Harley-Davidson logo

The company «Harley-Davidson» is not only a well-known brand, it is a whole separate world. After the reaching success and popularity, this firm started producing not only heavy motorcycles for riding on the highway, but also started selling shoes, clothes, tableware, and different accessories. By obtaining this production, people tend to “emphasize” their attachment to the certain culture, specific preferences, and lifestyle. The company was founded in 1903 by brothers Walter and Arthur Davidson.

The very first model of «Harley-Davidson» motorbike had the power 1 l/s, and the top speed 7 - 8 km/h. This is natural that the company’s development has been slow. In the early years of its formation, the firm sold only a few dozen bikes for a year. Actually, the company started actively developing in the 30th of last century. So-called “Customizing” was created during this period.

Nowadays, «Harley-Davidson Motor Company» produces motorbikes of classes “custom”, “cruiser”, and “tourer”, and also offers a full range of spare components and other related products.

Harley Davidson History

Harley Davidson Logo History

Harley-Davidson today is more than just a famous motorcycle manufacturer. This brand is among not only famous but legendary ones. And even people who are far from the world of motorcycles are familiar with the product manufactured under this label. People who buy these products want to emphasize they are a part of a particular culture, commitment to a specific lifestyle. Realizing how great the popularity of the company, the company produces and other products except for motorcycles. Harley-Davidson today makes shoes, clothing, utensils, and various accessories. The logo of Harley-Davidson, which has been a constant attribute for dozens of years of existence of the company, is always present on all these items.

During the company`s existence, the logo was changed a lot of times. For example, in 1930 the «Harley-Davidson» motorbike logo contained only the name of the firm (red letters with the yellow contour on a white background). In the version of 1933, the sign saved the same, but the background color was turned into black and orange. Because of this fact, the inscription was focused much better. Between 1940-1946 logotype looked like a metal drop-shaped image with «Harley-Davidson» inscription. In 1955 the new big-sized letter «V» (in honor of the famous engine V-twin) appeared on the background of classic «Harley-Davidson» description. And in 6-7 years the emblem of Harley looked like rear sight and four-pointed star.

1910	Harley-Davidson officially developed its first motorcycle in 1903. However, the first logo of Harley-Davidson appeared formally only in 1910. This year is considered to be the beginning of the history of Harley-Davidson logos. It received its name as Bar and Shield which is not less popular than the logo itself.
1953	In 1929, the company developed a new V-shaped engine, which was so successful that it was used until 1972, passing only some stages of modernization. Celebrating its anniversary in 1953, Harley-Davidson decided to develop a new logo design, paying tribute to its engine which brought more success to the company. The "V" on the commemorative logo symbolizes the V-Twin engines. The version of this emblem of Harley-Davidson was present on the front fenders of the models of motorcycles which were produced in 1954. The logo was designed in a circle, and the letter V was going beyond its bounds. There were inscriptions ‘Harley-Davidson’, ‘50 years’ on it, in the upper part of the shield, and an inscription "American Made."
1965	The best known and most popular logo of Harley-Davidson today was introduced in 1965. The logo itself is standard, all the same Bar and Shield, but it has a more modern form and design. This logo is used today by the company on the manufactured motorcycles.
2003	In honor of its centenary, which was celebrated by the Harley-Davidson company in 2003, it introduced a new design of its logo. All the same Bar and Shield, the significance of which could not fail to be mentioned, on the anniversary logo, and wings which were placed around them. The dates, namely, 1903 (the year of the foundation of the company) and 2003 (the year of the anniversary) were placed on the sides of the wings. There was a number, 100, below the Bar and Shield. This logo is also one of the most popular company logos. It was applied on the motorcycles and related goods of the company.
2008	In 2008, the company 'blew 105 candles' on the cake in honor of the company's anniversary, and in honor of its 105th anniversary, Harley-Davidson showed another anniversary logo that resembled the version of 2003. The Bar and Shield were placed in the middle of the circle, and it was made in black and orange colors, from the edges of which the curved wings went up, and went beyond the ring. There were an inscription '105 years' between the wings of the Harley-Davidson logo, and the dates 1903 - 2008 were located along the contour of the circle at the bottom of the circular emblem. This version of the logo was available only on Dyna Fat Bob, Rocker and Rocker C motorcycles which were manufactured that year.
NOW	The Bar and Shield logo were used in a vast number of variations over many years. Sometimes this logo, made in the traditional combinations of black with orange, was seen on motorcycles.There are also versions of a simple, concise, steel logo design.

Harley-Davidson Emblem

For more than a century of existence of the «Harley-Davidson» business, its motorcycles and company sign noticeably changed. The emblem Harley-Davidson was different shapes, colors, sizes, but the description is always the same. It is the primary invariable attribute.

The most well-known and still existing emblem «Bar and Shield» is covered by an aura of mystery. Its author is still unknown.The emblem is made in the form of a shield with a wide horizontal stripe in the middle of it. There are two color variations: the first is white letters on a black background; the second is a white-colored phrase «Harley-Davidson», and the rest of the lettering is painted orange.

Due to such a bright color and extraordinary gamma, the logo looks simple and elegant, and it seems much better compared to the other inconspicuous emblems. The orange color symbolizes the power of the spirit, courage, high activity, and the black color means style and perfection. The symbol Harley-Davidson was created in 1910 and patented in 1911. And, although during some period it was not used, over time the company returned precisely to this emblem. So the symbol is successfully used till now.

Interesting Facts about Harley-Davidson Logo

The Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Owners Community is the largest and most famous in the world as H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group), and any owner of this motorcycle can join it. It uses the logo which is quite different from the official logo for its community.

For example, every official representative of the Harley-Davidson brand selling their products can have his own unique logo that can be encountered nowhere else, which is very strange for many well-known companies that are 95% against this approach. Might this policy have brought success to the company?