Traces the evolution of Harley-Davidson's two-wheeled cruisers, from the first police motorcycles of the teens to the comeback of the eighties and nineties. Illus.

This book, revised and updated, is a catalogue of American police motorcycles from the earliest days of use to today, with chapters covering the decades chronologically. From the early days of machines with no front brakes, 1913 Harley-Davidson VLs, rows of Indian Police specials lined up to leave the factory, armoured ones with machine-guns fitted to fight the gangs of Al Capone, the introduction of women police motorcycle riders and their machines for the first time, and much more.

Police officers have used motorcycles since the early 20th century primarily for the enforcement of traffic laws and as escort vehicles Harley-Davidson says Detroit, Michigan as being the first purchaser of police motorcycles in 1908. Evanston, Illinois also started using motor cyles in 1908, and the Portland Police Bureau had a police officer who used his personal motorcycle to patrol the city as early as 1909. The maneuverability of the motorcycle on crowded streets offer advantages that larger, more traditional police vehicles do not have. Motorcycles can access routes unavailable to other motor vehicles, such as narrow streets and footpaths. Police motorcycles are also used in police escorts for parades, funeral processions, motorcades, Olympic torch relays, and other events. We honor all service members on Memorial Day (last Monday of May) and hope you will enjoy our selection of photos.

Jean Davidson, also known as Jeannie, tells the story of the first Harley-Davidson motorcyles as a blue-eyed, blond-hair 8-year-old tomboy. Have fun with Jean as she rides behind her father or with her family on early versions of the Harley-Davidson. Bright, colorful illustrations by Theresa Hammerquist add fun and zest to the words of young Jeannie. Children will delight in the playful text and illustrations while learning how early Harley-Davidson motorcycles were built and enjoyed. For children ages 3-7

Motorcycles have been a way of life for Jean Davidson. Her grandfather was Walter Davidson, one of the four founders and the first president of Harley-Davidson. Her father was company vice president Gordon Davidson. And Jean herself was a Harley-Davidson dealer, rubbing elbows with all the Harleys and Davidsons as well as the Hell's Angels and Outlaws, famous racers, and Evel Knievel. This is the history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles no one else knew-until now! Here is the fairy-tale story of how four boys built their first motorcycle in a shed; how a slippery-handed maid stole all the company's earnings from the coffee can that served as their "bank"; and how a hermit uncle donated his life's savings to resurrect the company and set it on the path to becoming the world's most famous motorcycle maker. Here is the inside scoop on behind-the-boardroom-door politics and corporate battles, the unknown history of the first Knucklehead and Sportster, the secret friendship with arch-rival Indian motorcycles, and more. Here are family stories and rare photos from the family album that no one else has seen before.

Art of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle pulls together the best of David Blattel's Harley-Davidson portraiture. This deluxe edition sports a special leather-look cover, poster-sized gatefolds, and frameable garage art in an internal envelope.

The motorcycle club life style has been wild and woolly from the beginning. I've written about some wild and sometimes violent times. I have also tried to put a light on some of the corruption and underhanded dealings by some authorities. One such law enforcement officer who had a pocket full of drugs to plant on the victim but the officer instead was shot. Is the motorcycle world targeted? Yes, in some places more than others. We are profiled, detained, and often separated from our cash, there is always a ticket. We aren't allowed to assemble in public. Some bars are closed down if they serve bikers. "It Will Get Tough" exposes some of the police abuse and our ability to have fun anyway. We must stand and fight for our constitutionally guaranteed rights, and we are.