Nothing impossible in this world ! start with dream , mission , hard work , pray to ALLAH the Almighty , i believed that i can get this HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE soon ! Tidak mengira pangkat , darjat , latar belakang , HARLEY DAVIDSON gah d mata peminatnya. I need hard work to get this motorcycle. ak redha andai suatu hari nanti ak dpt memiliki moto niy.mungkin ada hikmah d sebaliknya. tp ak akan cuba sedaya upaya untuk dptkan motor harley davidson walau apa pun yg berlaku ! hanya mampu berdoa utk mendptkan nya . semoga d permudahkan urusanku d dunia dan akhirat . Amin .

The amazing Harley-Davidson story

One man who has held onto this company is Willie G Davidson, after whose family, Harley-Davidson takes its name. He told Ingrid Vanderveldt on a CNBC show called American Made, that this company is his hobby, his love and his passion.

He says, "The products are emotional and therefore, we have loyalty second to none. The brand is world famous and I'm just proud to be part of it. I'm lucky that I can help keep the flame burning."

His passion for the bikes began in his childhood. His father, William H Davidson was President of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company from 1942 to 1971. He had a great passion for riding and this was something that his sons -- Willie G and his younger brother John inherited.

While, there was no pressure on the boys to join the firm, Willie G had a talent that would prove to be valuable. He could draw very well and while listening to history lectures in school, he didn't take down notes, instead he was sketching motorcycles!

He then sharpened his skills at the Art Centre and Design College in Los Angeles. He recalls, "After graduation, my portfolio was looked at by automobile design companies, industrial design firms and I actually wound up at a design firm in Milwaukee for a couple of years."

At this job, he designed everything but bikes -- he designed furniture, outboard motors to furniture. He couldn't design bikes right away because there was no designing department at his father's firm, so he moonlighted for the company. By 1953, his father realised the need for a full designing department and that's when Willie G finally joined the family firm.

  He says, "We are close to our customer, we ride these bikes, we collect them, we design them and so, we have an intimate understanding of the products and what they are all about. We try and understand its history over all these years and use our heads to make sure, we can keep it going for the next 100 years. I think it can go on forever, if we do it right. But every company is vulnerable as we all know."

This company has a rich and long history. It was founded in 1903, at the turn of the century when transportation was in a state of flux.

Wille G explains, "The original four - the three Davidson brothers and one Harley - were in the process of designing and producing prototype motorcycle, so you could get to your destination easier than on a horse (which was the favoured mode of transportation being used then). They were struggling trying to build this and they were working in a little shack behind my great grandfather's house. They all had jobs, so they did this in their spare time."

"Railroads were big then and they all knew about machinery. They used to come home from work at night, go into the shack and start making parts. There were no auto part manuals then, so they had to do it all themselves. They built a motorcyle, that they thought would have durability and that would work okay."

Around this time, the team ran into competition from another entrepreneur - Henry Ford. Willie G says, "Henry Ford created mass production and the Model Ts became equal in cost to a Harley-Davidson. So, back in the 1920s, everyone could have a car. So, we were no longer the cheapest mode of transportation."

That's when Harley-Davidson made owning and riding a motorcycle a fun thing to do, which continues to be its unique selling proposition even today.

These bikes also found their way to the local and federal government. In 1908, the Detroit police department had been utilising the bikes to help maintain law and order. During World War 1 and the Second World War, the Harley-Davidson founders were roped in to help with the war effort.

They produced thousands of bikes for the US and its allies. These bikes were built to go over fields and rough roads, had high ground clearance, was painted olive green with a white star on the fuel tank and had a gun scabbard on the front fork.

In 1969, some of the owners of Harley-Davidson thought of diversifying their interests. Willie G, his father and brother did not want to do this and wanted to remain an independent company. But this company was an attractive cash cow, so the manufacturing group Bangor Punta approached Harley-Davidson shareholders and offered to buy their stock. To avoid this, the company leaders decided to look for a white knight - essentially a cash-rich third party, who understood what Harley-Davidson stood for.

They found AMF, America Machine and Foundry -- a manufacturing company that made a wide range of products from food and tobacco processing equipment to bowling balls. AMF came in and quickly established who was boss, by incorporating their logo on the bike's fuel tank.

This marriage wasn't turning out the way it was intended. AMF realised how capital intensive the business was and the quality had begun to slip. With the American economy in a recession and the Japanese bikes coming in, their problems just seemed to be getting worse.

So, in the 1980s, the company came back to its original owners because AMF asked them to buy it back! So, they used their personal networth, help from the banks and whatever they could raise personally to buy back Harley-Davidson. They managed to raise about $80 million. They had to rescue the company from debt and they were able to did it because they were passionate about it and believed in the brand.

But 1982-83 and 1984 were rough years because Japanese manufacturers like Kawasaki, Suzuki and Honda began selling in the US in increasing numbers and were able to build bigger bikes at lower costs. And this began to tell on Harley-Davidson's balance sheet.

The plant was operating at 50% capacity and struggling to maintain the 13% market share they had. They had to layoff 1,800 employees. Even the banks were thinking of pulling the plug on them.

So, they went to the government to ask for assistance in putting curbs on Japanese imports, which the government agreed to do. And within a timeframe, Harley-Davidson bounced back.

The company was held up as an example of American competitiveness and was even given a stamp of approval by President Ronald Reagan himself, who came to their plant and gave them a congratulatory speech.

Today, Harley Davidson has close to 1,300 dealers worldwide employing approximately 9,000 people who help move around 3,00,000 bikes each year. In Europe, retail sales jumped 20% last year.

They are also No.1 seller of the 650cc and higher class bikes in Japan. The company's net income has risen 45% from 2001 to 2005. But keeping the customers coming is a challenge, which they are more than geared up to meet.

As Willie G Davidson says, the company has brand loyalty and recognition and some new products lined up as well. So, those die-hard Harley-Davidson bikers can ride on into the sunset.

(Above) US President George W Bush at the Harley-Davidson assembly plant in York, Pennsylvania, along with Jim Ziemer (L), President and CEO of Harley-Davidson, Inc. 

                                                    

Harley's History

The history of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle began in Milwaukee in 1903. In Milwaukee, Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson developed a one-cylinder motorcycle. Around the turn of the century the gasoline engine was developed and the one-cylinder motor was introduced. In 1901 the Indians were the first motorcycles and in 1903 Mitschell, Merkel and Yale.

This motorcycle was initially built for racing and was powered by a one-cylinder gasoline combustion engine.

                                   

                                                          Picture from 1916

In 1903 in Milwaukee, Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson developed a one-cylinder motorcycle. It was a reliable and even a beautiful cycle. And ... someone bought it !! In 1905 they had made 11 motorcycles, in 1908 it were 154 and ... they had a company, in a little wooden barn, that was build by Davidson's father.

The small company extended quickly and another member of the Davidson family, William, joined them. In no time they hired about 20 employees in an especcially build stone-factory.

In 1909 Bill Harley made a project of the first 1000 CC V-Twin. It produced a modest seven horsepower. The 45-degree V-twin would become one of the more recognizable images of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. This V-Twin stayed with HD for a long, long time. Maybe it's hard to believe, but Harley-Davidson didn't invent the V-twin !! When Bill Harley developed one, he just followed the tendency of the time.

1910 brought the legendary "Bar and Shield" logo that was placed on their motorcycle. This would become the defining symbol of Harley-Davidson to this day. Numerous first place winnings in races, endurance contests and hill climbs give Harley-Davidson more recognition.

The "F-head" engine is introduced in 1911. It will be the power workhorse until 1929, when the "Flathead" engine is introduced.

                                             

                                             Arthur & Walter Davidson, William S.

                                             Harley and William A Davidson (1915)

The year 1912 saw further growth of the Harley-Davidson Company. Construction began on a new 6-story factory. Harley-Davidson also became an exporter this year and their first overseas sale was made in Japan. In the states there were now over 200 dealerships.

1914 saw the addition on the sidecar to the Harley-Davidson. The Company also formally put their hand in the ring of motorcycle racing this year and would soon dominate the sport and become known as the "Wrecking Crew".

1915 saw the emergence of the three-speed sliding-gear transmission. In 1917, one-third of all Harley-Davidsons were sent overseas to the U.S. Military to fulfill their patriotic call and to aid in the war effort. The following year, roughly half of the motorcycles produced were sold to the U.S. military. In the end, about 20,000 motorcycles were used in the war, most of them Harley-Davidsons. By this time Harley-Davidson was the biggest motorcycle factory in the world with nearly 2,000 dealerships worldwide. In 1918 Harley-Davidson was the biggest motorcycle factory in the world. They even survived the depression. The V-twin was Harley's specialty, so the company tried to defeat its only remaining rival ... Indian.

But these days were the thoughest, because the motorcycles got out of date and the prices of automobiles decreased (the T-Ford was born).

Therefore, Harley Davidson tried other technical enterprises, like manufacturing parts, side cars and even airplane motor-engines, but they also improved their own products.

The 1920's saw some changes to the appearance of the motorcycle, which are more recognizable today. One such change was the identifiable teardrop shape gas tank. In 1926, single-cylinder engines were once again available, having been discontinued in 1918. In 1928, the first twin-cam engine and front wheel brakes were available on the Harley-Davidson. With this modification, the motorcycle could reach speeds in excess of 85 mph.

The 1930's and subsequent years saw more record breaking and award winning Harley-Davidson's. In 1932, the three-wheel Servi-Car was introduced and would become a familiar commercial and police vehicle. Along with appearance changes such as the "eagle" design, which was painted on all Harley-Davidson gas tanks, changes were also made to the engine.

These days the biggest Harley ever appeared , the 1340 CC. This motorcycle became Harley Davidson's trademark. 1936 also became a milestone. That year the Knucklehead was launched and this motorcycle also became the victory over the Indian. And when in 1947 the Panhead was driven out of the factory, Harley Davidson was THE American Motorcycle.

In the 1940's, the Harley-Davidson once again answered the patriotic call and sent its motorcycles overseas to aid in the war effort. In 1941, civilian production on the motorcycle was mostly suspended as the company turned out motorcycles for the war. Because of their commitment and excellence, Harley-Davidson received the Army-Navy "E" award; this wouldn't be the last time. In November of 1945, civilian production once again started. In 1947, Harley-Davidson purchased the old A.O. Smith Propeller Plant and used it as a machine shop. The parts made here were shipped back to the old factory on Juneau Avenue for final assembly. In 1949, hydraulic front brakes were introduced on the Hydra-Glide models.

In the fifty's Harley survived another bad period. The Brittish owned 40 % of the motorcycle market with their Triumph ! In 1957 fortunately the Sportster was born, the fastest Harley ever. A great success !! Just like the English motorcycle industry, Harley stuck to its technic, style and caracter. That's why this motorcycle was so populair for many, many years.

In opposite to the English manufacturors, Harley Davidson survived this decision. Due to the enormous attack from the Japanees from the Far East, the English dissapeared without a trace and the American were almost dead. Even the Shovelhead couldn't save its ass.

1969, Time for a merger with the American Machine and Foudry Company (AMF).

However, the quality decreased ernormously and the Super Glide and the SLCR Caféracer of 1970 got a bad name. But Harley Davidson bought itself out and survived and with launching the new Evolution-motor in 1984, the company managed to create a modern motorcycle, which was still a Harley Davidson.

                                           

                                                      Historic Factory

The beginning of the 1970's saw a revolution of the Harley-Davidson. In 1971, the cruiser was born. This machine united a sporty front end with the frame and power train of the FL series. 1973 saw the move of assembly operations to a new 400,000 square foot plant in York, Pennsylvania. The year 1975 was the first of four consecutive years that the Harley-Davidson won the AMA Grand National Championships in dirt track racing. In 1977, the FXS Low Rider and the FLHS Electra Glide Sport were introduced to the public. The FXS featured a special lower seat position (hence the distinguishing term Low Rider...). The FLHS was a low cost base line FLH Electra Glide with modifications intended to make the model sportier.

The beginning of the 1980's saw another change in the partnership of the engine and transmission. In 1980, the FLT model was born with a 5-speed transmission hard bolted to the engine. Also this year, the drive train was replaced with a Kevlar belt. In 1981 senior members of Harley-Davidson bought back Harley-Davidson Motor Company from AMF.

In 1982 Harley-Davidson enacted the Materials as Needed (MAN) application in their production. This would cut production costs and improve the quality of the parts. In 1983 the group H.O.G was founded and became the largest factory-sponsored motorcycle club in the world. By the year 2000, the club had over 500,000 members. In 1984 the 1340 cc V-twin engine was introduced, seven years in the making. Also this year, the Softail model became available. The Softail was most primarily distinguishable by hidden rear shock absorbers.

In 1987 Harley-Davidson began its "Buy Back Program" which offered full trade in value within two years on certain models. Also at this time, the Harley-Davidson Company obtained a place on the New York Stock Exchange for those interested in taking a financial stake in the company. In 1988 Harley-Davidson celebrated their 85th Anniversary in Milwaukee, an event that brought forth 60,000 aficionados of the Harley-Davidson. At the end of this revolutionary decade for Harley-Davidson, the FXSTS Springer Softail model was introduced into the lineup. The FXSTS Springer Softail was a modern day recreation of the 1940's Harley-Davidson. It had the classic biker look with the 1340 cc engine symbolizing the new era of Harley-Davidson.

In the early 1990's the Fat Boy design was introduced and quickly caught on. The name Fatboy was derived by combining the names of the two atomic bombs "Fat man" and "Little Boy" which were dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. It was destined from the start to become a Collector's item among biking enthusiasts and definitely achieved that status throughout its existence. Also in 1990, Construction on a 31 million dollar state of the art paint facility began in York, Pennsylvania. It was finished the following year.

                                             

                                                      Electra Glide

                                The Los Angeles police is riding Harleys since 1930

                                Take a look at the amazing gloss of his boots ...

                                 or would it be just oil ?!?

In 1991, The Dyna line of Harley-Davidson's was introduced with the FXDB Dyna Glide Sturgis. 1994 saw the jump of Harley-Davidson into the Superbike racing with the VR1000. The VR1000 featured a dual overhead cam and a liquid cooled engine and showed that Harley-Davidson was not fully averse to manufacturing a race inspired sport bike.

In 1996 a state of the art Parts and Accessories distribution plant was opened in Franklin, Wisconsin. The following year a new Product Development Center opened in Milwaukee. Also in 1997, a 330,000 square foot plant in Kansas City made its first Sportster. In 1998, assembly operations were taking place in another part of the world, Brazil. In the year 2001 Fuel injection was available on the Softail models.

These days, in America, Harley Davidson owns 62 % of the market of motorcycles with 850 CC or more !!

Harleys are, just like porches, funn stuff for people with money and appearance. So, "rich" customers rule the market. It could have been tempting for Harley Davidson to participate in this commercial hype, but when the hype is over, they know the company will still be there and will still sell motorcycles ... because of the loyal followers.

For these people, despite of age and appearance, a Harley is the one and only. It is an obviously arrogant, massive and cool cycle, without doing its best for it. However, Harleys aren't the fastest and manageable cycles, riding a Harley is uncomparable with riding any other bike ...

In the mean time, the die hards have to share this experience with the yuppies !!!

                                              

                                                             The End

kembali pulang!

news~~cantik kan? i like motor...

hehehe...motor la sapa la ni kan?main rembat jer..asalkan heppy!..

my sayang.....haha...

tikah_brutel

sory yerk..pic curi..hehe..mamat mana la niy..

gaya tersendiri......

my car.....

this event occur at europe...my uncle "pak cik lee" take this pic..tq..

auww...hehehe.........

eh...saya nk tumpang boley x?hehe...

no komen...................cun x????hehe

dari depan : shamin

tengah : emak n pak lang

belakang : ayah..

tersilap teknik pulak ambil gamba..adoi.....

jangan marah yee.......

i am woman!! < hear me roar>

                 

                 

***KUCING***

          Ni BOBO..tp dah hilangla...huhu...bobo ni kuat makan..haish....buah kurma pun dy  hentam!!sunyi ja     pabila bobo telah hilang dr km semua...

       ha yg ni nama dy KAKAK...masuk ja lam umah teruih tidoq atas bantal...bulu kakak ni selalu x bersih..dy ni boleh d kategorikan sbg *pengotor*...

nama sy UTEH..tp pggil ja TEH...teh ni asalnya dr umh tok imam...depa x mau bela..so bg km lak yg bela teh ni....TEH ni org yg beradap..nk masuk ja lam umh mesti panggil A'salamualaikum.....

yang ni KAK CI @ CICI...cici ni byk masalah btoi..otak tu dah serabut...semakin tua semakin gila jadinya...bulu dy selalu luruh n kurap yg menetap d seluruh badannya...cici ni gila sket...dah beranak x mau susukan anak...ish33....

ni pulak NO~NE 1...no~ne ni manja...kelakuannya mencuit hati km sekeluarga....no`ne ni km jumpa depan PASARAYA MUTIARA AMBAR..masa 2 dy kcik lg...kesian...

ni pun NO~NE 2 ...no~ne ni 2 beradik no~ne1...kecian no~ne ni...selalu cirit sampai ke hari ni!!...

ni BETTY...betty ni 2 beradik ngan UTEH...tp dah hilang la...x tau la betty p mana....

haish..byk ssgoh kcg ak ni....ni nama dy DIK BU..skunk ni DIK BU dah tua..tua2 pun km pggl dy DIK BU..mlm2 DIK BU ni jadi askar wataniah(tgkap tikus la)....

ni PEK AH (ABANG)...tgok gambaq dy ja la...dy pun dah passed away...mati terkejut...ak bangun pg ja tgok2 dy dah keras atas tanah...PEK AH (ABANG) ni selalu buli adk dy...

yg ni PEK AH (ADIK)..adik kepada PEK AH (ABANG)...mak jumpa depa ni kat kedai mkn...so bawak balik umah...PEK AH buat pa tu???ish22....heran sggoh ak..law bela kucing kaler OREN ni mesti semua mati @ hilang!!!...

hui...ni PAK ITAM...hitam sggoh sampai x 6pak biji mata...ayoyoyoyo...PAK ITAM ni pun mak n adik ak jumpa kat tepi skolah ak...so bawak balik ..then ayah hingiaq...

yg ni DIK GEBU..mak kepada BOBO & KAKAK...tp dah lama mati...anjing tokok..DIK GEBU mati dlm sawah rrr....dah berkulat br ak jumpa dy..huhuhuhu...kesian...

ni pulak TEH...ak jumpa dy kat depan pasaraya awang...time 2 dy bru ja beranak,..so...bawak balik rrr....