Harley-Davidson: Your memories

The Harley-Davidson motorcycle is 100 years old this week.

Thousands of owners are gathering in Milwaukee where the first Harley was made for a week of celebrations.

The company was founded in 1903 when William S. Harley and his friend, Arthur Davidson made a racing bike in a 10 foot by 15 shed on which was scrawled "Harley-Davidson Motor Company".

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

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The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received:

You don't just get there on a Harley, you arrive! Harley still make the only acceptable motorbike. They are like Rolex - pure style and breeding. Congratulations to them. My granfather bought his Harley in 1927 from Fred Warrs who are still going now - I have had two in last 20 years. Saddle up for the next 100 years.
Donald Duke, Normandy France

They are overpriced, overweight and overrated Anon, UK

I'm sorry to say that Harley-Davidson bikes are a triumph of style over content. True, they were good in their heyday (about 50 years ago) but times have changed and motorbike technology has improved radically since then. Not that Harley Davidson seems to have noticed. They are overpriced, overweight and overrated. The power-to-weight ratio is a joke. But let's not allow the facts to get in the way of a good story.
Anon, UK

It is difficult to understand the passion surrounding HD unless you have an appreciation for America's passion for the "open road." I am not a motorcycle rider, but respect the loyalty that HD commands amongst its followers. Their company is a model for all others. A company should be so lucky to have a base of guaranteed repeat buyers.
Jeff, USA

Harley Davidson - the retired accountant's favourite. When someone with more money than sense decides to take up biking, Harley's strong brand image ensures more attention than they deserve. Wow, look at all that chrome! The engine is HOW big? This will impress the boys down at the golf club! Harley Davidson - ridden by people who don't know any better.
George, UK

Circa 1949, city Mombasa, Kenya. A couple of guys got themselves a Harley from war-surplus store. Tidied it up and got it going, after a fashion. Notable features:- The seat was the size of a horse-saddle. The seat was sprung on a hydraulic system not unlike shock-absorbers, which was terrific when going over pot-holes. But get the darned thing started - now that would be story by itself! The kick-starter needed the full weight of a 200 pounder! The gear lever was on the left side, and the clutch was a foot pedal of hair-trigger sensitivity! It had the Harley growl alright, even then.
Eritch van Rustomssen, Canada

Harley-Davidson? Slow, out of date technology, but for some reason some people like them! (Life would be dull if we were all the same) Myself, I would rather have a 20 year old 'Kwacka' or Honda that would make the current HD's curl up with shame at the handling and preformance. Different folks, different strokes I suppose!
Graham, UK

The real difference is the Harley is a working piece of art and not a copy of something else. In reading comments I suspect that many people have never ridden the silky power of a modern twincam with a few mods. A truly American icon!
Bob, USA

Too big, too inefficient, too load, technically retarded compared to any other bike manufacturer... Sounds like HD are a suitable American icon.
Benny Kelly, Ireland

I'm eternally grateful to that Harley! Kulu, UK

I'll always have fond memories of Harleys. I never owned one myself but a Harley delivered my wife to me! I was in Mahabalipuram, just south of Madras, or Chenai as it's now known, recording some local Tamil musicians. We were just packing the last few mic stands and cables into the mobile studio and were almost ready to head off to the next location when a beautiful Russian girl riding a Harley-Davidson stopped right next to me and asked if it was very far to Pondicherry. I explained that Pondi was our next destination and she was welcome to travel in convoy with us. It wasn't long before she sold the Harley and moved into the truck with me! We're still happily married and I'm eternally grateful to that Harley!
Kulu, UK

I remember my dad wanting a Harley when I was about 7 years old. Of course, mom didn't want him to have one. We came home from grandma's one day to find a Harley parked in the middle of the dining room. It was dad's. My parents were divorced about a year after.
Mike, USA

Harleys are grossly overpriced for what is a very basic, low tech machine. Let's have some exposure for Triumph instead, they celebrated their centenary last year (against all the odds...).
Tom Powell, UK

There's an old Harley saying, "If I have to explain it ...you wouldn't understand". I've ridden many different motorcycles over the years, but I like riding Harleys the best. They are not the fastest, most up-to-date or reliable bikes available, but still, there is something special about riding them. It's all just a matter of personal preference.
John Ellis, USA

A couple of years ago, a friend and I went to Sturgis South Dakota for their annual rally and we were in "Hog" heaven! These vehicles are an icon of a generation. No other motor cycle can claim as much notoriety! Happy Birthday Harley!
Kurt P, USA

1940's technology at 2040's prices RG, USA

1940's technology at 2040's prices. Would have gone out of business years ago but kept afloat by gullible morons who wouldn't recognise a quality product if it bit them on the butt....
RG, USA

Whenever we go on road trips, the Beemers are in front and the Harleys bring up the rear: it's about ability as a motorcycle. BUT whenever we get to the patio bars, the waitresses and gals at the next table just want to hear about the Harleys. That's why we let them come along.
Tom Donaghy, Canada

Harley Davidson for me means overweight people riding overweight bikes with too many superfluous frilly bits on them that don't do anything other than make it even heavier and slower. Biking is about experience and in my experience Harleys are unentertaining. I'd rather ride an Indian any day.
Dave H, UK

I went to Barcelona in June, with a couple bikefriends (of our club "Brothers Of Harley Ostend")it was really nice we even got a signature on our jackets of the family Davidson (Willy, Nancy, Bill and Sarah). Anyway I now hit the road with my dream bike (Wide glide 2003). The best deal I made in my life...
Kristof Moerman, Belgium

It's amazing how many imitations it has inspired Mark, US

It's amazing what a trend the Harley-Davidson has created since its conception, and it's amazing how many imitations it has inspired.
Mark, US

I have a Japanese Harley-wannabe. (Yamaha Virago in case anyone cares). These low-rider bikes are soooo comfy to ride. I just love mine and I want a true Harley eventually. Thanks to Harley for a brilliant type of bike.
Geoff Taylor, UK

Harley-Davidson... every biker's dream machine. Until they ride one, that's when you realise that they are slow, heavy, 50 year old technology and all your teeth fall out if you ride it for more than three miles. Glad I only rented one and could easily return to my Kawasaki.
Andy, UK

The sheer delight of the sound, the shape your body takes when sitting astride it. The feeling of utter power and yet relaxed air when riding it. Would I sell mine? No way!!! Harley rocks dude!!!
MS, London

In these days of airbags and ABS, it's nice to see something which has resisted technological advance. One biker I heard said that his Harley had the turning circle and braking distance of a channel ferry with a smile on his face which said "But I love it!"
Brian, Scotland