The Cult of Harley
“I need your clothes, your boots, and your motorcycle!” Remember this legendary line from the movie Terminator 2? Of course, Schwarzenegger knew exactly what he was asking for – who wouldn’t want to ride that gorgeous Harley? But it wasn’t always so glamorous. Before becoming every boy’s dream and a mega-motorcycle magnate, Harley-Davidson went through an incredible journey.
They built engines in sheds and never imagined they’d explode onto the market. Their first model couldn’t even climb a hill, but they didn’t give up. Today, the word “Harley” has become a household name, and fans of this brand form the largest motorcycle community in the world.
We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Harley-Davidson brand – even if you’re not a gearhead.
The History of Harley-Davidson: From a Shed to the Top
The story of a future giant began in a simple 15-square-meter wooden shed. Childhood friends William Harley and Arthur Davidson moved in there to assemble their first serious creation — a motorcycle with a three-horsepower engine and a reinforced frame. Before that, they had tried motorizing bicycles in a garage, but with little success. It was the year 1903, competition was scarce, but demand for motorized technology was growing.
Davidson worked as a technician at a railroad workshop, giving him access to the necessary parts and tools, while Harley was responsible for the design innovations. Together, they managed to build a motorcycle with a low center of gravity and a 405 cc engine. This configuration was so successful that it remained unchanged for a long time.
Two years later, the Harley-Davidson motorcycle won races in Chicago. From that moment, every model from the fledgling company made a splash. Their motorcycles were owned by Tsar Nicholas II and Elvis Presley, used by the NKVD and filmed by James Cameron. H-D bikes took part in wars and were perfect for cruising America’s wide highways with a beautiful girl riding pillion.
The Harley-Davidson emblem, once painted on old shed boards, became a symbol of freedom, power, and quality worldwide.American Butler
Iconic Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
- 5-D Twin
The first motorcycle with a V-twin engine, released in 1909. Its power was exactly double that of single-cylinder engines, boasting an impressive 7 horsepower, which immediately earned it fame and attention. Only 27 units of this model were produced. The sole surviving example is displayed at the Harley-Davidson Museum in the brand’s hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. - JH Two-Cam
Unveiled in 1928, this model was the first Harley-Davidson V-twin not built for racing. The JH Two-Cam could reach speeds of up to 160 km/h (100 mph) and was available to the general public. It wasn’t exactly cheap, but the chance to feel like a racing star was worth every penny. - Sportster
The lineup launched in 1957 with the Sportster XL, equipped with an 883 cc engine delivering 40 horsepower. This family of sporty motorcycles continues to thrive today, with the Sportster models regarded as the most powerful yet comfortable to ride. - Electra-Glide
This series of so-called cruisers — motorcycles designed for long-distance travel — was launched in the mid-1960s and remains hugely popular to this day. Experts claim that no other bike matches its road-holding stability, and its design consistently evokes a pleasant sense of nostalgia. - Heritage Softail
Introduced in 1985, this line of motorcycles was styled after retro models. Engine sizes grew to 1449 cc, and the cool factor skyrocketed. To put it into perspective, one of the models in the series, the Fat Boy, was the ride of choice for Arnold Schwarzenegger in his role as the Terminator. - V-Rod
A model aimed at a younger audience, co-developed with Porsche. It blends the classic Harley cruiser with sportier models, featuring a bolder and more aggressive design.
Harley-Davidson Lifestyle
Harley-Davidson isn’t just a means of transportation – it’s a lifestyle.
- 01. Today, the Harley-Davidson brand extends far beyond motorcycles. Clothing, footwear, furniture, home décor, even plates and mugs – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg for devoted fans of the brand.
- 02. By the way, the iconic black leather biker jacket — adorned with studs, patches, embroidery, and anything else you can imagine — was a marketing move introduced by H-D. Thanks to their efforts, the image of the biker as a cool, leather-clad rider became firmly embedded in the minds of generations.
- 03. The signature sound of a Harley-Davidson engine has also been a point of fascination. For several years, the company attempted to trademark its distinctive engine roar. Previously, lighter maker Zippo had successfully trademarked its unique click. However, this turned out to be Harley’s only marketing flop. After six years of battling patent offices, marketers abandoned the idea.
Why Is Harley So Popular?
Harley-Davidson has had a massive impact on the motorcycle industry and has become a true symbol of American culture. The company didn’t just create unique models – it laid the foundation for a motorcycle culture that still thrives today.
Motorcycle Culture and Communities
Harley-Davidson became a symbol of independence and brotherhood, bringing people together in motorcycle clubs and communities. One of the most famous clubs is the Harley Owners Group (HOG).
Rumor has it that Harley reps in the ’90s collaborated with tattoo parlors to suggest clients "mark" themselves with the company’s logo if they wanted to look cool. They also encouraged the creation and growth of the official fan club H.O.G. in 1983. Today, the club has over a million members worldwide, and its main role is to keep demand for Harley motorcycles alive while hosting themed events to expand its audience.
Influence on Pop Culture
Harley-Davidson has also made a significant impact on pop culture, appearing in films, music, and art. These motorcycles are associated with a rebellious spirit and freedom, making them popular among celebrities and artists. Movies like Easy Rider and Hell’s Angels immortalized Harley-Davidson as a symbol of the American dream.
Who Are the True American Bikers
Modern Competition
Today, Harley-Davidson remains one of the most popular and respected motorcycle brands in the world. Despite challenges such as competition from Japanese and European manufacturers, Harley-Davidson maintains its standing thanks to loyal fans and continuous innovation.
Technological Innovations
Harley-Davidson is actively introducing new technologies to meet the demands of the modern market. The company has begun developing electric motorcycles, such as the LiveWire model, which combines eco-friendliness with power, attracting new customers and keeping Harley-Davidson relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Global Expansion
Harley-Davidson is expanding its presence in international markets, drawing in new customers from various countries. The company is opening dealerships worldwide and participating in international motorcycle shows to attract the attention of new fans.
The giant corporation Harley-Davidson continues to be owned by the Harley and Davidson families. The descendants of the founders not only uphold the legacy out of respect for the family business, but also continue to personally participate in the development of new models and the restoration of classic ones.
To fully experience the real power of Harley-Davidson, there’s only one thing left to do – feel the wind in your hair as you ride one of their motorcycles down the open American highways. American Butler can help make that dream come true! We specialize in organizing tours in the USA, we genuinely love this culture, and we know exactly how to make your bike tour unforgettable.
Share
