HISTORY : H-D Serial # 1

Date Created: Jul 07, 2005, 08:49 PM

Harley-Davidson Serial # 1 1901 William S. Harley, age 21, completes a blueprint drawing of an engine designed to fit into a bicycle. 1903 21-year old William S. Harley and 20-year old Arthur Davidson make available to the public the first production Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. The bike was built to be a racer, with a 3-1/8 inch bore and 3-1/2 inch stroke. The factory in which they worked was a 10 x 15-foot wooden shed with the words "Harley-Davidson Motor Company" crudely scrawled on the door. Arthur's brother Walter later joins their efforts.