5. Harley-Davidson
A perfect example of how these monster machines sprouted from very humble beginnings, iconic American manufacturer Harley-Davidson that ranks 5th in our list of best-selling motorcycles of all time, started off in a small 10-by-15 foot shack back in 1903. Like most all motorcycle manufacturers, Harley-Davidson took to the track just one year after their first official Harley dealership opens for business. In 1908 one of the Davidson brothers (Walter) achieves a perfect score at the 7th Annual Federation of American Motorcyclists Endurance and Reliability Contest. A mere three days after the contest, Walter then sets the Federation of American Motorcyclist economy record, as well. The news of this incredible record gets around, and Harley’s start to become highly sought after. That same year, Harley-Davidson sells the very first motorcycle used for police duty to the Detroit Michigan Police Department. Harley only continued its expansion leading into the years prior to the First World War. They then gathered one-third of their motorcycle sales by producing their bikes to the American military, and even went so far as to train troops how to make repairs—when necessary—on the field. During the Second World War, with even more advancements made to their machines, Harley supplied the American military with 90,000 motorcycles! By the end of WWII Harley-Davidson’s quality machines made them the biggest motorcycle manufacturer in America and introduced models such as the Sportster, which today holds the title of their oldest model in the present Harley lineup. After the war, all of Harley-Davidson’s competition is wiped out, giving them the opportunity to eventually invent a whole new class of motorcycle—the cruiser—as it introduces the FX 1200 Super Glide in the early 70’s. They go on to produce many signature models—the Knucklehead being a popular choice—and a historical staple in American culture. And now, let’s see the top four entries in our list of best-selling motorcycles of all time.
