Harley-Davidson is probably the most famous name in motorcycling history. Over the last 100 years, the company has earned a truly legendary reputation. And Harley-Davidson is more than simply a motorcycle maker - it represents an approach to engineering and styling that is essentially American.In this pictorial history of the first decades of the world-famous motorcycle manufacturer, John Carroll uses rare archive photographs to show the evolution of the Harley-Davidson from the pioneering machines of the early 1900s to the end of the Panhead era. His book is a sympathetic and expert guide for all Harley-Davidson owners and enthusiasts and for everyone who enjoys motorcycling history.The author describes how the Harley-Davidson company survived and prospered despite the Depression, two world wars, technical challenges and changes and fundamental shifts in the motorcycle market. He recalls the conception of the robust V-twin engine which has been at the heart of Harley-Davidson motorcycles for almost a century. The company has always favoured consistent improvement over radical redesign, and the much-refined V-twin still powers the Harley-Davidsons of the present day.The book illustrates the wide variety of types of Harley-Davidson that have been produced - military and sidecar versions, machines for police patrol work and escort duty and for racing, including on American dirt tracks, where Harley has dominated for decades - and the first customized Harleys of the mid-1960s. But the author concentrates on telling the story of the long line of strong, simple, powerful street bikes that are the mainstay of Harley-Davidson's reputation.
- ISBN10 0750923423
- ISBN13 9780750923422
- Publish Date 28 June 2001
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 5 May 2011
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher The History Press Ltd
- Imprint Sutton Publishing Ltd
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 160
- Language English