The story of the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle dates back to the early 20th century, when two young entrepreneurs, William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson, began working on their vision to create a reliable and powerful motorcycle.

In 1903, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, William Harley, just 21 years old at the time, built a small internal combustion engine in his workshop behind his house. This engine, with a single cylinder and 7.07 cubic inches (116 cc) of displacement, was mounted on a standard bicycle frame and was destined to be the heart of the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Arthur Davidson, William’s cousin, was equally enthusiastic about the idea of creating a motorcycle. He joined forces with Harley, and together they worked hard to finalize the project. By 1903, the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle was ready for testing.

This pioneering motorcycle featured an air-cooled single-cylinder engine with a modest power output of about 4 horsepower. It had a leather belt drive that transferred power from the engine to the rear wheel. The frame was a tubular steel structure that complemented the steel wheels.

The first test of the motorcycle took place on the street in front of Davidson’s house. After a few attempts, they managed to start the engine and get the motorcycle moving. Although it wasn’t an impressive speed, it was a significant milestone in the history of motorcycles. They realized they had created something special.

In 1904, the Harley-Davidson Motor Company was officially founded, and they began producing motorcycles in a small factory in Milwaukee. The early motorcycles were sold directly to consumers or through local dealers.

Harley-Davidson continued to refine its motorcycles over the years, increasing power, reliability, and speed. The company became an American icon, known for its commitment to quality and the spirit of freedom and adventure that its motorcycles represent.

Today, Harley-Davidson is one of the most recognized motorcycle brands in the world, with a rich history that traces back to that first motorcycle built in a garage.