Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/02/27
Subject: HD tidbits from 1902
HD tidbits from 1902
[Yep, there was a prototype in 1902].
In 1901, William Harley, (then 21), and Arthur Davidson, (then 20),
began the project, initially, as an outboard motor to reach their
favorite fishing spot. But quickly turned their attention after first
hearing of the newfangled device called a motorized cycle.
The 1902 prototype was a 10.2ci, (167cc), single with 2.125" X 2.875"
bore and stroke with a 5" flywheel. [It would blow your hat off in a
good breeze plus the almost 25mph it could attain.]
While it was good on level ground, and great going downhill, you had to peddle like a SOB to get up hill, or to start the engine. But still...
Introductions:
William S. Harley - "The Designer" - A draftsman, then the Chief
Engineer, was a bicycle fitter at the age of 15, who went on to become
an apprentice draftsman. He produced many of the early nostalgic / classic designs. William had previous experience in the bicycle business.
Arthur Davidson - "The Pattern" - Sales Manager. [Like 'em or hate 'em,
HD would not exist today without 'em, a salesman]. Arthur had the
passion and the ability to convey it to others. In 1910, he began a
dealership network that would eventually make HD the widespread and
enduring American icon that it is today.
Walter Davidson Sr. - "The Builder" - Walter was the company's first
President. He was a machinist for The Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul
Railroad, until his brother Arthur, had a hobby that would catch his
interest.
Bill Davidson - "The Foreman" - The eldest of the brothers, and the
money. He bought the production machinery and became the Works Manager. William was a railroad toolmaker by trade, and knew production machinery.
An early contributor to the first HD prototype was a french draftsman
named Emil Kroger. Emil had worked on the first renditions of the French motorcycle engine, "The de Dion-Bouton".
***tidbits take from various sources.
Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.
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