JUNE 17, 1956
Brad Andres of San Diego, California came back to Laconia, New Hampshire, and successfully defended his 100-Mile National Road Racing Championship. Performing brilliantly on his Harley-Davidson, he not only won the National title again from a strong field, but also set a great new course record of 1 hour, 43 minutes, 5.36 seconds. This new record smashes the old mark, also set by Brad in 1955, of 1 hour, 49 minutes, 46.36 seconds.
During the time trials, only two of the Class A riders circled the course in under 60 seconds. Brad Andres made it in 59.16 seconds and Joe Leonard, also on a Harley-Davidson, turned the course in 59.25 seconds. Another Harley-Davidson rider, Leon Applegate, was the only one in the 60-second bracket with 60.47 seconds. All eight events on the program were won by Harley-Davidson riders.
JUNE 16, 1981
Harley-Davidson, acquired by American Machine and Foundry in 1969, was purchased back from AMF by a group of 13 Harley executives just 12 years later. Because of AMF’s support during those years, Harley was able to remain the leader in heavyweight motorcycle sales, despite the fiercest competition the foreign manufacturers could provide. Still, employees were excited by the new prospects as the company regained its independence. It is rare in America that a company has the opportunity to “un-merge,” to stand on its own after having been part of a larger organization. Following months of negotiation and scores of meetings with legal and financial experts, Harley-Davidson once again became an independent company. With around $75 million invested in securities and cash (including the officer’s own money), there was strong incentive to run the most efficient, responsive operation possible.
To commemorate the buy-back, approximately two dozen company officers, along with their wives and select motorcycle press, made a cross-country motorcycle trek from the production facilities in York, PA to Harley-Davidson’s main offices on Juneau Avenue in Milwaukee. This 900-mile independence journey was also a ride to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association, now the official charity of HOG. The ride followed a host of ceremonies at York which included the signing of documents that marked the ownership change, and pulling the first “new Harley-Davidson” motorcycle off the assembly line. This 4-day celebration began a new chapter in the company’s exciting future.
JUNE 13, 1975
The Baja 500 is a 360-mile course that begins and ends in Ensenada on the Baja peninsula of Mexico. It is an annual off-road battle between motorcycles, cars, jeeps, and custom vehicles. On June 13, 1975 (a Friday, no less), Larry Roeseler and Bruce Ogilvie rode their SX-250 to a 250cc class win, an overall motorcycle win and they came in second out of all 375 vehicles in the race. They were the first and only Harley-Davidson riders to achieve such a feat.
JUNE 9, 1912
Marion, Indiana was host to three Federation of American Motorcycle races, each of which was won by a Harley-Davidson. On his single-cylinder stock Harley, Otis Hagen came in first in both the 5-mile stock-machine race and the 5-mile private-owners race. The Novelty Race, also held that day, was won by Caldwell, another Harley-Davidson rider. Additionally, Caldwell came in second in the 5-mile stock-machine race and third in the 5-mile private-owners race.
Although twin engines were introduced the previous year, single-cylinder engines were still the mainstay of Harley motorcycles in 1912. Hagen’s single-cylinder wouldn’t have had more than 4 horse power, yet his Harley was powerful enough to win him two races at Marion. In this year, Harley had 4 single-cylinder models available, two with battery ignitions, two with magneto electric engines. Each had a “Ful-Floteing Seat” and a belt drive, and two had free-wheel control. 1912 prices started at a mere $200.
JUNE 3, 1905
Perry Mack, one of the first men to race on a Harley-Davidson, set the one-mile record for motorcycles with a time of 1 minute, 16 seconds at Wisconsin’s State Fair Park. Other racers were equally successful, including Walter Davidson. Early on, the Harley-Davidson company was not officially involved with racing, but as time went on the successes of private racers could not be ignored. The company quickly learned the value of these amazing racing results. Racing was an effective advertising tool, demonstrating the power and speed of Harley-Davidson motorcycles to the general public. In 1914, Harley-Davidson created a Racing Department with a company-supported racing team.
JUNE 1, 1929
Vivian Bales, popularly known during her time as the “Enthusiast Girl,” was one of the first well-known women riders. After purchasing her first Harley-Davidson in 1926, she taught herself to ride and made her first long trip shortly afterwards. She traded in her old machine for a 1929 45 Twin D model and wrote in to The Enthusiast saying she was planning on making a cross-country trip. She started out from her hometown of Albany, Georgia on June 1, 1929. During the course of her trip, she met numerous dignitaries and Harley-Davidson dealers, most of whom went on to support her on her ride. She travelled for 78 days and even met President Hoover.
While Harley-Davidson did not officially sponsor her trip, they did provide her with two sweaters with the title “The Enthusiast Girl” on them and featured her on the cover of The Enthusiast. The company was also grateful for the good will she spread during her trip and Arthur Davidson called her “The Georgia Peach.” Vivian Bales Faison passed away on December 23, 2001 at the age of ninety-two.
MAY 30, 1912
Harley-Davidson established a new World’s Road Race record in the 90-mile road race from Colorado Springs to Pueblo and back, with machines that came out victorious in both the single- and twin-cylinder classes. The “Gray Fellows” also won third place in both events. Overall, Harley-Davidson took four of the six places. All other makes were practically lost in the shuffle.
All the Harley-Davidsons were stock machines in every detail, and the consistent performance of the “Gray Fellows” who checked in as the winners is certainly a creditable performance. In the twin-cylinder class, there were thirteen starters. Only five finished. This gives some idea of the condition of the roads over which this contest was held.
A.W. Stratton, riding one of the new 7-8 H. P. Harley-Davidson chain twins, finished in first place in 1 hour, 54 minutes – the fastest road race of this length on record. Stratton’s average speed was 47.4 miles-per-hour, with top speeds close to 65 mph. In the single-cylinder class, G. Luby pulled down first place in 2 hours, 3 minutes with an average speed of 43.9 miles per hour – a road race record for a single-cylinder machine. Dr. Gibble, on a 7-8 H. P. chain Harley-Davidson, took third honors for the twin-cylinder class while Walter Whiting, also on a Harley, copped third place amongst single cylinders.
MAY 27, 1944
The Motor Maids of America received its charter from the American Motorcycle Association in 1941, shortly after it was founded by Linda Dugeau and Dot Robinson. The motorcycle club started out with 51 members, the only requirement for membership being that a woman had to own and ride her own motorcycle. Today the Motor Maids has over 1200 members and is the oldest women’s motorcycle club. The club offers a way for women motorcyclists all over the United States and Canada to meet and ride together. The first Motor Maids convention was held on May 27, 1944 and annual conventions continue to be held every July. They participate in parades and other motorcycle events and are recognizable by their distinct uniform with white gloves. This photo shows members at an event in 1967.
Check out the Motor Maid uniforms and photos on exhibit in the Clubs and Competition gallery at the Harley-Davidson Museum.
MAY 24, 2001
Red Moon, a Japanese leather company, created a replica motorcycle made completely of leather and wanted to donate it to Harley-Davidson. After several frustrating days trying to clear it through customs, five Japanese visitors and their gift finally made it to Milwaukee. Red Moon spokesman, Koki Kobari, said it took two years to complete this leather piece of art. He explained that the head of Red Moon owns a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and wanted the replica to be both an example of their work and a tribute to Harley-Davidson.
Measuring more than six feet in length, this bike is a detailed reproduction of an Evolution-powered chopper, faithful to the smallest detail. Every feature is made of leather, including the chain, fuel valve, gas and oil caps, as well as the spark plug boots. There is even a tool pouch with leather tools.
Don’t just read about the bike, see it for yourself at the Harley-Davidson Museum! While not on display among official exhibits, the leather chopper resides in the Archives’ open storage in recognition of Red Moon’s generosity. From the upper floor of the Museum, walk past the Tank Wall, down the hallway toward the elevator. Take a peek through the window on your right, beside the Explore Drawers. A hidden gem.
MAY 30, 1912
Harley-Davidson established a new World’s Road Race record in the 90-mile road race from Colorado Springs to Pueblo and back, with machines that came out victorious in both the single- and twin-cylinder classes. The “Gray Fellows” also won third place in both events. Overall, Harley-Davidson took four of the six places. All other makes were practically lost in the shuffle.
All the Harley-Davidsons were stock machines in every detail, and the consistent performance of the “Gray Fellows” who checked in as the winners is certainly a creditable performance. In the twin-cylinder class, there were thirteen starters. Only five finished. This gives some idea of the condition of the roads over which this contest was held.
A.W. Stratton, riding one of the new 7-8 H. P. Harley-Davidson chain twins, finished in first place in 1 hour, 54 minutes – the fastest road race of this length on record. Stratton’s average speed was 47.4 miles-per-hour, with top speeds close to 65 mph. In the single-cylinder class, G. Luby pulled down first place in 2 hours, 3 minutes with an average speed of 43.9 miles per hour – a road race record for a single-cylinder machine. Dr. Gibble, on a 7-8 H. P. chain Harley-Davidson, took third honors for the twin-cylinder class while Walter Whiting, also on a Harley, copped third place amongst single cylinders.
MAY 27, 1944
The Motor Maids of America received its charter from the American Motorcycle Association in 1941, shortly after it was founded by Linda Dugeau and Dot Robinson. The motorcycle club started out with 51 members, the only requirement for membership being that a woman had to own and ride her own motorcycle. Today the Motor Maids has over 1200 members and is the oldest women’s motorcycle club. The club offers a way for women motorcyclists all over the United States and Canada to meet and ride together. The first Motor Maids convention was held on May 27, 1944 and annual conventions continue to be held every July. They participate in parades and other motorcycle events and are recognizable by their distinct uniform with white gloves. This photo shows members at an event in 1967.
Check out the Motor Maid uniforms and photos on exhibit in the Clubs and Competition gallery at the Harley-Davidson Museum.
MAY 24, 2001
Red Moon, a Japanese leather company, created a replica motorcycle made completely of leather and wanted to donate it to Harley-Davidson. After several frustrating days trying to clear it through customs, five Japanese visitors and their gift finally made it to Milwaukee. Red Moon spokesman, Koki Kobari, said it took two years to complete this leather piece of art. He explained that the head of Red Moon owns a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and wanted the replica to be both an example of their work and a tribute to Harley-Davidson.
Measuring more than six feet in length, this bike is a detailed reproduction of an Evolution-powered chopper, faithful to the smallest detail. Every feature is made of leather, including the chain, fuel valve, gas and oil caps, as well as the spark plug boots. There is even a tool pouch with leather tools.
Don’t just read about the bike, see it for yourself at the Harley-Davidson Museum! While not on display among official exhibits, the leather chopper resides in the Archives’ open storage in recognition of Red Moon’s generosity. From the upper floor of the Museum, walk past the Tank Wall, down the hallway toward the elevator. Take a peek through the window on your right, beside the Explore Drawers. A hidden gem.
Thank you for stopping by and reading this page. May God continue to provide security, safety, smoothness and blessings .. aamiin.
Source : harley-davidson.com
the legend
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