Did you know that Harley-Davidson had a company mascot? Well it has actually had several over the years... for almost a century.
Wrecking Crew Dog Mascot 1917
In 1903, the year the Wright Brothers flew their first airplane, Harley-Davidson built its first motorcycle. Many companies tried to make it in the new motorcycle market, but the ones who survived were the ones who could win on the race track. By 1910, the Harley-Davidson factory team was winning so much they got the nickname "Wrecking Crew". Just after WWI, one of the HD team took a dog for a victory lap after a race. This was believed to be the first time a mascot was used by Harley.
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Harley-Davidson and the Hog
When did Harley-Davidson, the Coca-Cola bottle and a piglet join forces for a key historical moment? In 1919, on Labor Day weekend, a 200-mile road race was held in Marion Indiana, and an unprecedented 15,000 motorcycles appeared from across the country! Of course, with so much success, had another one the following year. Ray Weishaar of the Harley team won that year's race with an average speed of 71 miles per hour, a new motorcycle racing record, and finished 18 minutes before the next rider. Before the race, a local farmer had given Ray a piglet and at the finish, he picked him up and took him for a victory lap. He became the team's official mascot. In victory circle, Ray enjoyed a cold Coca-Cola, and gave his new friend a sip as well, creating this iconic photo.
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The Hog Takes a Victory Ride Every Race
For several racing seasons to come, the Harley pig mascot was taken for a victory lap after a race. Leslie Parkhurst "Red" broke 23 speed records in his racing career with a 61 cubic inch Harley engine. Red and the Wrecking Crew won so much they were accused of "hogging all the trophies", so the mascot was very fitting.
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But it was Nearly a Raccoon
The pig, and the dog were not the only animal who became a famous figure for Harley-Davidson. Way back in the day, when most racers were farm boys, a photo of a Harley racer was discovered giving a victory lap to a raccoon! Just think, if the raccoon had taken over the mascot role, H.O.G. may have been the "Coon" association? Would Harley-Davidson bikes have been known as coons instead of hogs? And what about the ever-popular T-shirts?
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Harley-Davidson Plush Mascots
Today, H.O.G. stands for Harley Owner's Group, an organization bringing Harley owners together worldwide, and to which many of us belong. This plush pig doll has had many variations, but all of them represent the official mascot adopted to represent Harley-Davidson - and us - so many years ago. Of course, you can also get plush biker dogs, black sheep, eagles, foxes, bears, skunks, and even ducks, but no raccoons. Ride on!
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