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Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Harley-Davidson and American Symbols and Icons



There are quite a few things that can instantly be recognized as American when you see them. Harley-Davidson is one of them. Can you find two other things in this photo that are symbolically and iconically American?

This Harley-Davidson motorbike belongs to a member of the Bandung branch of the Harley-Davidson Club Indonesia (HDCI). The Harley-Davidson Club Indonesia (HDCI) was established in Bandung, on May 26, 1990, and currently has 24 branches throughout Indonesia.

A legendary motorbike, Harley-Davidson actually had quite a humble begining. It began with a design that William S. Harley drew in 1901 of an engine for a regular pedal-bicycle frame. To realize the design Harley worked together with his friend Arthur Davidson and together produced their first engine in 1903. Although this first engine was considered rather unsuccessful (the engine could not overcome Milwaukee's modest hills without pedal assistance), their first experience was proven to be very valuable in in their future ventures in motorbike engine designs.

The first functional prototype Harley-Davidson engine was produced in 1904 and was successfully tested by Edward Hildebrand (the first rider) at a Milwaukee motorcycle race held at State Fair Park on September 8 of that year. The motorbike placed fouth in the race. This is the first documented appearance of a Harley-Davidson motorbike.
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11 comments:

  1. Tanya BreeseDecember 10, 2008 at 2:51 AM

    I'm a little partial to that paint job and helmet :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Marco CrupiDecember 10, 2008 at 3:40 AM

    good photo!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jane Hards PhotographyDecember 10, 2008 at 8:39 AM

    Obviously being from the home of the motorbike I adore this image. It has iconic imagery here that words are not needed.

    ReplyDelete
  4. VirginiaDecember 10, 2008 at 11:43 AM

    Salute!
    V

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownDecember 10, 2008 at 8:06 PM

    I can't find any Harley in my town and most of our bigbiker here are either Yamaha,Honda or sazuki.Nice photo.

    ReplyDelete
  6. amelia, liaDecember 10, 2008 at 8:11 PM

    HARLEY DAVIDSON,
    an American motorcycle, with it's big sexy bottom, which always hypnotize people whose see this "American symbols" of motorcycle, to admire it. in this picture, the "HD" really showing its looks as one of the symbols of "the Uncle Sam" country .

    Amelia, Lia. 032822

    ReplyDelete
  7. Mahmud YussopDecember 10, 2008 at 10:25 PM

    Oh Yes, when it comes to riding a motorcycle I always remember of the film Easy Rider. Was he driving a HD? I wonder.

    ReplyDelete
  8. istanbuldailyphotoDecember 10, 2008 at 11:41 PM

    Your country American symbols for use or fashion? Counterfeit it is not good. IsN'T That? Greetings.

    ReplyDelete
  9. escapeDecember 10, 2008 at 11:47 PM

    nice capture. though very few people use it but i still see some areas here where harley davidson is dominant. there's also a tv show here where it features trips thru driving those big bikes.

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  10. AnonymousDecember 11, 2008 at 10:07 AM

    It is iconic, but I didn't know how it began...

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousDecember 13, 2008 at 2:45 AM

    Harley Davidson...

    I do Love it!!

    Hopefully, I could have one, someday...
    :D

    ReplyDelete

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