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 first blueprint of an engine he wanted to put in a bicycle. William did not start working with his partner Arthur Davidson until two years later.
When William Harley and Arthur Davidson built the first Harley Davidson motorcycle, it was in 1904. This motorcycle was built in a 10 foot by 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 orange and black bar and shield logo 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 interesting things happened. During World War I, the United States Army used nearly 20,000 Harley motorcycles. In 1920, a man named Leslie Parkhurst broke the speed record 23 times. After each win, the team would take a victory lap with their mascot. The mascot was a pig, hence the name “pig” and the first pig association 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 bikers 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 fender of all 1954 model bikes.
Today, dealers across the country can add elements to the logo with permission from Harleys. As an example, Colorado dealers add mountains behind the original Harley logo.
You can find almost any item with the logo today. From sunglasses and cups to Harley bedding, the logo is everywhere.
The Harley Davidson logo is now a $41 million dollar industry.
