autoevolution's HD Month

With a history spanning 117 years and counting, Harley-Davidson has slowly but surely evolved into the most famous motorcycle manufacturer in the world. It's next to impossible to find a corner of the planet where people haven't heard of the archetypal chopper motorcycle.

Little did William S. Harley and the three Davidson brothers knew that their early 1900s motorized-bicycles company would grow to become the force it is today. The H-D nameplate has become so powerful over the years that it now has the largest and most loyal following of any motorcycle manufacturer in the world.

The company has gone through countless dark periods over the years, with various economic and quality issues, increasing global competition and ill-fated investments only managing to make the most iconic two-wheel brand bounce back even stronger.

Along with the slightly older Indian, H-D is also the only major American motorcycle maker that survived the Great Depression.

Even if you're into motorcycles or not, it's impossible not to acknowledge the history of Milwaukee's finest, especially since it's Harley-Davidson that indirectly gave rise to the bobber and subsequently the chopper-style of motorcycles.

Despite trying to pull through yet another rough patch in the last few years, which recently culminated with the ousting of its CEO, the Harley-Davidson name will continue to stand tall and proud. This is largely why autoevolution decided to dedicate the entire month of March to the most representative motorcycle brand in history.

Editor's note: This special feature by autoevolution was not sponsored or supported by a third-party.