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Harley Davidson History 1980-1990
1980 Harley-Davidson debuts the FLT with its
vibration dampening, rubber-isolated drivetrain and unique trailing front
fork. The FLT also debutes an engine and five-speed transmission that are
hard bolted together.
A kevlar belt replaces the chain as the final drive. The belt is cleaner
running, and needs less adjustments and maintenance. It isn't long before
belt final drive is standard on all Harley-Davidson® motorcycles.
The AMA Grand National Championship in dirt track racing goes to yet
another Harley-Davidson racer, Randy Goss.
In honor of the historic Sturgis motorcycle rally, Harley-Davidson
releases the FXB Sturgis model, employing belt drive, black chrome
appointments and 80 cubic inch engine.
The FXWG Wide Glide is introduced for the 1980 model year.
1981 On February 26, thirteen Harley-Davidson senior executives
sign a letter of intent to purchase Harley-Davidson Motor Company from AMF.
By mid-June, the buyback is official, and the phrase "The Eagle Soars
Alone" becomes a rallying cry.
Scott Parker begins racing for team Harley-Davidson on the AMA dirt track
circuit. He will become the most successful racer in Harley-Davidson
history, accumulating 93 career victories and, more incredibly, winning 9
Grand National Champion titles in a 10 year period.
1982 More innovations demonstrate a new commitment to quality, such
as the FXR/FXRS Super Glide® II with its rubber-isolated, five-speed
powertrain and the welded and stamped frame for the new Sportster® models.
The top three finishers in the AMA Grand National Championship are Ricky
Graham, Jay Springsteen and Randy Goss. This begins a two year run of dirt
track Championship wins for Harley-Davidson. Goss takes the Championship
in 1983.
The Materials As Needed (MAN) application is introduced to production.
Generally, this means that parts and raw materials are purchased and built
only as they are required. This dramatically lowers production costs and
improves quality.
1983 Harley-Davidson successfully petitions the International Trade
Commission (ITC) for tariff relief, which is granted April 1, 1983. The
tariff, scheduled to end five years later, is placed on all imported
Japanese motorcycles 700cc or larger as a response to Japanese motorcycle
manufacturers stockpiling inventories of unsold motorcycles in the United
States.
One of Harley-Davidson's most unique endeavors begins: Harley Owners
Group®. Fondly referred to as H.O.G.®, the Group immediately becomes the
largest factory-sponsored motorcycle club in the world. Within six years,
H.O.G. membership soars to more than 90,000. By the year 2000, it exceeds
500,000 members.
Dirt track racer Randy Goss wins the AMA Grand National Championship this
year.
1984 Harley-Davidson unveils the 1340cc V²® Evolution® engine on
five models including the all-new Softail®. The result of seven years of
development, the Evolution engine produces more power at every speed, runs
cooler, cleaner and is oil-tight. Also witnessed is the debut of the
Softail design and its trend-setting method of "hiding" the motorcycle's
rear shock absorbers.
1986 In another bold styling and engineering move, Harley-Davidson
releases the Heritage Softail®.
The Motor Company is listed on the American Stock Exchange, the first time
Harley-Davidson is publicly traded since 1969, the year of the AMF merger.
The Sportster® motorcycle line receives the Evolution V-twin engine.
To diversify its holdings, Harley-Davidson purchases Holiday Rambler
Corporation, producer of quality motor homes.
1987 Harley-Davidson is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Harley-Davidson makes both business and American history. H-D petitions
the International Trade Commission for early termination of the five-year
tariffs on heavyweight motorcycles. In effect, the move demonstrated
confidence in H-D's ability to compete in the marketplace.
Harley-Davidson begins the "Buy Back Program," for the XLH 883 Sportster,
which offers full trade-in value within two years on either a model FL or
FX.
1988 The springer front end returns in the FXSTS Springer® Softail®.
Also introduced is the Sportster 1200. Harley-Davidson celebrates its 85th
Anniversary with a Homecoming in Milwaukee, attended by over 60,000
enthusiasts.
The Harley-Davidson Traveling Museum hits the road, displaying
memorabilia, classic Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the rich history of
the Harley-Davidson rider.
Scott Parker wins the first of his nine AMA Grand National Championships.
His total domination is unprecedented in the history of the sport of dirt
track motorcycle racing.
Return to the Harley
Davidson History Index
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