Success Story of Harley Davidson
                     SUCCESS STORY 
OF 
HARLEY DAVIDSON
Introduction
Harley-Davidson is an American motorcycle 
manufacturer established by William S. Harley and his 
friend Arthur Davidson in 1903.
It is one of the world's largest motorcycle manufacturers 
iconic famous for its loyal following. 
It was one of the major 
American motorcycle 
manufacturers that survive 
the Great Depression along 
with Indian manufacturers.
Harley-Davidson has 
survived several ownership 
arrangements, subsidiary 
arrangements and competed 
for the periods of poor 
economic intense global 
situation.
Success Story start here…
In 1901, William S. Harley, a 
20-year-old boy with his 
childhood friend Arthur 
Davidson design engine for the 
regular pedal-bicycle frame.  
Next two years, they worked on 
their motor-bicycle.
They worked at the north side 
Milwaukee machine shop of 
their friend Henry Melk. 
Failure in first attempt..
The model was completed in 1903 with the help of 
Arthur's brother Walter Davidson. 
After testing the model they came to know that it is 
unable to climb the hills.
 The first experiment gave them a valuable learning 
experience. 
First Motor-Bicycle prototype..
After the first attempt, Harley and the 
Davidson brothers found that without 
pedal assistance motor-bicycle is 
unable to climb the hills.
In September 1904, they made their 
prototype machine functional.
They launched motor-bicycle in a Milwaukee motorcycle 
race held at State Fair Park. 
It positioned fourth in the race.
First step in manufacturing world…
The company placed small 
advertisements in January 
1905 that offered bare Harley-
Davidson engines to the do-it-
yourself trade.
After that, they started the 
production of complete 
motorcycles on a very limited 
basis.
First step in manufacturing world…
Five bikes were built in the Davidson backyard shed. 
 In 1905, Harley-Davidson sold three bikes from five. 
Business is growing…
 The production site is moved from Davidson backyard 
shed to the Juneau Avenue factory from 1906 and it stood 
here for many decades. 
Next year, the factory is expanded with a second floor 
with the new facilities.
Business is growing…
In 1907, production increased  from 5 motorcycles 
to 150 motorcycles 
Workers at factory
Harley Davidson - New brand in 
market…
They gain market value after selling 
the bikes to the police department.
The first time in World War I, it was 
adopted for the military issue for the 
first time.
Over 20,000 motorcycles from 
Harley-Davidson was purchased by 
the U.S. military.
Harley Davidson - New brand in 
market…
Harley-Davidson again gains 
importance during World War 
II and produced large numbers 
of motorcycles for the US 
Army.
After that Harley Davidson's 
V-twin motorcycles were 
successful both for private Harley Davidson Army.
buyers and on racetracks.
Hall of Fame…
Harley Owners Group (HOG) built-in 1983 promotes a 
lifestyle at Harley-Davidson alongside its products.
In 2008, Harley-Davidson opened Harley-Davidson 
Museum and factory tours that exhibit Harley-Davidson's 
history, culture, and vehicles, etc.
The inventors of Harley Davidson, William S. Harley, 
Arthur Davidson, Walter Davidson, and William A. 
Davidson, were inducted into the Labor Hall of Fame.