by Claire O'Neill

Today The Daily Picture Show presents a look back at Harley-Davidson's history. The company has recently celebrated its 105th anniversary and suffered economic setbacks. Can it handle the rough road ahead?

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  • Milwaukee's Harley-Davidson Museum celebrated "hog heaven" when it opened in July 2008. Its collection includes the 1903 Serial Number One, the oldest known Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
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    Milwaukee's Harley-Davidson Museum celebrated "hog heaven" when it opened in July 2008. Its collection includes the 1903 Serial Number One, the oldest known Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
    Courtesy of Harley-Davidson
  • The museum has more than 400 motorcycles in its collection, including Elvis Presley's 1956 KH Model. Elvis purchased his first Model KH from a Memphis dealer for $903.
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    The museum has more than 400 motorcycles in its collection, including Elvis Presley's 1956 KH Model. Elvis purchased his first Model KH from a Memphis dealer for $903.
    Courtesy of Harley-Davidson
  • Customization is a big part of the Harley culture. This "King Kong," which has an image of the giant ape above one of its two handlebars, stretches 13 feet and weighs 1,000 pounds.
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    Customization is a big part of the Harley culture. This "King Kong," which has an image of the giant ape above one of its two handlebars, stretches 13 feet and weighs 1,000 pounds.
    Courtesy of Harley-Davidson
  • Harley-Davidson sold a short-lived motor scooter called the Topper, shown here with the sidecar option. The company produced it from 1960 to 1965.
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    Harley-Davidson sold a short-lived motor scooter called the Topper, shown here with the sidecar option. The company produced it from 1960 to 1965.
    Courtesy of Harley-Davidson
  • An exhibit of "extreme" Harleys includes a replica of the bike Evel Knievel crashed while trying to jump 13 buses at London's Wembley Stadium in 1975.
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    An exhibit of "extreme" Harleys includes a replica of the bike Evel Knievel crashed while trying to jump 13 buses at London's Wembley Stadium in 1975.
    Courtesy of Harley-Davidson
  • Walter A. Davidson and William S. Harley started their business in 1903 in Milwaukee. The four-day celebration marking its 100th anniversary attracted an estimated 250,000 people.
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    Walter A. Davidson and William S. Harley started their business in 1903 in Milwaukee. The four-day celebration marking its 100th anniversary attracted an estimated 250,000 people.
    Scott Olson/Getty Images
  • Harley-Davidson fans span the globe and many are members of the Harley Owners Group (HOG). Shown here are HOG members in Saudi Arabia.
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    Harley-Davidson fans span the globe and many are members of the Harley Owners Group (HOG). Shown here are HOG members in Saudi Arabia.
    Behrouz Mehri/AFP/Getty Images
  • In 2006, Harley-Davidson changed its New York Stock Exchange ticker symbol from HDI to HOG.
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    In 2006, Harley-Davidson changed its New York Stock Exchange ticker symbol from HDI to HOG.
    Scott Olson/Getty Images
  • Because of the U.S. embargo on sending goods to Cuba, Harley enthusiasts there often use Soviet truck parts when their bikes need repairs.
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    Because of the U.S. embargo on sending goods to Cuba, Harley enthusiasts there often use Soviet truck parts when their bikes need repairs.
    Adalberto Roque/AFP/Getty Images
  • Each Memorial Day weekend, thousands of bikers rally at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to show support for the U.S. Armed Forces and veterans.
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    Each Memorial Day weekend, thousands of bikers rally at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to show support for the U.S. Armed Forces and veterans.
    Johnny Bivera/AFP/Getty Images
  • Harley-Davidson sold its first motorcycle for police use to the Detroit Police Department in 1908. An officer sits on a bike donated to the police force in Hamburg, Germany.
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    Harley-Davidson sold its first motorcycle for police use to the Detroit Police Department in 1908. An officer sits on a bike donated to the police force in Hamburg, Germany.
    Marcus Brandt/AFP/Getty Images
  • Though once associated with the Hell's Angels and other rough types, Harleys now have widespread appeal.
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    Though once associated with the Hell's Angels and other rough types, Harleys now have widespread appeal.
    Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images

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