For Harley-Davidson, quality was far more important than innovation.  The Model 5 in 1905 sold eight and by 1906 they produced fifty motorcycles.  In 1907 the business produced 150 motorcycles and the Motor Company was full time.

The Model 5A was a single-cylinder but the Harley-Davidson still looked like a bicycle.  The only difference from the 1904 model was Harley-Davidson used a coaster brake bought from the Thor company.  The Harley was heavier and cost more to build than their rivals and the principle was established.  The models of 1909 followed the patterns designed in 1903-04. 'Carburetion ' was achieved with a basic instrument, floats, and jets fed by gravity from the tank at the top frame rail.  Harley made the twist throttles in  the right grip and the Indians were put in the left grip and with the oiling system was automatic intake. The basic Model 5 came with battery- powered ignition, plug, points and coil with juice from a three dry-cell batteries.

Then came the 'Magneto'- the Model 5 A was the future for Harley-Davidson. They even introduced the first headlight, fuelled by carbide gas-(miners lights) so one could say that they even considered the safety aspects (night riding) where other didn't in this era.   This model produces approximately 4bhp (horse power) - (45 mph today) because the automatic inlet valve only works to 300rpm.  In those days that was fast enough or the fuel leaked onto your leg.  This model 5A did work and clocked about 60,000 miles with the first owners.

It was Arthur Davidson that launched into commerical business to mail couriers and promoted the horse that you didn't have to feed.  The 'Silent Grey Fellow' was named due to the installation of a muffler. It was this model that paved the way.

V-Twin 1909 Model 5D

There was controversy about this V-twin and could have been the prototype that appeared during a show in 1907(no photos).  The Models 5, 5A & 5D were variations of the single cylinder with the V-Twin just longer and heavier.  The Models all came with magneto and 28 inch wheels, V-twin engine was literally based on the single, with the cases getting some extra muscle and two places to bolt the cylinders rather than one place.  The bore was 3.0 inches instead of 3 5/16 inch.  Stoke was 3 1/2 inch so the twin displaced approximately 50ci and the single was 30 ci.

V-twin was designed for more power, speed and estimates had a top speed of 65mph (on a good day).  Sadly it wasn't a success and there is only one fully intake 1909 V-Twin left in the world.   It had problems as does any prototype that comes with bugs. The slipping belt was a major concern and notorious for being hard to start. It was withdrawn in 1910 and in 1911 was back in production. It came with belt tensioners, proper cam lobes, rockers and springs for the intake valves. 

The model 7D joined the 'Silent Grey Fellow' in the line up with 6.5 horse power.  The same 45 degree air cooled V-Twin engine, embodying the same overall design themes still in use today .

By 1913 the Motor Company had produced 11,000 motorcycles, both singles and V-twins.

By 1915, the side-cart was an optional feature.

From these early days William Harley, Arthur Davidson & Walter Davidson were not to look back, other to produce, expand and continue to produce the American Motorcycle which would carry into the future generations.  Their dream still living today in many souls and those that know the meaning of the word 'Harley-Davidson'.

Footnote: Harley-Davidson, The American Motorcycle, by Girdler & Hussey, Original Edition 1992,  by Motorbooks International Publishers & Wholesalers, Inc, USA.