There is no denying that a Harley-Davidson motorcycle has a unique sound, especially if the mufflers have been removed! Even with the mufflers on, however, it sounds different from other motorcycles. The reason for the sound has to do with the way the engine is designed and no matter what the Jap bike-builders produce to imitate the Harley, they still just don't get it!
The "potato-potato-potato" sound of the Harley-Davidson engine is due to the layout and ignition timing of the two cylinders. When the the ignition fires, the two cylinders fire at a fairly close interval in time, followed by a larger gap before the next ignition sequence starts. It causes a rather distinct exhaust sound that is different than other type motorcycle engines. The sound is unique to a 45 degree V-engine, and Harley once tried to have the sound patented so no one else could use the same engine layout. Now ain't that neat!


The 45 degree design of the engine thus creates a plug firing sequencing as such: The first cylinder fires, the second (rear) cylinder fires 315° later, then there is a 405° gap until the first cylinder fires again, giving the engine its unique sound.



On 1 February 1994, the company filed a trademark application for the distinctive sound of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle engine: "The mark consists of the exhaust sound of applicant's motorcycles, produced by V-twin, common crankpin motorcycle engines when the goods are in use". Nine of Harley-Davidson's competitors filed comments opposing the application, arguing that cruiser-style motorcycles of various brands use a single-crankpin V-twin engine which produce a similar sound. These objections were followed by litigation. After six years, Harley-Davidson withdrew their trademark application. Hey, Harleys may cost more than the Jap bikes, but VIVA LA Difference!




The Harley Davidson motorcycle became the symbol of American individualism and ended up being the "KING OF THE MOTORCYCLES" and almost all men at one time or another had a desire to just be able to "sit" on a Harley Davidson.
In the early 1950's, movies began to be made with the motorcycle as the star; however the "Harley" became depicted as a bad boy's motorcycle or a gang member's ride. Then in 1957 a hip swinging singer that became the national idol of all the ladies bought a Harley Davidson, and that meant if Elvis rode a Harley, you were a "cool cat" if you owned one as well.
Later on into the 1960's, Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper really brought the motorcycle world to its feet with a movie filled with adventure on Harley Davidson choppers. "Easy Rider" fullfilled the dreams of the young wannabes and even the old married man was getting wanderlust.
Today the Harley is very common-place on the highway and high-tech Harley Davidson Dealerships have popped up in almost every city in America.

"EASY RIDER" All about the movie