The Harley-Davidson brand is truly one of a kind, and while many others have tried to replicate the formula over the years, most have come up short. While you may not be able to own one of your own, you can still enjoy a Harley rental in Las Vegas and experience a taste of the lifestyle for yourself. Here are a few fun facts that you may not have known about the Harley-Davidson Motor Company and its history.
What exactly creates that signature Harley rumble?
Harley-Davidson pioneered the V-Twin engine that has gone on to become one of the most efficient engine designs on any type of motorcycle. The V-Twin engine features a two-cylinder design in which the cylinders run parallel to each other. Typically, a two-cylinder engine has two pins that are 180 degrees apart that connect the pistons to the crankshaft. These pistons fire sequentially, one going with the first revolution of the crankshaft, and the other separately with the next. While Harley-Davidson engines also have two pistons, the engineering only utilizes one pin to connect both pistons, causing them to fire at uneven intervals. It is this unique design that creates the notable and highly sought after Harley rumble.
How has Harley maintained its brand after all of this time?
Harley-Davidson represents freedom and the unification of different people from all walks of life. Because of this acceptance, the company has been able to build and maintain a considerable fan base, and the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, WI attracts more than 300,000 visitors annually from all over the world. Many also enjoy purchasing all different types of Harley-Davidson memorabilia, and the company routinely brings in substantial revenue each year due to apparel sales alone.
How did it all start?
The design for Harley-Davidson’s first motorcycle originated as a blueprint for a bicycle in 1901. In fact, the realization that the bicycle market was overcrowded was one of the reasons that Harley began making the full transition to motorcycle manufacturing in earnest. Once they made this shift in full, Harley would go on to become the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer by 1920.
Is there any flexibility in Harley’s traditional design?
When you think of Harley, the classic but stylish hogs that dominate highways typically come to mind, but the company has another side that shows they can do it all. From 1974 to 1976, their RR-250 won successive 250cc World Championship Races, showing that the company can manufacture bikes that are just as fast as they are powerful. Many police departments also currently employ Harley-Davidson bikes across the country as a part of their motorcycle fleet.
To enjoy your own piece of this esteemed tradition, consider a Harley rental in Las Vegas. At Escape Eagles, each rental comes with unlimited mileage, helmets, saddlebags and much more. We have everything you need for a trip touring the beautiful countryside, including information about popular stops and hotels, so be sure to give us a call to learn how you can secure your rental today!