Harley – Davidson logo has become synonymous to their motorcycle company. This logo is instantly recognized by millions of people even to those who don’t ride a motorcycle. It represents a virile rugged macho image. The bar and shield logo belongs to the famous motorcycle company started by Harley – Davidson.
History and evolution of Harley – Davidson logo
The Harley – Davidson Motorcycle Company is based in United Sates, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1904 William Harvey and Davidson built two motorcycles and sold them. Davidson’s aunt Jane Davidson created the first logo. It was hand painted red stripping with the words “Harley-Davidson Motor Company” on their fuel tanks. When the company grew, they realized that a logo is necessary to make their company recognizable in a unique manner. Initially Harley Davidson morphed the skull and bones logo into their own by removing the bones and adding wings. Till now we don’t know who created the famous “bar and shield logo” The logo first appeared in 1910 and it was registered officially with the U.S patent office in 1911.During 1960’s the emblem read “Harley – Davidson” omitting the original words “Motor Company” as the company started manufacturing golf carts and snowmobile . Again in the 1980’s these words were added to the logo as the stopped manufacturing golf carts and snowmobiles.
Variations in the logo
Each dealer had their own shop logo attached to the bar and shield logo which says something about the dealer and distinguishes it from other dealers in the world. But first the dealer has to get approval from the parent company before adding their unique identity. Like the Colorado dealer who added the mountain background to the Harley Davidson logo.
Common Logo Uses
The bar and shield logo is the most recognizable icon of the motorcycle business. The logo has become so sinuous to the motorcycle, that wherever you see a Harley – Davidson logo you can visualize the roar of an engine. This logo in due course of time became a brand. Literally this logo became so popular that they were used on everything. The Harley Davidson logo is used on motorbikes, helmets, boots, gloves, shirts, belt buckles, pens, posters, wallpapers, luggage, saddlebags; motorcycle parts like backrests, wheels, mirrors and gauges. They have licensed their logo, which is a profitable side business. 5% of the company’s net revenue comes from this side business.
Design intricacies of the Harley – Davidson logo
The Harley – Davidson logo popularly known as the Bar and Shield logo is simple but distinctive in design. As the name indicates the logo is a bar and shield. The logo has a shield over which lies a bar, both joining together in a very attractive and intriguing manner. The fonts of this logo are simple and bold and caps locked. Initially the emblem was in red and green. The logo changed its color to orange and white. The background is black, the fonts are written in orange on the shield and in white over the bar. Even after 100 years of the logo’s creation, this logo has become the most popular one and it is timeless.
