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{{Infobox companydavidson-motorcycle]]
'''Harley-Dr, 2003. ''At the Creation: Myth, Reality, and the Origin of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle, 1901–1909'' (Madison: ]), pp.22–28, 42–44.</ref>

Work immediately began on a new and improved second-generation machine. This first "real" Harley-Davidson motorcycle had a bigger engine of 24.74 cubic inches (405&nbsp;cc³) with {{convert|9.75|in|cm|0}} flywheels weighing {{convert|28|lb|kg|abbr=on}}. The machine's advanced loop-frame pattern was similar to the 1903 Milwaukee Merkel motorcycle (designed by Joseph Merkel, later of ] fame). The bigger engine and loop-frame design took it out of the motorized bicycle category and marked the path to future motorcycle designs. The boys also received help with their bigger engine from outboard motor pioneer ], who was then building gas engines of his own design for automotive use on Milwaukee's Lake Street.

]
The prototype of the new loop-frame Harley-Davidson was assembled in a {{convert|10|x|15|ft|m|abbr=on}} shed in the Davidson family backyard.<ref name="Wagner, 2003. pp.45–62">Wagner, 2003. pp.45–62.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/2711470|title=King celebrating 95 impressive years|publisher=] {{subscription required|via=Newspapers.com}}|date=3 Jun 1998|page=19|accessdate=19 March 2015}}</ref> Most of the major parts, however, were made elsewhere, including some probably fabricated at the West Milwaukee railshops where oldest brother William A. Davidson was then ] foreman. This prototype machine was functional by September 8, 1904, when it competed in a Milwaukee motorcycle race held at State Fair Park. It was ridden by Edward Hildebrand and placed fourth. This is the first documented appearance of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle in the historical record.<ref name="Wagner, 2003. pp.45–62"/>

In January 1905, small advertisements were placed in the ''Automobile and Cycle Trade Journal'' offering bare Harley-Davidson engines to the do-it-yourself trade. By April, complete motorcycles were in production on a very limited basis. That year, the first Harley-Davidson dealer, Carl H. Lang of Chicago, sold three bikes from the five built in the Davidson backyard shed. Years later the original shed was taken to the Juneau Avenue factory where it would stand for many decades as a tribute to the Motor Company's humble origins until it was accidentally destroyed by contractors cleaning the factory yard in the early 1970s.

In 1906, Harley and the Davidson brothers built their first factory on Chestnut Street (later Juneau Avenue),<ref name=H-Dtimeline1900s>{{cite web|url=http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/H-D_History/history_1900s.jsp |title=Harley-Davidson History Timeline |publisher=Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company |accessdate=September 29, 2012 }}</ref> at the current location of Harley-Davidson's corporate headquarters. The first Juneau Avenue plant was a {{convert|40|x|60|ft|m|abbr=on}} single-story wooden structure. The company produced about 50 motorcycles that year.

]
]
In 1907, William S. Harley graduated from the ] with a degree in ]. That year additional factory expansion came with a second floor and later with facings and additions of Milwaukee pale yellow ("cream") brick. With the new facilities production increased to 150 motorcycles in 1907. The company was officially incorporated that September. They also began selling their motorcycles to police departments around this time, a market that has been important to them ever since.<ref>Wagner, 2003. pp.68–81, 118.</ref>

In 1907 ], brother to Arthur and Walter Davidson, quit his job as tool foreman for the Milwaukee Road railroad and joined the Motor Company.

Production in 1905 and 1906 were all single-cylinder models with 26.84 cubic inch (440&nbsp;cm³) engines. In February 1907 a prototype model with a 45-degree ] engine was displayed at the ] Automobile Show. Although shown and advertised, very few V-Twin models were built between 1907 and 1910. These first V-Twins displaced 53.68 cubic inches (880&nbsp;cm³) and produced about {{convert|7|hp|kW}}. This gave about double the power of the first singles. Top speed was about {{convert|60|mph|km/h|-1|abbr=on}}. Production jumped from 450 motorcycles in 1908 to 1,149 machines in 1909.<ref>Wagner, 2003. pp.124–25.</ref>

]By 1911, some 150 makes of motorcycles had already been built in the United States – although just a handful would survive the 1910s.

In 1911, an improved V-Twin model was introduced. The new engine had mechanically operated intake valves, as opposed to the "automatic" intake valves used on earlier V-Twins that opened by engine vacuum. With a displacement of 49.48 cubic inches (811&nbsp;cm³), the 1911 V-Twin was smaller than earlier twins, but gave better performance. After 1913 the majority of bikes produced by Harley-Davidson would be V-Twin models.

In 1912, Harley-Davidson introduced their patented "Ful-Floteing Seat", which was suspended by a coil spring inside the seat tube.<ref>{{Cite book|last= Gingerelli|first= Dain|title= Harley-Davidson Museum Masterpieces|page= 21|chapter= 1912 Model X–8–A|publisher= Motorbooks|location= Minneapolis, MN US|year= 2010|url= {{Google books|1c-d1dqD8DYC|Harley-Davidson Museum Masterpieces|plainurl=yes}}|chapterurl= {{Google books|1c-d1dqD8DYC|Harley-Davidson Museum Masterpieces|page=20|plainurl=yes}}|isbn= 978-0-7603-3894-0|lccn= 2010014130|ref= harv}}</ref> The spring tension could be adjusted to suit the rider's weight. More than {{Convert|3|in|mm}} of travel was available.<ref>{{Cite journal|last= Plueddeman|first= Charles|title= Soul Survivor|journal= ]|date= July 1998|volume= 37|issue= 7|page= 73|url={{Google books|dzSElH5E4AQC|Cycle World Magazine Jan 1998|page=RA7-PA65|plainurl=yes}}|editor-last= Edwards|editor-first= David|publisher= Hachette Filipacchi Magazines|location= Newport Beach, CA US|issn= 0011-4286|ref= harv}}</ref> Harley-Davidson would use seats of this type until 1958.<ref>{{Cite book|last1= Gingerelli|first1= Dain|last2= Michels|first2= James Manning|last3= Everitt|first3= Charles|year= 2010|title= 365 Motorcycles You Must Ride|page= 91|publisher= MBI Publishing|location= Minneapolis, MN, US|url={{Google books|Kabox9JS1OEC|title= 365 Motorcycles You Must Ride|page= 91|plainurl=yes}}|isbn= 978-0-7603-3474-4|ref=harv}}</ref>

By 1913, the yellow brick factory had been demolished and on the site a new 5-story structure had been built. Begun in 1910, the factory with its many additions would take up two blocks along Juneau Avenue and around the corner on 38th Street. Despite the competition, Harley-Davidson was already pulling ahead of ] and would dominate motorcycle racing after 1914. Production that year swelled to 16,284 machines.
] on his Harley racing bike in this 1919 photo.]]

===World War I===
In 1917, the United States entered ] and the military demanded motorcycles for the war effort.<ref>{{cite web|title=The National World War One Museum – Recent Acquisitions – Model J 1917 Harley-Davidson Army Motorcycle |url=http://www.theworldwar.org/s/110/display.aspx?sid=110&gid=1&pgid=967 |publisher=The National World War One Museum |accessdate=June 13, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224180234/http://www.theworldwar.org/s/110/display.aspx?sid=110&gid=1&pgid=967 |archivedate=December 24, 2008 }}</ref> Harleys had already been used by the military in the ]<ref>{{Cite book|last=Sterling|first=Christopher H.|title=Military Communications: From Ancient Times to the 21st Century|year=2007|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-85109-732-6|page=493|chapter=V: Vehicles and Transport}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|first1=Philip S.|last1=Jowett |first2=A. M.|last2=De Quesada |first3=Stephen |last3=Walsh|title=The Mexican Revolution, 1910–20|year=2006|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=978-1-84176-989-9|page=61}}</ref> but World War I was the first time the motorcycle had been adopted for military issue, first with the British ], produced by British ] in 1915.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.history.co.uk/study-topics/history-of-biker-gangs/history-of-the-motorcycle|title=History of the Motorcycle|last=shannen.bradley|date=2015-09-12|language=en|access-date=2016-08-27}}</ref> After the U.S. entry into the war, the U.S. military purchased over 20,000 motorcycles from Harley-Davidson.<ref name=PBS_HD_9_2006>{{cite web|first= Tukufu |last= Zuberi |title= History Detectives – Episode 9, 2006: Harley-Davidson Motorcycle, Flemington, New Jersey |url=http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/investigation/harley-davidson-motor-cycle/ |year= 2006 |accessdate =June 13, 2009}}</ref>

===Bicycles===
Harley-Davidson launched a line of ]s in 1917 in hopes of recruiting customers for its motorcycles. Besides the traditional ] men's bicycle, models included a ] 3-18 "Ladies Standard" and a 5-17 "Boy Scout" for youth. The effort was discontinued in 1923 because of disappointing sales.<ref>], Milwaukee, Wisconsin, various artifacts, ephemera, and placards on lay. One placard states "''Harley-Davidson began as a motorcycle manufacturer unlike competitors such as Indian and Pope, which has previous histories in bicycling prior to building motorcycles. The many connections between bicycling and motorcycling prompted Harley-Davidson to begin selling bicycles in 1917. Despite heavy promotion, sales were disappointing and production was discontinued in 1923.''"</ref>

The bicycles were built for Harley-Davidson in Dayton, Ohio, by the Davis Machine Company from 1917 to 1921, when Davis stopped manufacturing bicycles.<ref name="HeroBicycle">{{cite book |last= Youngblood|first= Ed|year= 2003|title= The Heroes of Harley-Davidson|url= {{Google books|EsYzQ5W3d2sC|The Heroes of Harley-Davidson|page=137|plainurl= yes}}|location= St. Paul, MN USA|publisher= Motorbooks International|page= 137|isbn= 0-7603-1595-7|accessdate= 2014-04-19}}</ref>

===1920s===
]

By 1920, Harley-Davidson was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, with 28,189 machines produced, and dealers in 67 countries.<ref name=H-Dtimeline>{{cite web|url=http://www.harley-davidson.com/content/h-d/en_US/home/museum/explore/hd-timeline.html |title=H-D Timeline |publisher=Harley-Davidson|accessdate=March 2010}}</ref>

In 1921, a Harley-Davidson, ridden by Otto Walker, was the first motorcycle ever to win a race at an average speed greater than {{convert|100|mph|km/h|-1|abbr=on}}.<ref>
{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.aspx?RacerID=57|title=Otto Walker|work=home.ama-cycle.org|accessdate=December 30, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statnekov.com/motorcycles/lives19.html|title=Pioneers of American Motorcycle Racing, Chapter 19|work= American Vintage Racing Motorcycles 1900 – 1933|publisher=Daniel K. Statnekov|accessdate=April 26, 2008}}</ref>

During the 1920s, several improvements were put in place, such as a new 74&nbsp;cubic inch (1,212.6 &nbsp;cm³) V-Twin, introduced in 1922, and the "teardrop" gas tank in 1925. A front brake was added in 1928 although notably only on the J/JD models.<ref>The Encyclopedia of the Harley-Davidson by Peter Henshaw and Ian Kerr, p.139</ref>

In the late summer of 1929, Harley-Davidson introduced its 45 cubic inches (737&nbsp;cm³) flathead V-Twin to compete with the ] and the ].<ref name=Chronicle68>{{Cite book|author=Mitchel, D.|title=Harley-Davidson Chronicle – An American Original|pages=68–69|publisher=Publications International Limited|year=1997|isbn=0-7853-2514-X}}</ref> This was the "D" model, produced from 1929 to 1931.<ref>{{cite web|first= Andy |last= Hornsby |title= American V – A Potted History of Harley-Davidson: Part 1 1903–1954 |url= http://www.american-v.co.uk/heritage/timeline/pottedhist1/index.html |work=American V] |publisher=American-V |location= Crewe, England |accessdate =June 13, 2009 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928094348/http://www.american-v.co.uk/heritage/timeline/pottedhist1/index.html |archivedate = September 28, 2007}}</ref> Riders of Indian motorcycles derisively referred to this model as the "three cylinder Harley" because the generator was upright and parallel to the front cylinder.<ref>Mitchel, p.70</ref> The {{convert|2.745|in|mm|1|abbr=on}} bore and {{convert|3.8125|in|mm|1|abbr=on}} stroke would continue in most versions of the 750 engine; exceptions include the XA and the ].{{Citation needed|date=June 2009}}

===Great Depression===
]

The ] began a few months after the introduction of their 45&nbsp;cubic inch (737&nbsp;cm³) model. Harley-Davidson's sales fell from 21,000 in 1929 to 3,703 in 1933. Despite this, Harley-Davidson unveiled a new lineup for 1934, which included a flathead engine and ] styling.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/harley-davidson/1934-harley-davidson-vld.aspx|title=1934 Harley-Davidson VLD|publisher=Motorcycle Classics| accessdate=August 5, 2009|date= March–April 2009|author=Margie Siegal}}</ref>

In order to survive the remainder of the Depression, the company manufactured industrial powerplants based on their motorcycle engines. They also designed and built a three-wheeled delivery vehicle called the ], which remained in production until 1973.<ref name=Chronicle68 />

]

In the mid-1930s, Alfred Rich Child opened a production line in Japan with the 74-cubic-inch (1,210&nbsp;cm³) VL. The Japanese license-holder, Sankyo Seiyaku Corporation, severed its business relations with Harley-Davidson in 1936 and continued manufacturing the VL under the ] name.<ref>. Motorcyclemuseum.org. Retrieved on April 27, 2012.</ref>
]
An 80-cubic-inch (1,300&nbsp;cm³) flathead engine was added to the line in 1935, by which time the single-cylinder motorcycles had been discontinued.<ref name=Chronicle92>Mitchel, p. 92</ref>

In 1936, the 61E and 61EL models with the "]" ] engines was introduced.<ref name=Chronicle94>Mitchel, pp. 94–95</ref> ] problems in early Knucklehead engines required a redesign halfway through its first year of production and retrofitting of the new valvetrain on earlier engines.<ref name=ClassicMotorcycles53>{{Cite book|last=Johnstone|first=Gary|title=Classic Motorcycles|origyear=First published 1993 by Boxtree Ltd.|year=1995|publisher=Tiger Books International|location=Twickenham|isbn=1-85501-731-8|page=53|chapter=Union Pacific Meets Roy Rogers}}</ref>

By 1937, all Harley-Davidson's flathead engines were equipped with dry-sump oil recirculation systems similar to the one introduced in the "Knucklehead" OHV engine. The revised 74-cubic-inch (1,210&nbsp;cm³) V and VL models were renamed U and UL, the 80-cubic-inch (1,300&nbsp;cc³) VH and VLH to be renamed UH and ULH, and the 45-cubic-inch (740&nbsp;cc³) R to be renamed W.<ref name=Chronicle94 />

In 1941, the 74-cubic-inch (1,210&nbsp;cm³) "Knucklehead" was introduced as the F and the ]. The 80-cubic-inch (1,300&nbsp;cc³) flathead UH and ULH models were discontinued after 1941, while the 74 inch (1880&nbsp;mm) U & UL flathead models were produced up to 1948.<ref name=Chronicle94 />

===World War II===
] R71 to produce its ].]]
One of only two American cycle manufacturers to survive the ],<ref name=PopMechP2 /><ref name=UltiMoto17>{{Cite book|last=Wilson|first=Hugo|title=The Ultimate Motorcycle Book|year=1993|publisher=Dorling Kindersley|location=London|language=|isbn=0-7513-0043-8|page=17|chapter=The World's Motorcycles: America}}</ref> Harley-Davidson again produced large numbers of motorcycles for the US Army in ] and resumed civilian production afterwards, producing a range of large V-twin motorcycles that were successful both on racetracks and for private buyers.

Harley-Davidson, on the eve of World War II, was already supplying the Army with a military-specific version of its 45 cubic inches (740&nbsp;cm³) WL line, called the ]. The A in this case stood for "Army". Upon the outbreak of war, the company, along with most other manufacturing enterprises, shifted to war work. More than 90,000 military motorcycles, mostly WLAs and WLCs (the Canadian version) were produced, many to be provided to allies.<ref name="wildthing">'']'' magazine, August 2003, pg. 34 – "Wild Thing", Robert F. Howe</ref> Harley-Davidson received two ]s, one in 1943 and the other in 1945, which were awarded for Excellence in Production.

].]]
Shipments to the ] under the ] program numbered at least 30,000.<ref> // Moto, 2011 (in Russian)]</ref> The WLAs produced during all four years of war production generally have 1942 serial numbers. Production of the WLA stopped at the end of World War II, but was resumed from 1950 to 1952 for use in the ].

The U.S. Army also asked Harley-Davidson to produce a new motorcycle with many of the features of ] side-valve and ] R71. Harley largely copied the BMW engine and drive train and produced the shaft-driven 750&nbsp;cc 1942 ]. This shared no dimensions, no parts and no design concepts (except side valves) with any prior Harley-Davidson engine. Due to the superior cooling of the ] engine with the cylinders across the frame, Harley's XA cylinder heads ran 100&nbsp;°F (56&nbsp;°C) cooler than its V-twins.<!-- The conversion template from °F to °C is a conversion of temperature values, and does not work for temperature differences. More details are available at http://en.wikipedia.org/Talk:Flat-twin_engine/Archive_1#Temperature_difference_vs._temperature_value. --><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/asp/classics/bike.asp?id=71 |title=Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum: 1942 Harley-Davidson XA |work=Motorcyclemuseum.org |accessdate=February 25, 2011}}</ref> The XA never entered full production: the motorcycle by that time had been eclipsed by the ] as the Army's general purpose vehicle, and the WLA—already in production—was sufficient for its limited police, escort, and courier roles. Only 1,000 were made and the XA never went into full production. It remains the only shaft-driven Harley-Davidson ever made.

===Small Harleys: Hummers and Aermacchis===
]]]
{{See also|Harley-Davidson Hummer|Harley-Davidson Topper}}
As part of ], Harley-Davidson acquired the design of a small German motorcycle, the ], which they adapted, manufactured, and sold from 1948 to 1966.<ref name="HummerClub">. Harley Hummer Club (2010-05-17). Retrieved on July 7, 2011.</ref> Various models were made, including the ] from 1955 to 1959, but they are all colloquially referred to as "Hummers" at present.<ref name="HummerDotCom">. Harleyhummer.com. Retrieved on July 7, 2011.</ref> ] in the United Kingdom took the same design as the foundation of their ].<ref name="EncycMoto37">Wilson, H. "The Encyclopedia of the Motorcycle" p. 37 Dorling-Kindersley Limited, 1995 ISBN 0-7513-0206-6</ref>

]
In 1960, Harley-Davidson consolidated the Model 165 and Hummer lines into the Super-10, introduced the Topper scooter,<ref name=EncycMoto252>Wilson, p. 252</ref> and bought fifty percent of ]'s motorcycle division.<ref name=EncycMoto252 /><ref name="MotoClassicsSprint350">{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/motorcycle-reviews/aermacchi-harley-davidson-350-sprint.aspx|title=Aermacchi Harley-Davidson Sprint 350|work=Motorcycle Classics|accessdate=2011-07-18|date=July–August 2011|author=Richard Backus}}</ref> Importation of ]'s 250&nbsp;cc horizontal single began the following year.<ref name="MotoClassicsSprint350" /><ref name="EncycMoto74">Wilson, p. 74</ref><ref name="Chronicle187">Mitchel, p. 187</ref> The bike bore Harley-Davidson badges and was marketed as the Harley-Davidson Sprint.<ref name="EncycMoto74" /><ref name="Chronicle187" /> The engine of the Sprint was increased to 350&nbsp;cc in 1969<ref name="MotoClassicsSprint350" /><ref name="Chronicle215">Mitchel, p. 215</ref> and would remain that size until 1974, when the four-stroke Sprint was discontinued.<ref name="Chronicle215" />

After the Pacer and Scat models were discontinued at the end of 1965, the Bobcat became the last of Harley-Davidson's American-made ] motorcycles. The Bobcat was manufactured only in the 1966 model year.<ref name="Chronicle193">Mitchel, p. 193</ref>

Harley-Davidson replaced their American-made lightweight two-stroke motorcycles with the ]-built two-stroke powered M-65, M-65S, and Rapido. The M-65 had a semi-step-through frame and tank. The M-65S was a M-65 with a larger tank that eliminated the step-through feature. The Rapido was a larger bike with a 125&nbsp;cc engine.<ref name="Chronicle218">Mitchel, p. 218</ref> The Aermacchi-built Harley-Davidsons became entirely two-stroke powered when the 250&nbsp;cc two-stroke SS-250 replaced the four-stroke 350&nbsp;cc Sprint in 1974.<ref name="Chronicle247">Mitchel, p. 247, p.250</ref>

Harley-Davidson purchased full control of ]'s motorcycle production in 1974 and continued making two-stroke motorcycles there until 1978, when they sold the facility to ].<ref name=EncycMoto252 />

===Overseas===
Prior to WWII, Harley-Davidsons were produced in Japan under license to the company ] (Rikuo Internal Combustion Company)<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q473NKddjnAC&pg=PA240&lpg=PA240&dq=Harley-Davidson+RL+45&source=bl&ots=7AAy9cijQG&sig=O-IEfEHbvXE4W66dTkXWCRL6g7U&hl=en&sa=X&ei=E62aT4SyEoiG4gTu5OCwDw&ved=0CGEQ6AEwCw#v=onepage&q=Harley-Davidson%20RL%2045&f=false |title=Google Books: ''Japan's Motorcycle Wars: An Industry History'' |work=Books.google.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2013-07-25}}</ref> starting in 1929 under the name of Harley-Davidson and using the company's tooling, and later under the name Rikuo. Production continued until 1958.<ref name="Vanneck 1998">{{cite news | author=Hugo Vanneck| title=Japan's King of the Road| publisher=Classic Bike| date=March 1998| pages=93–97}}</ref><ref name="Sucher 1981">{{cite news | author=Harry V. Sucher| title=Harley-Davidson| publisher=Haynes Publishing Group Ltd| date=August 1981| pages=79–88}}</ref>

===Tarnished reputation===
]" from the film '']''.]]
In 1952, following their application to the ] for a 40 percent tax on ]ed motorcycles, Harley-Davidson was charged with restrictive practices.<ref>{{cite web|author=Ian Chadwick, ichadwick@sympatico.ca |url=http://www.ianchadwick.com/motorcycles/triumph/time03.html |title=Triumph Motorcycles Timeline: Recovery and Growth 1946–1962 |work=Ianchadwick.com |accessdate=January 5, 2009}}</ref>

]
In 1969, ] (AMF) bought the company, streamlined production, and slashed the workforce. This tactic resulted in a ] and lower-quality bikes.<ref name="hotbikeweb" /> The bikes were expensive and inferior in performance, handling, and quality to Japanese motorcycles. Sales and quality declined, and the company almost went bankrupt.<ref name="hotbikeweb" /> The "Harley-Davidson" name was mocked as "Hardly Ableson", "Hardly Driveable," and "Hogly Ferguson",<ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/dictionary/H.htm
|title=The Motorcycle Bikers Dictionary – H
|work=www.totalmotorcycle.com
|accessdate=April 27, 2008
}}
</ref><ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.isnare.com/?aid=243636&ca=Automotive
|title=William Harley, Arthur Davidson & Soichiro Honda Didn't Like Bikes! – Isnare.com Articles
|work=www.isnare.com
|accessdate=April 27, 2008
}}
</ref>
and the nickname "Hog" became ].{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}}

In 1977, following the successful manufacture of the Liberty Edition to commemorate America's ] in 1976,<ref>{{cite web|author=incEngine |url=http://www.classic-harley.com/incEngine/?product=1030190204 |title=Harley-Davidson Liberty Edition |work=Classic-harley.com |date= |accessdate=2013-07-25}}</ref> Harley-Davidson produced what has become one of its most controversial models, the ]. The bike was essentially a stock Harley with ]-specific paint and details.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/motorcycle-reviews/harley-davidson.aspx|title=1977 Harley-Davidson Confederate Edition|publisher=Motorcycle Classics|accessdate=August 5, 2009|date=January–February 2009|author=Chris MacMahan}}</ref>

===Restructuring and revival===
In 1981, AMF sold the company to a group of 13 investors led by ] and ] for $80&nbsp;million.<ref name="wild_thing">''Smithsonian'' magazine, August 2003, pg. 36 – "Wild Thing", Robert F. Howe</ref> Inventory was strictly controlled using the ] system.

In the early eighties, Harley-Davidson claimed that Japanese manufacturers were importing motorcycles into the US in such volume as to harm or threaten to harm domestic producers. After an investigation by the U.S. International Trade Commission, President Reagan imposed in 1983 a 45 percent tariff on imported bikes with engine capacities greater than 700&nbsp;cc. Harley-Davidson subsequently rejected offers of assistance from Japanese motorcycle makers.<ref name="7/83 US IMPOSES 45% TARIFF ON IMPORTED MOTORCYCLES"> – 7/83 US Imposes 45% Tariff on Imported Motorcycles</ref> However, the company did offer to drop the request for the tariff in exchange for loan guarantees from the Japanese.<ref name="HDCentury_HarleyVJapanMyth">{{cite encyclopedia|last=Field|first=Greg|editor=Darwin Holmstrom|encyclopedia=The Harley-Davidson Century|title=The Myth of Harley VS. Japan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUidavBaEbUC&source=gbs_navlinks_s|accessdate=2012-12-26|date=2002-09-01|publisher=MotorBooks International|location=St. Paul, MN USA|isbn=0-7603-1155-2|pages=206–207|quote=Before the tariff was even implemented, Harley offered to drop its bid if the Japanese would give Harley loan guarantes of about $15 million to fund development of the Nova project.}}</ref>

Rather than trying to match the Japanese, the new management deliberately exploited the "retro" appeal of the machines, building motorcycles that deliberately adopted the look and feel of their earlier machines and the subsequent customizations of owners of that era. Many components such as brakes, forks, shocks, carburetors, electrics and wheels were outsourced from foreign manufacturers and quality increased, technical improvements were made, and buyers slowly returned.

Harley-Davidson bought the "Sub Shock" cantilever-swingarm rear suspension design from Missouri engineer Bill Davis and developed it into its ] series of motorcycles, introduced in 1984 with the FXST Softail.<ref name="HDCentury_FatherSoftail">{{cite encyclopedia|last=Field|first=Greg|editor=Darwin Holmstrom|encyclopedia=The Harley-Davidson Century|title=Father of the Softail|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUidavBaEbUC&source=gbs_navlinks_s|accessdate=2012-12-26|date=2002-09-01|publisher=MotorBooks International|location=St. Paul, MN USA|isbn=0-7603-1155-2|pages=242–243|quote=}}</ref>

In response to possible motorcycle market loss due to the aging of baby-boomers, Harley-Davidson bought luxury ] manufacturer ] in 1986.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Harley-Davidson Evolution Motorcycles|author=Greg Field|page=33|year=2001|isbn=978-0-7603-0500-3|publisher=Motorbooks}}</ref> In 1996, the company sold Holiday Rambler to the ].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.pedatarvcenter.com/rvtopics/holidayramblerrv.html| title = The Holiday Rambler RV: A Historic Look| work=Pedata RV Center| publisher=Pedata Resales| location = Tucson, AZ USA| accessdate =May 17, 2011| quote = In 1996, the Holiday Rambler RV line became one of the prestigious lines backed by Monaco Coach Corporation.}}</ref>

The "Sturgis" model, boasting a dual belt-drive, was introduced initially in 1980 and was made for three years. This bike was then brought back as a commemorative model in 1991.
By 1990, with the introduction of the "Fat Boy", Harley once again became the sales leader in the heavyweight (over 750&nbsp;cm³) market.{{Citation needed|date=February 2013}} At the time of the Fat Boy model introduction, a story rapidly spread that its silver paint job and other features were inspired by the ]; and Fat Boy was a combination of the names of the atomic bombs ] and ].<ref name="HDCentury_FatBoy">{{cite encyclopedia|last=Field|first=Greg|editor=Darwin Holmstrom|encyclopedia=The Harley-Davidson Century|title=Chapter 8: The Evolution Era|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUidavBaEbUC&source=gbs_navlinks_s|accessdate=2012-12-26|date=2002-09-01|publisher=MotorBooks International|location=St. Paul, MN USA|isbn=0-7603-1155-2|pages=259, 261.}}</ref> However, the ] lists this story as an ].<ref>{{cite web | title = Urban Legends Reference Pages: Harley-Davidson Fat Boy | publisher=Snopes | url = http://www.snopes.com/business/market/fatboy.asp | accessdate =December 14, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | title = Road Test: Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy |work=The Independent |location=UK | url = http://www.independent.co.uk/living/motoring/road_tests/article1978866.ece | accessdate =December 14, 2007| date=November 14, 2006}}</ref>

1993 and 1994 saw the replacement of FXR models with the Dyna (FXD), which became the sole rubber mount FX Big Twin frame in 1994. The FXR was revived briefly from 1999 to 2000 for special limited editions (FXR<sup>2</sup>, FXR<sup>3</sup> & FXR<sup>4</sup>).<ref name="HDCentury_EndOfFXR">{{cite encyclopedia|last=Field|first=Greg|editor=Darwin Holmstrom|encyclopedia=The Harley-Davidson Century|title=Chapter 8: The Evolution Era|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUidavBaEbUC&source=gbs_navlinks_s|accessdate=2012-12-26|date=2002-09-01|publisher=MotorBooks International|location=St. Paul, MN USA|isbn=0-7603-1155-2|page=267|quote=For 2000 came the FXR<sup>4</sup>, which was the last of two distinguished breeds: the last of the rubber-mounted FXR models and the last of the Evo-powered Harley Big Twins.}}</ref>

Construction started on the $75&nbsp;million, 130,000 square-foot (12,000&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>) ] in the ] on June 1, 2006. It opened in 2008 and houses the company's vast collection of historic motorcycles and corporate archives, along with a restaurant, café and meeting space.<ref name="museum"> – Harley-Davidson kick-starts $75M museum project</ref>

===Buell Motorcycle Company===
{{Main article|Buell Motorcycle Company}}
]
Harley-Davidson's association with ] manufacturer ] began in 1987 when they supplied Buell with fifty surplus XR1000 engines. Buell continued to buy engines from Harley-Davidson until 1993, when Harley-Davidson bought 49 percent of the Buell Motorcycle Company.<ref name=MCJuly08>{{Cite journal|last= Frank|first= Aaron|date= July 2008|title= 25 Years of Buellishness: American Genius or America's Fool?|journal=Motorcyclist|series= |pages= 82–94|publisher=Source Interlink Magazines|pmid= |pmc= |bibcode= |oclc= |url= |laysummary= |laysource= |laydate= |quote=}}</ref> Harley-Davidson increased its share in Buell to ninety-eight percent in 1998, and to complete ownership in 2003.<ref>{{cite web| title = Buell Motorcycle Co. – Two Wheel Innovation | publisher=Industry Today | url = http://www.industrytoday.com/article_view.asp?ArticleID=1485 | accessdate =June 13, 2009}}</ref>

In an attempt to attract newcomers to motorcycling in general and to Harley-Davidson in particular, Buell developed a low-cost, low-maintenance motorcycle. The resulting single-cylinder ] was introduced in 2000,<ref name=MOBlast>*{{cite web| title = Buell Blast—A Better Beginner's Bike?| url = http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/buell/buell-blast-13968.html| work=Motorcycle.com| publisher=VerticaScope Inc| date = January 15, 2000| accessdate =May 16, 2009}}</ref> and was made through 2009, which, according to Buell, was to be the final year of production.<ref name=Procter2009>{{Cite news|url=http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/General-news/2009/July/jul3109-Buell-derides-and-crushes-regrettable-Blast/?R=EPI-117242 |title=Buell derides and crushes 'regrettable' Blast |first=Guy |last=Procter |date=July 31, 2009 |work=Motorcycle News |publisher=Bauer }}</ref>

On October 15, 2009, Harley-Davidson Inc. issued an official statement that it would be discontinuing the Buell line and ceasing production immediately.<ref name="Harley-Davidson.com Oct 15">{{Cite news| url=http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/HD_News/Company/newsarticle.jsp?locale=en_US&articleLink=News/0581_press_release.hdnews&newsYear=2009&history=news|title=Harley-Davidson announces 3rd quarter results, Unveils long-term business strategy| work=Harley-Davidson.com| accessdate=October 19, 2009 }}</ref> The stated reason was to focus on the Harley-Davidson brand. The company refused to consider selling Buell.<ref>{{Citation|title=The Demise of the Buell Motorcycle Company|last=Anderson|first=Steve|date=May 2010|work=]|pages=42–48}}</ref> Founder ] subsequently established ] and continued to manufacture and develop the company's ] racing motorcycle.<ref name="MotoUSA1190RR1stLook">{{cite web|url= http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/614/6201/Motorcycle-Article/Buell-1190RR-Superbike-First-Look.aspx|title= Buell 1190RR Superbike First Look|first= Bart|last= Madson|date = 2010-03-05|work= Motorcycle USA|accessdate = 2011-07-28}}</ref>

===First overseas factory in Brazil===
In 1998 the first Harley-Davidson factory outside the US opened in ], taking advantage of the ] there. The location was positioned to sell motorcycles in the southern hemisphere market.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/1998/07/06/daily6.html |title=Harley to assemble motorcycles in Brazil |work=Bizjournals.com |date=1998-07-07 |accessdate=2013-07-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/history-harley-davidson-motorcycle.html |title=Harley-Davidson Motorcycle History |work=Motorcycle.com |date= |accessdate=2013-07-25}}</ref>

===Claims of stock price manipulation===
]
During its period of peak demand, during the late 1990s and early first decade of the 21st century, Harley-Davidson embarked on a program of expanding the number of dealerships throughout the country. At the same time, its current dealers typically had waiting lists that extended up to a year for some of the most popular models. Harley-Davidson, like the auto manufacturers, records a sale not when a consumer buys their product, but rather when it is delivered to a dealer. Therefore, it is possible for the manufacturer to inflate sales numbers by requiring dealers to accept more inventory than desired in a practice called ]. When demand softened following the unique 2003 model year, this news led to a dramatic decline in the stock price. In April 2004 alone, the price of HOG shares dropped from more than $60 to less than $40. Immediately prior to this decline, retiring CEO Jeffrey Bleustein profited $42&nbsp;million on the exercise of ]s.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/793952/000122520804000684/xslF345X02/doc4.xml |title=SEC Form 4 |website=EDGAR |date=April 15, 2004 |publisher=US Securities and Exchange Commission }}</ref> Harley-Davidson was named as a defendant in numerous ] suits filed by investors who claimed they were intentionally defrauded by Harley-Davidson's management and directors.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.glancylaw.com/amazing_case.php?caseid=125 |title=Glancy Binkow & Goldberg LLP – Attorneys at Law |work=Glancylaw.com |date=January 21, 2004 |accessdate=January 5, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archivedate=June 21, 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621221725/http://www.glancylaw.com/amazing_case.php?caseid=125 }}</ref> By January 2007, the price of Harley-Davidson shares reached $70.

===Problems with Police Touring models===
Starting around 2000, several police departments started reporting problems with high speed instability on the Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles.<ref>Honolulu Star Bulletin - http://archives.starbulletin.com/2001/02/22/news/story12.html</ref> A ] police officer, Charles Paul, was killed when his 2002 police touring motorcycle crashed after reportedly experiencing a high ].<ref> Raleigh News Observer, June 3, 2008</ref> The ] conducted testing of the Police Touring motorcycles in 2006. The CHP test riders reported experiencing wobble or weave instability while operating the motorcycles on the test track.<ref> KPHO Arizona May 16, 2011</ref>

===2007 strike===
On February 2, 2007, upon the expiration of their union contract, about 2,700 employees at Harley-Davidson Inc.'s largest manufacturing plant in ] went on strike after failing to agree on wages and health benefits.<ref>{{Cite news|title=2,700 union workers strike Harley-Davidson|publisher=United Press International|date=February 2, 2007|url=http://www.newsdaily.com/Business/UPI-1-20070202-12373100-bc-us-harleydavidson.xml}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Strike shuts down Harley-Davidson plant, Company suspends production of motorcycles amid contract dispute|publisher=Associated Press via MSNBC|date=February 2, 2007|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16941254/}}</ref> During the pendency of the strike, the company refused to pay for any portion of the striking employees' health care.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Striking Harley workers take hits in the pocketbook|publisher=The York Dispatch|date=February 12, 2007|url=http://www.yorkdispatch.com/local/ci_5211461}}</ref>

The day before the strike, after the union voted against the proposed contract and to authorize the strike, the company shut down all production at the plant. The York facility employs more than 3,200 workers, both union and non-union.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Harley closes big plant on strike threat|publisher=United Press International|date=February 1, 2007|url=http://www.newsdaily.com/Business/UPI-1-20070201-18094300-bc-us-harley.xml}}</ref>

Harley-Davidson announced on February 16, 2007, that it had reached a labor agreement with union workers at its largest manufacturing plant, a breakthrough in the two-week-old strike.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Deal ends Harley-Davidson strike|year=2007|agency=Associated Press|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17192748/}}</ref> The strike disrupted Harley-Davidson's national production and was felt in Wisconsin, where 440 employees were laid off, and many Harley suppliers also laid off workers because of the strike.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Tentative deal in Harley-Davidson strike – 2,800 workers out since February 2; rank-and-file still must vote on deal|publisher=Associated Press via MSNBC|date=February 16, 2007|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17192748/}}</ref>

===MV Agusta Group===
On July 11, 2008 Harley-Davidson announced they had signed a definitive agreement to acquire the ] for $109M USD (€70M). MV Agusta Group contains two lines of motorcycles: the high-performance ] brand and the lightweight ] brand.<ref name="SuperbikePlanet.com July 11">{{Cite news|url=http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Jul/080711b.htm |title=Harley-Davidson Acquires Both MV Agusta & Cagiva! |work=SuperbikePlanet.com |accessdate=July 11, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080714123334/http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Jul/080711b.htm |archivedate=July 14, 2008 |df=mdy }}</ref><ref name="Harley-Davidson.com July 11">{{Cite news| url=http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/HD_News/Company/newsarticle.jsp?locale=en_US&articleLink=News/0292_press_release.hdnews&newsYear=2008&history=news | title=Harley-Davidson to acquire Mv Agusta Group expanding presence in Europe | work=Harley-Davidson.com| accessdate=July 11, 2008 }}</ref> The acquisition was completed on August 8.<ref>{{cite web|title=Harley-Davidson Completes Acquisition of MX Agusta; Company Expands European Presence with Premium Italian Motorcycle Company|url=http://hd-parts.org/Harley-Davidson-Completes-Acquisition-of-MX-Agusta.html|publisher=Press Release Issued By Harley-Davidson, Inc.|accessdate=31 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title = Harley-Davidson Completes Acquisition of MV Agusta | publisher=Motorcycle Daily.com| url = http://www.motorcycledaily.com/080808pressrelease1.htm | accessdate =September 14, 2008|deadurl = yes|archivedate= May 3, 2009|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090503053454/http://www.motorcycledaily.com/080808pressrelease1.htm}}</ref>

On October 15, 2009, Harley-Davidson announced that it would divest its interest in MV Agusta.<ref name="Harley-Davidson.com Oct 15"/> Harley-Davidson Inc. sold Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta to Claudio Castiglioni, ending the transaction in the first week of August 2010. Castiglioni is the company's former owner and had been MV Agusta's chairman since Harley-Davidson bought it in 2008.<ref name="HarleySellsMVAgusta">{{Cite journal| last = Waheed | first = Adam | editor-last =Hutchison| editor-first=Ken| date = August 6, 2010 | title = Harley-Davidson Finalizes Sale of MV Agusta | journal=Motorcycle USA| publisher=Motorcycle USA | url = http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/568/7660/Motorcycle-Article/Harley-Davidson-Finalizes-Sale-of-MV-Agusta.aspx| accessdate =October 18, 2010 | quote = American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson announced today that it has completed the sale of MV Agusta for an undisclosed amount to Claudio Castiglioni and his wholly owned holding company, MV Agusta Motor Holding, S.r.l. | ref = | separator = | postscript = }}</ref>

===Operations in India===
{{main article|Harley-Davidson India}}
In August 2009, Harley-Davidson announced plans to enter the market in India, and started selling motorcycles there in 2010. The company established a subsidiary, Harley-Davidson India, in ], near Delhi, in 2011, and created an Indian dealer network.<ref>{{cite web | title = Harley-Davidson Planning To Open Indian Plant | publisher=DriveSpark | url = http://www.drivespark.com/two-wheelers/2012/21-harley-davidson-to-open-indian-plant-003281.html | accessdate =December 4, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Harley Rock Riders Season 3, Bangalore | publisher=] | url = http://www.efi-news.com/2012/11/harley-rock-riders-season-3-bangalore.html | accessdate =December 4, 2012}}</ref>

===Financial crisis===
According to ], the value of the Harley-Davidson brand fell by 43 percent to $4.34&nbsp;billion in 2009. The fall in value is believed to be connected to the 66 percent drop in the company profits in two quarters of the previous year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.pravda.ru/business/companies/23-09-2009/109454-harley_davidson-0|title=Harley-Davidson, Toyota and Porsche Brands Lose Value|accessdate=October 1, 2009 |date=September 21, 2009 |publisher=Pravda.ru}}</ref> On April 29, 2010, Harley-Davidson stated that they must cut $54&nbsp;million in manufacturing costs from its production facilities in Wisconsin, and that they would explore alternative U.S. sites to accomplish this. The announcement came in the wake of a massive company-wide restructuring, which began in early 2009 and involved the closing of two factories, one distribution center, and the planned elimination of nearly 25 percent of its total workforce (around 3,500 employees). The company announced on September 14, 2010 that it would remain in Wisconsin.<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/14/harley-davidsons-to-remain-wisconsin-made/?src=mv&ref=automobiles | work=The New York Times | first=Jerry | last=Garrett | title=Harley-Davidsons to Remain Wisconsin-Made | date=September 14, 2010}}</ref>

==Motorcycle engines==
]
{{Main article|Harley-Davidson engine timeline}}

The classic Harley-Davidson engines are ]s, with a 45° angle between the cylinders. The ] has a single pin, and both ]s are connected to this pin through their ]s.<ref name = "wfwvmg"/>

This 45° angle is covered under several ] and is an engineering tradeoff that allows a large, high-torque engine in a relatively small space. It causes the cylinders to fire at uneven intervals and produces the choppy "potato-potato" sound so strongly linked to the Harley-Davidson brand.

To simplify the engine and reduce costs, the V-twin ignition was designed to operate with a single set of points and no distributor. This is known as a dual fire ignition system, causing both spark plugs to fire regardless of which cylinder was on its compression stroke, with the other spark plug firing on its cylinder's exhaust stroke, effectively "]". The exhaust note is basically a throaty growling sound with some popping.
The 45° design of the engine thus creates a plug firing sequencing as such: The first cylinder fires, the second (rear) cylinder fires 315° later, then there is a 405° gap until the first cylinder fires again, giving the engine its unique sound.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://auto.howstuffworks.com/harley3.htm|title=Howstuffworks "The Harley Sound and Mystique"|work=auto.howstuffworks.com|accessdate=April 27, 2008}}</ref>

Harley-Davidson has used various ignition systems throughout its history – be it the early points and condenser system, (Big Twin up to 1978 and Sportsters up to 1978), magneto ignition system used on some 1958 to 1969 Sportsters, early electronic with centrifugal mechanical advance weights, (all models 1978 and a half to 1979), or the late electronic with transistorized ignition control module, more familiarly known as the black box or the brain, (all models 1980 to present).

Starting in 1995, the company introduced Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) as an option for the 30th anniversary edition ].<ref name=H-Dtimeline1990s>{{cite web|url=http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/H-D_History/history_1990s.jsp?locale=en_US|title=Harley-Davidson – Timeline 1990's|work=www.harley-davidson.com|accessdate=April 27, 2008|archivedate=October 3, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003125510/http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/H-D_History/history_1990s.jsp?locale=en_US|deadurl=yes}}</ref> EFI became standard on all Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including Sportsters, upon the introduction of the 2007 product line.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/motorcycle_efi_basics.htm|title=Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Fuel Injection Explained|work=www.nightrider.com|accessdate=April 27, 2008}}</ref>

In 1991, Harley-Davidson began to participate in the Sound Quality Working Group, founded by Orfield Labs, Bruel and Kjaer, ], ], ], SMS and Cortex. This was the nation's first group to share research on psychological acoustics. Later that year, Harley-Davidson participated in a series of sound quality studies at Orfield Labs, based on recordings taken at the ], with the objective to lower the sound level for EU standards while analytically capturing the "Harley Sound".{{Citation needed|date=July 2007}} This research resulted in the bikes that were introduced in compliance with EU standards for 1998.

On February 1, 1994, the company filed a ] application for the distinctive sound of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle engine: "The mark consists of the exhaust sound of applicant's motorcycles, produced by V-twin, common crankpin motorcycle engines when the goods are in use". Nine of Harley-Davidson's competitors filed comments opposing the application, arguing that cruiser-style motorcycles of various brands use a single-crankpin V-twin engine which produce a similar sound.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/law/st_org/iptf/articles/content/1998101101.html|title=The Trademark Registrability of the Harley-Davidson Roar: A Multimedia Analysis|work=www.bc.edu|accessdate=April 27, 2008}}</ref> These objections were followed by litigation. In June 2000, the company dropped efforts to federally register its trademark.<ref name=ODell2000>{{Cite news |title= Harley-Davidson Quits Trying to Hog Sound |date= June 21, 2000 |first= John |last= O'Dell |newspaper=] |url= http://articles.latimes.com/2000/jun/21/business/fi-43145 |accessdate=September 19, 2010 }} {{inconsistent citations}}</ref><ref name=Popely>{{Cite journal |title= Harley-Davidson Describes Motorcycles' Characteristic 'Potato' Sound |first= Rick |last= Popely |publisher=] |date= June 15, 2003 |page= 1 }} {{inconsistent citations}}</ref>

===Big V-twins===
* ], also known as JD, pocket valve and IOE (intake over exhaust), 1914–1929 (1,000&nbsp;cm³), and 1922–1929 (1,200&nbsp;cm³)
* ], 1930–1949 (1,200&nbsp;cm³) and 1935–1941 (1,300&nbsp;cm³).
* ], 1936–1947 61&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,000&nbsp;cm³), and 1941–1947 74&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,200&nbsp;cm³)
* ], 1948–1952 61&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,000&nbsp;cm³), and 1948–1965, 74&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,200&nbsp;cm³)
* ], 1966–1984, 74&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,200&nbsp;cm³) and 80&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,338&nbsp;cm³) since late 1978
* ] (a.k.a. "Evo" and "Blockhead"), 1984–1998, 80&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,340&nbsp;cm³)
* ] (a.k.a. "Fathead" as named by American Iron Magazine) 1999–present, in the following versions:
** Twin Cam 88, 1999–2006, 88&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,450&nbsp;cm³)
** Twin Cam 88B, counterbalanced version of the Twin Cam 88, 2000–2006, 88&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,450&nbsp;cm³)
** Twin Cam 95, since 2000, 95&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,550&nbsp;cm³) (engines for early C.V.O. models)
** Twin Cam 96, since 2007. As of 2012, only the Street Bob and Super Glide Custom Models still use the 96.96&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,584&nbsp;cm³)
** Twin Cam 103, 2003–2006, 2009, 103&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,690&nbsp;cm³) (engines for C.V.O. models), Standard on 2011 Touring models: Ultra Limited, Road King Classic and Road Glide Ultra and optional on the Road Glide Custom and Street Glide. Standard on most 2012 models excluding Sportsters and 2 Dynas (Street Bob and Super Glide Custom). Standard on all 2014 dyna models.
** Twin Cam 110, since 2007, 110&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,800&nbsp;cm³) (engines for C.V.O. models, 2016 Soft Tail Slim S; FatBoy S, Low Rider S, and Pro-Street Breakout)
* ]
** Twin-cooled 107&nbsp;ci (1,750&nbsp;cm³): Standard on touring and trike model year 2017+.<ref name="motorcycle.com">http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/harley-davidson/harley-davidson-unveils-the-milwaukee-eight-engine-for-touring-models.html</ref>
** Twin-cooled 114&nbsp;ci (1,870&nbsp;cm³): Optional on touring and trike model year 2017+, standard on CVO models.<ref name="motorcycle.com"/>

===Small V-twins===
]
* D Model, 1929–1931, 750 cc
* R Model, 1932–1936, 750 cc
* W Model, 1937–1952, 750 cc, solo (2 wheel, frame only)
* G (Servi-Car) Model, 1932–1973, 750 cc
* K Model, 1952–1953, 750 cc
* KH Model, 1954–1956, 900 cc
* Ironhead, 1957–1971, 883 cc; 1972–1985, 1,000 cc
* ], since 1986, 883&nbsp;cc, 1,100&nbsp;cc and 1,200&nbsp;cc

===Revolution engine===
]
The Revolution engine is based on the VR-1000 ] race program, co-developed by Harley-Davidson's Powertrain Engineering team and ] Engineering in ], Germany. It is a liquid cooled, dual overhead cam, internally counterbalanced 60&nbsp;degree V-twin engine with a displacement of 69&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,130&nbsp;cm³), producing {{convert|115|hp|abbr=on}} at 8,250&nbsp;rpm at the crank, with a redline of 9,000&nbsp;rpm.<ref>{{cite web
| title = First Ride: 2002 Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod
| work=motorcycle.com
| url = http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/harley-davidson/first-ride-2002-harleydavidson-vrsca-vrod-13245.html
| accessdate =December 14, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| title = Harley-davidson v-rod – jeckyl or hyde!
| publisher=Motorbikes Today
| url = http://www.motorbikestoday.com/reviews/Articles/harley_vrod.htm
| accessdate =December 14, 2007}}</ref>
It was introduced for the new V-Rod line in 2001 for the 2002 model year, starting with the single VRSCA (V-Twin Racing Street Custom) model.<ref>{{cite web
| title = Harley-Davidson Company History Timeline 2000
| publisher=Harley-Davidson Motor Company Website
| url = http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/H-D_History/history_2000s.jsp?locale=en_US
| accessdate =December 14, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| title = Motor Company History
| publisher=North Texas Harley Owners Group
| url = http://www.nthog.com/html/motor_company_history.html
| accessdate =December 14, 2007}}</ref>

A 1,250&nbsp;cc Screamin' Eagle version of the Revolution engine was made available for 2005 and 2006, and was present thereafter in a single production model from 2005 to 2007. In 2008, the 1,250&nbsp;cc Revolution Engine became standard for the entire VRSC line. Harley-Davidson claims {{convert|123|hp|abbr=on}} at the crank for the 2008 VRSCAW model. The VRXSE ''Destroyer'' is equipped with a stroker (75&nbsp;mm crank) Screamin' Eagle 79&nbsp;cubic&nbsp;inch (1,300&nbsp;cm³) Revolution Engine, producing more than {{convert|165|hp|abbr=on}}.

750 cc and 500 cc versions of the Revolution engine will be used in Harley-Davidson's new ] of light cruisers.<ref name=popularmechanics_Street /> These motors, named the Revolution X, use a single overhead cam, screw and locknut valve adjustment, a single internal counterbalancer, and vertically split crankcases; all of these changes making it different from the original Revolution design.{{Citation needed|date=October 2014}}

====Düsseldorf-Test====
An extreme endurance test of the Revolution engine was performed in a dynometer installation, simulating the German ] (highways without general speed limit) between the Porsche research and development center in Weissach, near Stuttgart to ]. Uncounted samples of engines crashed, until an engine successfully passed the 500 hour nonstop run. This was the benchmark for the engineers to approve the start of production for the Revolution engine, which was documented in the ] special Harley-Davidson: Birth of the V-Rod, October 14, 2001.<ref name=discovery>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpsGwZWvMf0//|last= |first= |title=Harley-Davidson Birth of the V Rod| publisher=Canadian Gears |accessdate=September 23, 2016|date=February 5, 2015 }}</ref>

===Single-cylinder engines===
]
;IOE singles
The first Harley-Davidson motorcycles were powered by ] ]s with the inlet valve operated by engine vacuum.<ref name="GirdlerBreifHistory">{{cite book |last1=Girdler |first1=Allan|others=Photography by Ron Hussey |title=Harley-Davidson: The American Motorcycle |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=99pnwOIVV-AC&source=gbs_navlinks_s |format=|accessdate=2012-12-19 |type= |edition= |series=Motorbooks Classics |volume= |date=2003-11-01 |origyear=1992 |publisher=MotorBooks International |location=St. Paul, MN USA |isbn=0-7603-1651-1|pages=10–11 |chapter=A Brief Harley History |quote=Like the prototypes and the first fifty or so examples made, it had a single-cylinder engine with atmospheric intake valve; that is, when the piston went down for the intake stroke, the valve was sucked open and when it started back up, the valve was compressed shut.}}</ref> Singles of this type continued to be made until 1913, when a pushrod and rocker system was used to operate the overhead inlet valve on the single, a similar system having been used on their V-twins since 1911.<ref name="ReffertyIlluDir44">{{cite book |last1=Rafferty |first1=Tod |title=The Illustrated Directory of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NPElj2hU3pgC&source=gbs_navlinks_s |accessdate=2012-12-19 |type= |edition= |series=Illustrated Directory series |volume= |date= |year= |month= |origyear= |publisher=Salamander Books |location=St. Paul, MN USA |isbn=0-7603-1126-9 |pages=44&nbsp;47 |chapter=Model 9 1913 |chapterurl=https://books.google.com/books?id=NPElj2hU3pgC&pg=PA44&source=gbs_toc_r&cad=4 |quote=Of course the single had benefited from the development work devoted to its big brother. Mechanically operated intake valve, lighter alloy piston and improved carburetion were included in the package.}}</ref> Single-cylinder motorcycle engines were discontinued in 1918.<ref name="GirdlerHDTimeline">{{cite book |last1=Girdler |first1=Allan |last2=Hackett |first2=Jeff |last3=Woods |first3=Bob |title= Harley-Davidson|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3weYLYwNXqEC&source=gbs_navlinks_s |accessdate=2012-12-19 |type= |edition= |series=Motorbooks Classics |date= 2006-05-24|origyear=2006 |publisher=MotorBooks International |location=St. Paul, MN USA |isbn=978-0-7603-2332-8|page=78 |chapter= Harley-Davidson Timeline|quote=1926: Harley-Davidson reintroduces single-cylinder motorcycles, for the first time since 1918.}}</ref>

;Flathead and OHV singles
Single-cylinder engines were reintroduced in 1925 as 1926 models.<ref name="HDCentury_1stFlathead">{{cite encyclopedia|last=Hatfield|first=Jerry|editor=Darwin Holmstrom|encyclopedia=The Harley-Davidson Century|title=The Flathead Era|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUidavBaEbUC&source=gbs_navlinks_s|accessdate=2012-12-26|date=2002-09-01|publisher=MotorBooks International|location=St. Paul, MN USA|isbn=0-7603-1155-2|pages=47–65|quote=For 1930, the factory brought out a 500-cc (30.5-cubic inches) flathead single. The 350-cc singles were offered for the seasons of 1926 through 1930 in both flathead and overhead versions, and as flatheads only from 1931 through 1934.}}</ref> These singles were available either as ]s or as ] engines<ref name="CompleteHD32">{{cite book| last = Rafferty| first = Tod| title = Complete Harley-Davidson: A Model-By-Model History of the American Motorcycle| type = | date = 1997-03-23| publisher = MBI Publishing| location = Osceola, WI USA| isbn = 0-7603-0326-6| pages = 38–39| chapter = Chapter One – The Beginning| quote = Thus it was decided that two singles would be developed simultaneously; a side-valve model for economical transportation and an overhead-valve version for sport riders and racers.}}</ref> until 1930, after which they were only available as flatheads.<ref name="HDCentury_1stFlathead" /> The flathead single-cylinder motorcycles were designated Model A for engines with magneto systems only and Model B for engines with battery and coil systems, while overhead valve versions were designated Model AA and Model BA respectively, and a magneto-only racing version was designated Model S.<ref name="CompleteHD32" /> This line of single-cylinder motorcycles ended production in 1934.<ref name="HDCentury_1stFlathead" />

;Two-stroke singles
{{see also|Harley-Davidson Hummer}}

==Model families==
Modern Harley-branded motorcycles fall into one of six model families: Touring, Softail, Dyna, Sportster, Vrod and Street. These model families are distinguished by the frame, engine, suspension, and other characteristics.

===Touring===
{{See also|Harley-Davidson FL}}
]]]
Touring models use Big-Twin engines and large-diameter telescopic forks. All Touring designations begin with the letters FL, ''e.g.'', FLHR (Road King) and FLTR (Road Glide).

The touring family, also known as "dressers" or "baggers", includes Road King, Road Glide, Street Glide and Electra Glide models offered in various trims. The Road Kings have a "retro cruiser" appearance and are equipped with a large clear windshield. Road Kings are reminiscent of big-twin models from the 1940s and 1950s. Electra Glides can be identified by their full front fairings. Most Electra Glides sport a fork-mounted fairing referred to as the "Batwing" due to its unmistakable shape. The Road Glide and Road Glide Ultra Classic have a frame-mounted fairing, referred to as the "Sharknose". The Sharknose includes a unique, dual front headlight.

Touring models are distinguishable by their large saddlebags, rear coil-over air suspension and are the only models to offer full fairings with radios and ]. All touring models use the same frame, first introduced with a Shovelhead motor in 1980, and carried forward with only modest upgrades until 2009, when it was extensively redesigned. The frame is distinguished by the location of the steering head in front of the forks and was the first H-D frame to rubber mount the drivetrain to isolate the rider from the vibration of the big V-twin.
]
The frame was modified for the 1994 model year when the oil tank went under the transmission and the battery was moved inboard from under the right saddlebag to under the seat. In 1997, the frame was again modified to allow for a larger battery under the seat and to lower seat height. In 2007, Harley-Davidson introduced the {{convert|96|cuin|cc|abbr=off}}<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/2013/harley_davidson/dyna/specifications/05/engine.html|title= Buyer's Guide: Harley-Davidson Dyna 2013|work= Motorcyclist Online]|publisher=]|accessdate=October 11, 2012}}</ref> Twin Cam 96 engine, as well the six-speed transmission to give the rider better speeds on the highway.

In 2006, Harley introduced the FLHX Street Glide, a bike designed by Willie G. Davidson to be his personal ride, to its touring line.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brainbucketmag.com/News/article/sid=408.html|last=Newbern|first=Michael|title=First Ride: 2007 FLHX|date=August 8, 2006}}</ref>

In 2008, Harley added ]s and cruise control as a factory installed option on all touring models (standard on CVO and Anniversary models).<ref name="ABS">{{Cite press release |title=ABS OPTION ON ALL HARLEY-DAVIDSON TOURING AND VRSC MODELS |publisher=Harley-Davidson |date=July 9, 2007 |url=http://www.harley-davidson.com/CO/NEW/en/PressRelease_date.asp?locale=en_US&bmLocale=en_US&HDCWPSession=vHLgG6cQLh81Jl9BDmTDST1frXYC02vTcXyzfQGn090yRDvTJyQb!-1996869500!400212047&id_in=1244&dspmm=7&dspyy=2007&FROM=NewsARCHIVE |accessdate=September 26, 2007 }}</ref> Also new for 2008 is the {{convert|6|usgal|sing=on}} fuel tank for all touring models. 2008 also brought throttle-by-wire to all touring models.

For the 2009 model year, Harley-Davidson redesigned the entire touring range with several changes, including a new frame, new swingarm, a completely revised engine-mounting system, {{convert|17|in|mm|adj=on}} front wheels for all but the FLHRC Road King Classic, and a 2–1–2 exhaust. The changes result in greater load carrying capacity, better handling, a smoother engine, longer range and less exhaust heat transmitted to the rider and passenger.<ref>. Harley-davidson.com. Retrieved on July 7, 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/04august08_2009hd_vrod&touring.htm|last=Edge|first=Dirck|title=2009 Harley-Davidson Touring Models and V-Rod Muscle – MD First Rides|date=August 4, 2008}}</ref>
Also released for the 2009 model year is the FLHTCUTG Tri-Glide Ultra Classic, the first three-wheeled Harley since the Servi-Car was discontinued in 1973. The model features a unique frame and a 103-cubic-inch (1,690&nbsp;cm³) engine exclusive to the trike.<ref>. Harley-davidson.com. Retrieved on July 7, 2011.</ref>

In 2014, Harley-Davidson released a redesign for specific touring bikes and called it "Project Rushmore".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.harley-davidson.com/content/h-d/en_US/home/motorcycles/rushmore.html#|title=Harley-Davidson - Project Rushmore|date=August 19, 2013}}</ref> Changes include a new 103CI High Output engine, one handed easy open saddlebags and compartments, a new Boom! Box Infotainment system with either 4.3 inch (10&nbsp;cm) or 6.5 inch (16.5&nbsp;cm) screens featuring touchscreen functionality , Bluetooth (media and phone with approved compatible devices), available GPS and SiriusXM, Text-to-Speech functionality (with approved compatible devices) and USB connectivity with charging. Other features include ABS with Reflex linked brakes, improved styling, Halogen or LED lighting and upgraded passenger comfort.

===Softail===
{{Main article|Softail}}
] Heritage Classic.]]
These big-twin motorcycles capitalize on Harley's strong value on tradition. With the rear-wheel suspension hidden under the transmission, they are visually similar to the "hardtail" ] popular in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as from their own earlier history. In keeping with that tradition, Harley offers Softail models with "Springer" front ends and "Heritage" styling that incorporate design cues from throughout their history.

;Designation
Softail models utilize the big-twin engine (F) and the Softail chassis (ST).
* Softail models that use 21 inch (530&nbsp;mm) Front Wheels have designations that begin with FXST, ''e.g.'', FXSTB (Night Train), FXSTD (Deuce), and FXSTS (Springer).
* Softail models that use 16 inch (410&nbsp;mm) Front Wheels have designations beginning with FLST, ''e.g.'', FLSTF (Fat Boy), FLSTC (Heritage Softail Classic), FLSTN (Softail Deluxe) and FLS (Softail Slim).
* Softail models that use Springer forks with a {{convert|21|in|mm|sing=on}} wheel have designations that begin with FXSTS, ''e.g.'', FXSTS (Springer Softail) and FXSTSB (Bad Boy).
* Softail models that use Springer forks with a {{convert|16|in|mm|sing=on}} wheel have designations that begin with FLSTS, ''e.g.'', FLSTSC (Springer Classic) and FLSTSB (Cross Bones).

===Dyna===
{{Main article|Harley-Davidson Super Glide}}
] Custom.]]
Dyna-frame motorcycles were developed in the 1980s and early 1990s and debuted in the 1991 model year with the FXDB Sturgis offered in limited edition quantities. In 1992 the line continued with the limited edition FXDB Daytona and a production model FXD Super Glide. The new DYNA frame featured big-twin engines and traditional styling. They can be distinguished from the Softail by the traditional coil-over suspension that connects the swingarm to the frame, and from the Sportster by their larger engines. On these models, the transmission also houses the engine's oil reservoir.

Prior to 2008, Dyna models typically featured a narrow, XL-style front fork and front wheel, which the manufacturer included the letter "X" in the model designation to indicate. This lineup traditionally included the Super Glide (FXD), Super Glide Custom (FXDC), Street Bob (FXDB), and Low Rider (FXDL). One exception was the Wide Glide (FXDWG), which maintained the thickness of the XL forks and a narrow front wheel, but positioned the forks on wider triple-trees that give a beefier appearance. In 2008, the Dyna Fat Bob (FXDF) was introduced to the Dyna lineup, featuring aggressive styling like a new 2–1–2 exhaust, twin headlamps, a 180&nbsp;mm rear tire, and, for the first time in the Dyna lineup, a 130&nbsp;mm front tire. For the 2012 model year, the Dyna Switchback (FLD) became the first Dyna to break the tradition of having an FX model designation: with detachable painted hard saddlebags, touring windshield, larger fork tubes, headlight nacelle and a wide front tire with full fender. The new front end resembled the big-twin FL models from 1968-1971.

The Dyna family used the 88-cubic-inch (1,440&nbsp;cm³) twin cam from 1999 to 2006. In 2007, the displacement was increased to 96 cubic inches (1,570&nbsp;cm³) as the factory increased the stroke to {{convert|4.375|in|mm|1}}. For the 2012 model year, the manufacturer began to offer Dyna models with the 103-cubic-inch (1,690&nbsp;cm³) upgrade. All Dyna models use a rubber-mounted engine to isolate engine vibration.

;Designation
Dyna models utilize the big-twin engine (F), small-diameter telescopic forks similar to those used on the Sportster (X) until 2012 when one model used the large diameter forks similar in appearance to those used on the Touring (L) models, and the Dyna chassis (D). Therefore, except for the FLD from 2012 to the present, all Dyna models have designations that begin with FXD, ''e.g.'', FXDWG (Dyna Wide Glide) and FXDL (Dyna Low Rider).

===Sportster===
{{Main article|Harley-Davidson Sportster}}
] 883 Custom]]
[[File:2003 HD XL1200C Anniversary Edition.jpg|thumb|2003 Harley-Davidson XL1200 Custom Anniversary Edition
]]
Introduced in 1957, the Sportster family were conceived as racing motorcycles, and were popular on dirt and flat-track race courses through the 1960s and 1970s. Smaller and lighter than the other Harley models, contemporary Sportsters make use of 883&nbsp;cc or 1,200&nbsp;cc Evolution engines and, though often modified, remain similar in appearance to their racing ancestors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/motorcycle-reviews/harley-davidson-sportster-1000.aspx|title=1972–1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1000|publisher=Motorcycle Classics|accessdate=May 21, 2010|date=March–April 2010|author=Richard Backus }}</ref>

Up until the 2003 model year, the engine on the Sportster was rigidly mounted to the frame. The 2004 Sportster received a new frame accommodating a rubber-mounted engine. This made the bike heavier and reduced the available lean angle, while it reduced the amount of vibration transmitted to the frame and the rider, providing a smoother ride for rider and passenger.<ref>. Motorcyclecruiser.com (2011-02-28). Retrieved on July 7, 2011.</ref>

In the 2007 model year, Harley-Davidson celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Sportster and produced a limited edition called the XL50, of which only 2000 were made for sale worldwide. Each motorcycle was individually numbered and came in one of two colors, Mirage Pearl Orange or Vivid Black. Also in 2007, electronic fuel injection was introduced to the Sportster family, and the Nightster model was introduced in mid-year. In 2009, Harley-Davidson added the Iron 883 to the Sportster line, as part of the Dark Custom series.
In the 2008 model year, Harley-Davidson released the XR1200 Sportster in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The XR1200 had an Evolution engine tuned to produce {{convert|91|bhp|abbr=on}}, four-piston dual front disc brakes, and an aluminum swing arm. '']'' featured the XR1200 on the cover of its July 2008 issue and was generally positive about it in their "First Ride" story, in which Harley-Davidson was repeatedly asked to sell it in the United States.<ref>{{Cite journal|last= Cathcart|first= Alan|date=July 2008|title= First Ride: 2008 Harley-Davidson XR1200 – Get Sporty!|journal=Motorcyclist|series= |pages= 49–53|publisher=Source Interlink Magazines|pmid= |pmc= |bibcode= |oclc= |url= |laysummary= |laysource= |laydate= |quote=}}</ref>
One possible reason for the delayed availability in the United States was the fact that Harley-Davidson had to obtain the "XR1200" naming rights from Storz Performance, a Harley customizing shop in Ventura, Calif.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/motorcycle-reviews/2009-harley-davidson-xr1200.aspx|title=2009 Harley-Davidson XR1200|publisher=Motorcycle Classics|accessdate=August 20, 2009|date=September–October 2009|author=Richard Backus}}</ref> The XR1200 was released in the United States in 2009 in a special color scheme including Mirage Orange highlighting its dirt-tracker heritage. The first 750 XR1200 models in 2009 were pre-ordered and came with a number 1 tag for the front of the bike, autographed by ] and ] and a thank you/welcome letter from the company, signed by Bill Davidson.{{Citation needed|date=July 2009}} The XR1200 was discontinued in model year 2013.

;Designation
Except for the street-going XR1000 of the 1980s and the XR1200, most Sportsters made for street use have the prefix XL in their model designation. For the Sportster Evolution engines used since the mid-1980s, there have been two engine sizes. Motorcycles with the smaller engine are designated XL883, while those with the larger engine were initially designated XL1100. When the size of the larger engine was increased from 1,100&nbsp;cc to 1,200&nbsp;cc, the designation was changed accordingly from XL1100 to XL1200. Subsequent letters in the designation refer to model variations within the Sportster range, e.g. the XL883C refers to an 883&nbsp;cc Sportster Custom, while the XL1200S designates the now-discontinued 1200 Sportster Sport.

===VRSC===
{{Main article|Harley-Davidson VRSC}}
]
Introduced in 2001, the VRSC muscle bike family bears little resemblance to Harley's more traditional lineup. Competing against Japanese and American muscle bikes in the upcoming ] segment, the "V-Rod" makes use of an engine developed jointly with ] that, for the first time in Harley history, incorporates ]s and liquid cooling. The V-Rod is visually distinctive, easily identified by the 60-degree V-Twin engine, the radiator and the ] frame members that support the round-topped air cleaner cover. The VRSC ] was also used for factory drag-racing motorcycles.

In 2008, Harley added the anti-lock braking system as a factory installed option on all VRSC models.<ref name="ABS" /> Harley also increased the displacement of the stock engine from {{convert|1130|to|1250|cc|cuin|abbr=on}}, which had only previously been available from Screamin' Eagle, and added a slipper clutch as standard equipment.

VRSC models include:

VRSCA: V-Rod (2002–2006), VRSCAW: V-Rod (2007–2010), VRSCB: V-Rod (2004–2005), VRSCD: Night Rod (2006–2008), VRSCDX: Night Rod Special (2007–2014), VRSCSE: Screamin' Eagle CVO V-Rod (2005), VRSCSE2: Screamin' Eagle CVO V-Rod (2006), VRSCR: Street Rod (2006–2007), VRSCX: Screamin' Eagle Tribute V-Rod (2007), VRSCF: V-Rod Muscle (2009–2014).

;Designation
VRSC models utilize the Revolution engine (VR), and the street versions are designated Street Custom (SC). After the VRSC prefix common to all street Revolution bikes, the next letter denotes the model, either A (base V-Rod: discontinued), AW (base V-Rod + W for Wide with a 240&nbsp;mm rear tire), B (discontinued), D (Night Rod: discontinued), R (Street Rod: discontinued), SE and SEII(CVO Special Edition), or X (Special edition). Further differentiation within models are made with an additional letter, ''e.g.'', VRSCDX denotes the Night Rod Special.

====VRXSE====
The VRXSE V-Rod Destroyer is Harley-Davidson's production drag racing motorcycle, constructed to run the quarter mile in less than ten seconds. It is based on the same revolution engine that powers the VRSC line, but the VRXSE uses the Screamin' Eagle 1,300&nbsp;cc "stroked" incarnation, featuring a 75&nbsp;mm crankshaft, 105&nbsp;mm Pistons, and 58&nbsp;mm throttle bodies.

The V-Rod Destroyer is not a street legal motorcycle. As such, it uses "X" instead of "SC" to denote a non-street bike. "SE" denotes a CVO Special Edition.

===Street===
{{main article|Harley-Davidson Street}}
The Street, Harley-Davidson's newest platform and their first all new platform in thirteen years, was designed to appeal to younger riders looking for a lighter bike at a cheaper price.<ref name=popularmechanics_Street>{{cite web| url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/auto-blog/harley-davidson-street-500-750|title=2015 Harley-Davidson Street 500/750: Futureproof Hogs?|date=November 13, 2013|accessdate=November 19, 2013|publisher=Popular Mechanics}}</ref> The Street 750 model was launched in India at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo, Delhi-NCR on 5 February 2014. The Street 750 weighs 218&nbsp;kg and has a ground clearance of 144&nbsp;mm giving it the lowest weight and the highest ground clearance of Harley-Davidson motorcycles currently available.<ref name=Zig20140205>{{cite web |url= http://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/recent-launches/2014-indian-auto-expo-harleydavidson-street-750-launched-at-rs-41-lakh/17815/|title= 2014 Indian Auto Expo: Harley-Davidson Street 750 launched at Rs 4.1 lakh|last1= Nadar|first1= Arun Mohan|date= 5 February 2014|website= ZigWheels|publisher= Times Internet|accessdate=6 February 2014}}</ref>

The Street 750 uses an all-new, liquid-cooled, 60° V-twin engine called the Revolution X. In the Street 750, the engine displaces {{convert|749|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} and produces 65&nbsp;Nm at 4,000&nbsp;rpm. A six speed transmission is used.<ref name=Zig20140205 />

The Street 750 and the smaller-displacement Street 500 has been available since late 2014.<ref name=popularmechanics_Street /> Street series motorcycles for the North American market will be built in Harley-Davidson's Kansas City, Missouri plant,<ref name=popularmechanics_Street /> while those for other markets around the world will be built completely in their plant in Bawal, India.<ref name=popularmechanics_Street /><ref name=Zig20140205 />

==Custom Vehicle Operations==
{{Main article|Harley-Davidson CVO}}
{{Unreferenced section|date=July 2011}}
Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) is a team within Harley-Davidson that produces limited-edition customizations of Harley's stock models. Every year since 1999, the team has selected two to five of the company's base models and added higher-displacement engines, performance upgrades, special-edition paint jobs, more chromed or accented components, audio system upgrades, and electronic accessories to create high-dollar, premium-quality customizations for the ] market. The models most commonly upgraded in such a fashion are the Ultra Classic Electra Glide, which has been selected for CVO treatment every year from 2006 to the present, and the Road King, which was selected in 2002, 2003, 2007, and 2008. The Dyna, Softail, and VRSC families have also been selected for CVO customization.

==Environmental record==
The ] conducted emissions-certification and representative emissions test in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 2005. Subsequently, Harley-Davidson produced an "environmental warranty". The warranty ensures each owner that the vehicle is designed and built free of any defects in materials and workmanship that would cause the vehicle to not meet EPA standards.<ref> March 9, 2005 retrieved May 14, 2008</ref> In 2005, the EPA and the ] (PADEP) confirmed Harley-Davidson to be the first corporation to voluntarily enroll in the One Clean-Up Program. This program is designed for the clean-up of the affected soil and groundwater at the former York Naval Ordnance Plant. The program is backed by the state and local government along with participating organizations and corporations.<ref name = "vupxae"> 2005. Retrieved May 14, 2008</ref>

Paul Gotthold, Director of Operations for the EPA, congratulated the motor company:
{{quote|Harley-Davidson has taken their environmental responsibilities very seriously and has already made substantial progress in the investigation and cleanup of past contamination. Proof of Harley's efforts can be found in the recent EPA determination that designates the Harley property as 'under control' for cleanup purposes. This determination means that there are no serious contamination problems at the facility. Under the new One Cleanup Program, Harley, EPA, and PADEP will expedite the completion of the property investigation and reach a final solution that will permanently protect human health and the environment.<ref name = "vupxae"/>}}
Harley-Davidson also purchased most of Castalloy, a South Australian producer of cast motorcycle wheels and hubs. The South Australian government has set forth "protection to the purchaser (Harley-Davidson) against environmental risks".<ref> 2008. Retrieved May 14, 2008</ref>

In August 2016 Harley-Davidson settled with the EPA for $12 million, without admitting wrongdoing, over the sale of ] "super tuners".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Geuss|first1=Megan|title=EPA punishes Harley-Davidson for selling an aftermarket tuner that elevated emissions|url=http://arstechnica.com/cars/2016/08/harley-davidson-to-pay-12-million-for-emissions-spewing-aftermarket-tuners/|accessdate=19 August 2016|publisher=Ars Technica|date=19 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Eaton|first1=Sabrina|title=U.S. EPA fines Harley-Davidson for emissions violations caused by 'super tuners'|url=http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2016/08/epa_cracks_down_on_harley-davi.html|accessdate=19 August 2016|publisher=Cleveland.com|date=19 August 2016}}</ref> Super tuners were devices, marketed for competition, which enabled increased performance of Harley-Davidson products. However, the devices also modified the emission control systems, producing increased ] and ]. Harley-Davidson is required to buy back and destroy any super tuners which do not meet ] requirements and spend $3 million on air pollution mitigation.

==Brand culture==
] located on the ]]]
According to a recent Harley-Davidson study, in 1987 half of all Harley riders were under age 35.<ref name = "age35"/> Now, only 15 percent of Harley buyers are under 35,<ref name="age35">. Business Week (2006-11-06). Retrieved on July 7, 2011.</ref> and as of 2005, the ] age had risen to 46.7.<ref name="age46.7"> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220105508/http://www.timescommunity.com/site/tab2.cfm?newsid=14245896&BRD=2553&PAG=461&dept_id=506066&rfi=6 |date=February 20, 2008 }}</ref><ref name="age47"> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070713104710/http://new.savannahnow.com/node/280591 |date=July 13, 2007 }}</ref><ref name="seniors">. Coastalsenior.com. Retrieved on July 7, 2011.</ref><ref name="chart">, source: Harley-Davidson</ref>

In 1987, the ] household income of a Harley-Davidson rider was $38,000. By 1997, the ] for those riders had more than doubled, to $83,000.<ref name="age35-2">. Reporting.journalism.ku.edu. Retrieved on July 7, 2011.</ref>{{Clarify|date=January 2009}}

Harley-Davidson attracts a loyal ],<ref>{{Cite news| title=Harley-Davidson's 100th anniversary—the sound of a legend |author=Richard Pierson and Alexander Bozmoski | work=Sound and Vibration|date=March 2003 |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa4075/is_200303/ai_n9223788 |accessdate=December 13, 2007 | deadurl=yes}} {{Dead link|date=February 2012|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> with licensing of the Harley-Davidson logo accounting for almost 5 percent of the company's net revenue ($41&nbsp;million in 2004).<ref>{{Cite book| title = The Standard & Poor's 500 Guide | publisher=McGraw-Hill Professional | author=Standard & Poor's | isbn = 0-07-146823-4}}</ref> Harley-Davidson supplies many American police forces with their motorcycle fleets.<ref name="On Patrol">{{cite web|title=On Patrol |work=2005 Harley-Davidson Police Motorcycles |url=http://www.mapc.org/services/GBPC/Harley/On%20Patrol%202005%20Harley-Davidson%20Police%20Motorcycles%20Catalog.pdf |format=PDF |accessdate=June 18, 2007 |df=mdy }}{{dead link|date=September 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

Harley-Davidson motorcycles has long been associated with the sub-cultures of the ], ]s, and ]s.

===Origin of "Hog" nickname===
Beginning in 1920, a team of farm boys, including ], who became known as the "hog boys", consistently won races. The group had a live ] as their ]. Following a win, they would put the hog on their Harley and take a ].<ref name=H-Dtimeline1920s> – History</ref> In 1983, the Motor Company formed a club for owners of its product taking advantage of the long-standing nickname by turning "hog" into the acronym HOG., for Harley Owners Group. Harley-Davidson attempted to trademark "hog", but lost a case against an independent Harley-Davidson specialist, The Hog Farm of West Seneca, New York,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.the-hog-farm.com/another-victory.html |title=Decision at the U.S. Second Circuit Federal Court of Appeals N.Y.C.: Corporate Harley-Davidson LOST the Hog Trademark |publisher=The-hog-farm |date=January 15, 1999 |accessdate=January 5, 2009}}</ref> in 1999 when the ] ruled that "hog" had become a ] for large motorcycles and was therefore unprotectable as a trademark.<ref>{{cite web | title = Motorcycle manufacturer has no trademark right in 'hog' | publisher=News Media Update | url = http://www.rcfp.org/news/1999/0208k.html | accessdate =December 13, 2007}}</ref>

On August 15, 2006, Harley-Davidson Inc. had its NYSE ticker symbol changed from HDI to HOG.<ref>{{cite web | title = Harley-Davidson: High on the Hog |work=BusinessWeek | url = http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/aug2006/pi20060825_905406.htm?campaign_id=rss_null| accessdate =December 13, 2007}}</ref>

===Bobbers===
Harley-Davidson FL "big twins" normally had heavy steel fenders, chrome trim, and other ornate and heavy accessories. After ], riders wanting more speed would often shorten the fenders or take them off completely to reduce the weight of the motorcycle. These bikes were called "bobbers" or sometimes "choppers" because parts considered unnecessary were chopped off. Those who made or rode choppers and bobbers, especially members of outlaw bike gangs like the ], referred to stock FLs as "garbage wagons".<ref>References:
* {{cite encyclopedia|last=Seate|first=Mike|editor=Darwin Holmstrom|encyclopedia=The Harley-Davidson Century|title=Choppers|year=2002|publisher=MBI Publishing|location=St. Paul, MN USA|isbn=0-7603-1155-2|pages=140–142}}
* {{cite encyclopedia|last= Thompson|first=Hunter S.|authorlink=Hunter S. Thompson|editor=Darwin Holmstrom|encyclopedia=The Harley-Davidson Century|title=The Hell's Angels|year=2002|publisher=MBI Publishing|location=St. Paul, MN USA|isbn=0-7603-1155-2|page=139}}</ref>

===Harley Owners Group===
{{Main article|Harley Owners Group}}
Harley-Davidson established the ] (HOG) in 1983 to build on the loyalty of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts as a means to promote a lifestyle alongside its products. The HOG also opened new revenue streams for the company, with the production of tie-in merchandise offered to club members, numbering more than one million. Other motorcycle brands,<ref>{{Cite book|publisher=Global Co-Operation in the New Millennium The 9th European Conference on Information Systems |location=Bled, Slovenia |date=June 27–29, 2001 |title=EMBARKING ON E-BUSINESS AT DUCATI MOTORCYCLES (ITALY) <nowiki></nowiki> |first1=Tawfik |last1=Jelassi |first2=Stefanie |last2=Leenen |url=http://is2.lse.ac.uk/Support/ECIS2001/pdf/040_Jelassi.pdf |format=PDF|quote=}}</ref>
and other and consumer brands outside motorcycling, have also tried to create factory-sponsored ] clubs of their own.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Satisfaction: How Every Great Company Listens to the Voice of the Customer |first1=Chris |last1=Denove |first2=James D. |last2=Power, IV |publisher=Portfolio |year=2007 |isbn=1-59184-164-X |url=https://books.google.com/?id=PzSnr1xjOpUC&pg=PA195 |page=195}}</ref>
HOG members typically spend 30 percent more than other Harley owners, on such items as clothing and Harley-Davidson-sponsored events.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Brands and branding; The economist series |first1=Rita |last1= Clifton |first2=John |last2=Simmons |first3=Sameena |last3=Ahmad |edition=2nd |publisher=Bloomberg Press |year=2004 |isbn=1-57660-147-1 |url=https://books.google.com/?id=ykUGuV3ncaEC&pg=PA106 }}</ref>

In 1991, HOG went international, with the first official European HOG Rally in Cheltenham, England.<ref>{{cite web
| title = H.O.G. History
| publisher=Windsor Harley Owners Group
| url = http://www.windsorhog.com/about.php
| accessdate =December 13, 2007}}</ref>
Today, more than one million members and more than 1400 chapters worldwide make HOG the largest factory-sponsored motorcycle organization in the world.<ref>{{cite web
| title = Harley Owners Group Members Ready To Rendezvous In Adirondacks
| publisher=Motorcyclist
| url = http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/calendar/122_0709_hog_members_adirondacks/
| accessdate =December 13, 2007}}</ref>

HOG benefits include organized group rides, exclusive products and product discounts, insurance discounts, and the Hog Tales newsletter. A one-year full membership is included with the purchase of a new, unregistered Harley-Davidson.<ref>{{cite web
| title = H.O.G. Membership
| publisher=Harley-Davidson Motor Company
| url = http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/HOG/HOG.jsp?locale=en_US
| accessdate =December 13, 2007}}</ref>

In 2008, HOG celebrated its 25th anniversary in conjunction with the Harley 105th in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

3rd Southern HOG Rally set to bring together largest gathering of Harley-Davidson owners in South India. More than 600 Harley-Davidson Owners expected to ride to Hyderabad from across 13 HOG Chapters <ref>http://www.indtoday.com/3rd-southern-hog-rally-set-bring-together-largest-gathering-harley-davidson-owners-south-india/</ref>

===Factory tours and museum===
{{Wide image|HD museum panorama.jpg|1000px|Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee|35%|right|alt=}}
Harley-Davidson offers factory tours at four of its manufacturing sites, and the ], which opened in 2008, exhibits Harley-Davidson's history, culture, and vehicles, including the motor company's corporate archives.<ref>. Harley-davidson.com. Retrieved on July 7, 2011.</ref><ref>. Harley-davidson.com. Retrieved on July 7, 2011.</ref>
* ] – Vehicle Operations: Manufacturing site for Touring class, Softail, and custom vehicles.
* ] – Tomahawk Operations: Facility that makes sidecars, saddlebags, windshields, and more.
* ] – Vehicle and Powertrain Operations: Manufacturing site of Sportster, VRSC, and other vehicles.
* ] – Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations plant, two types of tours.
* ] – Harley-Davidson Museum: Archive; exhibits of people, products, culture and history; restaurant & café; and museum store.

Due to the consolidation of operations, the Capitol Drive Tour Center in ] was closed in 2009.

===Anniversary celebrations===
]

Beginning with Harley-Davidson's 90th anniversary in 1993, Harley-Davidson has had celebratory rides to ] called the "Ride Home".<ref>. Harley-davidson.com. Retrieved on July 7, 2011.</ref> This new tradition has continued every five years, and is referred to unofficially as "Harleyfest", in line with Milwaukee's other festivals (Summerfest, German fest, Festa Italiana, etc.). This event brings Harley riders from all around the world.<ref>. Harley-davidson.com (2008-08-28). Retrieved on July 7, 2011.</ref><ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.myfoxmilwaukee.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=7152483&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1 | title=Milwaukee Area Homes Rented To Harley Fest Bikers | publisher=] | date=August 6, 2008}}</ref> The 105th anniversary celebration was held on August 28–31, 2008,<ref>. Harley-davidson.com. Retrieved on July 7, 2011.</ref> and included events in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Kenosha counties, in Southeast Wisconsin. The 110th anniversary celebration was held on August 29–31, 2013.

===Labor Hall of Fame===
William S. Harley, Arthur Davidson, William A. Davidson and Walter Davidson, Sr. were inducted into the ] for their accomplishments for the H-D company and its workforce.<ref>. Dol.gov. Retrieved on July 7, 2011.</ref>

===Television drama===
The company's origins were dramatized in a 2016 miniseries entitled '']'', starring ] as William Harley, ] as Arthur Davidson<ref name="Walsh">{{cite news|url=http://heavy.com/entertainment/2016/09/bug-hall-age-wife-now-2016-movies-alfalfa-the-little-rascals-harley-and-the-davidsons/|title=Bug Hall: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know|last=Walsh|first=Shannon|work=Heavy.com|accessdate=7 September 2016}}</ref> and ] as Walter Davidson, and premiered on the ] as a "three-night event series" on September 5, 2016.<ref name="dscHarley">{{cite web|url=https://press.discovery.com/us/dsc/programs/harley-and-davidsons/|title=Harley and The Davidsons|work=]|accessdate=7 September 2016}}</ref><ref name="Ryan">{{cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2016/08/31/harley-davidsons-discovery/89578732/|title='Harley and the Davidsons' races back in history|last=Ryan|first=Patrick|work=]|accessdate=7 September 2016}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

==See also==
{{portal|Companies|United States}}
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=

<ref name='xbrlus_2013'>{{cite web|url=http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/793952/000079395214000006/0000793952-14-000006-index.htm |title=HARLEY DAVIDSON INC 2013 Annual Report Form (10-K) |publisher=United States Securities and Exchange Commission |format=XBRL |date=February 20, 2014}}</ref>

}}

==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
* {{Cite book|editor1-last=Bach|editor1-first=Sharon|editor2-last=Ostermann|editor2-first=Ken|title=The Legend Begins: Harley-Davidson Motorcycles 1903–1969|publisher=Harley-Davidson, Inc.|year=1993}}
* Gnadt, Amy. "". ''Wisconsin Magazine of History'', vol. 98, no. 1 (Autumn 2014): 28-37.
* {{Cite book|author=Mitchel, D.|title=Harley-Davidson Chronicle: An American Original|publisher=Publications International Limited|year=1997|isbn=0-7853-2514-X}}
* {{Cite book|author=Wagner, Herbert|title=At the Creation: Myth, Reality, and the Origin of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle, 1901–1909|publisher=Wisconsin Historical Society Press|year=2003}}
* {{Cite book|author=Wilson, H.|title=The Encyclopedia of the Motorcycle|publisher=Dorling-Kindersley Limited|year=1995|isbn=0-7513-0206-6}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Harley-Davidson motorcycles}}
* {{Official website|http://www.harley-davidson.com/}}
{{Finance links
| name = Harley-Davidson
| symbol = HOG
| sec_cik = HOG
| yahoo = HOG
| google = HOG
}}
* {{dmoz|/Recreation/Motorcycles/Makes_and_Models/Harley-Davidson/|Harley-Davidson}}
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Revision as of 22:24, 5 February 2017

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