1974 Harley Sportster Value
1974 Harley Sportster Value
Born in Milwaukee in 1903 by an intuition of William Harley and Arthur Davidson, Harley Davidson legend grows gradually over time through the rise the two wars the consecration of the war, the celebration of the centenary of the birth of the first Harley Davidson museum in the world.
Like all great things, even the myth Harley Davidson was born in the silence of an idea, a passion, an impossible hope. The dream takes the form of a small motorcycle, made Arthur Davidson in small garage, flanked by his friend William Harley. And this is the first time in the history of Harley. We are in 1901 in Milwaukee (USA) a small town with fame thanks to the adventures of Ricky Cunningham and Fonzie, the legendary star of American television series "Happy Days". Two years later (August 28, 1903), and after only three copies sold of the company Harley Davidson was founded. Growth is gradual, but steadily: in 1907, motorcycles were produced even when 150 12,904 in 1917.
The rise of the two conflicts
The first real boom has been in 1917, when the U.S. officially entered the First World War. The U.S. military requires the company to 45,000 pieces and includes five models from about 1000 cc. This increase in production allows the Harley Davidson to become, in the 20s, the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world, present in 67 countries. The first real step, however, was reached in 1921, when it is the first motorcycle that can reach 160 km / h. Meanwhile, the post-war crisis and, more importantly, the Great Depression, the elimination of many small production houses, leaving only two major players competing activities: Harley Davidson and Indian. With the advent of World War II, increased production is repeated: motorcycles made for the military on this occasion are 88,000!
Post-War and the birth of the myth
After the war, the company reached two new milestones: in 1954, with the disappearance of the Indian, the only real competitor, Harley Davidson is the only major company in the motorcycle market outstanding and in January 1957 is also the "Sportster", one of the most successful in the history of Harley Davidson, is characterized by a single line greatly appreciated by the public. But in 1969 there was another important event: the Harley Davidson was bought by AMF Machine (American and Foundry), who decides to drastically reduce its workforce, with devastating effects on product quality, which inevitably leads a decline in sales and even at the risk of bankruptcy. A very difficult situation, only partly relieved by the conquest of the world title at World Championships speed 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 keep pace, Milwaukee company has a little Harley Davidson returns to the market leader in heavyweight motorcycles with the introduction of the "Softail Custom "in 1984, but the story becomes a legend officially in 1990 with the launch of the new" Fat Boy ", which embodies the retro styling new chosen by the new management to revitalize the brand, which is based entirely on the ability of customers to personalize their bikes.
During this time, the legend is all increasingly part of everyday life for millions of fans around the world, creating a series of jewelry and accessories which designed by Harley Davidson watches watches.html [http://www.gioielleriabelloni.com/en/harley-davidson-by-bulova-man-] (In Bulova), silver rings and steel pins silver bracelet or steel, pendants, neck, Zippo lighters, but also for the patches, jackets, shirts, leather bags, sealing system, the tires, motorcycle covers, decals, and more.
Hundred years
In 2003, Harley Davidson, a brand that has become a myth, party his century, which is celebrated in style in Milwaukee with the highest concentration in the history of the company and, most likely in history of the bike ever. To commemorate the event, all 2003 models sold in the edition "of the century, with special colors and tanks, accompanied by a new set of clothes.
But there's more. At Milwaukee July 12, 2008 created the first Harley museum Davidson in the world, providing visitors the chance to live, between past and present, the atmosphere of freedom, passion and pride "on way "that represent the soul of society. Divided into three buildings with a total area of 12,000 square meters located in an area of square meters green 81mila, the museum contains models of motorcycles, photos, videos, apparel, rare documents, in addition to the library thousands of plates "living legend" with personalized messages from fans around the world.
Alessandro Manea