Harley-Davidson motorcycles have long been associated with motorcycle gangs — particularly
the Hells Angels.
The group was formed on March 17, 1948, in Fontana, California, and is now considered
one of the most popular biker gangs in the world.
When Hells Angels was first established after World War II, motorcycle parts were abundant
and sold at an affordable price, allowing motorcycle club members to build their own
custom rides.
Most of the initial members of Hells Angels were war veterans who didn't have anything
to do and wanted the sense of adventure that they can get from riding on open roads with
their comrades.
"To me that's the spirit of Harley – hitting the road and just feeling it."
There are a few rules that Hells Angels members have to follow.
According to One Percent Bikers, one of the requirements of being part of the gang is
owning a Harley-Davidson.
There may be rare exceptions to the rule, but generally, members are encouraged to use
the American brand – even international members.
Buell, which is also owned by Harley-Davidson, is also an acceptable motorcycle.
According to Hot Cars, members are also expected to have a Harley-Davidson that's at least
1,000 ccs, although the model is entirely up to the member's budget and preference.
Harley-Davidson was established by friends William Harley and Arthur Davidson in 1903,
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The very first motorcycles produced by the company looked like bicycles fitted with engines.
The company steadily grew throughout the years, and in 1918, about half of the Harley-Davidson
motorcycles manufactured were purchased by the military to be used in World War I.
The motorcycles were used on the frontlines of war and according to Riding Vintage, they
came equipped with mounts for machine guns.
The brand's popularity soared and by 1920, Harley-Davidson had more than 2,000 dealerships
in 67 countries.
When World War II began, the motorcycle company manufactured the Harley-Davidson WLA, which
was built according to the needs of the U.S. Army.
Between 1941 to 1945, approximately 90,000 units of Harley-Davidson WLA models were built
for the explicit use of military personnel.
Units were also sent to Allied countries, such as Canada, Australia, and Great Britain.
The brand became a symbol of freedom after manufacturing motorcycles for use during World
War I and World War II.
The first members of the Hells Angels were former military personnel who fought in the
war, and they were extremely patriotic.
For that reason, they were strongly supportive of American-made products.
Unlike today, Harley-Davidson motorcycles were cheap in the post-war years.
Considering they were also made in America, it was the obvious best choice for the Hells
Angels.
And because the Hells Angels — and other motorcycle gangs — use Harleys as their
ride of choice, the relationship between the company and group has grown over the years.
Apart from supporting the American motorcycle brand, Hells Angels members also love riding
the bigger Harley-Davidson motorcycles for the loud, rumbling sound that the engines
produce.
This makes them stand out while riding in groups on open roads.
The bikes have a distinct sound that is recognizable to motorcycle enthusiasts, and according to
How Stuff Works, the sound can be attributed to the unique design and arrangement of the
cylinders.
Moreover, Harley-Davidson bikes are comfortable to ride, even over long-distance travels that
the Hells Angels usually go on.
Most Hells Angels also prefer Harley-Davidson bikes that have simple paint jobs, as this
allows them the freedom to customize the motorcycle according to their liking.
Apart from the paint job, the motorcycle company also offers customization options for motorcycle
parts.
Some of the most popular models among Hells Angels members include the Road King, Road
Glide, and Street Glide models.
Bikers personalized their rides by changing handlebars to ape hangers, lowering the seat,
having longer fork ends, and installing louder exhausts.
To this day, Harley-Davidson remains one of the most popular motorcycle brands and has
a large following that consists of not only motorcycle gang members but motorcycle enthusiasts
as well.
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