A Biker's Favorite Motorcycle
Harley Davidson
In 1901, William S. Harley, at the age of 21, designed a small engine with a displacement of 7.07 cubic inches, or 116 cc ( cubic centimeters), and a four inch flywheel. The cc's of a motorcycle engine has become the standard criteria used to describe the motor's size. This first engine was for use with a regular pedal bicycle frame.
Over the next couple of years, Harley and his friend Arthur Davidson labored on their motorbike using a wooden shed and machine shop at the home of their friend, Henry Melk. They finished their motorbike in 1903 with the help of Arthur's brother, Walter. The boys had a surprise when they gave the bike a tryout around Milwaukee. It wasn't able to climb the small hills without pedaling the bicycle! Instead of giving up, Will and the Davidson brothers used this as a learning experience and went back to work!. Their next motorbike started the legacy of the Harley Davidson Motorcycle and the loyal following of generations of motorcycle riders.
The H-D Company was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is still based there. The company started network of dealers that can be found in any U. S. state, as well as, many foreign countries. The company makes heavy cruiser type motorcycles and the lighter Sportster for cruising the highways and byways of the world. Harley Davidson motorcycles (or "Harleys") are of a style and have the sound that is unique to the brand. Harley's are a favorite for customing for that individual look. It was the military Harley Davidson that gave rise to this customization or such as bobbing and chopping.
All types of people are now motorcycle fans and riders, thanks mostly to the history and tradition of the Harley Davidson Motorcycle. There are many Harley riders clubs. From the outlaw clubs to U. S. veteran rider clubs. There are, to name but a few, national biker clubs with local chapters, women riders only clubs, Christian clubs, and last but not least, the famous H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group). There are bars that cater to bikers and there's also biker churches. The Harley riders, as well as other motorcycle riders, are as diverse a group as the bikes they ride!
Harley Davidson and other bikers have runs and rallies for just the getting togeather of like minded people as well as many many charity focused events!. And then there’s the biggest and the best of all runs or rallies. The world famous yearly Sturgis Rally with thousands of motorcycles and bikers from every state in the U. S., and several foreign countries, in attendance.
A spectrum of motorcycle business opportunities created by the motorcycle culture is tremendous. These opportunities begins with the Harley Davidson and other new motorcycle dealerships. The list goes on from there, including but not limited to, dealers in used motorcycles, the manufacturing of motorcycle parts and accessories, wholesale and retail stores to sell these manufactured parts, custom motorcycle building, engine and body repair shops. Other businesses include Harley Davidson only, retail clothing stores and other retail motorcycle related businesses.
The Internet has also become a marketplace for all of the retail and wholesale biker products. You can even buy your very own Harley Davidson motorcycle (or any other Harley motorcycle, custom bobber, or chopper) on the Internet. There are even online stores that sell biker related products such as motorcycle apparel and other biker clothing and accessories!