Motorcycles and History

This book, with great attention to detail, depicts a seamless portrayal of the history of Harley-Davidson from its very beginnings to modern times. A clear sequence of the chapters in chronological order, starting with the "Early Days" via "Panhead Era" to "Harley Davidson in the 21st Century" offers a fantastic overview of the company's history with all its technical milestones and of course, all the nominee representatives such as Flathead, Knucklehead, Panhead, Sportster, Shovelhead, Evolution and Twin Cam. Particularly the beginnings of the company, as well as the first motorcycles, are treated much shorter in other books, while "The Complete History" lighs this era on 32 pages. The reader is given detailed historical and technical knowledge by means of high-quality photographs and the lover of the "Early Days" receives a deep insight into the subject matter. Last but not least, the racing sport gets special attention in a seperate chapter. Here as well, the reader is finds well-founded historical knowledge from beginning to end. Thus, also for race aficionados a book, which has honestly earned its place on the bookshelf.

The purchase of a vintage H-D motorcycle is often followed by questions about paint colors, equipment, and accessories - just how that particular model looked as it rolled out of the factory. This book answers many question because it provides specific information on each model year starting in 1903 until 1969, and with few exceptions each model is displayed with an illustration or an actual photograph. Besides, the book shows each model year’s order blank, giving informations about standard equipment and options. »The Legend Begins« is a must for everybody who wants to restore a vintage Harley and for those who wish to deepen their knowledge.

A long and strong tradition of Harley-Davidson followers can be found in Austria where as early as 1923 the first official dealership opened its doors in Vienna, two years before that happened in Germany.
This book depicts the highly interesting history of the marque and its riders in the Alpine republic, from the Golden Twenties to the post-war era. With numerous, previously unseen photographs, some of them plain brillant, the authors show where and how bikers of both sexes used their machines in the respective period. The beautiful and impressive landscapes of Austria, of course, make for a perfect and spectacular scenery. All this combined with a multitude of illustrations of contemporary brochures and advertisements. A must for the true enthusiast.

Thomas Bund, scene-renowned Excelsior enthusiast from Germany has collected the complete history of the 1907 founded American motorcycle brand Excelsior in his book. With pictures and informative texts he takes you on a journey through the long-gone past of this motorcycle brand. Technical developments, racing endeavors and company politics, plus excerpts from contemporary articles make this book an interesting library addition not only for marque enthusiasts.

The myth and story of a larger than life individual. A college graduate with degrees, a photografic memory, a wizard with tools, metal or electronics. A Free Spirit who traveled the country to ride and create motorcycles. Read all about his bikes, his travels, what the bikes are like and his tragic ending.

Harley Davidson launched its own magazine "The Enthusiast" in 1916 to broadcast the Motor Company’s latest and greatest exploits. Once a year, usually in late summer, there was a special issue in which the new models were announced. The quality reprints offered here are duplicates of these particular publications. They depict each new model in detail which makes them a valuable source for restorers and collectors. In addition, they are also fascinating period magazines with articles, readers letters and pictures from all over the world, technical hints, race reports, travelogues, etc.

"The Man with a Million Kilometers on Motorcycle"
He was a true Harley-Davidson legend throughout Latin America: Enrique Pontolillo hailed from the Peruvian capital Lima and for more than half of a century he ranked among the most famous personalities in the Harley-Davidson business worldwide and made history as the undisputed pioneer of far distance motorcycle travelling in South America. His distinctive passion for the Harley-Davidson marque, his successful work as an authorized dealer, his race victories, his spectacular journeys and last but not least his patriotism made him immortal. This book is a thrilling two wheeled time travel, starting at the beginning of the last century and ending in the 1970s. On 656 pages, illustrated with approx. 700 sensational photographies, illustrations, letters and period advertisments (partially in Spanish language) it represents the documentation of a remarkable man who lived an even more remarkable life.
Limited edition!

The Knucklehead model has an enormous importance for the motorcycling sport in general and for the Motor Company in particular. It is an outstanding example of American engineering. In 1936, in times of an economy suffering from the Great Depression, the four founders had the courage to come out with an OHV motorcycle that soon should become a milestone in the history of Harley-Davidson. Model year after model year this book describes the detailed technical development of the Knuckleheads. Excellent picture material complete the information provided and make this book a most useful source for both restorers and enthusiasts.