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Malta Chapter

Trivia


Building a Milwaukee Icon
During the past five years the Harley-Davidson Motor Company has had a new building under construction practically all of the time. As soon as one was finished another was started. While the contractors were finishing the upper floors the lower floors were being used for manufacturing.” — The Harley-Davidson Dealer, January 1913 The Harley-Davidson Motor Company began in a small shed behind the Davidson family home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1906, the founders built a one-s
Dec 26, 20256 min read


HELMETS THROUGH HISTORY
For much of their history, motorcycle helmets have been as much about self-expression as protection—and the earliest helmets didn’t provide much of the latter. Back when football players wore soft leather helmets, motorcycles were just starting to dot the American countryside and city streets. Speeds were lower and there was no traffic density. Those first motorcycle “helmets” were made of thin leather or cloth, and primarily succeeded in keeping the wearer’s hair in place. T
Nov 23, 20252 min read


First look: Harley-Davidson’s 2026 line-up brings 13 new models and fresh designs
Harley-Davidson kicked off its 2026 line-up reveal with a mix of familiar favourites and new trims, rolling out the first wave of bikes that will soon reach dealerships worldwide. This preview is similar to the early look at the full 2025 Harley-Davidson model range. This year’s announcement came with a Model Year 2026 Reveal – Chapter One video drop on the company’s YouTube channel, giving riders a first look at what’s next for the iconic brand. More new bikes are coming in
Nov 13, 20252 min read


The Heart of the Beast - The Magic of the Harley Davidson V-Twin
Every end of week, the streets of Mriehel echo with the unmistakable rumble of Harley-Davidson V-twins as our La Valette Malta HOG riders gathers for their meet ups and rides. A couple of bikes line up—Softails, Touring models, Sportsters, Dynas—each one with its own unique version of the legendary V-twin. Some roar louder, some purr deeper, but all share that same heartbeat that binds us together as riders. To understand why these engines feel so special, let’s take a closer
Oct 1, 20252 min read


The Wrecking Crew – The Early HD Boys Who Made Motorcycle History
First came the motorbike and, boys being boys, inevitably soon after came motorbike races. Back in the early 1900s Harley Davidson was establishing itself as a dependable motor company at the forefront of the industry, and what better way was there to prove to everyone that the Harley Davidson motorcycle was the best other than on the racetrack. To race you also need guys crazy enough to strap themselves to these machines and push the machine’s and themselves to the limits. M
Sep 10, 202512 min read


Science Proves that Riding a Motorcycle is Good For You – Seriously!
We’ve all felt it before: this uncontrollable need to smile, breathing in the air of freedom, feeling the interior peace and weightlessness that comes with being on the road and sharing a moment alone with yourself to the sound of a mix of exhaust note and wind. This might all sound a little sappy and over-poeticized, but you know exactly the feeling I’m describing and also know that very little can compare. Apparently, it’s not just a “feeling”—riding is good for us. It woul
Sep 3, 20254 min read


THE MOTORCYCLE SIDECAR
From nearly the beginning the sidecar has been a part of motorcycling. And they are more than just something you used to hook onto your bike to have a pal ride along. They played a part in commerce, warfare, and in the general spread of motorcycling's popularity. After all, when you get more use out of something, it's going to increase its appeal. Let's take a more in-depth look into something that is much more than just a motorcycle novelty. WHAT IS A SIDECAR? A sidecar is a
Aug 21, 20255 min read


Harley Davidson early mascots throughout history
On Sept. 6, 1920, Harley-Davidson racer Ray Weishaar was photographed offering a Coke to a piglet. Now, 100 years later, it's one of the most recognized photos of Harley-Davidson history and is often cited as the source of H-D's most enduring animal association. Each time a member of the team was victorious, they would take the pig with them on a victory lap. This soon led to the team being nicknamed the "Harley Hogs" and eventually the name "hog" caught on and became slang
Aug 13, 20253 min read


A History of Harley Davidson Police Motorcycles
With less than 150 miles of paved roads in the whole country in 1908, the Detroit Police Department needed something faster than a horse, and more manoeuvrable than a car for their patrol men. They found their answer in the 1908 Harley-Davidson Model 4, with a single cylinder 26 cubic inch motor, belt drive, and a top speed of about 40 mph. These were light and durable, and compared to a horse, fast. During the teens, through WWI, and into the roaring 20s Harleys got bigge
Aug 1, 20253 min read


Rebel Ink: The Enduring Allure of Harley-Davidson Tattoos
For over a century, Harley-Davidson has been synonymous with freedom, rebellion, and the open road. The iconic brand has inspired countless enthusiasts to hit the highways, feel the wind in their hair, and live life on their own terms. For many Harley riders, their passion extends beyond the bike itself, manifesting in a more permanent form of expression: tattoos. A Symbol of Loyalty and Pride Harley-Davidson tattoos have become an integral part of the brand's culture. From s
Jul 27, 20252 min read


The Founding Fathers of Harley – Davidson – A Legacy of Innovation and Adventure
You might think that Harley-Davidson was founded by two guys whose last names were Harley and Davidson, and you would be partway right. Born out of boyhood friendship, it took one Harley and three Davidsons to create a motorcycle brand that reshaped how the world moves. It took all four of them working together to create a brand that would revolutionize transportation and America. Harley-Davidson was founded in 1903 in Milwaukee, WI and officially incorporated in 1907, with W
Jul 23, 20255 min read


David Mann – The Artist Who Captured the Essence of the Harley Davidson Culture
David Mann (September 10, 1940 — September 11, 2004) was a California graphic artist whose paintings celebrated biker culture, and choppers. Called "the biker world's artist-in-residence," his images are ubiquitous in biker clubhouses and garages, on motorcycle gas tanks, and on T-shirts and other memorabilia associated with biker culture. Choppers have been built based on the bikes first imagined in a David Mann painting. Mann’s paintings set ‘outlaw’ Harley chopper motorcy
Jul 18, 20254 min read


Evil Knievel – The Daredevil
In the rough-and-tumble copper mining town of Butte, Montana, during the late 1950s, a young Robert Craig Knievel struggled to make a name for himself. Having dabbled in crime and worked odd jobs as a miner, a hunting guide, and a motorcycle salesman, Knievel realised that he needed to pick a vocation that, as he described it, “put a lump in my throat and a knot in my stomach.” Though he started motorcycle racing after his father bought him a BSA 125, he found his true callin
May 20, 20256 min read


What is the meaning of Ladies of Harley?
Ladies of Harley (L.O.H.) is a program sponsored by the Harley Owners Group to encourage female members to become more involved in Harley Davidson motorcycles, H.O.G. and local chapter activities and rides. Motorcycling, a world often perceived as male-dominated, has seen numerous inspiring women who have not only broken barriers but also made significant contributions. These women have set remarkable feats, paving the way for future generations of female riders. Let's discov
Feb 19, 20257 min read


The Tale of Guardian Bells
In the motorcycling community, these small bells, often referred to as Gremlin Bells, Guardian Bells, or Spirit Bells, serve as a kind of talisman for riders. Much like a pendant or image of St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers, these bells are believed to offer protection during journeys. How the Bell Works According to legend, malevolent spirits lurk along roadways, seeking motorcycles to attach themselves to and cause trouble. These spirits, often blamed for myst
Jan 23, 20252 min read


What You Might Not Know About Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson is arguably the most iconic motorcycle brand globally. Since its inception in 1903, Harley-Davidson has been synonymous with the American motorcycle industry. It was one of only two American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Second World War and remained the sole American motorcycle manufacturer for decades. Here's a list of fascinating facts about Harley-Davidson's journey through the years. The Beginning with an Engine The Harley-Davidson story began w
Jan 19, 20253 min read
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