Telling Stories…

CrossRoads..

H-D, with Sidecar…

H-D, Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American manufacturers to survive the Great Depression.

Harley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG, formerly HDI) (often abbreviated H-D or Harley) is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American manufacturers to survive the Great Depression. Harley-Davidson also survived a media-accelerated negative image of motorcyclists, a period of poor quality control, and competition with Japanese manufacturers.

The company sells heavyweight (over 750 cc) motorcycles designed for cruising on the highway. Harley-Davidson motorcycles (popularly known as “Harleys”) have a distinctive design and exhaust note. They are especially noted for the tradition of heavy customization that gave rise to the chopper-style of motorcycle. Except for the modern VRSC model family, current Harley-Davidson motorcycles reflect the styles of classic Harley designs. Harley-Davidson’s attempts to establish itself in the light motorcycle market have met with limited success and have largely been abandoned since the 1978 sale of its Italian Aermacchi subsidiary.

Harley-Davidson sustains a loyal brand community which keeps active through clubs, events, and a museum. Licensing of the Harley-Davidson logo accounts for almost 5% of the company’s net revenue.

In addition to manufacturing motorcycles under its own name and its licensing and accessories line, Harley-Davidson’s operations include Custom Vehicle Operations, which makes special editions of Harley models with larger engines, the Buell Motorcycle Company, a manufacturer of Harley-engined sport bikes and a middleweight “beginner” bike, and Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta, including their Cagiva subsidiary…

Almost all ‘Longbikes’ have ‘Big Inch’ aftermarket or current Harley Davidson motors…

Whereas the original bobbers and choppers were mostly home built on a budget, the modern development of the chopper tends to be shop built and very expensive. It differs from what has gone before in the technology employed in frame construction and the use of billet aluminium parts including headlights, foot and hand controls. Almost all ‘Longbikes’ have ‘Big Inch’ aftermarket or current Harley Davidson motors. Paint work styles tend to favour ghostly air brushing techniques and the Longbikes are almost exclusively solo.

However the home built Bobber, Old School and Classic choppers are enjoying a comeback around the world and in Australia.

Many choppers built in the 1970s are being brought out of retirement and appearing again on the streets. Older bikes from this period—Honda CB750/4s, Yamaha XS 650s and Triumphs 750s and 650s—are being purchased and chopped like they were in the past. Because of their reliability, modern Japanese and British cruisers are also getting chopped, though this is more difficult because of Australia’s restrictive regulations on modern machines. Australian home builders include individuals in middle age who built a chopper in the 1970s and 1980s, and younger people who have been inspired to recreate a unique period of Australian motorcycle history.

In most Australian states, Australian Design Rules limit frame modifications (engineer’s certificate required), and fork extension (6″). The most restrictive rule is one that allows a maximum distance of 550 mm from the front axle horizontally back to the steering head. Noise restrictions and handlebar dimensions are also regulated. In some states ADRs do not apply to pre-1977 motorcycles, so some of the older more radical choppers are still seen on Australian roads…