Business Wars Harley and the Biker Wars - The British Invaders | 1
Aug 14, 2019
Dive into the chaotic world of 1947 Hollister, where Harley-Davidson faces the rise of outlaw bikers and intense competition from British brands like Triumph. Discover how the iconic American motorcycle brand navigates its transformation from humble beginnings to cultural icon, even appealing to the government for support. The tension escalates with Senate hearings scrutinizing Harley's market practices, sparking a fierce battle for dominance in an evolving motorcycle landscape.
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Birth of Outlaw Bikers
- In Hollister, 1947, a Life Magazine photo depicted a drunken biker on a Harley.
- This branded Hollister as the birthplace of outlaw bikers, associating Harleys with 'greasy, boozed-up degenerates'.
The S125 Reveal
- William Davidson took Harley dealers on a secret trip to unveil a new bike in 1947.
- The sleek, single-cylinder S125 was designed to appeal to younger riders and women, with a lower price point.
Foreign Pedigree
- The S125, Harley's answer to British imports, was actually based on a German design, the DKW RT-125.
- The Allied nations seized German intellectual property after the war, including this efficient two-stroke design.