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Born in Milwaukee in 1903 by an intuition of William Harley and Arthur Davidson, the Harley Davidson legend grows progressively with time passing through the boom of the wars, the consecration of the war, the centennial celebration and the birth of the first Harley Davidson museum in the world.

Like all great things, including Harley Davidson myth was born in silence for an idea, a passion, an impossible hope. The dream takes the form of a small motorized bicycle, made in the small garage of Arthur Davidson, flanked by his friend William Harley. And this is the first Harley ever. We are in 1901 in Milwaukee (USA), a small people who have the fame thanks to the adventures of Ricky Cunningham and Fonzie, the legendary stars of American television series "Happy Days". Two years afternoon (August 28, 1903), and after only three copies sold of the Harley Davidson company was founded. The growth is gradual but steady: in 1907 a motorcycle produced were 150, while in 1917 even 12,904.

The rise of the two conflicts

The real boom first was in 1917 when America entered in officially at the First World War. The U.S. Army requires the firm 45 thousand pieces, as well, which includes five models of about 1000 cc. This increase in production allows the Harley Davidson to become, in the 20s, the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, present in 67 countries. The first real milestone, however, reached in 1921, when it comes out the first motorcycle that can reach 160 km / h. Meanwhile, the post-war crisis and, more importantly, the Great Depression, delete many small production houses, leaving only two major players of the competition activities: Harley Davidson and Indian. With the advent of World War II the increase in production is repeated: the bikes made by the time these are military 88.000!

Postwar era and the birth of the myth

After of war, the company has reached two new milestones: in 1954, with the disappearance of India, the only real competitor, Harley Davidson is the only company important in the motorcycle market in circulation and in January 1957 also made the "Sportster", one of the most successful models in the history of Harley Davidson, characterized by a single line very appreciated by the public. But in 1969 another major event occurs: the Harley Davidson was bought by AMF (American Machine and Foundry), who decides to drastically reduce its workforce, with devastating effects on product quality, which inevitably leads to a decrease in sales and at the risk of bankruptcy. A very difficult situation, only partly relieved by the conquest of the world speed titles at the World Championships in 1974, 1975 and 1976.

Then in 1981, another turning point: AMF Harley Davidson sells a group of 13 investors led by Vaughn Beals and Willie G. Davidson. To follow pace, the company takes a bit of Milwaukee: Harley Davidson back to being a market leader in large-displacement motorcycles only with the introduction of the "Softail Custom "in 1984, but the story becomes legend officially in 1990 with the launch of the new model of" Fat Boy ", which perfectly embodies the retro style chosen by the new management to revitalize the brand, which depends entirely on the ability of customers to personalize their bikes.

Meanwhile, the legend is increasingly part of everyday life for millions of fans around the world, by creating a series of jewelry and accessories designed exclusively for Harley Davidson like clocks [http://www.gioielleriabelloni.com/en/harley-davidson-by-bulova-man- watches.html] (by Bulova), rings of silver or steel, silver bracelet or pin steel, pendants, neck, Zippo lighters, but also patches for jackets, key chains, leather bags, door lock, tires, motorcycle covers, stickers, and more.

A hundred years

In 2003, Harley Davidson, a brand now transformed into a real myth, is celebrating its centenary, Milwaukee celebrated in style at the largest gathering in history of the company and most probably in the history of motorcycling forever. To commemorate the event in all 2003 models sold in the publication "Century", with special colors and tanks, accompanied by a new set of clothes.

But there more. In Milwaukee, July 12, 2008 created the first Harley Davidson Museum in the world, offering visitors the chance to live, between past and present, that the atmosphere of freedom, passion and pride "in the road" that represent the soul of the company. Divided into three buildings in a total area of 12 thousand square meters located in a green area of 81mila square meters, the museum contains models of motorcycles, photographs, videos, apparel, rare documents, plus the collection of thousands of plates of "Living the Legend "personalized with messages from fans around the world.

Alessandro Manea

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