August 27, 2003. Copyright, 2003, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Legendary American motorcycle celebrates centenary
By Neil Winton

LONDON, August 27, Graphic News:  Harley-Davidson motorcycles have been heading for the wild blue yonder now for 100 years.

This aristocrat of motorcycles has survived the Great Depression, two world wars, and flirted with bankruptcy to finally reach its centenary year.

Harley-Davidson owners, known as HOGs (Harley Owners Group), have been inspired over the years by high-profile moves like The Wild One, starring Marlon Brando, from 1953, which depicted the real-life story of a gang of bikers who took over the Californian town of Hollister.

The image took a slightly more benign turn with 1969Õs Easy Rider, starring Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson, which depicted a free-and-easy, go-anywhere, bikerÕs lifestyle. The 1990 Fat Boy model was given a boost by another movie, this time Terminator II starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The company was threatened with bankruptcy in the mid-1980s as Japanese motorcycles stormed American and European markets, based on high-speed thrills and racing success. But Harley-Davidson fought back with its appeal to an older, more relaxed, buyer. Harleys were dependable, classic machines, with big lazy engines that produced the fabled so-called Òpotato, potato, potatoÓ engine rumble.

Harley-Davidsons have been powered by V-twin engines for almost all of their first 100 years, the first dating from 1909.

Two years ago Harley introduced its first bike with a liquid-cooled engine, the V-Rod, and is currently moving downmarket with a cheaper Sportster model, seeking to broaden its appeal to younger riders and women.
/ENDS

Sources: Harley-Davidson