Behind the chrome, growling engines and sleek lines of Harley-Davidson motorcycles lies the story of two families with motorcycles in their blood. The Harley-Davidson Motor Company was founded in 1903 by William S. Harley, Arthur Davidson, Walter Dav... (more)idson and William A. Davidson. The Harley was originally designed to have fun; throughout the century it has been commissioned for World War I and II, survived The Great Depression, and brought the company back to life after coming close to bankruptcy. The strong spirit of the Harley-Davidson families lives on. Why do they call Harley-Davidson motorcycles "Hogs"?