The Oldest Motorcycle Names Live on

Harley Davidsonperformance from all of its predecessors. The 60
This classic series of motorcycles has a long anddegree V twin engine features fuel injection and was
storied history with a legion of fans that includesdeveloped with the help of Porsche.
owners, motorcycle enthusiasts, old and young alike.Even the Harley Davidson logo has created incredible
Distinguished by its style, unique engine sound and fanmarketing potential with after market merchandise and
loyalty, Harley Davidson motorcycles are unlike anyaccessory sales accounting for up to 5 percent of the
bikes ever produced.Company's revenue. The distinctive HD eagle reflects
From modest beginnings in 1901, Harley Davidsonthe respect Harley Davidson enjoys from competitors
Incorporated was the brainchild of William Harley whoand motorcycle fans.
had developed a small, powerful engine. Like manyRoyal Enfield
engine manufacturers of the era, these engines wereThe pride of British manufacturing companies, Royal
intended for use with existing bicycle designs,Enfield has established a reputation that dates back to
combining motorized power with pedal power. From athe mid 1800s. Like many early manufacturers of
small shop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Harley and hispersonal transportation, founder George Townsend
partner, Arthur Davidson embarked on a journey thatfocus on producing parts for existing bicycle designs,
would revolutionize the world of motorizedand by 1893 was producing and selling complete
transportation.bicycles under the Enfield name. It was not long before
1903 saw the introduction of its first productionTownsend turned the name Enfield and its slogan built
motorcycle. The early Harley-Davidson bikes werelike a gun into household words across Great Britain.
popular as race machines. By the end of the decade,The most endearing product introduction by Royal
Harley Davidson was selling a version if its bikes forEnfield has to be the Bullet. With a single cylinder, four
use as police vehicles. Shortly thereafter, Thestroke engine, the 1933 Bullet sported a dramatic front
Company introduced a 45 degree V-twin engineto rear rake making for truly classic line. World War II
design that would represent a style synonymous withbrought a one of a kind bike from Enfield, the Flying
Harley-Davidson for years to come.Flea. Complete with its own parachute and packing
The post-war years saw a rapid expansion incage, the Flying Flea could be dropped from an aircraft
production, along with some ownership bumps in thealong with the troops provided a means of motorized
road. The mid 1980s saw ownership shift from AMF tobattlefield transport not previously available.
a group comprised of Harley Davidson management.The Royal Enfield line even included a version of the
The Company went public on the New York Stockfamous red-painted Indian motorcycles, after the
Exchange in 1987. The rest, as they say, is history.company acquired the brand name rights. The RE
The big V twin engine configurations were reflected inIndians were discontinued in the 1960s. Intense
many subsequent designs including the F Head,competition from Japanese motorcycle producers
Flathead, Knucklehead, Panhead and Shovelhead, allduring the 1960s and 1970s meant the Royal Enfield
exceeding 1000 cubic centimeters in displacement. Theneeded bikes that could match the speed and
smaller V-twin designs reflected a smallerperformance of the Asian bikes.
displacement under 1000 cubic centimeters until theThe answer was the Interceptor line of extremely fast
introduction of the Evolution and Ironhead series ofmotorcycles, with a top speed of over 105 miles per
engines and are found on the Sportster X series bikes.hour and able to cover the quarter mile in les than 14
The V Rod, introduced in 2002, incorporates a liquidseconds. Sadly, production could not keep up with
cooled 1130 cubic centimeter super bike engine. Thedemand, and the Interceptor became the last of the
VRSC models are unique in both style andEnfield line to be produced in England.