The Milwaukee based company was founded in 1901 by designer, Bill Harley, and Arthur Davidson, a pattern maker. Starting from scratch, both financially and technically, they enlisted two other members of the Davidson family, Walter, a mechanic, and William, a tool maker, and with the use of borrowed equipment, they started their project in their spare time.

In 1903, a wooden building was erected in the Davidson family's backyard, and their first factory was in operation. In 1904, production output was up to eight machines a year, and in 1906, fifty.

The company was incorporated in 1907, and within ten years, they were producing 18,000 machines per year.

Harley-Davidson has continued to improve their distinctive machines and many fine examples of their craftmanship can be seen on roads and tracks throughout the world.