Harley-Davidson: A History of the World's Most Famous Motorcycle

by Margie Siegal

Overview

Harley-Davidson: words that evoke the open American road and the “Made  in America” tradition like no others. The sweeping chopper handlebars, the distinctive throaty low speed rumble  of the engine and the unmistakable logo are all recognized the world over. This book expertly ties together the mechanical evolution of Harley's engines – from the earliest motorized pedal bicycles  to the iconic heavyweight twin cylinder V-engines we know and love today – and the social history of  the brand's phenomenal rise in the twentieth century,  as innovative survivor of the Great Depression, supplier of  the military during both World Wars and enduring symbol of  freedom and rebellion. It is fully illustrated  with pictures of the bikes and those who have ridden them as well as examples of Harley-Davidson's distinctive design aesthetic in advertising and collectibles.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780747813439
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	05/20/2014
Series:	Shire Library USA , #783
Pages:	64
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.30(d)

About the Author

If it's American, has two wheels, and was built prior to 1950, Margie Siegal has either researched, rode or written about it. "Walking Text Book" Margie has been Vintage Editor on IronWorks Motorcycle Magazine since day one, with her regular feature, Seasoned Citizens. Siegal is also a frequent contributor to American motorcyclist magazines.

Originally from Queens, NY, Siegal now resides in Northern California. Her specialty is searching for (and finding) the details on American bikes that were built when your grandfather was in high school. Count on Margie for technical accuracy and a unique sensitivity when it comes to the people and machines that established motorcycling in America.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Mechanical Beginnings
Sidevalves and The Depression
The Chopper Era—Motorcycles Become Popular Again
Evolution
The Harley-Davidson Community—Clubs and Racing
Conclusion
Further Reading
Places to Visit
Photograph Acknowlegements
Index

Editorial Reviews

Oaklander Margie Siegal takes a historic, quirky, and technical look at America's favorite motorcycle, the Harley-Davidson, in this fond remembrance of the chopper and its iconic rise. The pictures alone are worth a gander: Harley parades, vintage ads, lots of chrome. Siegal can discuss the technicalities without being boring and puts innovations in context.” —Oakland Magazine

“Margie Siegal expertly ties together the mechanical evolution of the Harley engines with the social history of the iconic brand. Fully illustrated with historic images and pictures of the bikes, this book is a wonderful catalog of everything Harley-Davidson.” —Women Riders Now

“Lushly illustrated with images by photographer Dana Shirey and archival photos from the Dudley Perkins archive, there's plenty of eye candy offsetting the well-researched text. Technical enough for the gearhead without intimidating the newbie, every reader is sure to learn something from this book's straightforward and thoughtful perspective.” —Iron Trader News

From the Publisher