A vintage black and white group photo of the Motor Maids in front of a large Holiday Inn sign and marquee that says “Welcome Motor Maids” during a rally in 1967.

RIDING FORWARD: 85 YEARS OF THE MOTOR MAIDS

Founded in 1940 by pioneers Dorothy “Dot” Robinson and Linda Dugeau, the Motor Maids became the first women’s national motorcycle club.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

  • Black and white historical photo of Eldred Harrington standing by his 1951 Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide motorcycle in the desert.

    RIDING THROUGH HISTORY: ELDRED R. HARRINGTON’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON ADVENTURES

    Eldred R. Harrington, a prolific Enthusiast writer from 1944–1965, was revisited by Harley-Davidson archives during the Hydra-Glide’s 75th anniversary.

  • A collection of vintage motorcycle gear including leather helmets, goggles, boots, and wool clothing.

    EARLY RIDING WEAR

    In the earliest images in the Harley-Davidson archives, riders’ clothing always stands out.

  • An old photograph shows Leslie “Red” Parkhurst sitting on his Harley in his riding gear.

    LESLIE “RED” PARKHURST

    Parkhurst was a good-natured athlete whose enthusiasm made him a real crowd-pleaser, both on and off the track.

  • Eight men in black Harley jackets stand behind the Sportster streamliner in the desert.

    THE WORLD'S FASTEST HARLEY-DAVIDSON

    Built for Speed. Born for Glory. The Return of a Legend.

  • Soldier uses his motorcycle as a barrier to prop his rifle on

    HARLEY-DAVIDSON DURING WORLD WAR II 

    A brief look at how the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, employees and riders contributed to the war effort. 

  • The four H-D founders pose outside of a building

    THE FOUNDERS OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON

    They could have scarcely imagined what they had started.

  • Willie G Davidson smiles in his office

    WILLIE G. DAVIDSON 

    A tireless artist, enthusiastic rider, and grandson of a co-founder of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company: Get to know this creator of legendary H-D motorcycles and iconic designs. 

  • Two racers battle for the lead on a round track

    10 PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON HISTORY 

    Countless riders, employees, and fans have been at the heart of Harley-Davidson's 120 year history.

  • A vintage leather jacket on a mannequin

    120 YEARS OF STYLE

    From instant icons to just plain cool: a glimpse at historic Harley-Davidson apparel. 

  • A large brick building under construction

    BUILDING A MILWAUKEE ICON 

    Explore the legendary campus that remains Harley-Davidson's headquarters.

EXPERIENCE THE HISTORY OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON

Discover culture and history through stories and exhibits that celebrate expression, camaraderie and love for the sport.

The logo structure outside the Harley-Davidson Museum