cars in Life magazine (1966).
Harley's production dates back to around 30,000 machines/year6, but in 1965 Honda's success was evident: with annual sales amounting to $77 million, Honda largely dominated the American market, far ahead of Harley ($30 million) 57.
The shareholders of Harley-Davidson, all descendants of the founding families, then made a decision which would have very serious consequences on the future of the company: in order to raise the funds to meet the significant financing needs, they decided to introduce the brand on the stock market. At the end of this introduction, family shareholders still hold more than 50% of the shares.
But competitive pressure is increasing and the “Fun” and “Young America” advertising campaigns are struggling to convince customers to buy low-displacement Harley models and to attract young people. Honda, which had entered the American market with its four-stroke single-cylinder Super Cub (50 to 125 cm3), moved upmarket with the twin-cylinder CB 305 (1961) followed by the CB 450 (1965), then the legendary CB 750 four-cylinder (1969)57, threatening Harley's Sportster line.
Worried about this situation, the family shareholders sought in 1968 to link Harley to a larger industrial group. Two American groups, American Machine and Foundry (AMF) and Bangor Punta (en), are candidates. In the end, AMF won, with the support of family shareholders. In January 1969, Harley was integrated into AMF, of which it would be a division until 198152.
1970s: the AMF decade
AMF is launching a vast restructuring and reorganization plan aimed at relaunching sales and increasing volumes. Drastic measures, such as the move in 1973 to York, Pennsylvania, of all final motorcycle assembly, led to layoffs and a strike in Milwaukee.
AMF Harley-Davidson snowmobile.
AMF also continued to diversify Harley: snowmobiles equipped with 400 and 433 cm3 two-stroke twin-cylinder engines with automatic transmission were produced from 1970 to 197545.
Production tripled in three years, but to the detriment of product quality, seriously damaging Harley's image and angering customers and dealers. The situation is critical: 50% of motorcycles at the end of assembly have defects that must be repaired, compared to only 5% among Japanese competitors. AMF became aware of the danger and launched a vast corrective plan in 1977, under the responsibility of Vaughn Beals and Jeffrey Bleustein58.
Despite these turbulences, Harley recorded a historic sales record in 1979. This paradoxical success is due to the combination of three factors: the launch of new products, made possible by the contribution of AMF's capital and the creativity of Willie G Davidson59, a very effective advertising policy and the strong growth of the American market, multiplied by four in twenty years and exceeding two million motorcycles per year in 197360.
Super Glide with boat tail (1971).
Cafe Racer XLCR (1977).
The high-displacement range is being actively enriched with the launch of numerous new models, which, even if they bring few technical innovations, are boosting sales. A new Sportster was launched in 1970, with a 1,000 cc engine in 1972. A new line, with a custom design, appeared in 1971 with the FX Super Glide: initially equipped with a very controversial boat tail61, it sold 4,700 copies in 1972 and was then equipped with disc brakes and a starter. electric. In 1977, the FXS Low Rider was launched, with 10,000 units sold in 1978, and the XLCR Café Racer, whose dark and sporty appearance was surprising at the time. The year 1980 was also very rich in new vintage-style models, such as the FXB Sturgis62, the FXWG Wide Glide and the FXEF Fat Bob, equipped with a very characteristic double tank.
Electra Glide with front disc brake (1974).
At the top of the range, the FL Electra Glide featured a front disc brake in 1971 and a more powerful version of the Shovelhead engine in 1978. In 1980 the FLT Tour Glide was launched, which was still placed above the FL, with a larger frame, a five-speed gearbox, a 1,300 cc engine mounted on silent blocks, a fully equipped transmission chain. contained in a crankcase, a large fairing, two headlights at the front and very spacious suitcases6063.
Harley #1 logo on the tank of a Super Glide (1971).
A new set of acronyms and logos was used from 1971: several variants mentioning “AMF Harley-Davidson” and the famous “Harley #1” which appeared for the first time on the tank of the Super Glide, still used in 2022.
Part of the range in 1972.
In the mid-1970s, Harley had a very extensive range ranging from the 50 cc two-stroke at $225 to the high-end 1,200 cc ElectraGlide, and including original models, such as the Shortster, which prefigured today's mini motorcycles, or the high-performance off-road Baja 100.
Harley's advertising is more inventive and attractive. It emphasizes the "Great Freedom American Machines"64, promotes the Harley "family spirit", whether the customer buys a modest Z-90 or an FX 1200, and capitalizes on the successes in competition and the stunts performed with the XR 75065. The film Easy Rider, still in theaters, attracts “rebellious” customers or those wanting to personalize their motorcycle as a chopper58.
But the Japanese offer continues to move upmarket. Honda launched its Goldwing in 1974: this very powerful model, manufactured in the United States from 1980, directly competed with the large-displacement Harley range66. Despite the strong sales increases, Harley has low profitability, and its market share in the American heavy-duty market has fallen below 40%60. In October 1978, AMF sold the premises and tools of Aermacchi-Harley-Davidson67 and, in 1979, decided to put Harley up for sale58.
Historians and Harley enthusiasts have very divided opinions on this period, but agree that the Harley brand has survived, unlike many of its competitors68, that many new models have been launched, foreshadowing those of the 1980s, and that Harley changed scale, reaching more than $300 million in sales at the end of the period60.
1980s: the flight of the eagle
Few investors say they are interested in buying Harley. AMF finally sold its Harley division in June 1981 to a group of thirteen executives, including Vaughn Beals, Jeffrey Bleustein and William G Davidson, who took the reins with a slogan announcing ambition and a return to basics: The Eagle Soars Alone69.
The management team is launching a very important cost reduction program, including a 40% reduction in staff numbers, and has made it a priority: to restore quality and customer confidence.
Harley takes inspiration from its competitor Honda to completely review manufacturing and testing methods, and encourage employee involvement in the production process70.
The product strategy, refocused on high-displacement motorcycles and supported by very active advertising campaigns, accentuates the retro and lifestyle side, and a very significant development of derivative products increases the sales and visibility of the brand71.
Furthermore, after numerous unsuccessful attempts, Harley obtained from the American government in 1982 a five-year “anti-dumping” plan which increased (by 45% the first year) taxes on large-displacement Japanese motorcycles imported into the United States70.
In 1982, the Super Glide 2 and a new Sportster19 were launched.
Heritage Softail (1989).
Evolution engine, version for Sportster (1986).
The event that best materializes Harley's revival is the release, in 1984, of a new 1,340 cc engine: the V2 Evolution (commonly called "Evo"). This is a real technological turning point for the brand: the result of long computer studies and making extensive use of aluminum, it is lighter than the Shovelhead (- 9 kg) and offers 10% more power and 15% more torque. . The design of its new cylinder heads also solves the oil leak problems of its predecessor. Evo undergoes, before marketing, intense trials which allow Harley to promise its users very long life and long intervals between revisions20.
The engine powers a brand new top-of-the-range model: the FXST Softail, the first in a long line of Softail models whose rear part of the frame appears rigid, but conceals a modern suspension. A version of the Evo will equip the Sportsters from 1986.
Sportster 1000 cc (1984).
The same year, Harley launched a 1,000 cc Sportster, positioned the 883 cc Sportster at the entry level at the very attractive price of $4,000 and equipped the Tour Glide with a toothed belt transmission, which would be extended to all FL models. the following year and generalized in 1995.
In 1985, these efforts began to bear fruit: quality had increased, customers were returning, Harley's market share was increasing. Even the police, who had distanced themselves from Harley for ten years, became an important customer again with a first major contract for 155 FXRP Police Special motorcycles with the California Highway Patrol7273.
But Harley's financial health is still very fragile. In 1985, Citicorp, which has financed Harley since 1981, was concerned about the imminent end of customs protections and announced a tightening of the conditions of its financial support. Harley, in near bankruptcy, was saved by another financier, Heller Financial Corporation, one of whose directors was an admirer of the brand71.
President Reagan's visit to the York plant (1987).
1987 was a symbolic year of change: Harley requested the lifting of customs protections and entered the stock market in New York72.
Softail Springer (1989).
The release of new models continued with a Sporster 1200, the Low Rider Fat Bob and the Softail Springer74 in 1988, and in 1989 the UltraClassic line which offered luxurious and over-equipped versions of the Electra and Tour Glide.
It was the beginning of a long period of newfound growth and notoriety. The recovery of Harley from the mid-1980s, the exploitation of the brand, well beyond motorcycle-related products, and the very strong loyalty of its customers are often cited as examples of managerial success in the industry75, 76.
1990s: growth and internationalization
Fat Boy with solid wheels and imposing front fork.
Harley's momentum during the 1990s was very strong. From the start of the decade, production exceeded 62,000 units, the range included twenty models, the large-displacement market share in the United States was 61%, and international sales doubled in four years to represent 30% of total sales.
Dyna Wide Glide.
Road King (1995).
The Sportsters received a five-speed gearbox in 1991 and product launches followed one another: the Fat Boy FLSTF in 1990, which was very successful77; the Dyna Glide Sturgis FXDB in 1991, the first in a long line of Dynas; the Dyna Wide Glide, very low with “ape” handlebars, and the Heritage Softail Nostalgia FLSTN in 1993; the Road K