When?

What?

Harley-Davidson VRSCA goes on sale
Buell XB9R goes on sale
Tube framed Buell models manufacture to cease in summer
Victory launch V92TC bagger, and TC Deluxe, and fit revised V92 engine across range
IMCOA Indian Chief relaunched with Indian PowerPlus 100 engine: other models continue with S&S
Indian launch their own PowerPlus100 engine

2001

Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod announced.
Harley-Davidson announce VR "Revolution" engine
Buell XB9R Firebolt announced with redeveloped short-stroke engine and radical frame.
Harley-Davidson FXDXT Super Glide T-Sport launched.
Victory V92C Cruiser Deluxe launched.
Indian Motorcycles Ltd launch Dakota 4: a rebadged, Indianised Swedish Wiking, in-Line 4
IMCOA Indian Scout launched: 88ci S&S Superstock engined Sportster
Parker Indian (Australia) developing OHV and side-valve Sport Scout and Chief engines.
Honda VTX1800 launched: an American-built 1800 V-Twin
 

2000

Harley-Davidson introduce Twin Cam 88B motor, and fit it to all Softail models.
Harley-Davidson FXSTD Deuce launched.
Victory launch V92C Cruiser and V92SC SportCruiser in the UK.
IMCOA Indian Chief launched: 88ci S&S Superstock engined heavyweight
 

1999

Harley-Davidson introduce Twin Cam 88 motor and fit it to all Dyna and Touring models.
Harley-Davidson FXDX Dyna Super Glide Sport launched.
Harley-Davidson FLTR Road Glide loses fuel injection option.
Buell introduce DDFI Fuel Injection on selected models.
Buell X1 Lightning launched with fuel-injected Thunderstorm engine.
Buell S3 Thunderbolt fitted with fuel-injected Thunderstorm engine.
Buell M2 Cyclone gets carburettor-equipped Thunderstorm engine and revised styling.
Buell White Lightning offered in a range of colours as Lightning Strike models.
Victory appoint EP Barrus as UK distributor.
Indian reborn as the American Indian Motorcycle Company (IMCOA).
Indian name being used on German-built V8 in Dortmund: now agents for IMCOA
 

1998

Harley-Davidson FXSTB Night Train launched.
Harley-Davidson XL53C Custom 53 Sportster launched.
Harley-Davidson FLHRCI Road King Classic launched: soft panniers, injection only.
Harley-Davidson FLT reintroduced as FLTR (carb) and FLTRI (injection) Road Glide. Frame mounted screen.
Harley-Davidson XL1200S engine tweaked: twin-plug, high comp heads, new cams, ignition.
Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King loses fuel injection option.
Buell introduce the Thunderstorm engine.
Buell S1 White Lightning launched with Thunderstorm engine.
Victory V92C launched in the USA
Buell sells additional 49% stake in Buell Motor Company to H-D, who now own 98%.
Indian prototype to be shown by Eller Group: blocked due to wrangle over ownership of name.
Indian name sold to Indian Motorcycle Company of America.
 

1997

Harley-Davidson FLSTS Heritage Springer launched: heavyweight Softail
Buell M2 Cyclone launched
Buell S3 Thunderbolt launched with 86 hp, 79 ftlb motor.
Victory V92C cruiser released to the press
 

1996

Harley-Davidson FLHR (FLHRI) Road King launched: revamped version of Electra Glide Sport.
Harley-Davidson XL1200S Sport launched: improved suspension.
 

1995

Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide launched.
Harley-Davidson FXR frame dropped: loses FXR Super Glide.
Harley-Davidson introduce Fuel Injection to selected models.
Buell S1 Lightning launched
Indian prototype shown by Wayne Baughman: wooden mock-up of new engine in new chassis.
 

1994

Buell S2 Thunderbolt launched: produced in association with H-D
 

1993

Harley-Davidson FXDL Dyna Low Rider launched.
Harley-Davidson FXDWG Wide Glide launched.
Buell forms alliance with The Motor Company and forms Buell Motorcycle Company
Polaris start to develop a new motorcycle from scratch: code name Victory

 

1992

Harley-Davidson FXDB Daytona replaces Sturgis as limited edition Dyna model.
Harley-Davidson FXDC Dyna Custom launched as standard availability FX model.
 

1991

Harley-Davidson introduce Dyna Chassis.
Harley-Davidson FXD Sturgis launched: styling based on original 1981 model.
Harley-Davidson Sportsters get a 5-speed box. 1200 and 883 Deluxe get belt final drive.
 

1990

Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy launched: disc wheels under cropped FLH mudguards.
 

1989

Harley-Davidson FXRS-Conv launched with removable screen and panniers.
Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster Deluxe introduced with dual seat and tacho.
Buell RS1200 Westwind launched: beginnings of modern Buells
 

1988

Harley-Davidson XL1200 Sportster launched.
Harley-Davidson reintroduce the "Springer" forks with hydraulic damping
 

1987

Harley-Davidson FXLR Low Rider Custom launched: custom with disc rear wheel, 21-inch front. Harley-Davidson XL883 Hugger introduced with lower seat height and price.
Buell RR1000 Battletwin launched: first Harley-engined Buell, fully faired bike.
 

1986

Harley-Davidson stock available again: return to public ownership.
Harley-Davidson drop 4-speed chassis: loses FXE Super Glide, FXSB Low Rider
Harley-Davidson FXRS Low Glide renamed FXRS Low Rider
 

1985

Harley-Davidson FXRC Low Glide Custom launched as limited edition.
Harley-Davidson FLHX Electra Glide launched: limited edition Shovelhead Glide
Harley-Davidson introduce Evolution Sportster engine first as XLH-883 and then as XLH-1100
Harley-Davidson modify 4-speed frame to accommodate Evo engine.
Harley-Davidson drop Shovelhead: all remaining 4-speeds now Evo powered
Harley-Davidson fit belt drives to FXR range.
Harley-Davidson drop XR1000.
 

1984

Harley-Davidson FXRDG Disc Glide launched as limited edition with solid back wheel.
Harley-Davidson introduce V2 Evolution Motor.
Harley-Davidson introduce Softail (ST) frame.
Harley-Davidson FXST Softail launched: Softail with XL forks.
Harley-Davidson FLST Softail launched: Softail with FL forks
Buell builds his first motorcycle: the RW750 race bike: changes in rules ban it from racing.
 

1983

Harley-Davidson FXRT Sport Glide launched as a touring FX.
Harley-Davidson XLX-61 launched as a budget Sportster.
Harley-Davidson XR1000 launched as high performance Sportster.
Harley-Davidson drop FXB Sturgis.
Harley-Davidson fit Sturgis' dual belts to FXS Low Rider which becomes FXSB Low Rider.
Harley-Davidson drop XLCH model.
 

1982

Harley-Davidson FXRS Low Glide launched to sits alongside FXS Low Rider.
Harley-Davidson modify Sportster frame to lose forgings at the junctions.
 

1981

Harley-Davidson introduce 5-speed FXR chassis with rubber mounted engine.
Harley-Davidson Super Glide II launched in the 5-speed FXR chassis.
Harley-Davidson management buy the company from AMF parent.
Harley-Davidson drop FXE/F. XLS gets bigger tank.
 

1980

Harley-Davidson FLT Tour Glide launched
Harley-Davidson FXB Sturgis launched: all-black with original Low Rider styling.
Harley-Davidson FXWG Wide Glide launched, with 5-gal fat-bobs, FLH speedo and wideglides.
Harley-Davidson introduce rubber-mounted touring chassis for new FLT.
Harley-Davidson introduce twin belt-drive on new FXDB.
Harley-Davidson FXS Low Rider gets buckhorns.
Harley-Davidson Super Glide gets the 1340 motor.
Harley-Davidson drop 1200cc / 74ci Shovelhead.
 

1979

Harley-Davidson introduce 80ci/1340cc motor, and fit it to FXS Low Rider and FXE/F Fat Bob
 

1978

Harley-Davidson FXE/F Fat Bob launched: a Super Glide with fat-bobs and Low Rider console.
Harley-Davidson XLS custom styled Sportster launched.
Harley-Davidson drop kickstart-only FX.
Harley-Davidson XLs get the XLCR chassis.
Harley-Davidson drop XLCR and XLT.
 

1977

Harley-Davidson FXS Low Rider launched: dragbars, fat-bobs and new speedo/tacho console.
Harley-Davidson XLCR Café Racer launched: available as a limited edition model.
Harley-Davidson introduce new, XR-derived frame for XLCR.
 

1976

Harley-Davidson XLT Sportster launched, and gets bigger Super Glide tank.
 

1975

Harley-Davidson XL Gearchange is swapped to left-hand side.
Indian 900 launched based round Ducati engine
 

1974

Harley-Davidson FXE launched: electric start-only version of FX.
Harley-Davidson drop 45ci flathead-powered Servicar
 

1973

Harley-Davidson fit disc brakes to the FX and XL ranges.
Harley-Davidson FX loses 3.5 gallon fat-bobs for a one-piece fuel tank.
 

1972

Harley-Davidson XL grows to 61ci (1000cc)
Harley-Davidson drop foot clutch / hand shift option on big twins
 

1971

1970

Harley-Davidson FX Super Glide launched: amalgamation of FL and XL: kickstart only.
Harley-Davidson FX and XLH gets boat-tail seat unit
Harley-Davidson FL tourers lose kickstart.
Harley-Davidson big twin generator cases give way to alternator "Cone" timing cover.
Indian closes again with death of Floyd Clymer.
Indian versions of Royal Enfields sold to Rickman to produce Rickman Enfield
 

1969

Harley-Davidson merge with AMF
Indian build prototypes based around Velocette, Norton and Royal Enfield motors
Indian Velocette Single launched
Indian Royal Enfield Twin launched
 

1968

Harley-Davidson introduce "Ham Can" air filter to all models.

1967

Harley-Davidson Sportster gains an electric starter.
Indian rebadge NSU-powered Münch Mammoth.
Indian rebadge Italjet-built Bonnevilles for Italian market.
Indian and Münch produce prototype 45ci sidevalve Munch.
Indian and Münch produce prototype Horex-powered OHC parallel twin.
 

1966

Harley-Davidson introduce Shovelhead engine to replace the Panhead
 

1965

Harley-Davidson Electra Glide launched as a Panhead.
Harley-Davidson goes into public ownership.
Indian name bought by publisher, Floyd Clymer, who intended a new model.
 

1964

Harley-Davidson fit their first electric start: to the 45 flathead-powered Servicar!
Harley-Davidson Sportsters get a full width aluminium front hub
 

1963

Willie G Davidson joins family firm as director of styling
Indian name sold to Berliner Motor Corporation

1962

1961

1960

Harley-Davidson introduce cast aluminium nacelle in place of tin Hydra Glide item.
 

1959

Harley-Davidson XLCH gets lights.
Harley-Davidson XLH gets valanced mudguards, nacelle and optional dresser kit
 

1958

Harley-Davidson DuoGlide launched, introducing rear swing-arm suspension to big twins
Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster launched: high-compression roadster
Harley-Davidson XLC and XLCH Sportsters launched: basic version with on/off road tyres
.

1957

Harley-Davidson XL Sportster launched as 55ci/883cc roadster.
Harley-Davidson drops Springer forks as Servicar goes to Hydra-Glide forks
 

1956

Harley-Davidson: No new models
 

1955

Harley-Davidson launch 60hp FLH, as high performance version of FL
Harley-Davidson 125cc Lightweight redesignated "Hummer"
 

1954

Harley-Davidson: No new models
 

1953

Harley-Davidson KH launched: size boosted from 750cc to 883cc
Harley-Davidson KHK launched as a high-performance version in limited numbers.
Harley-Davidson drop 61-ci / 1000cc Model E
Indian can't afford retooling costs for OHV engine and and cease production.
Indian name appears on imported Royal Enfields
 

1952

Harley-Davidson Model-K launched: unit-construction, 750 side valve, RH gearshift, full suspension.
Harley-Davidson introduce foot shift on FLF
Harley-Davidson drops the WL 45 sidevalve engine except for Servi-Car (continues to 1970)
Indian drop Warrior
 

1951

Indian introduce foot shift as an option on Chief
Indian name sold to AMC - owners of AJS, Matchless, Royal Enfield, Velocette and Norton.
 

1950

Indian Chief relaunched as Blackhawk Chief: 80ci 40hp with telescopic forks
Indian Warrior launched: 500cc version of the Scout
Indian drop Scout twin and Arrow single
Indian's debt called in by Brockhouse Ltd.
 

1949

Harley-Davidson introduce the Hydra-Glide telescopic forkand fits to Panheads
Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide models launched.
Harley-Davidson drops the 74ci Model-U sidevalve
Indian withdraw the Chief for a year to concentrate on smaller singles and twins.
Indian finance new models with loans from British company, Brockhouse Ltd.
 

1948

Harley-Davidson introduce the 55hp 74 "F" and 61ci "E" Panhead engines, to replace the Knucklehead.
Harley-Davidson launch 125cc Lightweight single: 2-stroke DKW and the birthplace of the Sportster tank
Indian Arrow launched: 220cc single.
Indian Scout launched: 440cc parallel twin, with Super Scout as deluxe model.
 

1947

Harley-Davidson: No new models
 

1946

Harley-Davidson: No new models, but Springers got a Monroe shock absorber in place of the friction damper
Indian launch Post-War Chief: forks from 841B but otherwise the same 74ci side-valve V.
 

1945

Harley-Davidson: No new models
 

1944

Harley-Davidson: No new models
 

1943

Harley-Davidson: No new models
Indian: No new models except a prototype 841B: Transverse V-twin 45ci, shaft drive, military.
 

1942

Harley-Davidson show a prototype XA: flat twin 45ci, shaft drive military based on BMW engine.
Harley-Davidson drops the 80ci Model-U side-valve
 

1941

Harley-Davidson launch 74ci version of the Knucklehead: called the FL
Indian 741 military bike produced: based on 30.50 with 45ci transmission
 

1940

Indian 440 launched: valanced mudguards.
 

1939

1938

Indian revert to original head design for fours to cure overheating problems.

1937

Harley-Davidson put side-valve models into new frame with fatbobs.
Model V (80ci) redesignated as Model U.
Model R (45ci) redesignated as Model W.
 

1936

Harley-Davidson introduce the 61-cu.in OHV E Knucklehead: the beginning of the modern age.
Harley-Davidson introduces new frame and fatbob tanks on the new 61E.
Indian revise the head on the four in attempt to gain more power.
 

1935

Harley-Davidson 80 VLDD launched: 80ci / 1340cc side-valve.
Harley-Davidson drops their single-cylinder side-valve models B and C.
 

1934

Harley-Davidson VLD launched: 74ci / 1200cc side-valve: fixes problems of first VLs.
Indian Scout Sport launched: 45ci /750cc side-valve with full mudguards and suspension.
 

1933

Indian Scout Pony 45 launched: as before but with 45ci side-valve engine.
 

1932

Harley-Davidson Model D (45ci) becomes Model R.
Harley-Davidson show OHV Model DAH for hill-climbing competition.
Harley-Davidson Servi-Car launched.
 

1931

Harley suspend Model A and B single for a year.
Indian Scout Pony launched: 37ci V-twin.
Indian drop original Scout and replace it with a new Scout - a 45ci version of the Chief.
Henderson and Excelsior are closed down by Schwinn at onset of American Depression.

1930

Harley-Davidson 74V and 74VL sidevalve launched: 74ci / 1208cc
Harley-Davidson drop 61ci inlet-over-exhaust Model J.
Harley-Davidson drop 74ci inlet-over-exhaust Model J.
Harley-Davidson introduce "Springer" forks
 

1929

Harley-Davidson introduce their first side-valve engine - the Model D
Harley-Davidson "45D" launched: 45 Side-valve.
Harley-Davidson Model C 30.50ci / 500cc single launched. Known as the thirty-fifty.
 

1928

Harley-Davidson introduce 61ci JH and 74ci JDH - twin-cam development of the original J models
Harley-Davidson drop Model A single.
 

1927

Indian 101 Scout launched: 45ci side-valve.
Indian Four launched.
 

1926

Harley-Davidson A (magneto), B (battery) 21ci / 350cc 8hp side-valve singles launched.
Harley-Davidson AA (magneto), BA (battery) and S (magneto) OHV 21ci / 350cc 12hp singles launched.
Harley-Davidson drop Model F inlet-over-exhaust models (magneto only, no lights).
Indian acquires manufacturing rights to Ace, forms basis of their inline fours from 1927-42.
 

1925

Indian Prince launched: 21ci side-valve single.
Excelsior Super-X launched: first 45ci V-Twin.
 

1924

Harley-Davidson drop Fore and Aft Model W sport twin model.
Ace in financial difficulties.
 

1923

Hendee changes its name to Indian Motocycle Company.
 

1922

Indian Chief launched: 61ci, 42 degree V-twin.
Indian Big Chief launched: 74ci V-twin.
 

1921

Harley-Davidson introduce 74ci / 1200cc JD and FD to run alongside existing 61ci / 1000cc J and F models

1920

Indian Scout launched: 37ci with 3-speed gearbox.
 

1919

Harley-Davidson Model W launched: Fore and Aft flat twin.
Harley-Davidson drop Model E: direct geared, magneto, 16hp twin.
Henderson brothers leave Henderson.
William Henderson founds the Ace brand building inline fours.
 

1918

1917

Harley-Davidson 17 replaced "silent" grey with olive drab as Harley gears up for war work.
Henderson bought by Schwinn.
 

1916

Harley-Davidson 16 signals a change in model IDs to match calendar year.
Harley-Davidson 3-speed models get kickstart in place of bicycle pedals
Harley-Davidson 8-valve racer introduced to compete with Indian
Indian PowerPlus launched: first Indian to use side-valve engine.
 

1915

Harley-Davidson 11 and first Model J with first H-D electric headlamp.
Harley-Davidson range comprised 11B single speed, single, 11C two speed single, 11E single speed V-twin, 3-speed 11F and 3-speed 11J.
Harley-Davidson 3-speed gearboxes introduced.
 

1914

Harley-Davidson 10F model updates the smaller, 810cc / 49ci V-twin

1913

Harley-Davidson 9

1912

Harley-Davidson 8D and 8E V-twin introduced with increased capacity of 989cc / 60ci
Harley-Davidson introduced a clutch mechanism: a rear wheel device, models identified by "X" prefix.
Harley-Davidson introduce chain final drive option on clutch models: belt-drive X8D, chain-driven X8E.
Henderson brothers begin manufacture of inline four cylinder bikes.
 

1911

Harley-Davidson 7D nas a revamped V-twin
Excelsior bought by Schwinn, continue to make IoE singles and V-twins up to 61ci.
Indian works riders on modified 585cc twins win the IoM TT races with a 1-2-3.
 

1910

Harley-Davidson 6.
Excelsior introduces a V-twin production motorcycle.
 

1909

Harley-Davidson 5-A increases engine size to 494cc
Harley-Davidson 5-D launched: first 45-degree, 7hp, V-Twin making 810cc / 49ci.
 

1908

Harley-Davidson Model 4

1907

Harley-Davidson become an incorporated company.
Harley-Davidson build prototype V-twin.
Indian 39ci Twin launched.
Indian patent left-hand twistgrip.
Excelsior Supply Company produces bikes powered by their own single cylinder engines.
 

1906

Harley-Davidson 440cc "Silent Grey Fellow" - named after paint choice - moniker lasted until 1917
Indian pre-production V-twin is ridden coast-to-coast.
 

1905

Indian introduce fully adjustable front suspension.
 

1904

1903

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produce their first motorcycle: 405cc inlet over exhaust (F-head) single

1902

1901

Hendee produce their first motorcycle, a 1.75hp single. They call it an "Indian".
 

1900

Hendee and Hedstrom form the Hendee Manufacturing Company.