The brand didn't begin in a corporate boardroom but in a 10x15-foot wooden shed in the Davidson family’s backyard. In 1901, a 20-year-old William S. Harley drew up plans for a small 116cc engine designed to fit a standard bicycle frame.
The company succeeded because the founders perfectly balanced two distinct skill sets: Harley and the Davidsons
The story of William S. Harley and the Davidson brothers (Arthur, Walter, and William) is more than just a business history; it is a foundational myth of American grit. While many know the names from the 2016 Discovery Channel miniseries , the real story behind the "legendary shed" reveals a complex blend of engineering genius and ruthless survival. 1. The Shed and the Spark (1901–1903) The brand didn't begin in a corporate boardroom
A central theme of the Harley story is the fierce, often bitter rivalry with Indian Motocycle Manufacturing Company . At the time, Indian was the dominant force in America. To compete, Harley-Davidson turned to the track. Harley-Davidson turned to the track.