War and Harley Davidson Motorcycles
The mystique of a Harley Davidson motorcyle
Motorcycles have been around for what seems like forever. Before the war, they were recreational vehicles and too expensive for the average person. People attended motorcycle races for enjoyment. Harley Davidson decided to build a motorcycle that everyone could afford, but they had many road blocks thrown their way by the competitors.
Then the war came and they were able to put their mark in the field of motorcycles.
War and Cycles
Today's youth know very little of the war and sacrifice of the American soldier, their view is more that of the Avenger's the war hero with the cool shield and motorcycle, but there is so much more to know.
The Harley Davidson motorcycle had been around for several years, but the war created a great need for it and so it's popularity for personal use grew.
In the 22nd Century when you say Harley Davidson, the first thing that comes to mind is motorcycle gangs or older retired adults enjoying the freedom of the road. It's history goes much deeper, a history that isn't taught in school books.
The Harley Davidson Motorcycle played a part from World War I to the Korean war. Not only did the American troops utilize them, but through a lend-lease program, their allies used them as well.
Today, American's enjoy them for recreation and many veterans and retired military enjoy the freedom that they feel from riding in the open country side.
Front Lines
| Rear
|
|---|---|
Side Cars held passangers
| Lead convoys
|
Side Car mounted machine guns
| Dispatch
|
Side Car stretchers for wounded soldiers
| Transportation
|
Size made them useful for accessing hard to enter areas
| General Security
|
World War I- 20,000 motorcycles
J - series, 61 cubic inch engines with 15 horsepower
World War 2- 70,000- 30,000 (parts for more bikes)
45 cubic inch engine.
Harley Davidson-Many Uses
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Have you ever owned a Harley Davidson Motorcyle
The History of Harley Davidson Motorcycles can be found here.
