Harley Davidson

                            Harley Davidson

Hey folks, today lets go on to another journey. In this journey we will take you through unknown curves in journey of Harley Davidson.  Harley Davidson is a legend in motorcycle world. The company was established more than 100 years ago, still it is dominating the world with it's excellence and passion to make ride evergreen. It came into existence in 1903 when William S. Harley completed his drawing of a bicycle with an engine. Collaborating in 1903 with Arthur Davidson, the two built the first motorcycle. After opening their first dealership in 1904, they sold one of the first three motorcycles produced.

 Arthur Davidson, Walter Davidson, William  S. Harley, William A. Davidson
 in 1915 (left to right)

         
The story continues from there, with each year that passed the company grew, and they sold more bikes. In 1907, the incorporation of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company took place. Since that time, the company has produced many different models and the bikes have continued to sell well. Most everyone recognises the name, and the business has expanded into other countries. Harley-Davidson has come a long way. Today company is selling bikes in all the seven continents of the world. By 1920 was the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer.     

 1903 Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson developed a one-cylinder motorcycle. It was a reliable and even a beautiful cycle. The small company extended quickly and another member of the Davidson family, William, joined them. In no time they hired about 20 employees in an especially build stone-factory

1907 William A. Davidson, brother to Arthur and Walter Davidson, quits his job as tool foreman for the Milwaukee Road railroad and joins the Motor Company. Harley-Davidson Motor Company is incorporated on September 17th. The stock is split four ways between the four founders, and staff size has more than doubled from the previous year to eighteen employees. Factory size is doubled as well. Dealer recruitment begins, targeting the New England region.

1909 Bill Harley made a project of the first 1000 CC V-Twin. It produced a modest seven horsepower. The 45-degree V-twin would become one of the more recognisable images of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. This V-Twin stayed with HD for a long, long time. Maybe it's hard to believe, but Harley-Davidson didn't invent the V-twin !! When Bill Harley developed one, he just followed the tendency of the time.

 

1910 brought the legendary "Bar and Shield" logo that was placed on their motorcycle. This would become the defining symbol of Harley-Davidson to this day. first place winnings in races, endurance contests and hill climbs give Harley-Davidson more recognition.

 1912 saw further growth of the Harley-Davidson Company. Construction began on a new 6-story factory. Harley-Davidson also became an exporter this year and their first overseas sale was made in Japan. In the states there were now over 200 dealerships

 1917 one-third of all Harley-Davidsons were sent overseas to the U.S. Military to fulfil their patriotic call and to aid in the war effort. The following year, roughly half of the motorcycles produced were sold to the U.S. military. In the end, about 20,000 motorcycles were used in the war, most of them Harley-Davidsons. By this time Harley-Davidson was the biggest motorcycle factory in the world with nearly 2,000 dealerships worldwide.

 1918 Harley-Davidson was the biggest motorcycle factory in the world. They even survived the depression. The V-twin was Harley's speciality, so the company tried to defeat its only remaining rival ... Indian. But these days were the thoughest, because the motorcycles got out of date and the prices of automobiles decreased (the T-Ford was born).

 1920 saw some changes to the appearance of the motorcycle, which are more recognisable today. One such change was the identifiable teardrop shape gas tank

  1928 the first twin-cam engine and front wheel brakes were available on the Harley-Davidson. With this modification, the motorcycle could reach speeds in excess of 85 mph.

 1932 the three-wheel Servi-Car was introduced and would become a familiar commercial and police vehicle. Along with appearance changes such as the "eagle" design, which was painted on all Harley-Davidson gas tanks, changes were also made to the engine. These days the biggest Harley ever appeared , the 1340 CC. This motorcycle became Harley Davidson's trademark. 1936 also became a milestone. That year the Knucklehead was launched and this motorcycle also became the victory over the Indian.

. 1940 the Harley-Davidson once again answered the patriotic call and sent its motorcycles overseas to aid in the war effort. In 1941, civilian production on the motorcycle was mostly suspended as the company turned out motorcycles for the war. Because of their commitment and excellence, Harley-Davidson received the Army-Navy "E" award; this wouldn't be the last time. 

Fred Warr, the oldest dealer of HD on Europe

1957 fortunately the Sportster was born, the fastest Harley ever. A great success !! Just like the English motorcycle industry, Harley stuck to its technique, style and character. That's why this motorcycle was so popular for many, many years. In opposite to the English manufacturers, Harley Davidson survived this decision. Due to the enormous attack from the Japanese from the Far East, the English disappeared without a trace and the American were almost dead. Even the Shovel head couldn't save its ass.

1960The Harley-Davidson Topper motor scooter is introduced and is the only scooter platform the Motor Company ever produced. Harley-Davidson purchases a half interest in Aeronatica-Macchi, forming Aermacchi Harley-Davidson, a European division that will produce small, single cylinder motorcycles. In this year of Brad Andres' 1st place finish at the Daytona 200, the top 14 finishers are also riding Harley-Davidson 750 KR models.

1964 Roger Reiman wins the AMA Grand National Championship for Harley-Davidson. Reiman also scores the first of back-to-back Daytona 200 victories on a 750 KR. The three-wheeled Servi-Car becomes the very first Harley-Davidson motorcycle to receive an electric starter.

1969 Harley-Davidson merges with the American Machine and Foundry Company (AMF), a longtime producer of leisure products. Mert Lawill wins the AMA Grand National Championship for team Harley-Davidson in dirt track racing.

 1971 response to the customizing craze, Harley-Davidson introduces the FX 1200 Super Glide®, which combined a sporty front end (similar to that of the XL series) with the frame and powertrain of the FL series. A new class of motorcycle, the cruiser, is born. First year of Harley-Davidson snowmobile production.

 1973 Motorcycle production is upgraded when all assembly operations are moved to a modern 400,000 square foot plant in York, Penn. All other production operations remain in Milwaukee and Tomahawk. The Capitol Drive plant in Milwaukee begins production of engines.

 1977 Harley-Davidson introduces the FXS Low Rider® to the public in Daytona Beach. With drag style handlebars, unique engine and paint treatments, the Low Rider lives up to its name by placing the rider in a lowered seating position than was typical. Later in the same year, Willie G. Davidson's dynamic version of the Sportster, the Cafe Racer, is released.

 1982 More innovations demonstrate a new commitment to quality, such as the FXR/FXRS Super Glide® II with its rubber-isolated, five-speed powertrain and the welded and stamped frame for the new Sportster® models. The top three finishers in the AMA Grand National Championship are Ricky Graham, Jay Springsteen and Randy Goss. This begins a two year run of dirt track Championship wins for Harley-Davidson. Goss takes the Championship in 1983. The Materials As Needed (MAN) application is introduced to production. Generally, this means that parts and raw materials are purchased and built only as they are required. This dramatically lowers production costs and improves quality.

 1984 Harley-Davidson unveils the 1340cc V²® Evolution® engine on five models including the all-new Softail®. The result of seven years of development, the Evolution engine produces more power at every speed, runs cooler, cleaner and is oil-tight. Also witnessed is the debut of the Softail design and its trend-setting method of "hiding" the motorcycle's rear shock absorbers.


1987 Harley-Davidson began its "Buy Back Program" which offered full trade in value within two years on certain models. Also at this time, the Harley-Davidson Company obtained a place on the New York Stock Exchange for those interested in taking a financial stake in the company.

  
1988 Harley-Davidson celebrated their 85th Anniversary in Milwaukee, an event that brought forth 60,000 aficionados of the Harley-Davidson. At the end of this revolutionary decade for Harley-Davidson, the FXSTS Springer Softail model was introduced into the lineup. The FXSTS Springer Softail was a modern day recreation of the 1940's Harley-Davidson. It had the classic biker look with the 1340 cc engine symbolising the new era of Harley-Davidson.

1994Harley-Davidson enters Superbike racing with the introduction of the VR1000, a dual overhead cam, liquid-cooled motorcycle. The classically-styled FLHR Road King® is introduced


 1998Harley-Davidson celebrates its 95th Anniversary. 140,000 plus riders are warmly received by Milwaukee to help with the celebration. Anew assembly facility opens in Manaus, Brazil, the first operation outside America. Harley-Davidson buys a remaining 49% interest in Buell Motorcycle Company. Erik Buell is named Chairman of Buell operations.


                                                                               Soon more photos and updates........

vrdaroch1990@in.com

                         The Ferrari story

Hey fellas what's goin on. Hope you are taking good care of your means of ride. I am a new bird in this massive automobile bloging industry. I am not a professional. But I'm very curious about cars and bikes. When I'm writing this blog, there are around 1 million bikes and cars making buzz on black carpet in the whole world. But you will find it funny that around 30% of them are standing on the red light. So, let set & go

How do you react when you see a Ferrari on road or television??? Surely high speed, terrific performance, luxury comes to your mind and obviously adrenaline rush in body and soul. If you are a automobile enthusiast then you are also a big fan of Ferrari. The name which company has earned through it's consistent efforts and determination to deliver the best, had made them world leader in automotive in past as well as in present. Here, in this blog you will come to know some unknown curves in Ferrari's journey till now.             

                       First look of Ferrari

The famous symbol of the Ferrari race team is a black prancing stallion on a yellow shield, usually with the letters S F (for Scuderia Ferrari), with three stripes of green, white and red (the Italian national colours) at the top. On June 17, 1923, Enzo Ferrari won a race at the Savio track in Ravenna where he met the Countess Paolina, mother of Count Francesco Baracca, an ace of the Italian air force and national hero of World War I, who used to paint a horse on the side of his planes. The Countess asked Enzo to use this horse on his cars, suggesting that it would bring him good luck. Baracca's airoplan was painted in red on a white cloud-like shape, but Ferrari chose to have the horse in black (as it had been painted as a sign of grief on Baracca's squadron planes after the pilot was killed in action) and he added a canary yellow background as this is the colour of the city of Modena.

                           The Enzo Ferrari

Enzo Ferrari

 In 1929 Enzo formed Scuderia Ferrari, a private enterprise to race Alfa Romeos. The Scuderia (roughly translated - a stable, but in such a context-team) quickly started winning races Enzo Anselmo Ferrari (pronounced { ntso an' selmo fer'rari} (February 18, 1898 - August 14, 1988) cavaliere di Gran Croce OMRI  was an italian race car driver and entrepreneur, the founder of the Scuderia Ferrari Grand Prix motor racing team, and subsequently of the ferrrari manufacturer. He was often referred to as "il Commendatore". Having no other job prospects, Ferrari eventually settled for a job at a smaller car company called CMN (Costruzioni Meccaniche Nazionali) He took up racing in 1919 on the CMN team, but had little initial success. He left CMN in 1920 to work at Alfa Romeo and racing their cars in local races he had more success. His successes in local races encouraged Alfa to offer him a chance of much more prestigious competition. Ferrari turned this opportunity down and did not race again until 1927. The First World War killed both his father and brother in 1916. Enzo was enlisted in the third Alpine Artillery of the Italian army until he contracted the deadly flu at the end of the war. He survived. He continued to work directly for Alfa Romeo until 1929 before starting Scuderia Ferrari as the racing team for Alfa. Ferrari managed the development of the factory Alfa cars, and built up a team of over forty drivers, Ferrari himself continued racing until 1932.

                                         Ferrari on the road

125 sport (the first Ferrari in 1947)

The first Ferrari road car was the 1947 125 sport, powered by a 1.5 L V12 engine; Enzo reluctantly built and sold his automobiles to fund the Scuderia. It debut on March 12 1947.The Ferrari 125 S (named after the 125cc unit displacement of a single cylinder as most of the future Ferrari models will also do) was designed by by Gioachino Colombo and finished by Giuseppe Busso. While his beautiful and blazingly fast cars quickly gained a reputation for excellence, the corporation subsidised produced race cars and drivers prior to moving into manufacture of cars that are legal on the street in year 1947.Ferrari is a sports car producer that started in Maranello, Italy. Started as Scuderia Ferrari in the year 1929 by Enzo Ferrari. Enzo maintained a famous distaste for his customers, most of whom he felt were buying his cars for the prestige and not the performance.

                         Ferrari on track

Jose Froilan Gonzalez

Phil Hill

Scuderia Ferrari is the racing team division of the Ferrari automobile marque. Formula 1 team Ferrari have been the most successful and oldest team in the sport. The team currently only races in formula one but has competed in numerous classes of motor sport since its formation in 1929, including sports car racing. though by 1947 Ferrari had begun building their own cars. It is the oldest surviving team in Grand Prix racing, having competed since 1932, and statistically the most successful Formula One team in history with a record of 15 driver's championship. As a constructor, Ferrari has 16 constructor championships and has secured 205 pole positions.

 Ferrari joined Formula 1 in 1950 and next year, Jose F. Gonzalez marked Ferrari’s first grand prix victory in Britain. In 1960s, Phil Hill and John Surtees won the championships. In 1970s, Niki Lauda, Jody Scheckter and Gilles Villeneuve won the crown of the drivers’ championship the 1983 constructors’ championship, Ferrari entered into its darkest phase in history. In 1996 when Michael Schumacher joined the team. In 1999, Michael Schumacher missed six rounds due to a broken leg at Silverstone but the team won the constructors’ championship.It was from the year 2000 to 2004 when the team re-wrote the history of Formula 1 Championship by winning consecutive drivers’ championships, which was the longest victory streak in the history of the sport team won the constructors’ championship from 1999-2004 and drivers’ championships from 2000-2004. Since 2005, Ferrari Formula 1 team has been struggling due to many underlying reasons, one of which is the changes in the team’s management and especially the departure of Todt in 2007. In 2011, Fernando Alonso had shown some remarkable driving even struggling with the new Pirelli tyres and won at Silverstone.  On 10 July 2011, during the British Grand Prix meeting, González was honoured by the Ferrari team and the FIA on the 60th anniversary of Ferrari's first Formula One World Championship race victory. There is a strong need for the team to improve its technical aspects through the overall team efforts, only then Ferrari can bring its old legacy back. But fan's hope that Ferrari will return to it's old glory 

                                                

 

Automobiles first look

                  Automobiles First Look

By Vaibhav daroch
{vrdaroch1990@in.com}

                                         The first car
                               

                 Hey fellas what's goin on. Hope you are taking good care of your means of ride. I am a new bird in this massive automobile blogging industry. I am not a proffesional. But I'm very curious about cars and bikes. When I'm writing this blog, there are around 100 crore bikes and cars making buzz on black carpet in the whole world. But you will find it funny that around 30% of them are standing on the red light. So, let set & go through the history of automobiles.

The word 'car' comes from a Celtic word that sounded like karra to Julius Caesar, who gave the name to his chariots. Karra later was Latinized to carra. Surprisingly, the word car appears first around 1300; carriage evolved from it, then horseless carriage, and, finally, back to car again as a shortened form."

World's first car

       On 29th January 1886, world's first car came into existance. It was Karl Benz applied   for a patent for his "vehicle with gas engine operation." Patent  DRP 37435  for the Benz patent Motor Car granted in November of the same year is regarded as the birth certificate of the automobile. 

 Seven months after Benz filed his patent for the automobile, Daimler with his master engineer Wilhelm Maybach attached his Daimler engine to a four-wheeled coach producing the first "horseless" carriage. Benz created innovative technology with classic engineering methods: a small horizontal, single-cylinder four-stroke engine running on gasoline, electric ignition, carburetor, water-cooled radiator, steering and tubular frame. One of them was secretly taken out by Bertha Benz, the inventor's wife, who drove it with her sons 53 miles from Mannheim to Pforzheim. Thus Bertha Benz became the first woman driver.

                                      The First bike 

                 

Sylvesters Howard Roper's bike made in 1869

If your definition of motorcycle allows for a two-wheeled vehicle powered by any kind of motor, the answer has to be that the world’s first motorcycle was invented by an American. It was finished in approximately 1869 by Sylvester Howard Roper. The two-cylinder, steam-engine motorcycle was fueled by coal.

Gottlieb Daimler's bike made in 1885

On the other hand, if you believe that a motorcycle must be powered by a gasoline engine, the first motorcycle was built in Germany. On August 30 1885, Gottlieb Daimler’s wooden motorcycle was powered by a 4-stroke internal combustion engine

                         The first car manufacturers

The first car manufacturers in the world were French: Panhard & Levassor (1889) and Peugeot (1891). By car manufacturer we mean builders of entire motor vehicles for sale and not just engine inventors who experimented with car design to test their engines.

Rene Panhard

Emile Levasson

  Rene Panhard and Emile Levassor were partners in a woodworking machinery business, when they decided to become car manufacturers. They built their first car in 1890 using a Daimler engine. Panhard-Levassor made vehicles with a pedal-operated clutch, a chain transmission leading to a change-speed gearbox, and a front radiator. Levassor was the first designer to move the engine to the front of the car and use a rear-wheel drive layout.

Panhard and Levassor also shared the licensing rights to Daimler motors with Armand Peugot. A Peugot car went on to win the first car race held in France, which gained Peugot publicity and boosted car sales. Ironically, the "Paris to Marseille" race of 1897 resulted in a fatal auto accident, killing Emile Levassor

                          The first bike manufacturers

In 1894,wolfmuller & hidebrand became the first series production motorcycle, and the first to be called a motorcycle.

Wilhelm Hidebrand

Alois Wolfmuller

However, only a few hundred examples of this motorcycle were ever built. Soon, as the engines became more powerful and designs outgrew the bicycle origins, the number of motorcycle-oriented producers increased.

The motorcycle featured a water cooled engine (the coolant tank/radiator of which is prominent over and around the rear wheel) mounted in a purpose-designed tubular frame. The rear wheel was directly driven from the connecting rods. There was no flywheel (rotating mechanical device that is used to store rotational energy) other than the rear wheel, and it needed heavy rubber bands to provide the return impulse.

The Hildebrand & Wolfmüller patent of 20 January 1894, No. 78553 describes a 1,489 cc (90.9 cu in) two cylinder, four stroke engine with a bore and stroke of 90 × 117 mm (3.5 × 4.6 in). It produced 1.9 kW (2.5 bhp) @ 240 rpm propelling a weight of 50 kg (110 lb) up to a maximum speed of 45 km/h (28 mph). The Hildebrand & Wolfmüller factory closed in 1919 after first world war.

 

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