Everyone knows Harley-Davidson for its unmistakable rumble and legendary legacy — but there’s more to the story than the open road. At Caliente Harley-Davidson in San Antonio, we love the deep cuts of Harley history. Here are 10 obscure facts that might surprise even seasoned riders.

1. Harley Once Built an Airplane Engine

In the 1920s, Harley-Davidson experimented with airplane engines. While it never took off (pun intended), the motorcycle-powered aircraft concept proves Harley’s creative engineering roots.

2. They Made Bicycles

Before selling motorcycles, Harley-Davidson sold pedal bicycles — some branded with the famous Bar & Shield. They were available from 1917 to the early 1920s and are now rare collector’s items.

3. WWII WLA Bikes Had Holsters

The WLA military Harleys used in World War II were nicknamed "The Liberator." Many came equipped with rifle holsters, blackout lights, and custom side bags made for rough terrain.

4. Harley Had a Factory Race Team Called the "Wrecking Crew"

In the 1920s and ’30s, Harley-Davidson’s official racing team earned the nickname “The Wrecking Crew” because of their dominance on dirt tracks. These early racing legends helped cement Harley’s performance image long before the modern era.

5. Police Harleys Had Sirens That Ran Off the Rear Wheel

Some early Harley-Davidson police bikes had mechanical sirens powered by friction rollers against the rear tire — meaning the faster you rode, the louder the siren got.

6. The First Harley Dealership Was a Backyard Shed

The first Harley-Davidson dealership opened in 1904 — run out of a Milwaukee backyard. C.H. Lang was the first dealer, and his "showroom" was little more than a garage and a handshake.

7. Harley Once Owned the Italian Brand Aermacchi

In the 1960s and ’70s, Harley-Davidson acquired a 50% stake in Italian motorcycle manufacturer Aermacchi, producing smaller-displacement Harley-branded bikes in Europe.

8. The “LiveWire” Nearly Had a Different Name

Before launching the LiveWire® electric motorcycle, Harley tested a variety of names internally — but ultimately stuck with a term that felt modern, edgy, and still authentic.

9. The First Harley Logo Was Hand-Painted

The iconic Bar & Shield logo was first sketched and painted by Janet Davidson — Arthur Davidson’s aunt — using a brush and gold leaf on the original factory door.

10. There’s a Time Capsule in the Milwaukee Factory

A sealed time capsule at the Harley-Davidson headquarters in Milwaukee contains memorabilia, handwritten notes, and photos meant to be opened on the brand’s 150th anniversary in 2053.

🏁 Still Learning, Still Riding

Harley-Davidson’s history is packed with invention, experimentation, and culture-shaping moves — and that legacy continues right here at Caliente Harley-Davidson in San Antonio. Whether you're here for bikes, parts, or events, you're part of a story that keeps growing.