Harley-Davidson’s 120^th anniversary is quickly approaching. Allow us to step back in time a moment and recognize this American icon for what it was, is, and is becoming.

Founded in 1903, Harley-Davidson is a motorcycle manufacturer with passion. No one can look at the famous orange, black, and white logo and not know what it stands for in the biker world.

Harley-Davidson has remained strong through some of the best and worst times in America. The company survived the Great Depression and numerous periods of poor economic health. Today, the company stands taller than ever.

We have to wonder if William S. Harley, Arthur Davidson, Walter Davidson, and William A. Davidson knew what a major icon their company would become. Here we are, celebrating them 120 years later.

Looking Back on the Past

We cannot very well appreciate the future of Harley-Davidson without first delving into the past and what a rich past it is! Let us walk down memory lane and look at some of the quintessential bikes that have made Harley-Davidson the legend it is today.

Harley-Davidson Model 1

Looking back at the first model that rolled off the assembly line, one would not recognize the Harley-Davidson style we are accustomed to today. Harley-Davidson Model 1 was designed and built in 1903.

This bike featured a 440cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine and could only travel at top speeds of around 35 mph. Although they made only 38 models, it was a start to greatness.

Harley-Davidson Model 5-D

They produced this bike in 1909. By now, Harley and the Davidson brothers had learned more about engine-driven bikes and were making headway. This motorcycle was the first V-twin-powered bike. At the time of production, Harley-Davidson had cinched the spot to become the top motorcycle manufacturer in the United States.

Unfortunately, the F-Head engine in the Model 5-D was not all they had hoped it would become. Within a year, the company replaced the F-Head engine with a much better model.

From humble beginnings often come great things, just like Harley-Davidson. Over the years, there was a lot of trial and error. In 1928, they introduced the first two-cam engine. These engines were made available to the public in the JD Series Motorcycles.

The Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles in History

It would be impossible to discuss the many motorcycles produced by Harley-Davidson, but we would like to touch on some of the very best over the years. These bikes have stood the test of time and remain favorites among Harley-Davidson enthusiasts.

1915 Harley-Davidson Model 11F

The 11F helped take the company to an entirely different level than it had ever been. The 11F was the first model to feature a three-speed transmission and large intake valves.

The 11F had a full electrical system, rear taillight, and a magneto ignition system. Although, it is laughably outdated by today’s modern standards. The 11F bike really started everything for Harley-Davidson. While you will likely never find one of these in any inventory of pre-owned motorcycles, they were true beauties.

1936 Harley-Davidson El Knucklehead

The 1936 El Knucklehead was the last motorcycle designed by William S. Harley and the Davidson brothers as a group. This model produced around 40hp, thanks to the hemi combustion chamber. What started as a 61 cu-in engine evolved into a 74 cu-in engine in 1941.

1972 Harley-Davidson XR750

During this time, Harley-Davidson was moving big time into flat-track racing. Believe it or not, the XR model won 29 out of 37 AMA Grand National Championships through the years 1972 to 2008.

Because of this success, the company released two commemorative XR models. The first was not well received and released in 1983. In 2010, the second release occurred, and fans were much more receptive.

2008 Harley-Davidson FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide

Many Harley-Davidson bikes have come out over the years, but this one is definitely a favorite among fans. The company first introduced the Dyna Wide Glide in 1993. This bike featured Tommy Gun 2-1-2 exhausts and chopper rear fenders. In 2017, the Dyna Wide Glide was discontinued to make way for a newly redesigned Softail line of bikes.

2012 Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King

Many people love the FLHR Road King. This bike first made its debut in 1994 and pushed the benchmark higher than it had ever been before. This one is fully equipped with all the muscle and features of today’s more modern bikes and is meant for long-haul travel.

We could go on and on talking about the best Harley-Davidson bike models, but there would be too many pages to read for this publication. There is no other motorcycle manufacturer that can come close to the lasting designs of Harley-Davidson.

Harley-Davidson Is Celebrating Its 120^th Birthday in an Amazing Way

Not many companies make it to their 120^th birthday while still remaining relevant, but Harley-Davidson is still killing it. In fact, the company is planning one of the biggest birthday celebrations in history.

The Harley-Davidson Homecoming™ Festival is going to be one of the most epic birthday celebrations any company has ever launched. Why would Harley-Davidson do it any other way?

Harley-Davidson’s Anniversary Collection

In addition to the festival, the company has launched its Anniversary Collection. The collection features six limited-edition serialized bikes. Each bike features commemorative paint, special finishes, and amazing features.

These bikes are so spectacular, it would almost seem like Harley-Davidson is riding into the sunset, but the company is far from closing its doors. Harley-Davidson is likely to be around 120 years from now.

CVO™ Road Glide™ Limited Anniversary Edition

This motorcycle is being produced in extremely limited numbers, so you better hurry if you want one. This bike comes loaded with special features that are meant to capture the essence of Harley-Davidson’s 120^th anniversary.

Fat Boy 114 Anniversary Edition

What is lovingly called the steamroller bike has taken on a new look with this beautiful anniversary edition. This bike is one sweet ride Fat Boy enthusiasts will want to own.

Heritage Classic Anniversary Edition

This bike is a showstopper and is perfect for the festival. Show up in style riding one of the most iconic bikes in the anniversary lineup. Like the other five motorcycles, this one is available in extremely limited quantities.

Ultra Limited Anniversary Edition

The Ultra Limited Anniversary Edition is one of the most exciting bikes in the anniversary lineup. The design fully embodies what Harley-Davidson has stood for in the last 120 years. Harley and the Davidson brothers would certainly be proud.

Street Glide Special Anniversary Edition

Street Glide lovers are going to fall in love with this anniversary edition bike. The factory custom bagger styling is what classic Harley lovers are all about. The beautiful paint and finishes of this bike make it an instant classic.

Tri Glide Ultra Anniversary Edition

What another beautiful classic in the anniversary edition lineup! The three wheels on this motorcycle make it a stable beauty that will make you feel confident on the open road. With commemorative paint and finishes, this is a bike Harley lovers will want to add to their collections.

Road Glide Special Anniversary Edition

Here, we have another bagger bike with premium performance features that set it apart from those in the past. As with all the other bikes in the special anniversary lineup, this Road Glide is sure to become a favorite among bikers who proudly stand with Harley-Davidson.

120 Years in the Making

Harley-Davidson is one of the most-recognizable companies in the world. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Harley-Davidson continues to shine. They have set the benchmark so high that no other motorcycle company can even come close.

Today, the Harley-Davidson logo is recognized as a sign of classic power. While the logo has changed many times in the last 120 years, the current bar and shield logo remains a favorite among fans.

With Harley-Davidson’s 120^th birthday quickly approaching, fans the world over are preparing to make their way to the festival. Ticket sales began over a year ago and sold out faster than anyone expected. Any available tickets will likely sell for hundreds of dollars at this point.

Harley-Davidson Homecoming™ will be held July 13-16. Riders from all over the world will descend on the state of Milwaukee. Special performances by Green Day and the Foo Fighters will round out the special celebration.

Harley-Davidson Is a Classic Company That Has Stood the Test of Time

Few American companies went through the Great Depression and still kept going strong. Although they have faced economic woes from time to time, Harley-Davidson is stronger than ever. Recent company financial reports prove you cannot keep this company down for long.

With this year marking their 120^th birthday, it will be exciting to see the new bikes make their way off the assembly line. If you are not lucky enough to purchase one of these fine bikes, Harley-Davidson is also releasing special merchandise to commemorate this once-in-a-lifetime event. These beautiful bikes will be forever remembered for their aggressive power and iconic looks that never seem to go out of style.