The story illustrates how motorcycles that were originally built for practical public-service purposes can later become historical artifacts. A motorcycle that once served as part of a police fleet could eventually become a collector’s item, a museum exhibit, or a functioning machine owned by an enthusiast thousands of miles from its original home. The fact that so many of these motorcycles remained in circulation across Europe also demonstrates how a single large acquisition can influence the preservation and availability of a particular type of historic motorcycle.
The Origins of Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson is the brand name associated with a type of motorcycle manufactured in the United States by a company of the same name. The company’s origins date to the beginning of the twentieth century, when William Harley and the Davidson brothers—William Davidson, Walter Davidson, and Arthur Davidson—were involved in establishing what would become one of the best-known American motorcycle manufacturers.
William Harley was an engineer whose interest in motorcycles developed alongside his friendship and working relationship with the Davidson family. William Davidson, Walter Davidson, and Arthur Davidson were members of a Milwaukee family whose involvement in mechanical work and manufacturing contributed to the creation of the company. Together, these four men are recognized as the founders of Harley-Davidson.
