20 Jun What makes the Harley-Davidson so special
What makes the Harley-Davidson so special
The Harley-Davidson is more than 100 years old. Among all the motorcycle brands that exist on the market, it is a true icon.
Why? Because a Harley is not just a motorcycle; it is a passion, a true lifestyle.
The Harley represents strength, speed, sturdiness. It imposes respect. Perhaps because of this little “outlaw” side to which it is identified and which pleases so much to the one who drives it.
When you go out in Harley, it’s often in groups. No wonder there are as many Harley-Davidson clubs, all over the world.
A little bit of history
It was in 1901 that the Harley-Davidson originated in the head of a 21-year-old man from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, William S. Harley who draws an engine plan designed to fit into a bicycle.
In the years that followed, the Davidson brothers (William A., Walter and Arthur) joined the project to form the Harley-Davidson Motor Co.
During the First World War, nearly half of all Harley-Davidson motorcycles produced are sold for use by the US military. We estimate that the army used some 20,000 motorcycles in their offensives, mostly Harley-Davidson.
Fun Fact: One day after the Armistice was signed, Corporal Roy Holtz of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, becomes the first American to enter Germany. He drives a Harley-Davidson.
The stars like the Harley
At the movie theater
One finds the Harley in several American films and one sometimes has the feeling that the Harley has the first role.
- 1969 – Easy Rider (Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper et Jack Nicholson)
- 1991 – Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man (Mickey Rourke et Don Johnson)
- 2007 – Ghost Rider (Nicolas Cage)
- 2007 – Wild Hogs (John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence et William H. Macy)
- 2011 – First Avenger (Chris Evans et Scarlett Johansson)
In real life
You may be wondering who, among the stars, are Harley fans?
Here are a few names: Actress and singer Cher, Brad Pitt, Arnold Schwarzenegger, George Clooney, Jim Carrey, Keanu Reeves, Johnny Halliday and, closer to us here in Quebec, Éric Lapointe.
In closing, do you recognize the words of this French song that has praised the Harley-Davidson like no other: Je n’ai besoin de personne en Harley-Davidson. Je n’reconnais plus personne en Harley-Davidson. J’appuie sur le starter et voici que je quitte la terre. J’irai p’t’être au paradis mais dans un train d’enfer.
Les fondateurs (photo d’archive HD)
Hangar de bois de 10 x 15 pieds servant de première usine (photo d’archive HD)
DID YOU KNOW?
This year, Aviva set up a brand new insurance program for Harley-Davidson motorcycle enthusiasts, the MaxMoto HD program. Call us at 1 800 567-0927 for more information.