
Motorcycle history was made in 1901 when 21-year old William Harley completed a blueprint for a motor to be fitted onto a bicycle. By 1903, Harley and his pal Arthur Davidson had completed the production of the first ever Harley-Davidson motorbike. Working in a wooden shed with "Harley-Davidson Motor Company" hand-painted on the door, the two enterprising young men built a racing bike that would prove to be a winner. Those first bikes were just that—bicycles fitted with engines.
The first Harley-Davidson dealership opened in 1904, and the world would never be the same. By 1905, a full-time employee was hired, and by 1906 a new factory was needed. The company continued to grow in size and reputation. Improvements constantly increased speed and engine efficiency. Motorcycles are exported to Japan, and used by the US miitary in World War I. Police departments purchased them for police officers.
Ever wonder why Harley's are lovingly called "hogs?" That started in 1920 when the mascot of the racing team was a pig, so racers would carry a pig on their victory lap after a win.
By 1925, Harley had started using the distinctive teardrop gas tank, and the bikes were looking more like the motorcycles of today. In the 1930's, during the sales slump caused by the Depression, graphic designs like the eagle appeared on the Harley gas tanks. From 1931 until 1953, Harley and Hendee were the only American companies producing motorbikes. At that time, Hendee, manufacturer of Indian bikes, went out of business, leaving the field to Harley-Davidson for the next 46 years.
In 1969, H-D merged with American Machine and Foundry Company. In 1981, thirteen Harley-Davidson executives forged a buy-back, leading to the slogan, "The Eagle Soars Alone!"
In 2002, the Open Road Tour started in Atlanta, GA, leading up to a gigantic 100th anniversary celebration. In 2003, over 250,000 people arrived in Milwaukee to party and celebrate this significant anniversary of Harley-Davidson.
While we can't promise that 250,000 customers will ride through your store to purchase these striking Harley-Davidson sleeves for iPhone, we can assure you that these beautifully crafted items are of top-quality material and workmanship. The old stereotype of bikers as drifters and low-life's is long gone. Bikers these days are likely to be bankers, executives, grandmas and grandpas. Like everyone else, they'll be looking for a cover for their cell phone that will showcase their interests. These Harley-Davidson covers will be just the ticket.