7 Awesome Vintage Harley Ads

These vintage Harley ads are a highly entertaining time warp to a different era.

By Brett Foote - April 28, 2017
The World's Finest Motorcycle
Harley Has a 'Fighting Heart'
Take a 'Gypsy Vacation'
Ride Number 1 in The Nation
Race With The Leaves
Perfect Mating of Man and Machine
What a Honey! The Bike, That is

1. The World's Finest Motorcycle

It's safe to say from the looks of this 1940's era Harley-Davidson advert, that bikers dressed a little differently back in the day. But even though we might not wear H-D themed sailor hats and ties to rallies these days, the message remains the same - Harley-Davidson makes, quite simply, the world's finest motorcycle.

>>Join the conversation about Awesome Vintage Harley Ads right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

2. Harley Has a 'Fighting Heart'

This ad, harking all the way from 1933, depicts both famed fighter John L. Sullivan and a 1934 Harley-Davidson. Why, you ask? Because both contain a fighting heart and a mighty punch, of course. The H-D's "heart" consisted of its new 74 V-Twin TNT motor producing 36 horsepower. Plus, you could mail in the included coupon for free literature! Wonder if it's still valid...

>>Join the conversation about Awesome Vintage Harley Ads right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

3. Take a 'Gypsy Vacation'

Apparently, gypsies from the 50's dress a lot different than they do today. And they rode Harley-Davidson motorcycles. But regardless of those changes, the message here is simple - H-D bikes will make you want to explore new places. And they'll take you places you might not otherwise be able to see in a car, plane, or train. Plus, your gypsy soul can relax a little, courtesy of that butter smooth Hydra-Glide ride quality.

>>Join the conversation about Awesome Vintage Harley Ads right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

4. Ride Number 1 in The Nation

Harley-Davidson's "K" models could literally go anywhere, from paved highways to dirt trails, these popular rides were true do-it-all motorcycles. Plus, this ad claims that twisting the throttle on a KHK is like "riding a rocket to the moon!" And who can resist that comparison?

>>Join the conversation about Awesome Vintage Harley Ads right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

5. Race With The Leaves

We've heard of racing other vehicles, even things like airplanes and trains. We've never heard of racing leaves... until now. But the thought of cruising down some mountain roads on a vintage Harley in the fall does sound quite refreshing. Too bad they cost a little more than $195 today.

>>Join the conversation about Awesome Vintage Harley Ads right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

6. Perfect Mating of Man and Machine

Man and machine - the two have gone together since man invented, well, the machine. And what a machine the 50's Harley-Davidson is. Plus, as you can see, ride quality was a big selling point in the 50's. And Harley's Duo-Glide setup promised a silky smooth ride over any surface.

>>Join the conversation about Awesome Vintage Harley Ads right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

7. What a Honey! The Bike, That is

Well, that's one sleek, smooth, and beautiful.... motorcycle you've got there. It's also quite the adventurer, taking you everywhere from race meets to those infamous gypsy tours everybody talks about. While you're out cruising around on your honey of a '51 Harley, you're bound to pick up a few honeys.

>>Join the conversation about Awesome Vintage Harley Ads right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

For help with service and Maintenance of your bike, see the how to sections of HDForums.com

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