About This Quiz
Harley-Davidson motorcycles are arguably the most recognizable vehicles out on the road, and they are distinctly American. What do you know about its history? What do you know about its bikes? What do you know about hogs?Although William S. Harley completed his first blueprint for a motorcycle in 1901, the first production model of the Harley, essentially a racing bicycle powered by a single-cylinder engine, was ready in 1903.
Even though William Harley and the Davidson brothers were neighbors in Milwaukee, Wis., the first dealership actually opened up in Chicago, Ill., where it sold one of the first three production models.
As early as 1908, Harley-Davidson motorcycles were bought for the Detroit, Mich., police force, and civilian production nearly halted in order to build motorcycles for the U.S. military during the first and second World Wars. Harleys might be a little too loud for the FBI's purposes, though.
Advertisement
The Sportster, known as the first of the \"Superbikes,\" first revved up in 1957, while the Softail and the Dyna debuted in 1984 and 1991, respectively.
Elvis Presley posed for the May cover of \"Enthusiast\" on a 1956 KH Harley-Davidson. Steve McQueen was more a fan of Indian racing motorcycles, longtime competitors of Harley, while Brad Pitt is loyal to Ducati.
The \"V\" shape on a Harley V-twin is set at 45 degrees and has been ever since 1909.
Advertisement
Riders commonly refer to \"The Ride Home\" as Harleyfest. In 2008, Harleyfest ended with a 3 1/2 hour Bruce Springsteen concert, complete with E Street biker classics like \"Sandy\" and \"Gypsy Biker\" and covers like \"Wooly Bully\" and \"Born to Be Wild.\"
The racing team -- also known as the \"hog boys\" -- put a pig on their Harley-Davidson after winning each race, inspiring the \"hog\" nickname.
Harley's original ticket symbol was HDI, but on Aug. 15, 2006, the company changed it to HOG to acknowledge the nickname for its bikes and riders.
Advertisement
H.O.G. stands for Harley Owners Group. A group located in the United Kingdom is officially called the Harley-Davidson Riders Club of Great Britain.