Harley & The Davidsons

[PrairieSpyder]

We're finishing up the final part (of three) of "Harley & The Davidsons" on Discovery Channel. It's a dramatization of the start of the company and the lives of the principals. It's been pretty good and I'd like to learn how much of it is true and how much is dramatic license.

In this last episode, there's races sanctioned by the AMA and a group of bikers who are building bikes from parts and racing them without AMA sanction. The AMA and motorcycle dealer association are represented by the same guy and he's a real a$$h***! It sure doesn't make AMA look good.

 

[M109Dreamer]

I finished watching the 3rd one last night. I was impressed by the movie and actually enjoyed it. Yep, the AMA guy was just looking out for his bottom dollar.

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[ARtraveler]

If ya missed it. Ford Motor Company seemed to have their eyes on HD. Edsel Ford tried to make a deal with HD for the three wheeled utility bikes. HD was going to build them exclusively for Ford. After they agreed, Ford kept upping the ante requiring changes (all to be paid for by HD).

HD execs. talked it over and decided Ford was trying to bankrupt HD and then pick it up for 10 cents on the dollar. This promptly put an end to the deal.

I found the program to be very interesting. :yes:

 

[pegasus1300]

I watched all three and really liked the mini series. I liked the sections on the board track racing as I helped restore a 1911 Indian Board Track racer. I am looking forward to when Discovery put it out for sale.

 

[mowin]

I DVR" ed the series. I'm looking forward to watching it.

 

[Sam Mac]

I also DVR'd the series. Found it interesting. If it is reasonably true, they went through a lot to survive. Think about trying to do what they did today.

 

[jazcarate]

I also DVR'd the series. Found it interesting. If it is reasonably true, they went through a lot to survive. Think about trying to do what they did today.

I am not a harley rider and never will be. Spyder it is. I do appreciate the hard work.

Interesting to see how Ford wanted to screw them and tried very hard. Glad to see they were able to see it was not in their best interest.

Love the series. Amazed to see dreams come true. Hard work and perseverance paid off. Look at harley today. I like to go to the perterson's dealership in sunrise, Fl just to admired what has been accomplished over the years by the company and the dealers. Only in the USA.




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[Bob Denman]

:shocked: Sorry... I tried getting into the shows, and it just never quite hit the right buttons for me.
I would have actually preferred a "Pure" Documentary, with the documented facts of the story being laid out in chronological order. Adding characters and dialog about their anxieties: just lost me.

But I'm glad that the story was told! :thumbup:

 

[jaherbst]

I watched all three and really liked the mini series. I liked the sections on the board track racing as I helped restore a 1911 Indian Board Track racer. I am looking forward to when Discovery put it out for sale.

I was at the Mid America Antique Motorcycle auction a few years back in Las Vegas when the yellow Merkel board track racer sold for $140,000. There are very few left and as you can tell they are extremely valuable.

​I would like to add one to my collection but the average for a fully restored board tracker is about $80,000. All that and no "brakes"!

​Jack

 

[Bob Denman]

Here's a picture of the REAL start of Harley-Davidson...



It was just a 10x15 shed...

 

[BajaRon]

Indian motorcycle is also a very interesting story. A better product that didn't make the cut because of short sighted management.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

:shocked: Sorry... I tried getting into the shows, and it just never quite hit the right buttons for me.
I would have actually preferred a "Pure" Documentary, with the documented facts of the story being laid out in chronological order. Adding characters and dialog about their anxieties: just lost me.

But I'm glad that the story was told! :thumbup:

When I set it up to record on the DVR, I was thinking it was documentary. I'd have been happy with that, too, but I enjoyed the dramatization.

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: Patti, I have some TERRIBLE news for you... :shocked:

We think far too much alike! :clap: :thumbup:

 

[kngfsh27]

Here's a picture of the REAL start of Harley-Davidson...

View attachment 137277

It was just a 10x15 shed...

They actually expanded this shed before they moved to the two story building before they moved to the five story building. Unfortunately it was demoed by mistake.
If you are close to Milwaukee, take the time to go to the original factory and the museum ( different locations). The museum is great. You can spend two to four hours looking around. There you will find the real story of Harley-Davidson. You will find out why although there was only one Harley, his name came first. You will find out how close Harley came to being history.
While there, if you get on the elevator, you will see the Harley-Davidson prototype reverse trikes.
A really great museum. Maybe in 100 years, CanAm and Spyder will have a story and a museum.