All racing was postponed during WWI, with much of the motorcycle production going to military contracts, but once the war was over it was back to the track for the Wrecking Crew. They continued to come out on top, taking the checkered flag at board tracks and dirt tracks throughout the early s.
It was during this time that race team member Ray Weishaar acquired a pet piglet, which was quickly adopted as the team's mascot. A tradition soon began of riding a victory lap after each win with the pig, whose name was Johnny, sitting on the gas tank of the winning race bike.
This practice led to various journalists calling the racers "the Harley Hogs" as well as remarks that Harley was "hogging" all the victories from Indian and Excelsior. All of them, though, reflect an essential part of the mystique behind the bar-and-shield brand. Last year, Harley-Davidson introduced the Milwaukee Eight, the ninth Big Twin engine in its history, and the first new one in 15 years. But its very first V-twin engine was mounted to a frame in , and they've been inextricably linked with Harleys ever since, even if that very first version was a poor performer, and only lasted one year in production.
However, Harley-Davidson didn't invent the V-twin, nor was it the first to use it on a motorcycle. Indian introduced the V-twin in , and began putting it on racing bikes two years later. Indian also issued a muscular new big V-twin in , the Thunder Stroke Although it was founded five years after Indian Motorcycle, which used its racing bikes to generate a huge following, by Harley-Davidson had become the world's biggest motorcycle manufacturer, with over 2, dealers in 67 countries.
It was Harley's "Wrecking Crew" racing team -- a name it earned through its dominance of the sport in the mids, and one that Indian's top race crew would also later adopt -- that helped propel Harley to the top. Today, Honda Motors is counted as the bike maker with the highest output, but it builds everything from small scooters to Gold Wings, from 50 cc engines to big 1, cc blocks.
In the world of big bikes with engines cc and over, Harley-Davidson is still the king, and in the U. According to many sources, the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle had a single-cylinder engine, a top speed of 25 mph -- and used a tomato can for a carburetor. Unfortunately, this one may be more fiction than fact. While online reference Encyclopedia. The grandson of the company's founder, Willie G.
Davidson, is also doubtful, noting, "I can't see them settling for something so primitive. But Harley-branded gear generates a hefty chunk of change too. Although general merchandise represented just 5. It is the apparel that helps even non-owners identify with the Harley-Davidson lifestyle, and gives its riders an edge as some of the the most die-hard, enthusiastic, and loyal brand representatives anywhere.
Panhead Jim. April 20, , PM. Our goal is to create a safe and engaging place for users to connect over interests and passions. In order to improve our community experience, we are temporarily suspending article commenting.
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Hog : A Harley-Davidson cruiser motorcycle. Typically applied to the larger and heavier end of the Harley lineup. Inline : A type of motorcycle engine with all of the engine cylinders aligned in a single row. Subtypes include an inline four, inline triple and inline six. Low-Side : A type of crash in which the motorcycle slides out and hits the ground toward the inner edge of a corner. Usually, this will result in the rider sliding along the ground with the bike, rather than being flung away from it.
Motorcycle Club MC : A fraternal organization based around motorcycle riding that has a strong hierarchical structure and close social relationships. Usually requires a lifetime commitment and the regular payment of dues. MCs often hold events such as rallies or charity rides, and many are involved in service work in their communities.
Note that the great majority of people in MCs are not one percenters. One percenters almost always wear three-piece patches and take their commitment to their clubs very seriously. Pillion : A passenger riding on the back seat of a motorcycle.
Sometimes engineered to be louder than it would otherwise be. Poker Run : A special kind of rally where participants receive a playing card at every stop along the route. At the end, the rider with the best poker hand wins a prize. Rally : A social gathering for motorcycle riders. Most rallies will include rides through local scenic areas, plus cool extras like bike shows and general socializing.
Rider : Any person who rides a motorcycle. Ride Your Own Ride : A common adage among motorcycle riders that means you should avoid comparing yourself and your bike to other riders and their bikes. Contrast with the extremely tight-knit dynamics, hierarchical structures and lifetime commitment of a motorcycle club. Road Rash : The extremely painful abrasion that results when your skin hits the pavement in a crash.
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