Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
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Harley-Davidson Historical Timeline they are required. This dramatically lowers production costs and improves quality. The V2 Evolution engine 1980 • Harley-Davidson debuts the FLT with its vibration dampening, rubberisolated drivetrain and unique trailing front fork. The FLT also debuts an engine and five-speed transmission that are hard-bolted together. 1984 • Harley-Davidson unveils the 1340cc V2 "Evolution" engine on five models including the all-new Softail. The result of seven years of development, the Evolution engine produces more power at every speed, runs cooler and cleaner and is oil-tight. Also witnessed is the debut of the Softail design and its trend-setting method of "hiding" the motorcycle's rear shock absorbers. 1981 • On February 26, 13 HarleyDavidson senior executives sign a letter of intent to purchase HarleyDavidson Motor Company from AMF. By mid-June, the buyback is official, and the phrase "The Eagle Soars Alone" becomes a rallying cry. 1976 • Harley-Davidson introduces the FXS Low Rider to the public in Daytona Beach. With its drag-style handlebars and unique engine and paint treatments, the Low Rider lives up to its name by placing the rider in a lower seating position than is typical of the time. • Later in the same year, WiJlie G. Davidson's dynamic version of the Sportster, the Cafe Racer, is released. 36 APRIL 9,2003' cue I e • A Kevlar belt replaces the chain as the final drive. The belt is c1eanerrunning and needs less adjusting and maintenance. It isn't iong before belt final drive is standard on all HarleyDavidson motorcycles. • The AMA Grand National Championship in dirt track racing goes to yet another Harley-Davidson factory racer, Randy Goss. 1981 • Scott Parker begins racing for team Harley-Davidson on the AMA dirt track circuit. He will become the most successful racer in Harley-Davidson history, accumulating 93 career victories and, more incredibly, winning nine AMA Grand National Championship titles in a 10-year period. n eVIl's 1982 • More innovations demonstrate a new commitment to quality, such as the FXR/FXRS Super Glide II, with its rubber-isolated five-speed powertrain. HarleyDavidson also introduces a welded and stamped frame for the new Sportster models. • The top three finishers in the AMA Grand National Championship are all on Harleys: Ricky Graham, Jay Springsteen and Randy Goss. • The Materials As Needed (MAN) application is introduced' to production. Generally, this means that parts and raw materials are purchased and built only as 1983 • Harley-DaVidson successfully petitions the International Trade Commission (ITC) for tariff relief, which is granted April 1, 1983. The tariff, scheduled to end five years later, is placed on all imported Japanese motorcycles 700cc or larger as a response to Japanese motorcycle manufacturers stockpiling inventories of unsold motorcycles in the United States. • One of Harley-Davidson's most unique endeavors begins: Harley Owners Group. Fondly referred to as H.O.G., the Group immediately becomes the largest factorysponsored motorcycle club in the world. Within six years, H.O.G. membership soars to more than 90,000. By the year 2000, it exceeds 500,000 members. • Factory Harley dirt track racer Randy Goss wins the AMA Grand National Championship this year. 1986 • In another bold styling and engineering move, Harley-Davidson releases the Heritage Softail. • The Harley-Davidson Motor Company is listed on the American Stock Exchange, marking the first time Harley-Davidson is publicly traded since 1969, the year of the AMF merger. • The Sportster motorcycle line receives the Evolution V-twin engine. • To diversify its holdings, HarleyDavidson purchases Holiday Rambler Corporation, a producer of quality motor homes. 1990 • Upon its introduction, the FLSTF Fat Boy almost instantaneously becomes a modern legend of motorcycle design.