Some companies have grown from virtually unknown status to become household names. These iconic brands have established their places in not only history but the future, making them recognizable to people across the globe. Those that are among the elite few have the power to evoke nostalgia in the hearts of the public and surpass others in their fields by a considerable margin.

 

Harley-Davidson happens to be one of those brands. Founded in 1903, the company will soon be celebrating its 120th anniversary. Its founders started out building bikes in a small shed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At this point, Harley-Davidson has expanded to include almost 1,500 dealerships in about 100 countries around the world.

 

No matter what language the locals speak or what the surrounding landmarks may look like, the Harley-Davidson name and logo remain universal. Whether looking for a used Harley-Davidson for sale or a new model that just rolled off the assembly line, people certainly don’t have to look very far to find one. At the same time, hearing the term “hog” automatically brings up images of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

 

How Did the Name “Hog” Come to Pass?

 

While countless people know that Harleys are often referred to as hogs, few actually know where this moniker came from. In truth, the origin of the term and its relevance to Harley-Davidson could come from a few sources. Each theory makes perfect sense in its own right though the actual truth is a matter of debate. With that in mind, let’s explore some of the most common possibilities.

 

A Fast-Paced Progression

 

One of the most storied origins of the “hog” nickname is said to have roots in Harley-Davidson’s long history on the racing circuit. Motorcycle racing got its start in Europe somewhere between the late 1890s and early 1900s. It didn’t take long for the sport to make its way to North America.

 

In fact, by 1903, motorcycle racing had already begun to catch on in America. At that point, the American Federation of American Motorcyclists was formed. People began joining to show off their bikes as well as their steel nerves and extreme operating proficiency. Harley-Davidson became part of the racing scene in 1914. It quickly progressed to the front of the pack even though WWI put a crimp in manufacturing and hampered attention for the rising sport.

 

Following the end of WWI in 1918, people across the nation started gaining extra interest in motorbike racing. By then, the motorcycle industry had gained steam, and elite manufacturers wanted to make a name for themselves in the racing sector. Harley-Davidson was already well on its way to fame here, gaining ample acclaim for its speed and performance.

 

Screaming to Victory

 

Harley-Davidson wasn’t exactly victorious in the beginning phases of its racing history. People might argue that even losing races helps to pave the way to success, though. After all, every defeat helps both motorcycle manufacturers and their riders to discover ways of improving. It boosts their drive to do so as well. This was undeniably true in the case of Harley-Davidson and its racing team.

 

Over time, the Harley-Davidson racing team came to be known as “the Wrecking Crew” because of its dominance in the motorcycle racing world. In 1920 alone, Harley racer Leslie Parkhurst, known as “Red”, broke 23 records for speed. A decade later, Bill Davidson, Jr. obliterated the competition at the Jack Pine endurance contest with an impressive 997 points out of 1,000. Furthermore, all the winners in various classes of this competition were riding Harley-Davidsons.

 

Harley racer Joe Petrali also made history by winning the AMA’s Grand National Championship. He likewise won the National Hill Climb Championship in 1932, 1933, 1934, and 1935. Both these riders as well as others on the Harley-Davidson racing team continued to make headlines for years to come. The company dominates the motorcycle racing circuit to this day.

 

Taking a Step Back

 

With all that said, let’s backtrack for a moment to take a look at another celebrated member of the Harley-Davidson racing team: Ray Weishaar. Weishaar won many races on behalf of the Wrecking Crew, but for the purpose of this story, we’re focusing on one fated day in history. In Marion, Indiana in 1920, Weishaar decided to adopt a piglet from a local farmer before one of the races he would be riding in.

 

Weishaar named his piglet Johnny and went on to win that particular race, which was the Marion Cornfield Classic. Johnny ultimately became the Harley-Davidson racing team mascot. He observed a number of motorcycle races. According to legend, he even got to ride in many a victory lap.

 

Over time, people began calling the Harley-Davidson team the “Harley Hogs” in reference to their mascot. That nickname applied to both the racers and the bikes they rode. Eventually, it became synonymous with all Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

 

Looking at Matters from Another Angle

 

Along the lines of the notion that Johnny the pig and his owner, Ray Weishaar, were responsible for kick-starting the “hog” nickname, we have another theory that emerged over time. Press coverage of motorcycle races was prominent, and journalists routinely referred to the Harley-Davidson racing team as the Harley Hogs.

 

Some say members of the press insinuated that Harley-Davidson was hogging all the top spots in the racing circuit, as in taking them for themselves and leaving none for anyone else. They were also hogging all the coveted titles that other teams longed for. That could be another possible source of the now-famous “hog” epithet. It’s still an honor regardless of whether the nickname comes from the racing team mascot or its bikes’ and riders’ capacities to surpass the competition.

 

It’s also fair to mention that a photo of Ray Weishaar and Johnny has been deemed one of the most recognizable images in the history of Harley-Davidson. In the photo, Weishaar is wearing his iconic Harley-Davidson shirt, and Johnny is wearing a harness along with a little Harley flag that he often donned on race day and for press events. This legendary image depicts Weishaar offering Johnny a swig of Coke after a race.

 

Furthermore, a number of Harley’s marketing and merchandising images have featured cartoon images of hogs over the years. Fans can even purchase stuffed hogs wearing Harley gear to mount on their bikes or display in their homes. Johnny inarguably made a significant impression on the company and the public.

 

The Harley Owners Group

 

There’s also another connection between the term “hog” and the Harley-Davidson community. This origin story isn’t quite as colorful as the one featuring Johnny the pig, but it’s equally legitimate. After Harley-Davidson established its place in the world of motorcycle racing, an entire community and brotherhood began to grow around the increasingly archetypal brand.

 

For some time, the Harley-Davidson community was a somewhat unofficial development. Then, in 1983, that changed. The company founded the Harley Owners Group. By many accounts, it was a marketing tactic designed to strengthen the bonds between the company and its customers. Of course, quite a few people insist it runs much deeper than that.

 

To date, the Harley Owners Group has branched out into more than 1,400 chapters throughout the world. It boasts over a million members, and that figure continues to grow. Each person who purchases a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle is granted an Owners Club membership. That, in turn, provides access to numerous deals, events, and other perks that are exclusive to club members. Members even receive distinct patches.

 

In this scenario, the connection between Harleys and hogs is a bit more obvious. H.O.G is an acronym for Harley Owners Group. As such, Harley-Davidson motorcycles and club members could both be called hogs. It’s only logical though it may not bring a smile to people’s faces quite as much as Johnny and his career with the Wrecking Crew.

 

Yet Another Connection Between Harleys and Hogs

 

Some people say there may be yet another link between Harley-Davidson motorcycles and hogs. This idea requires a little more in-depth consideration than the others, and it’s definitely a bit of a stretch. Still, it could make sense if we really think about it.

 

In this hog origin theory, the connection is between Harley bikes and flesh-and-blood hogs in general. By definition, hogs are large pigs. It’s not uncommon to refer to all members of the swine species as hogs, but that’s technically inaccurate. To truly be classified as a hog, a pig must weigh at least 120 pounds. Many grow to be 250 pounds, and some can ultimately weigh as much as 500 pounds. A select few stand head-high to a grown man.

 

By that line of reasoning, hogs are large members of the swine family, and Harley-Davidsons are massive members of the motorcycle industry. That’s the case both literally and figuratively. Therein lies the tie.

 

On top of that, anyone who has spent time around farm animals can most likely pick out the sound of a hog grunting. That could be compared to the sound of a Harley bike idling or being revved up. Of course, the rumble of a Harley-Davidson is much louder and more powerful than that of a biological hog.

 

Additionally, flesh-and-blood hogs can be aggressive. They’ve even been known to attack creatures they view as competition. In some cases, they’ve eaten humans, who are supposed to be far higher up on the food chain. Many people might point out that Harley-Davidson motorcycles can eat up the competition as the company has proven on both the racing circuit and the road.

 

Hogs stand out in the world of swine, and Harley-Davidsons stand out in the realm of motorcycles. Fortunately, Harleys are much sleeker and more streamlined than their possible biological namesakes. They make for a far smoother, faster ride, too, as many would imagine.

There again, this is a roundabout connection between Harleys and hogs, but it’s relevant.

 

Are There Other Nicknames for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles?

 

“Hog” is inarguably the most famous and universal nickname for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the company’s racing team, and its riders. That doesn’t mean it’s the only tag to become associated with the brand over the years. Many others have also entered the mix.

 

Long ago, Harley-Davidson pioneered the flathead, side-valve engine. It began with the company’s desire to improve its motorcycles’ racing performance. Overhead-valve engines would easily leave competitors in the dust, but they didn’t offer much in the way of endurance. On the other hand, bikes with side-valve engines were a bit slower, but they finished strong.

 

Harley designed the flathead, side-valve motor to offer the best of both worlds. Despite a fairly simple designt proved its worth. Similar engines built thereafter have largely become known as flatheads per Harley tradition regardless of their manufacturer.

 

Another famed nickname in the motorcycle arena is the “knuck”, which is short for knucklehead.

This is also a type of engine designed by Harley-Davidson. It’s named for its unique shape that actually resembles knuckles. This moniker has stuck with Harley motors ever since, and many of the bikes that bear them are referred to as knuckleheads.

 

We also have shovelheads, panheads, blockheads, and big twins all of which are nicknames that have evolved from Harley-Davidson engine designs. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are also sometimes referred to as sleds, scooters, and other interesting unofficial names. None, though, are quite as synonymous with the brand as the term, “hog”.

 

Outweighing Competitors and Hogging Fame in the Motorcycle World

 

Motorcycles first emerged in 1885. Harley-Davidson arrived on the scene not long thereafter. Since then, the Harley name has become one of the most popular in the world. This world-famous brand has dominated the motorcycle racing circuit and the bike industry as a whole. The company even lent its expertise and exceptional designs to the American military as far back as WWI.

 

Harley-Davidson is among only an elite few American manufacturers to hold sway over the motorcycle market. At the same time, few nicknames are quite so recognizable as the term, “hogs”. It has become synonymous with Harley bikes. A few theories surround the origins of this title, but one of the most interesting and widely accepted stems from Johnny the pig. He may not have daydreamed about going down in history before leaving the farm, but he left behind a major impression nonetheless.