Hardest Working Harley-Davidsons
More than just a machine of leisure, the Harley-Davidson has an astounding history devoted to hard work. Shortly after its founding, these bikes became world renown for delivering mail, fighting wars, keeping the peace, and more. Let's take a look at a few of the hard-working Harleys and the proud history behind them.
Armed Forces
The original Harley-Davidson bikes were developed for practical public transportation and leisure. Later, as government agencies discovered all the usefulness these bikes could provide in fleet use, they worked with the company to build bikes with special tactical features in mind. Military versions were first introduced in 1916 during the Pancho Villa's Mexican Revolution but were basically just re-purposed, civilian models. Later, in 1917 the War Department began ordering these bikes with their own specifications for use in WWI. With the poor condition of the roads in war torn Europe, a motorcycle was ideal for quickly getting from place to place. By the end of the war, Harley-Davidson had produced about 20 thousand of these bikes for the war effort.
Policing the streets
It is reported that Harley was patrolling as far back as 1908 in the city of Detroit Michigan. Motorcycles were recognized by police departments for reliability, speed, and tactical maneuverability. Law enforcement has been employing the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle now for over 100 years. These bikes have proven their worth through tests of endurance and acceleration placed on them by the long days of patrolling the beat. Excellent performance, low maintenance costs, and value retention have made the Harley Davidson the preference of most law enforcement agencies.
The Multi-Purpose Servi-Car
A special bike, designed with usefulness in mind, was the Servi-Car, a three wheeled bike with a large cargo box in back. Many garages used a Servi-Car, hitched to the back of a customer's car, so a mechanic could deliver a car without needing a ride back, or a tow truck. The Auto Club also used these bikes to make service calls and patrol the highways. Various businesses used the Servi-Car, or sometimes a bike with a sidecar mounted box for light deliveries because it was cheaper to operate, and easier to park than a car or truck. The Servi-Car was a favorite of meter maids, and seemingly designed for parking and traffic enforcement; some continued in service for over 40 years.
US Mail Delivery
Imagine having your mail delivered to your residence on a Harley. Starting in 1907, the US mail was delivered in some areas by way of a Harley-Davidson driven cart or side car. The need for motorized rural mail delivery increased as the horse drawn era was coming to a close. More Harleys were added to the mail delivery workforce from the WWI surplus after the war. The US Postal Service continued to employ Harleys for delivery through the 1920's, but eventually discontinued the use, instead relying on just four wheeled vehicles.
Fire and Rescue
In recent years, the Harley-Davidson Road King and other touring bikes have also been used for fire and rescue. Emergency response is much better, as a bike can maneuver through congested traffic much faster than a truck. Motorcycles may be smaller than traditional EMS vehicles, but they can still hold much of the needed equipment. Each Harley Road King can hold a defibrillator, an airway bag, a trauma bag, and an oxygen cylinder. Fire chiefs also sometimes favor a big, easily maneuverable bike to a car or truck for getting to the scene of an incident, especially if other crews are already there with all the equipment.
For help with service of your bike, check out the how to section of HDForums.com
