Harley Davidson & Indian MC - The Clash of Giants

Harley Davidson founders. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Harley Davidson motorcycles. The brand has been around for over a century, but the legend began with a single idea that spawned a cultural phenomenon. Today, we'll take a look at the history of Harley Davidson as well as the fierce rivalry between the iconic motorcycle brand and its closest competitor, Indian Motorcycles.

Part 1: Origins of Harley Davidson It all started in 1901 when William S. Harley designed a blueprint for an engine that he could attach to a bicycle. At that time, he was only 21 years old and working as a draftsman in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. William's idea was simple - he wanted to create a motorized bicycle that could travel faster and farther than any human-powered bike.

William showed his blueprint to his childhood friend, Arthur Davidson, who was also working in Milwaukee. Arthur was impressed with William's idea and convinced his brothers, Walter and William Davidson, to join in on the project. Together, the four men formed Harley Davidson Motor Company in 1903.

The humble Harley-Davidson Motor Co shack/factory used between 1903 and 1906, seen from the garden of the Davidson home in Milwaukee. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

The first Harley Davidson motorcycle was built in a small shed behind the Davidson family home. It had a 116cc engine that produced a whopping 3 horsepower and could travel up to 25 miles per hour. The bike was not very powerful or reliable, but it was a start.

Harley-Davidson advert in Baraboo Weekly News July 4, 1912. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Harley Davidson continued to improve and innovate their motorcycles throughout the early 1900s. In 1909, they introduced their first V-twin engine, which was more powerful and efficient than their previous engines. This engine became a staple in Harley Davidson motorcycles and is still used today.

"Serial Number One". The very first Harley-Davidson motorcycle, displayed at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, WI. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

During World War I, the U.S. military saw the potential of motorcycles in combat situations and ordered over 20,000 Harley Davidson motorcycles for the war effort. This not only gave Harley Davidson a boost in production and revenue but also established the brand as a symbol of American patriotism.

Postcard: Soldiers behind a machine gun on the back of a motorcycle, Camp Gordon, Georgia, postmarked 1917. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle manufactured for the War Department. Army War College. Historical Section. World War I Branch. Aug. 26, 1918. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

In the 1920s, Harley Davidson continued to grow in popularity and became the motorcycle of choice for many Americans. They introduced new models such as the JD and the VL, which had larger engines and could travel faster than previous models. The brand even made appearances in popular culture, such as in the 1924 film "The Leather Pushers," which featured a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Don McPherson on a 350cc Harley Davidson Peashooter, Townsville, ca. 1930.

Inscription on back of photograph reads: "Don McPherson, crack Rider - Townsville Speedway". (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

However, Harley Davidson was not the only motorcycle brand on the market. Its biggest competitor was Indian Motorcycles, which had been around since 1901. Indian Motorcycles had a loyal following and was known for its sleek designs and powerful engines. The rivalry between Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycles would only intensify in the coming decades.

Indian Motorcycle Little Twin 1915 Advert. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Despite the competition, Harley Davidson continued to innovate and push the boundaries of motorcycle design. In 1936, they introduced the Knucklehead engine, which was an even more powerful and efficient V-twin engine. This engine became the backbone of Harley Davidson motorcycles for many years and solidified the brand's reputation for producing reliable and powerful machines.

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Factory Building- Assembling Room War Department. 1789-9/18/1947. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Part 2: The Rivalry with Indian Motorcycles By the 1930s, Indian Motorcycles had established itself as a major player in the motorcycle industry. The brand had a loyal following and was known for its sleek designs and powerful engines. However, Harley Davidson was not going to let its competitor take the lead.

View of motorcyclist posing with Indian motorcycle during 1909 motorcycle races in Indianapolis, Indiana. Handwritten on back: "Motorcycle Races - Indianapolis motorcycle race, 1909". (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

In 1937, Harley Davidson introduced the EL model, which had a more powerful engine than any of Indian Motorcycles' offerings. This model quickly became a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts and solidified Harley Davidson's reputation as the top motorcycle brand in America.

Indian Motorcycle with 1917 New Jersey plates. Motorcycle looks new so this may be a 1917 model. Extra back seat added for a passenger. There is a round tank on the handlebars with a tube going to the headlight and another tube going to the back of the cycle. I think this is a carbide headlight and tail light and the round tank is a carbide/acetylene gas generator. I do not know what the square box is on top of the gas tank is. Circa 1910-1920. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

During World War II, both Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycles produced motorcycles for the military. However, Harley Davidson was the primary supplier and produced over 90,000 motorcycles for the war effort. This further solidified the brand's connection to American patriotism and helped it gain even more popularity after the war ended.

"After the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the U.S. Army approached Harley-Davidson about equipping Americans and their allies with H-D military motorcycles, just like they had during WWI". (Source: link).

In the 1950s, both Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycles faced new challenges from Japanese motorcycle brands, such as Honda and Yamaha. These brands were known for producing smaller, more affordable motorcycles that appealed to a wider audience.

Harley Davidson responded by introducing the Sportster model in 1957, which was a smaller and more affordable motorcycle that still had the power and reliability of its larger models. However, Indian Motorcycles struggled to keep up with the changing market and eventually went bankrupt in 1953.

Harley-Davidson Sportster 1957. (Source: link).

The bankruptcy of Indian Motorcycles left Harley Davidson as the sole American motorcycle brand. This only intensified the brand's popularity and solidified its reputation as an American icon. The brand became even more ingrained in American culture, with appearances in movies and TV shows such as "Easy Rider" and "Sons of Anarchy."

Photo from the film "Easy Rider". Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper on Harley bikes. Production still photographer: Peter Sorel © Pando Company Inc., Raybert Productions, Columbia Pictures (Source: link).

Today, Harley Davidson remains one of the most iconic motorcycle brands in the world. The brand continues to innovate and push the boundaries of motorcycle design, with recent models such as the LiveWire electric motorcycle.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire. EV motorcycle. (Source: link).

Despite facing new challenges from electric and autonomous vehicles, Harley Davidson remains committed to its roots and its loyal fan base. The brand's signature sound, powerful engines, and iconic designs will continue to make Harley Davidson motorcycles a symbol of freedom and American culture for many years to come.

Part 3: The Legacy of Harley Davidson Harley Davidson has come a long way since its humble beginnings in a small shed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Today, the brand is synonymous with American culture and is recognized around the world as a symbol of freedom and individuality.

One of the reasons for Harley Davidson's enduring popularity is its commitment to quality and innovation. The brand has never been content to rest on its laurels and has constantly pushed the boundaries of motorcycle design. From the first V-twin engine to the latest electric models, Harley Davidson has always been at the forefront of motorcycle technology.

Manufacturing motorcycles and sidecars. Gear shapers and gear hobbers working on transmission parts. In the plant of Harley Davidson Motor Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 1947. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Another reason for Harley Davidson's success is its loyal fan base. Harley Davidson riders are some of the most passionate motorcycle enthusiasts in the world. They form clubs and attend rallies. The brand has become a lifestyle and a community for many people.

Harley-Davidson meeting in Charlotte, c. 1920. Group posed in front of First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC. 12”x14” card photograph. From the S. E. Rochelle Photograph Collection, State Archives of North Carolina, Raleigh, NC. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Harley Davidson has also had a significant impact on popular culture. The brand has appeared in countless movies, TV shows, and music videos. It has been referenced in songs by artists such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Kid Rock. Harley Davidson has become an icon of American culture and has helped to shape the image of the "American biker".

Despite facing new challenges from electric and autonomous vehicles, Harley Davidson remains committed to its core values. The brands introduction of the LiveWire electric motorcycle, has received positive reviews from both critics and riders. The LiveWire represents a new direction for Harley Davidson, while still retaining the brand's signature style and performance.

1906 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Factory Building with employees holding motorcycles. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Harley Davidson is also committed to sustainability and reducing its impact on the environment. The brand has set a goal to have 50% of its motorcycle sales be electric by 2030. This commitment to sustainability shows that Harley Davidson is not afraid to adapt to changing times while still staying true to its roots.

Harley Davidson is more than just a motorcycle brand. It is a symbol of culture, freedom, and individuality. Its legacy spans over a century and continues to inspire motorcycle enthusiasts around the world. From its beginnings in a small shed in Milwaukee to its status as a global icon, Harley Davidson has proven that it is more than just a brand. It's a way of life.

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