American motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson is well-known and has been in the business for more than a century.Here is a synopsis of the business's history:

William S. Harley designed drawings for a bicycle with a tiny engine in 1901. In a small wooden shed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Harley and his friend Arthur Davidson constructed a prototype motorized bicycle by 1903. The two partners established the Harley-Davidson Motor Company in 1904 and started selling motorcycles.

Harley-Davidson unveiled their first V-twin engine, which had a 7 horsepower output, in 1909. The foundation for many of the company's next models would be this engine.

Harley-Davidson made motorbikes for the US military during World War I, which contributed to their growing popularity. The business was the biggest motorcycle manufacturer in the world by the 1920s.

Harley-Davidson maintained its innovative streak throughout the 1930s, adding features like front and rear suspension and a three-speed transmission.

Harley-Davidson once more built bikes for the US military during World War II, notably the WLA, often known as the "Liberator." Many troops returned home from the war with a renewed love of motorbikes, which aided in the company's expansion.

Harley-Davidson became identified with the rebellious counterculture in the 1950s and 1960s, in part because of movies like "The Wild One" and "Easy Rider."

Harley-Davidson faced some financial difficulties in the 1980s and 1990s, but the firm was able to turn things around by putting an emphasis on quality and customer service. Today, Harley-Davidson enjoys a strong global following of devoted motorcycle enthusiasts.