Harley Davidson is a more than just a leading motorcycle manufacturer; they are an iconic symbol of American history and culture. Riding a Harley gives you a sense of pride that's simply not found in foreign-made motorcycles. Perhaps this is why so bikers choose Harleys after being in business for over a century (yep, there were motorcycles on the roads back then). While you may already know that Harley makes some of the best bikes in the world, there are probably some things you don't know about this famous company.
#1) The First Harley Davidson Carburetor Was Made From a Tomato Can
To say the components of early-model Harleys were "crude" would be an understatement. It's believed that the first Harley Davidson carburetor was made using a tomato can. I'm not sure how effective it was at blending air and fuel, but the tomato can must have done the job!
#2) The First Harley Davidson Motorcycle Featured Bike Pedals
It's a good thing Harley Davidson decided to upgrade their bikes over the years, because the company's first model featured actual bike pedals for manually driving. This was necessary due to its small 116 cc engine, offering drivers an alternative means of transportation when the engine died or wasn't able to produce enough power to make it up a steep hill.
#3) World's Longest Motorcycle Jump Was Done On a Harley
In 2010, Australian adrenaline-junkie Seth Enslow broke the world record for the longest motorcycle jump while riding a modified Harley Davidson XR1200. Enslow jumped an impressive 183.7 feet, topping the previous record held by Bubba Blackwell in 1999. What's even more impressive is that Enslow was forced to make the jump twice because the media wasn't present on the first jump. After his second attempt, Enslow said, "My balls hit right about here, you can see the crack in the paint, balls of steel."
#4) Harleys Were Used In World War I
The sheer power and durability of Harleys made them an excellent mobile vehicle by military personnel in World War I. By the time the war ended, it's believed that 20,000 Harleys were in use. The Allied forces used them in direct combat and to resupply their lines, making them an essential tool.
#5) Harley-Banded Gear Makes Up a Large Chunk of The Company's Revenue
Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably come across a variety of Harley Davidson-branded gear. The company makes everything from t-shirts and jackets to lighters and golf carts. In 2010, Harley Davidson sold nearly $40 million worth of branded gear.
