William Harley and Arthur Davidson: Men Behind the Iconic Motorcycle

As of 2007, Harley-Davidson stock shares recovered to $70—but their reputation has suffered in the US.

Milestones

Beginning with Harley-Davidson’s 90th anniversary in 1993, the company has had celebratory rides to Milwaukee called the “Ride Home.” This tradition has continued every five years and is referred to unofficially as “Harleyfest.”

On September 1, 2003, Harley-Davidson celebrated its 100th anniversary with a large media event and concert. It featured performances from Tim McGraw, Elton John, Kid Rock, and The Doobie Brothers.

In 2004, William S. Harley, Arthur Davidson, William A. Davidson, and Walter Davidson Sr. were inducted into the Labor Hall of Fame for their extraordinary accomplishments for the Harley-Davidson company and employees.

On June 1, 2006, construction began on the $75 million, 130,000-square-foot Harley-Davidson Museum in Menomonee Valley, Milwaukee. Opening in 2008, it houses the company’s vast collection of historic motorcycles, as well as a café, restaurant, and meeting/conference space.

The Harley-Davidson 105th anniversary celebration was held on August 28–31, 2008. Events were held in Milwaukee (as well as Waukesha, Racine, and Kenosha counties). The 110th-anniversary celebration was held on August 29–31, 2013 (in the same locations).

For their 115th anniversary, Harley-Davidson held their celebration on July 5–8, 2018, in Prague, Czech Republic (the country with the oldest existing Harley-Davidson Club). More than 100,000 visitors and 60,000 bike owners participated. The 120th anniversary celebration was held in Budapest, Hungary, with the parade on June 24, 2023.

Looking to the Future

Today, Harley-Davidson has plants in York, Pennsylvania; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Manaus, Brazil; Bawal, India; and Pluak Daeng, Thailand—with thousands of outlets world-wide.