1961 Harley-Davidson Sprint motorcycle in bright red and white, shown in studio profile view with vintage styling and spoked wheels

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HARLEY-DAVIDSON HISTORY: THE SPRINT STORY

Harley-Davidson’s Sprint lineup helped introduce a new generation of riders to the brand, blending Italian engineering, racing success, and innovative middleweight performance during a transformative era in motorcycling history.

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The four H-D founders pose outside of a building

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THE FOUNDERS OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON

They could have scarcely imagined what they had started.

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Willie G Davidson smiles in his office

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WILLIE G. DAVIDSON

A tireless artist, enthusiastic rider, and grandson of a co-founder of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company: Get to know this creator of legendary H-D motorcycles and iconic designs.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

  • Vintage Harley-Davidson drag racer Ray Price launches his funny bike down the strip as spectators line the track behind a fence

    RAY PRICE AND THE FUNNY BIKE

    Discover the remarkable story of Ray Price, the Harley-Davidson drag racing pioneer whose groundbreaking Funny Bike innovations helped shape the future of motorcycle drag racing.

  • Number 1 rider Jay Springsteen slides a Harley-Davidson flat track motorcycle through a dirt corner as dust flies before spectators

    SPRINGSTEEN’S RISE: THE MAKING OF A FLAT TRACK LEGEND

    Jay Springsteen overcame early adversity to become one of flat track racing's most successful riders, earning three consecutive Grand National titles and a place among Harley-Davidson legends.

  • Close-up of a black 1976 Harley-Davidson front fairing featuring the iconic eagle and Bar & Shield graphic

    THE EAGLE, THE NUMBER ONE, AND THE RETURN OF THE BAR & SHIELD

    How a Bicentennial-era design idea from Willie G. Davidson gave rise to the eagle and modern Bar & Shield that continue to define Harley-Davidson today.

  • Vintage black-and-white photographs of motorcycle riders and events scattered across embroidered western shirts

    KNIGHTS OF THE HIGHWAY: THE STORY BEHIND MOTORCYCLE CLUB UNIFORMS

    From tailored uniforms to patch-covered vests, motorcycle riders have long used what they wear to shape their identity, build community, and challenge public perceptions of the sport.

  • Collection of old photographs showing group snapshots, including a Phillips 66 landmark and roadside scenes

    ROUTE 66: A TESTAMENT TO THE SPIRIT OF THE OPEN ROAD

    Route 66 has evolved from a simple stretch of pavement into a defining experience for generations of Harley-Davidson riders.

  • Vintage photo of Gustaf Stenmark seated on a classic motorcycle with saddlebags, parked overlooking hills and water in the distance

    “MOTORCYCLING IS THE LIFE”: THE LEGACY OF GUSTAF STENMARK

    Driven by an obsession with motorcycles, Gustaf Stenmark pushed himself through every race and mile with competitive grit, chasing the limits of endurance on two wheels.

  • Black-and-white photo of a motorcyclist procession riding toward the U.S. Capitol, laying among papers

    HARLEY-DAVIDSON RIDES FOR LIBERTY

    As the Statue of Liberty prepared for her 100th anniversary, Harley‑Davidson riders united coast to coast to celebrate freedom and help restore an American icon.

  • Close-up of black leather vest covered in pins, featuring a colorful embroidered Charter Life Member AMA patch

    FROM WAISTCOAT TO CUT: THE EVOLUTION OF THE MOTORCYCLE VEST

    The vest may have started out as a practical piece of clothing worn by aristocrats and soldiers, but today, it's one of the most iconic symbols of motorcycle culture.

  • Vintage motorcycle magazines and documents including a 1960 Daytona Motorcycle Show booklet

    FLASHBACK: STEP INSIDE THE DAYTONA 1960 MOTORCYCLE SHOW

    Daytona Bike Week celebrates its 85th year, offering the perfect moment to look back at the rally’s iconic 1960 roots.

  • Black-and-white photos of vintage motorcycles, including a HarleyDavidson ’76 Bicentennial tank logo

    THE '76 BICENTENNIAL EDITION: THE BIRTH OF AN ICON

    The 1976 Liberty Edition fused American patriotism with Harley‑Davidson craftsmanship, creating a landmark design that still resonates as a symbol of freedom and identity.

  • Exhibit at the Harley-Davidson Museum featuring vintage motorcycles mounted on a curved section of board track with historic photos

    LIFE ON THE MURDERDROME: H-D AND THE SPORT THAT TERRIFIED EVERYONE

    Long before racing glory, Harley-Davidson’s uneasy entry into board track competition was lived on the edge by riders like L.E. Bowen.

  • Alfonso Sotomayor’s 1957 Harley-Davidson FL on display in the H-D museum archives.

    ALFONSO SOTOMAYOR AND MEXICAN STUNT RIDING

    Harley-Davidson’s century-long history in Mexico is filled with pioneering riders and legendary stunt performers like Alfonso Sotomayor.

  • A vintage leather motorcycle helmet with a wing shape on the front is displayed on a table surrounded by black and white archival photos of riders.

    HELMETS THROUGH HISTORY

    From humble leather caps to modern safety gear, the evolution of motorcycle helmets balances protection, performance, and pure self-expression.

  • A vintage black and white group photo of the Motor Maids in front of a large Holiday Inn sign and marquee that says “Welcome Motor Maids” during a rally in 1967.

    RIDING FORWARD: 85 YEARS OF THE MOTOR MAIDS

    Founded in 1940 by pioneers Dorothy “Dot” Robinson and Linda Dugeau, the Motor Maids became the first women’s national motorcycle club.

  • Black and white historical photo of Eldred Harrington standing by his 1951 Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide motorcycle in the desert.

    RIDING THROUGH HISTORY: ELDRED R. HARRINGTON’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON ADVENTURES

    Eldred R. Harrington, a prolific Enthusiast writer from 1944–1965, was revisited by Harley-Davidson archives during the Hydra-Glide’s 75th anniversary.

  • A collection of vintage motorcycle gear including leather helmets, goggles, boots, and wool clothing.

    EARLY RIDING WEAR

    In the earliest images in the Harley-Davidson archives, riders’ clothing always stands out.

  • An old photograph shows Leslie “Red” Parkhurst sitting on his Harley in his riding gear.

    LESLIE “RED” PARKHURST

    Parkhurst was a good-natured athlete whose enthusiasm made him a real crowd-pleaser, both on and off the track.

  • Eight men in black Harley jackets stand behind the Sportster streamliner in the desert.

    THE WORLD'S FASTEST HARLEY-DAVIDSON

    Built for Speed. Born for Glory. The Return of a Legend.

  • Soldier uses his motorcycle as a barrier to prop his rifle on

    HARLEY-DAVIDSON DURING WORLD WAR II 

    A brief look at how the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, employees and riders contributed to the war effort. 

  • The four H-D founders pose outside of a building

    THE FOUNDERS OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON

    They could have scarcely imagined what they had started.

  • Willie G Davidson smiles in his office

    WILLIE G. DAVIDSON

    A tireless artist, enthusiastic rider, and grandson of a co-founder of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company: Get to know this creator of legendary H-D motorcycles and iconic designs.

  • Two racers battle for the lead on a round track

    10 PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON HISTORY 

    Countless riders, employees, and fans have been at the heart of Harley-Davidson's 120 year history.

  • A vintage leather jacket on a mannequin

    120 YEARS OF STYLE

    From instant icons to just plain cool: a glimpse at historic Harley-Davidson apparel. 

  • A large brick building under construction

    BUILDING A MILWAUKEE ICON 

    Explore the legendary campus that remains Harley-Davidson's headquarters.

EXPERIENCE THE HISTORY OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON


Discover culture and history through stories and exhibits that celebrate expression, camaraderie and love for the sport.

The logo structure outside the Harley-Davidson Museum