models, 2016 Soft Tail Slim S; FatBoy S, Low Rider S, and Pro-Street Breakout). [49], Harley-Davidson replaced their American-made lightweight two-stroke motorcycles with the Italian Aermacchi-built two-stroke powered M-65, M-65S, and Rapido. [46][47] The engine of the Sprint was increased to 350 cc in 1969[45][48] and would remain that size until 1974, when the four-stroke Sprint was discontinued. Immediately prior to this decline, retiring CEO Jeffrey Bleustein profited $42 million on the exercise of employee stock options. What is a HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD KING? Shark Corded Vacuum with Lift-Away Technology and Anti Allergen NV602UKT [78], Harley-Davidson's association with sportbike manufacturer Buell Motorcycle Company began in 1987 when they supplied Buell with fifty surplus XR1000 engines. [35] Valvetrain problems in early Knucklehead engines required a redesign halfway through its first year of production and retrofitting of the new valvetrain on earlier engines. basically the same as 2000 but in 2002 Harley again made significant frame changes as well WELCOME TO THE ROAD KING RIDERS (& GLIDERS) FORUM!. The company announced on September 14, 2010, that it would remain in Wisconsin. Cycle World has specs and reviews on the 2018 Touring Road King. One placard states ", The Encyclopedia of the Harley-Davidson by Peter Henshaw and Ian Kerr, p.139, Wilson, H. "The Encyclopedia of the Motorcycle" p. 37 Dorling-Kindersley Limited, 1995, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, "Jochen Zeitz Appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson", "Harley-Davidson, Inc. 2017 Annual Report (Form 10-K)", "American Machine Foundry – Journey into History – Hot Bike Magazine", "United States Patent Application: 0060260569", "Harley-Davidson building factory in Thailand", "Harley-Davidson History Timeline | Harley-Davidson USA", "The National World War One Museum – Recent Acquisitions – Model J 1917 Harley-Davidson Army Motorcycle", "History Detectives – Episode 9, 2006: Harley-Davidson Motorcycle, Flemington, New Jersey", "Pioneers of American Motorcycle Racing, Chapter 19", "American V – A Potted History of Harley-Davidson: Part 1 1903–1954", The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum – 1958 Rikuo RT2: Harley-Davidson's Japanese connection, Foreign Legion: motorcycles under Lend-Lease, "Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum: 1942 Harley-Davidson XA", "FACILITY LOCATIONS Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Harley-Davidson has more than 6,400 employees worldwide", "Triumph Motorcycles Timeline: Recovery and Growth 1946–1962", "1977 Harley-Davidson Confederate Edition", "33 Years Ago, Tariffs Saved Harley-Davidson Inc. – or Did They? [129] Single-cylinder motorcycle engines were discontinued in 1918. Each motorcycle was individually numbered and came in one of two colors, Mirage Pearl Orange or Vivid Black. Also in 2007, electronic fuel injection was introduced to the Sportster family, and the Nightster model was introduced in mid-year. The V-Rod is visually distinctive, easily identified by the 60-degree V-Twin engine, the radiator and the hydroformed frame members that support the round-topped air cleaner cover. Harley-Davidson® Road King: Get in the saddle of a Road King and instantly you declare there is no horizon too distant. Many components such as brakes, forks, shocks, carburetors, electrics and wheels were outsourced from foreign manufacturers and quality increased, technical improvements were made, and buyers slowly returned. A one-year full membership is included with the purchase of a new, unregistered Harley-Davidson.[182]. According to Rick Conner's Harley-Davidson Data Book, the XL883C refers to an 883 cc Sportster Custom, while the XL1200S designates the now-discontinued 1200 Sportster Sport. The changes result in greater load carrying capacity, better handling, a smoother engine, longer range and less exhaust heat transmitted to the rider and passenger. With the rear-wheel suspension hidden under the transmission, they are visually similar to the "hardtail" choppers popular in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as from their own earlier history. Castiglioni was MV Agusta's former owner, and had been MV Agusta's chairman since Harley-Davidson bought it in 2008. In 1907, William S. Harley graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in mechanical engineering. With the 1971 FX Super Glide, the company embraced, rather than distanced, itself from chopper style, and the counterculture custom Harley scene. [29], In the mid-1930s, Alfred Rich Child opened a production line in Japan with the 74 cu in (1,210 cm3) VL. × Dear valued customer, due to extended delays with OEM suppliers and the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, most parts are being placed on backorder status. For the Sportster Evolution engines used since the mid-1980s, there have been two engine sizes. At the same time, its current dealers typically had waiting lists that extended up to a year for some of the most popular models. [39] The WLAs produced during all four years of war production generally have 1942 serial numbers. [84] Harley-Davidson Inc. sold Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta to Claudio Castiglioni – a member of the family that had purchased Aermacchi from H-D in 1978 – for a reported 3 euros, ending the transaction in the first week of August 2010. Motorcyclist featured the XR1200 on the cover of its July 2008 issue and was generally positive about it in their "First Ride" story, in which Harley-Davidson was repeatedly asked to sell it in the United States. Every year since 1999, the team has selected two to five of the company's base models and added higher-displacement engines, performance upgrades, special-edition paint jobs, more chromed or accented components, audio system upgrades, and electronic accessories to create high-dollar, premium-quality customizations for the factory custom market. [48], After the Pacer and Scat models were discontinued at the end of 1965, the Bobcat became the last of Harley-Davidson's American-made two-stroke motorcycles. [150] The models most commonly upgraded in such a fashion are the Ultra Classic Electra Glide, which has been selected for CVO treatment every year from 2006 to the present, and the Road King, which was selected in 2002, 2003, 2007, and 2008. While not Harley Davidson . models), Twin Cam 96, since 2007. The 80 cu in (1,300 cm3) flathead UH and ULH models were discontinued after 1941, while the 74-cubic-inchU & UL flathead models were produced up to 1948.[35]. This model was basically a civilian version of Harley's Police This and the fact that the oil That year, they expanded the factory with a second floor and later with facings and additions of Milwaukee pale yellow ("cream") brick. For the American rugby union player, see, Harley-Davidson Inc (NYSE:HOG) stock price (source: ZenoBank.com), Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, various artifacts, ephemera, and placards. FLHR ROAD KING . Paul Gotthold, Director of Operations for the EPA, congratulated the motor company: Harley-Davidson has taken their environmental responsibilities very seriously and has already made substantial progress in the investigation and cleanup of past contamination. The VRSC platform was also used for factory drag-racing motorcycles. engine, the late-70's FLHS had no windshield, saddle bags or luggage racks. [136][137] Production continued until 1958. Enhanced by Project RUSHMORE, the 2014 Harley-Davidson Road King includes the more-powerful High Output Twin Cam 103, brighter Dual Halogen headlamp and halogen fog lamps, new Impeller wheels, restyled hard saddlebags and a new easier-to-read speedometer. They also received help with their bigger engine from outboard motor pioneer Ole Evinrude, who was then building gas engines of his own design for automotive use on Milwaukee's Lake Street. [31], The Great Depression began a few months after the introduction of their 45 cu in (740 cm3) model. In April 2004 alone, the price of HOG shares dropped from more than $60 to less than $40. Everything here is fit for a royal journey. with an 80 cubic inch Shovelhead engine. [139] Changes include a new 103CI High Output engine, one handed easy open saddlebags and compartments, a new Boom! [131] These singles were available either as flathead engines or as overhead valve engines[132] until 1930, after which they were only available as flatheads. [167], From its founding, Harley-Davidson had worked to brand its motorcycles as respectable and refined products, with ads that showed what motorcycling writer Fred Rau called "refined-looking ladies with parasols, and men in conservative suits as the target market". Subsequently, Harley-Davidson produced an "environmental warranty". Years later, the company moved the original shed to the Juneau Avenue factory where it stood for many decades as a tribute. The Road Glide and Road Glide Ultra Classic have a frame-mounted fairing, referred to as the "Sharknose". There are owner clubs and events worldwide, as well as a company-sponsored, brand-focused museum. parts list catalogue manual → View webpages ( download→pdf→url ) On these models, the transmission also houses the engine's oil reservoir. Big chrome headlight and nacelle. In 2007, the displacement was increased to 96 cubic inches (1,570 cc) as the factory increased the stroke to 4.375 inches (111.1 mm). [126], An extreme endurance test of the Revolution engine was performed in a dynometer installation at the Harley-Davidson factory in Milwaukee, simulating the German Autobahn (highways without general speed limit) between the Porsche research and development center in Weissach, near Stuttgart to Düsseldorf. That year, Harley-Davidson dealer Carl H. Lang of Chicago sold three bikes from the five built in the Davidson backyard shed. [45][46][47] The bike bore Harley-Davidson badges and was marketed as the Harley-Davidson Sprint. [162][clarification needed], Many Harley-Davidson Clubs exist nowadays around the world;[163] the oldest one, founded in 1928, is in Prague. Also, the Harley-Davidson made some fairly major changes for MY2018, but the Road King stands firmly unchanged as a link to the past with a heritage that … FLH". VRSCA: V-Rod (2002–2006), VRSCAW: V-Rod (2007–2010), VRSCB: V-Rod (2004–2005), VRSCD: Night Rod (2006–2008), VRSCDX: Night Rod Special (2007–2014), VRSCSE: Screamin' Eagle CVO V-Rod (2005), VRSCSE2: Screamin' Eagle CVO V-Rod (2006), VRSCR: Street Rod (2006–2007), VRSCX: Screamin' Eagle Tribute V-Rod (2007), VRSCF: V-Rod Muscle (2009–2014). [32], In order to survive the remainder of the Depression, the company manufactured industrial powerplants based on their motorcycle engines. This 45° angle is covered under several United States patents and is an engineering tradeoff that allows a large, high-torque engine in a relatively small space. The 115th anniversary was held in Prague, Czech Republic, the home country of the oldest existing Harley Davidson Club, on July 5–8, 2018 and attracted more than 100.000 visitors and 60.000 bikes. rack base and relocation of rear seat bolt attachment point from base to top of rear [193], William S. Harley, Arthur Davidson, William A. Davidson and Walter Davidson, Sr were, in 2004, inducted into the Labor Hall of Fame for their accomplishments for the H-D company and its workforce. Midnight Crimson/Stone Washed White Pearl Adds $800 to MSRP. Standard on most 2012 models excluding Sportsters and 2 Dynas (Street Bob and Super Glide Custom). [161], In 1987, the median household income of a Harley-Davidson rider was $38,000. The FLHS first appeared in 1977 as "a limited edition, one year only version of the This determination means that there are no serious contamination problems at the facility. [52] Sales in Japan started in 1912[52] then in 1929, Harley-Davidsons were produced in Japan under license to the company Rikuo (Rikuo Internal Combustion Company)[53] under the name of Harley-Davidson and using the company's tooling, and later under the name Rikuo. [181], HOG benefits include organized group rides, exclusive products and product discounts, insurance discounts, and the Hog Tales newsletter. [79] Harley-Davidson increased its share in Buell to ninety-eight percent in 1998, and to complete ownership in 2003. The models most commonly upgraded in such a fashion are the Ultra Classic Electra Glide, which has been selected for CVO treatment every year from 2006 to the present, and the Road King, which was selected in 2002, 2003, 2007, and 2008. During its period of peak demand, during the late 1990s and early first decade of the 21st century, Harley-Davidson embarked on a program of expanding the number of dealerships throughout the country. Regardless of the exact year, the FLHS was first introduced as a base-line, lower cost To simplify the engine and reduce costs, the V-twin ignition was designed to operate with a single set of points and no distributor. Harley-Davidson has used various ignition systems throughout its history – be it the early points and condenser system, (Big Twin up to 1978 and Sportsters up to 1978), magneto ignition system used on some 1958 to 1969 Sportsters, early electronic with centrifugal mechanical advance weights, (all models 1978 and a half to 1979), or the late electronic with transistorized ignition control module, more familiarly known as the black box or the brain, (all models 1980 to present). Nine of Harley-Davidson's competitors filed comments opposing the application, arguing that cruiser-style motorcycles of various brands use a single-crankpin V-twin engine which produce a similar sound. style passenger perch, Elimination of stock [15] The spring tension could be adjusted to suit the rider's weight, and more than 3 inches (76 mm) of travel was available. One being the poor Road King always got the short end of the stick when it came to advancements in technology and style because as H-D said “It is meant to have the classic look.” Otherwise, the older Electra Glide Sport shares the same rubber mounted engine and exact frame redesign. The XR1200 had an Evolution engine tuned to produce 91 bhp (68 kW), four-piston dual front disc brakes, and an aluminum swing arm. The dimensions of the 1998 Road King vary slightly depending on the specific model and accessories ordered with the bike. The effort was discontinued in 1923 because of disappointing sales. These big-twin motorcycles capitalize on Harley's strong value on tradition. By 1982, the FLHS In 1992 the line continued with the limited edition FXDB Daytona and a production model FXD Super Glide. [152], Harley-Davidson also purchased most of Castalloy, a South Australian producer of cast motorcycle wheels and hubs. Softail models utilize the big-twin engine (F) and the Softail chassis (ST). This bike was then brought back as a commemorative model in 1991. Introduced in 2001 and produced until 2017,[145] the VRSC muscle bike family bears little resemblance to Harley's more traditional lineup. 2019 Road King® The stripped-down nostalgic style was born in the ‘60s, but the power of the Milwaukee-Eight® 107 engine brings it all into the right now, fast. [135] Harley also increased the displacement of the stock engine from 1,130 to 1,250 cc (69 to 76 cu in), which had only previously been available from Screamin' Eagle, and added a slipper clutch as standard equipment. [84] The stated reason was to focus on the Harley-Davidson brand. [77], Construction started on the $75 million, 130,000 square-foot (12,000 m2) Harley-Davidson Museum in the Menomonee Valley of Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 1, 2006. : Corporate Harley-Davidson LOST the Hog Trademark", "Motorcycle manufacturer has no trademark right in 'hog, "Harley Owners Group Members Ready To Rendezvous in Adirondacks", "Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Factory Building", Inventory/Nomination Form: Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company, "Harley Davidson Motor Company Factory No. THE ROAD KING RIDERS (& Gliders) - Motorcycles, Harley Davidson, Road King, Roadking - This forum promotes the exchange of information about the Harley Davidson Road King family of bikes. 2002 also saw the Screaming Eagle Road [125] These motors, named the Revolution X, use a single overhead cam, screw and locknut valve adjustment, a single internal counterbalancer, and vertically split crankcases; all of these changes making it different from the original Revolution design. From the ’60s-inspired Hiawatha headlamp and nacelle to the chrome accents throughout, the Road King is a classically styled mile-collecting model. The Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association sport a Harley Davidson sponsor patch on their jerseys. [194], The company's origins were dramatized in a 2016 miniseries entitled Harley and the Davidsons, starring Robert Aramayo as William Harley, Bug Hall as Arthur Davidson[195] and Michiel Huisman as Walter Davidson, and premiered on the Discovery Channel as a "three-night event series" on September 5, 2016. One exception was the Wide Glide (FXDWG), which featured thicker 41mm forks and a narrow front wheel, but positioned the forks on wider triple-trees that give a beefier appearance. [29] This was the "D" model produced from 1929 to 1931. As of 2012, only the Street Bob and Super Glide Custom Models still use the 96.96 cubic inch (1,584 cc). [24], By 1920, Harley-Davidson was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, with 28,189 machines produced and dealers in 67 countries. In addition to the Milwaukee-Eight 107ci engine finish changes, the front end was also blacked out, including the iconic Road King nacelle. Rather than trying to match the Japanese, the new management deliberately exploited the "retro" appeal of the machines, building motorcycles that deliberately adopted the look and feel of their earlier machines and the subsequent customizations of owners of that era. [175], Harley-Davidson FL "big twins" normally had heavy steel fenders, chrome trim, and other ornate and heavy accessories. [107][108] On September 24, 2020, Harley Davidson announced that it would discontinue its sales and manufacturing operations in India due to weak demand and sales. 2008 model year changes The Toyota Tacoma was redesigned for the 2005 model year and has experienced few changes since. [74] However, the Urban Legend Reference Pages lists this story as an urban legend. In 1997, all FLH models received a redesigned, lowered-seat-height frame. 2018 Harley-Davidson Road King Special The new model year brings a menu of updates to the Road King Special, which accounts for its $22,000 … [3] The company has survived numerous ownership arrangements, subsidiary arrangements, periods of poor economic health and product quality, and intense global competition[4] to become one of the world's largest motorcycle manufacturers and an iconic brand widely known for its loyal following. The prototype of the new loop-frame Harley-Davidson was assembled in a 10 ft × 15 ft (3.0 m × 4.6 m) shed in the Davidson family backyard. It was smaller than earlier twins but gave better performance. Upon the outbreak of war, the company, along with most other manufacturing enterprises, shifted to war work. injection was made available on the FLH line. Harley-Davidson claims 123 hp (92 kW) at the crank for the 2008 VRSCAW model. These model families are distinguished by the frame, engine, suspension, and other characteristics. [156] Now, only 15 percent of Harley buyers are under 35,[156] and as of 2005, the median age had risen to 46.7. [44][45] Importation of Aermacchi's 250 cc horizontal single began the following year. Production that year swelled to 16,284 machines. Road King the best of breed. Starts at. [30] Riders of Indian motorcycles derisively referred to it as the "three cylinder Harley" because the generator was upright and parallel to the front cylinder. [146], The Street 750 uses an all-new, liquid-cooled, 60° V-twin engine called the Revolution X. [120][121] It was introduced for the new VRSC (V-Rod) line in 2001 for the 2002 model year, starting with the single VRSCA (V-Twin Racing Street Custom) model. [64] Inventory was strictly controlled using the just-in-time system. The Road King is also widely used in police and fire departments in the United States as well as foreign countries. [67] However, the company did offer to drop the request for the tariff in exchange for loan guarantees from the Japanese.[68][69]. The Road King has always bridged the gap between the Harley cruiser lineup like the Dyna and the Softail and the Touring Model platform. A slightly alternative version of history can be found in Harley-Davidson is noted for a style of customization that gave rise to the chopper motorcycle style. Twin Cam 110, 2007–2017, 110 cubic inch (1,800 cc) (engines for C.V.O. The York facility employs more than 3,200 workers, both union and non-union. [75][76], 1993 and 1994 saw the replacement of FXR models with the Dyna (FXD), which became the sole rubber mount FX Big Twin frame in 1994. visibly obvious, this change becomes an advantage when in the saddle, especially for [73] At the time of the Fat Boy model introduction, a story rapidly spread that its silver paint job and other features were inspired by the B-29; and Fat Boy was a combination of the names of the atomic bombs Fat Man and Little Boy. One possible reason for the delayed availability in the United States was the fact that Harley-Davidson had to obtain the "XR1200" naming rights from Storz Performance, a Harley customizing shop in Ventura, Calif.[144] The XR1200 was released in the United States in 2009 in a special color scheme including Mirage Orange highlighting its dirt-tracker heritage. Some of the company's buildings have been listed on state and national historic registers, including: Beginning with Harley-Davidson's 90th anniversary in 1993, Harley-Davidson has had celebratory rides to Milwaukee called the "Ride Home". Harley-Davidson, on the eve of World War II, was already supplying the Army with a military-specific version of its 45 cubic inches (740 cm3) WL line, called the WLA. Electra Glides can be identified by their full front fairings. Harley-Davidson is required to buy back and destroy any super tuners which do not meet Clean Air Act requirements and spend $3 million on air pollution mitigation. In 1901, 20-year-old William S. Harley drew up plans for a small engine with a displacement of 7.07 cubic inches (116 cc) and four-inch (102 mm) flywheels[7][8] designed for use in a regular pedal-bicycle frame. [97], The day before the strike, after the union voted against the proposed contract and to authorize the strike, the company shut down all production at the plant. The 1981 version was unique in that it had dual staggered pipes, forward For 2000, Harley did some The changes included a new frame, new swingarm, a completely revised engine-mounting system, 17-inch front wheels for all models except the Road King Classic, a 6 US gallons (23 l; 5.0 imp gal) fuel tank, and a 2-1-2 exhaust. [98], Harley-Davidson announced on February 16, 2007, that it had reached a labor agreement with union workers at its largest manufacturing plant, a breakthrough in the two-week-old strike. The group had a live hog as their mascot. headlight housing, Speedometer and dash [51], Harley-Davidson purchased full control of Aermacchi's motorcycle production in 1974 and continued making two-stroke motorcycles there until 1978, when they sold the facility to Cagiva, owned by the Castiglioni family. In 1997, the frame was again modified to allow for a larger battery under the seat and to lower seat height. The Harley-Davidson Road King was equipped with the 80-cubic-inch Evolution engine, which remained until 1999 for the 2000 model year with the introduction of the Twin Cam 88 engine, and in 2006 for the 2007 model year, the Twin Cam 96 engine. On February 1, 1994, the company filed a sound trademark application for the distinctive sound of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle engine: "The mark consists of the exhaust sound of applicant's motorcycles, produced by V-twin, common crankpin motorcycle engines when the goods are in use". [189] This new tradition has continued every five years, and is referred to unofficially as "Harleyfest", in line with Milwaukee's other festivals (Summerfest, German fest, Festa Italiana, etc.). It is based on the same revolution engine that powers the VRSC line, but the VRXSE uses the Screamin' Eagle 1,300 cc "stroked" incarnation, featuring a 75 mm crankshaft, 105 mm Pistons, and 58 mm throttle bodies. Therefore, except for the FLD from 2012 to 2016, all Dyna models have designations that begin with FXD, e.g., FXDWG (Dyna Wide Glide) and FXDL (Dyna Low Rider).