100 Years of Harley-Davidson
By Willie G. Davidson

     This is an awesome book for the Harley-Davidson enthusiast, historian, and rider. I like motorcycles in general, Harleys, Ducatis, BMW, and various other varieties, but the one with the biggest cult-like following in the world is Harley-Davidson.

     The company began making motorbikes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1903. They quickly became a popular mode of transportation within just a few years. One of the hallmarks of Harley-Davidson, the V-Twin engine, first came into existence in 1909 with the Model 5-D. This engine has continued to be a distinguishing characteristic of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle and has influenced motorcycle engines since its introduction. 100 Years of Harley-Davidson details the introduction of various models from the Serial Number One and the Model 5-D to the Panheads and the Knuckleheads to the proliferation of the Sportsters, Fat Boys, Road Kings, Softtails and many other models.

     Harley-Davidson's involvement in the racing world is also explored in this book, from their early days racing in the Catskill Mountains to the modern-day NHRA pro-stock circuit.

     The book also details the business changes of Harley-Davidson, with its ownership shift to AMF in the 1970s and its subsequent buyback in the 1980s by Willie G. Davidson and 12 other individuals.

     Willie G. Davidson, whose intimate family connection to the founders of the company is brought forth in this tome, also evokes the great pride in the heritage and the legacy of Harley-Davidson with his writing. This book also boldly shows the history of Harley-Davidson with great photography.

     Harley-Davidson's pop culture iconoclast nature was cemented with the immortal roles of Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper in the movie Easy Rider, with their characters cruising the countryside on Harley choppers. Before and since then the Harley-Davidson ethos has been lived by millions all over the world. Every year, hundreds of thousands of riders take the run to Sturgis in the Black Hills of South Dakota to Daytona Beach, Florida for Bike week, to the many other bike runs that occur for various causes.

     As someone who likes motorcycles and does much drooling over Harley bikes, and listens for that familiar Harley motor growl on the street, I found 100 Years of Harley-Davidson interesting and enthralling. Despite the size of this book, if one defines themself as a Harley-Davidson dedicant, then reading this book is a must.