After AMF purchased the company in 1969, its desire to slash costs and scale back investments in new technology and engine development nearly sunk H-D heading into the '80s.
from my understanding the new "blockhead motor" was developed under AMF and was ready to go when Willie G took over
This was the single biggest change event in Harley history, everything today is a direct result of it and the impact that style new engine had. I watched it happen.
I hope there have been at least some significant milestones since the evo, even though your article has a picture of a shovelhead bike.
There's been changes but the Evo and the factory " customs " Joe White collar could easy finance out the door changed the face of the motorcycle culture forever. Everything since has just been building on it and here we are.
Once again I regret opening a post by the ib curated content editors.
Let's start with 1907 not being the first year for H-D V-twin engines. 1909 saw the first production V-twin, but there is record of H-D twin cylinder machines being used in competition in 1908.
Next, the Knucklehead powerplant was created to replace the notoriously inferior Flathead. Yeah those pos Flathead engines that got our soldiers through WWII, won countless AMA races through 1969 and were in production through 1973 in Servicars.
Last, AMF's desire to slash costs and scale back investments in new technology and engine development. Where did this bs come from? H-D was in a bad way before AMF came onboard and saved the MoCo. AMF invested heavily in new infrastructure, the downfall of AMF was them seeking return on their investment too aggressively. They pushed production numbers way up and moved assembly out of Milwaukee upsetting the workforce. And as far as lack of engine development is concerned, one of the best H-D powerplants ever the Evolution engine was designed and developed under AMF.
11-22-2023, 10:44 AM
5 Notable Milestones in Harley-Davidson History
