Learn the story behind the historic Harley Davidson logo

To discover the history of the Harley Davidson logo, you need to know a little about the company.

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1901 at the age of 21, William S. Harley drew his close-up of an engine he wanted to put on a bicycle. William didn’t start working with his partner Arthur Davidson until two years later.

When William Harley and Arthur Davidson made the first Harley Davidson motorcycle it was in 1904. This motorcycle was built in a 10 x 15 foot shed with the words Harley Davidson Motor Company handwritten on the door.

It was 1904 when Arthur Davidson’s Aunt Jane Davidson painted “Harley Davidson Motor Company” on the door with a red stripe.

The famous bar and shield logo in orange and black was registered with the patent office in 1910. There is no record of who designed it or why the bar and shield.

Before the next logo was made, some cool things happened. During World War I, the United States military used almost 20,000 Harley motorcycles. In 1920, a man named Leslie Parkhurst broke the speed record 23 times. After each victory, the team would go on a victory lap with their mascot. The mascot was a pig, which is where the name “pig” came from and the first association of pigs was formed.

The art deco “eagle” design became Harley’s next logo. It was painted on all Harleys in 1933 to try to stimulate sales after the depression.

It was after 1930 that motorcyclists were thought to be outlaws and used the skull and crossbones as their emblem. The company needed to change this image. Willie G. Davidson came up with the “skull and wings” logo.

For Harley’s 50th anniversary a V logo was made. This logo was placed on the fenders of every 1954 bike model.

Today, dealers nationwide can add elements to the logo with permission from Harleys. As an example, Colorado dealerships add mountains behind the original Harley logo.

You can find almost any item with the logo today. From sunglasses and mugs to Harley bedding, the logo is everywhere.

The Harley Davidson logo is now a $ 41 million dollar industry.