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28 of 32 found the following review helpful:
 Great Stories...Incredible Photos Oct 17, 2002
By Karl Miller
"kemspeaks"
Harley-Davidson motorcycles hardly seem, at first thought, the appropriate topic for a glossy coffee-table type book. Having carefully cultivated a rebel image, Harley has for decades revelled in such perceptions, while customarily watching monied professionals drive off the lot on a Softtail. It's the ultimate in "irony advertising".
But the Harley story is also an American story, one of tales from the road across the USA. The company, celebrating its 100th year, is one of the few motoring ventures that maintains an image of quality vastly superior to Japanese knockoffs, primarily because of its storied history and presentation in culture for the last 100 years.
The story of the Harley Davidson corporate mentality, its financial devastation and recovery, and its appeal to an American society that loves its image takes up a good deal of space in this book, and makes for fascinating reading. In fact, the story alone would be worth a somewhat reduced price of admission (this book is expensive, after all), but the photography makes this a big keeper.
Double page after double page of legendary Harley models, dating back to the 1900's, capture the imagination, and the beauty of design in an incredible light. Photos from across the country call out for road trips. The photos capture much more than the HOG they portray - they are an invitation to hop on for a ride through American history.
This book is an excellent Christmas gift for anyone who owns, or always wanted to own their own Harley.
10 of 10 found the following review helpful:
 Look Past The Corporate Promotion and... Nov 03, 2002
By BG
"brucegz"
you'll find a good read. First, the pictures are sensational. They capture the simplicity which is at the heart of H-D's designs since inception. Also, this book explains many of the bike and engine nicknames, that I was always curious about, in an easily understandable way i.e. Shovelhead, Flathead etc.... It also covers most of basic history of the MoCo but does so in a corporate promotional way. The author glosses over the AMF years when the quality of their products were poor. It's a 1 or 2 sentence mention and I think deserved more specifics. This is the only major soft spot in the book in that, at times, it seems like one of their rah rah brochures. Look past that and you'll find a great coffee table book. One question the book left me with is how much the author is genuinely involved in the design of bikes. He may just wish to support the other people involved (humbly). Otherwise, to read the book it seems his major talent is drawing logos (as it reads). The book wasn't solid on that.
15 of 18 found the following review helpful:
100 Years of HD by Willie G. Nov 09, 2002
By R. P. J. Dijk
"robbiederups"
This book is written from the heart and soul of the one and only Willie G. It has great pictures and great stories. No one can tell them like the people who experienced it from within.
An absolute seller, and when you want to collect some 100th Anniv. books this year: this one may not be missed on your shelve.
Get it now!
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
Great history recount Nov 24, 2003
By Jose M. Fernandez Casados
"Manuel Fernández"
I would recommend this one to any cycle enthusiast; however I did miss:
- More mechanical facts
- A more thorough coverage of all models (e.g. the 800 sporstster is barely mentioned)
Otherwise, a must-have.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
The history of Harley-Davidson, from one of the family Dec 30, 2005
By Biker freak
William G. Davidson, or as he is affectionatly known, Willie G., gives an insiders view of the history and near demise of an American institution. I drank the Harley Kool-Aide years ago, but it was interesting to get another viewpoint on the Motor Company. The historical pictures are fantastic, especially the old hill climb photos. This is a must have for any Harley owner, and a gotta have for bikers in general. Be forwarned, you will also drink the Kool-Aide if you haven't already!
Ride Free, Willie G.!
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