Harley Davidson, a Photographic Icon in America

Two technological wonders collided in the early 20th century to give us an amazing pictorial history of an American icon. The advancement of film techniques was nearing perfection as the first Harley-Davidson twin engine roared off the construction table. There is a photograph of this 1909 model, which is considered not only a historic document, but a work of art.

That symbolism has grown without interruption from war, politics or cultural changes. The Harley-Davidson is the focal point of many WWI photos, as there were hundreds made especially for the war effort. Early photographs made of police forces on their Harleys during routine work helped the icon grow even more.

The Harley Davidson photo greats range from that first twin-V engine to another famous V: that of Brigitte Bardot sitting half side-saddle on a big twin-pipe Harley, dressed in black leather, high leather boots and short leather pants. She became the pinup girl for thousands of Harley riders.

Herbert Wagner wrote Classic Harley-Davidson: 1903-1941, which features the well known 36EL Knucklehead on the cover. Jay Leno has been photographed on his own Harley, and also with a white Harley-Davidson 2005 Road King during his show. The Road King was donated by the Harley-Davidson Foundation.

Malcolm Forbes is quite famous for his support of motorcycling and rode his own Harleys in many cross country jaunts. He helped quash the bad boy image of motorcycling when he occasionally rode in a suit and tie. Roy Rogers and his sidekick Hopalong Cassidy were both photographed on Harleys. Elvis Presley, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Elizabeth Taylor have also graced the Harley Davidson snapshot gallery.