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.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

  • 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