When someone talks about motorcycles what is the first brand of motorcycles that most people think of? Most people would say Harley- Davidson. This is the top of the line motorcycle that most people dream of owning. Some would argue that Harley-Davidson is a name that is recognized all over the world. It is believed that this name is so recognizable because it is seen as an American legend. Harley-Davidson originated in 1903 in Milwaukee, WI (Harley-Davidson, 2009). Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson were the developers of the first line of motorcycles that Harley-Davidson came out with (Harley-Davidson, 2009). These motorcycles were essentially a bicycle powered by a single-cylinder motor that drove the back wheel with a leather belt. This original motor would propel the bike about as fast as brisk walking pace (How Stuff Works, 2008). As time went on, new motor designs were made and three different styles of bikes were created which launched Harley-Davidson into what it is today.
Harley-Davidson has been in business for 106 years and continues to get stronger. They recently came out with their 105th anniversary bike which has become an instant classic. The most recognizable symbol of Harley-Davidson is their shield logo. In an article about popular tattoos, Dandenong artist Barry Gannon, of Waycool Tattoo, agreed Harley-Davidson logos were a fairly regular request (Herald Sun, 2009). On a list of the top 20 trademarked tattoos, the top three were Harley-Davidson, Nike, and AFL club logos (Herald Sun, 2009). Harley-Davidson most likely topped this list because bikers and tattoos go hand in hand with each other.
This economy that we are in will likely shape the future for Harley-Davidson. Currently there are four plants that manufacture these motorcycles: two in Wisconsin, one in Pennsylvania, and one in Missouri. On May 14, 2009, Harley-Davidson announced that its plant in Pennsylvania, which is its largest production site, might have to relocate to cut costs (Los Angeles Times, 2009). This plant employs more than 2,400 employees (Los Angeles Times, 2009). This plant is under a watchful eye and more details will arise in the months to come. It will be interesting to see how Harley-Davidson will rebound from the hard times faced in this economic time.
Harley-Davidson has been in business for 106 years and continues to get stronger. They recently came out with their 105th anniversary bike which has become an instant classic. The most recognizable symbol of Harley-Davidson is their shield logo. In an article about popular tattoos, Dandenong artist Barry Gannon, of Waycool Tattoo, agreed Harley-Davidson logos were a fairly regular request (Herald Sun, 2009). On a list of the top 20 trademarked tattoos, the top three were Harley-Davidson, Nike, and AFL club logos (Herald Sun, 2009). Harley-Davidson most likely topped this list because bikers and tattoos go hand in hand with each other.
This economy that we are in will likely shape the future for Harley-Davidson. Currently there are four plants that manufacture these motorcycles: two in Wisconsin, one in Pennsylvania, and one in Missouri. On May 14, 2009, Harley-Davidson announced that its plant in Pennsylvania, which is its largest production site, might have to relocate to cut costs (Los Angeles Times, 2009). This plant employs more than 2,400 employees (Los Angeles Times, 2009). This plant is under a watchful eye and more details will arise in the months to come. It will be interesting to see how Harley-Davidson will rebound from the hard times faced in this economic time.
Business Breifing/Motorcycles; Harley may move jobs to cut costs. (2009, May 14). Los Angeles Times, Part B, Page 4
Logos spread thickly in wacky ink requests Hey mate, tatts really just an ad. (2009, May 23). Herald Sun (Austrailia), first edition
How Stuff Works, 2008 Retrieved May 23, 2009 from http://auto.howstuffworks.com/harley-davidson-history1.htm
Harley-Davidson, 2009 Retrieved May 23, 2009 from http://www.harleydavidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/home.jsp?locale=en_US
Logos spread thickly in wacky ink requests Hey mate, tatts really just an ad. (2009, May 23). Herald Sun (Austrailia), first edition
How Stuff Works, 2008 Retrieved May 23, 2009 from http://auto.howstuffworks.com/harley-davidson-history1.htm
Harley-Davidson, 2009 Retrieved May 23, 2009 from http://www.harleydavidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/home.jsp?locale=en_US
The Harley Davidson, a genuine pop culture icon! Unfortunately, these bikes have become more of an "elite" culture due to the ever increasing cost of owning one. It is amazing how the economy can affect such a lengendary icon as Harley Davidson. It just doesnt seem fathomable that this icon could ever cease production. However, this is an example of how pop culture can in some ways be tied to material possessions.
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