
Harley Davidson 1990 1st Edition Fatboy FLSTF (Gray Ghost) Only 4400 made Very Collectible
Not very many people know the history of a first edition Silver Fatboy. The name is reminiscent of the atomic bombs named "Fatman" and "LittleBoy" that were dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The naming of the bike was not meant to offend, rather, it was done as a tribute to a certain period in time. If you notice the Fatboy's gas-tank emblem it somewhat resembles a U.S.A.F. wing emblem. The bombs where silver in color and had distinctive yellow rings painted on them. The motorcycle has seven yellow rings painted throughout the bike - one on the ignition ring, one on the primary inspection cover, two on the tank, one on the cam cover and two on the head covers. You definitely do not want to change the gun metal gray on the tank and fenders or frame on this first edition collector. With little advertising of the purpose behind this color scheme, the bike is now a very collectible item, not so much dollar wise, but more for what it represents.FACTOID: On the morning of August 6, 1945, Col Paul W. Tibbets flew the Enola Gay into the future by dropping the world's first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The bomb he dropped was "LittleBoy".
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1901 - In Milwaukee, William Harley, 21, and Arthur Davidson, 20, began experiments on "taking the work out of bicycling." They were soon joined by Arthur's brothers, Walter and William. 1902 - The 1902 prototype was a 10.2ci, (167cc), single with 2.125" X 2.875" bore and stroke with a 5" flywheel. [It would blow your hat off in a good breeze plus the almost 25mph it could attain.] 1903 William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson make available to the public the first production Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. The company Harley-Davidson was founded. Many changes were made to the engine design before its builders were satisfied. After the new looped frame was finalized, they were ready to begin production. The first Harley-Davidson motorcycle is manufactured: a 25 cubic inch (410cc) atmospheric-inlet-valve single-cylinder. Only 3 Harley-Davidson motorcycles were made in 1903. The company Harley-Davidson was founded. Harley and the Davidson brothers create their first motorcycle. Many changes were made to the engine design before its builders were satisfied. After the new looped frame was finalized, they were ready to begin production. The first Harley Davidsons were built: a 25 cubic inch (410cc) atmospheric-inlet-valve single-cylinder.This single cylinder, 3hp, belt drive machine was followed by 2 more that first year, all bought and paid for before completion. The first one was purchased by a fellow named Meyer 1904/1905 - Production began in a shed behind the Davidson family home. The machine was a 30 cubic inch (494cc) single which was later nicknamed: The "Silent Grey Fellow" nickname coincides with the new standard grey color. Production began in a shed behind the Davidson family home. The machine was a 30 cubic inch (494cc) single Production again totals 3 machines. The machines' conservative colour and quiet muffler earn them the nickname "Silent Gray Fellow". 1906 The first motorcycle catalog is produced by the Company and the nickname "Silent Gray Fellow" is used for the first time. Harley-Davidson erected its first building at the current Juneau Avenue site in 1906. Catalogs are produced to advertise the new Silent Gray Fellow. A Davidson uncle, James McLay, finances construction of a new plant on the site that becomes Harley-Davidson®'s permanent location. The Juneau Avenue (then called Chestnut Street) factory adds 5 employees and increases production to 50 motorcycles. 1907 Harley-Davidson incorporated in September 17th 1907. A prototype V-twin motorcycle was built. Although only 150 motorcycles were made this year, 1907 saw the first Harley-Davidson® sold for police duty. 1908 The first motorcycle sold for police duty is delivered to the Detroit, Mich., police dept. A prototype of the 61ci V-twin wins a hillclimb in Algonquin, Illinois. More factory space is added and overall production climbs to 410. 1909 - The trademark 45 degree V-Twin engine, introduced in 1909, displaced 49.5 cu in and produced seven horsepower. Top speed: 60 mph. 1909 production was truly massive compared to previous years (almost 8 times the 1907 production rate) at 1,149 motorcycles. 1910 The "Bar & Shield" logo is used for the first time, and was trademarked at the U.S. Patent office in 1911 1911 The "F-head" engine was introduced by Harley-Davidson motorcycle and was used until 1929. After a false start in 1909, the 7hp, 49.5ci, 45-degree V-twin is reintroduced with mechanical valves, a new frame and a top speed of 60mph. Belt drive remains standard. Production increases 8 fold form 1907 to 1,149 motorcycles. 1912 - First clutch mechanism. V-twin gets chain drive and a rear wheel clutch. Bill Harley designs the Full-Floating seat featuring center post suspension. 1913 - The original 28' x 80' factory had grown to 297,110 square feet. Harley-Davidson began to dominate racing events. 1913 production: 12,904 motorcycles. A new 5hp, 35 cu. in. single is offered with chain or belt drive.The original 28' x 80' factory had grown to 297,110 square feet. Harley-Davidson began to dominate racing events. 1914 Sidecars were made available to Harley-Davidson buyers while clutch and brake pedals were made available on F-head singles and twins. Harley introduces kickstarter and internal expanding rear brake. 9 departmets of the federal government are using Harleys, 1,400 for postal deliveries. 1915 Harley-Davidson motorcycles were made available with three speed sliding-gear transmissions with final and primary drive on the same side. 1916 - The first issue of "The Enthusiast" publication. 1916 - 1917 - 1918 - After Harley-Davidson motorcycles had proven their military value in border skirmishes with Pancho Villa, they were quickly called to duty when the U.S. entered WWI. The War Department requests a dozen motor cycles, They arrived in 2 days. A second order came 11 days later and it arrives in 33 hours, all fully equipt for war. Some 20,000 cycles would see duty before the war's end. 1919 The 37 cubic inch opposed twin cylinder Sport model was introduced 1920 - Harley-Davidson became the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, boasting dealers in 67 countries. Harley-Davidson motorcycle development was evolutionary rather than revolutionary with side-valve machines replacing inlet-over-exhaust designs in the late 1920s. production: 28,189 motorcycles. 1920 production: 28,189 motorcycles. Mass production of cars depresses motorcycle sales. 1921 - In February 1921, on a Fresno, CA., board track, a Harley-Davidson became the first motorcycle ever to win a race with an average speed over 100 mph. The first 74 cubic inch V-twin engine is introduced on the JD and FD models. Production now drops to 10,000 machines. 1922 - 74" Twin engine debuts. The motor comes out developing 18 horsepower. Advertized as the Superpowered Twin, it was designed for sidecar or tandem riding.. 1925 - The debut of the teardrop gas tank. 1928 Front wheel brakes were introduced dramatically improving the safety and handling of Harley-Davidson's cycles.Production increases to over 22;000 motorcycles. The first Harley-Davidson twin cam engine was made available on the JD series motorcycles. 1929 The second generation of Davidsons, and a Harley, join the firm. After the stock market crash of October 1929, Harley-Davidson sales suffered with everyone else's in the industry. This year saw the introduction of the first 45 ci (750cc) side-valve V-twin WL and the twin cam 1200cc twin "D" series. These used the same frame as the singles, which was made possible by mounting the generator perpendicular to the engine. Early Forty-fives lacked the power of their competition, the Indian Scout. 1932 The 45 cubic inch-driven, three-wheeled Servi-car was introduced 1932 - The 45ci Servicar model was introduced. Cost $450 1933 Depression deepens; Milwaukee cuts back to two-day work week to avoid lay-offs. Production drops to 3,700 vehicles. 1935 Harley racer Joe Petrali wins every national dirt track race of the year. 1936 Harley-Davidson wasted no time building momentum out of the depression, they introduce its EL model, featuring the 61 ci (1000cc) overhead valve engine, also known as the "Knucklehead." This engine, termed the "61 OHV" in factory literature and called the Sixty-one in every day circles was a mid-season 1936 model. This, in the opinion of many, is the motorcycle that saved Harley-Davidson. At that time, for the first time, a major American motorcycle company was building a big motorcycle with overhead valves (this coming shortly after the major engineering difficulties of the 1929 Forty-five and the 1930 Seventy-four. Also introduced this year was the 80ci side valve twin engine. Despite the depression Harley-Davidson produced almost 10000 motorcycles in 1936. 1937 The first WL models were produced. William A. Davidson dies. Joe Petrali rides Knucklehead to new speed record of 136 mph at Daytona. 1938 The Jack Pine Gypsies Motorcycle Club held the first Black Hills Rally in Sturgis, S.D. 1940 The 750cc, 74ci and 80ci engines get aluminum heads. The 74ci OHV FL model is readied for release. 1941 - Civilian production ceases at year end as U.S. enters WWII. Almost immediately after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Harley-Davidson's entire motorcycle output was produced for Allied use. By the end of World War II, 90,000 WLA army-version motorcycles had been built and shipped. The FL series began. A shaft-drive, opposed twin, model XA, was developed for desert warfare, only 1000 made. 1942 Harley-Davidson produced the XA 750, (a motorcycle with horizontally opposed cylinders and shaft drive), designed for desert use for the military. Only 1,011 XA's were built. Walter Davidson dies at age 65. 1943 William Harley dies at age 66 1946 Harley-Davidson introduced the 45 cubic inch flathead WR racing motorcycle. 1947 - Full civilian production resumes with updated '41 models. The 74ci Overhead Valve big twin engine was introduced. First appearance of zippered black leather jacket. 1948 New features were added to the 61 and 74 overhead valve engines, including aluminum heads and hydraulic lifters along with a one piece, chrome plated rocker covers shaped like cake pans - thus the "Panhead" began... 1948 production: 31,163 motorcycles. 1948 The 125cc two-stroke Hummer is introduced. 1949 - The Hydra-Glide debuts. Hydraulic front forks first appeared on the new Hydra-Glide models on FL 1950 Arthur Davidson dies at age 69, He and his wife are killed in a tragic automobile accident, leaving the motor company to be controled by the second generation. 1952 The side-valve K model was introduced would eventually evolve into the Sportster. The K model, a 750cc side-valve V-twin, replaces the venerable WL. Unit construction gears, hand clutch and foot shift making the racing KR an instant success. 1953 - Harley-Davidson celebrates its 50th anniversary while its oldest and closest competitor, Indian, went out of business, leaving Harley-Davidson as the sole survivor in a once overcrowded American motorcycle marketplace. Harley-Davidson expanded its line to include two-stroke engines and even a scooter. 1953 production: 14,050 motorcycles. The 125cc grows to 165cc. 1954 The K model becomes the 55ci KH; forerunner to the Sportster. 1956 Elvis Presley buys a red and white KH model. 1957 The Sportster® premiered The KH gets overhead valves and becomes the XL Sportster. 1958 - The Duo Glide (based on the earlier Hydra-Glide model) was introduced, featuring a hydraulic rear shock suspension to go with the hydraulically dampened front fork. Also in 1958, Carroll Resweber won the first of four consecutive AMA Grand National Championships. 1959 - XLCH Sportster. 1960 Harley-Davidson buys Italian manufacturer Aeronautica Macchi S.P.A.. Italian-built lightweights are sold in America under the Harley-Davidson name. Some Italian model included the Shortster and Sprint models. The "Topper", a fiberglass a now famous motor scooter, The Topper featured a pull-cord starting mechanism not unlike that of a lawn-mower. 1963 When it became apparent that fiberglass was becoming a versatile material for golf cars and motorcycles, Harley-Davidson purchased and converted a fiberglass boat company in Tomahawk, Wis. William "Willie G" Davidson, joins the Motor Company as director of styling. 1964 The three-wheeled Servi-Car became the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle to receive an electric starter. 1965 George Roeder set a world land speed record of 177.225 mph for 250CC motorcycles on a modified Harley-Davidson Sprint. Bart Markel, aboard a Harley, won the second of his three AMA Grand National Championships. Harley-Davidson became a publicly-held company when it issued stock in 1965. which was also the last year of the "Panhead" engine. The Electra-Glide® replaced the Duo-Glide and was updated with electric starter. The Electra-Glide was the first FL available with electric start. 1966 - The "Shovelhead" engine was introduced on the Electra-Glide models, replacing the "Panhead". Production: 36,310 motorcycles. The Sportster gets new cams and carburetor. Production: 36,310 motorcycles. 1967 The Sportster gets an electric start. 1968 Cal Rayborn rides KR to victory in Daytona; is the first to average over 100mph. 1969 Rayborn repeats at Daytona. Harley-Davidson® sold to conglomerate American Machine and Foundry (AMF). Rodney Gott, AMF's chairman, had been a Harley fan since before World War II. 1970 Rayborn sets world record of 265 mph at Bonneville in Sportster-powered streamliner. KR replaced by XR750. 1971 Harley-Davidson introduced the FX 1200 Super Glide, considered the first true factory custom. This was also the first year of Harley-Davidson snowmobile production. Joe Smith, riding a drag bike powered by a single Harley-Davidson motor, was the first to break the nine-second barrier in motorcycle drag racing. Introduction of the FX 1200 SuperGlide, designed by Willie G.,considered the first true factory custom. AMF logo added to gas tanks Evel Knievel jumps to fame. 1972 The 1000 cc XLH/XLCH Sportster models were introduced. First disc brakes on a production Harley-Davidson cycle (ElectraGlide). 1973 Assembly operations move from Milwaukee to AMF plant in York, Pennsylvania. 1974- Chassis manufacturing and final assembly operations moves to a plant in York, Pa. Engine and transmission operations remained in Milwaukee, along with the corporate headquarters. 1975 Production: 75,403 1977 Willie G. presents XLCR Cafe Racer & FXS Low Rider, a version of SuperGlide. 1976/78 - Continuing the Harley-Davidson tradition of racing dominance, Jay "Springer" Springsteen won the AMA Grand National Championship in 1976, 1977 and 1978. 1977 - FXS 1200 Low Rider and FLHS. 1978 Continuing the Harley-Davidson tradition of racing dominance, Jay "Springer" Springsteen won the AMA Grand National Championship in 1976, 1977 and 1978. Harley-Davidson sells the Italian operation (the old Aermacchi company) and the sales of Italian motorcycles with the Harley-Davidson name was halted. ElectraGlide grows to 1340cc. H-D celebrates 75th anniversary. the Anniversary models debuts. FLH 80 Electra-Glide debuts. First electronic ignition on a Harley. 1979 - FXS 80 Low Rider debuts. 1980 - The 80 cu in FLT Tour Glide, (the predecessor to today's Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles) with five-speed transmission, with a rubber-isolated drive train with an engine and five-speed transmission that were hard bolted together, oil bath enclosed rear chain. FXWG WideGlide (another factory custom) along with the belt drive FXB Sturgis. The Kevlar belt began replacing the chain as the final drive. 1981 H-D managers, led by AMF executive, Vaughan Beals, purchase Harley-Davidson® from AMF for $75 million in a leveraged buy-out and developed new models and a new image. With improved manufacturing and quality process, many of the old flaws of the HD design were resolved. Harley-Davidson once again becomes a privately owned company. With improved manufacturing and quality process, many of the old flaws of the HD design were resolved. A new image was forming. 1982 FXR Super Glide II gets a rubber mounted engine and 5-speed transmission. 1983 President Reagan imposed additional tariffs on the import of Japanese motorcycles, improving Harley-Davidson's ability to compete against high-quality foreign manufacturers. Harley Owners Group® (HOG) inaugurated. The XR1000 Sportster rolls out. 1983 - The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) is established. 1984 Harley-Davidson unveiled the 1340cc V²® Evolution® engine while introducing the Softail® mode linel. The Introduction of the "Evolution" engine debuts. The first head-turning FX Softail models and Air Assisted Anti-Drive. 1986 - By offering common stock and subordinated notes, Harley-Davidson once again becomes a publicly owned corporation. Harley-Davidson released the FL Heritage Softail® model line. The Sportster® motorcycle line received the Evolution 883cc V-twin engine. The latter sparks industry-wide retro-look styling for a decade. Company goes public with 2 million shares of common stock. H-D acquires Holiday Rambler, a luxury motorhome manufacturer. 1987 - In an unprecedented move, Harley-Davidson petitions the ITC for early termination of the five year tariff imposed in 1983. Harley-Davidson was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. 30th Anniversary 1100cc Sportster. Electra Glide Sport, Heritage Softail Classic and Low Rider Custom are unveiled. 1989 - Spartanburg, SC Chapter # 4813 is Chartered! 1988 - Patented "Springer" front-end returns. with the FXSTS Springer® Softail®. The Sportster 1200 was also introduced in 1988 H-D's 85th Anniversary celebration raises $600,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Association. 1990 The FLSTF Fat Boy® motorcycle line was introduced. The FLSTF Fat Boy is another Willie G. instant success story. The new Dyna Glide series is launched with a Sturgis model to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Black Hills Classic in Sturgis, South Dakota. Attendance at this wildly popular rally exceeds 250,000. 1991 - All Harleys change to five speed transmission. The "Dyna" line of motorcycles was introduced with the 1991 FXDB Dyna Glide Sturgis®. Chapters reach 650 worldwide. Daytona Bike Week turns 50. 1992 Harley-Davidson buys a minority interest in the Buell Motorcycle Company. All Harleys adopt a belt drive. 1993 - "90th Anniversary" homecoming. To celebrate their 90th Anniversary, Harley pulls out the stops on Limited Edition models; Sportster, Low Rider, Wide-, Electra-, and Tour-Glides. Milwaukee hosts a huge birthday bash and 100,000 plus loyal Harley riders converge on the city for a weekend. 1995 - The FLHR Road King® motorcycle line was introduced. The 30th Anniversary Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® became the first production Harley-Davidson motorcycle to include sequential port electronic fuel injection that's an instant hit. 1996 Harley-Davidson® sells Holiday Rambler and begins construction of a new distribution facility in Milwaukee for Parts and Accessories. Ridden by Chris Carr, the VR1000 finishes a very respectable 10th place at the Daytona 200. 1998 - Harley-Davidson's "95th anniversary" homecoming. Harley-Davidson® unveils plans for the new twin cam 88ci V-twin 1999 - New Twin Cam 88 cu. in. motor introduced. All 1999 model year big twins received the new Twin Cam 88 engine. in the rubber mounted frame styles 2000 Softails get the new updated Twin Cam TC88 with internal counterbalancers vibration supressor. Sportsters get new updates to the engine cases. Disc brakes change to dual piston calipers. 2000 - New Twin Cam 88B with . The Softail Duece makes its debut. New stiffer softail frame introduced. The FXSTD Softail® Deuce™ motorcycle line was introduced."From a Dream . . . . . . to a Legacy"
[1903 -1929 *The F-Head] 1903 ----------- First Single (25”, 1906-27”, 1909-30”, 1929-30.5”) 1909 ----------- First V-Twin - 50” 1912 - 1921 ---61” E, F, J 1919 - 1923 ---37” Horizontal W Sport Twin 1920 - 1929 ---74” JD (1930-36 = V, 1937-48 = U) 1926 - 1935 ---21” A, B & OHV AA, BB [1930 - 1974 *The Flathead engine] 1932 - 1937 ---45” R 1932 - 1974 ---Servicar 1935 - 1937 ---80” VL [1936 - 1947 *The Knucklehead engine] 1936 - 1952 ---61” OHV EL 1937 - 1942 ---80” UL 1937 - 1951 ---45” WL 1941 - 1947 ---74” FL 1942 - 1945 ---45” WLA Army, XA 750cc Army [1948 - 1965 *The Panhead engine] 1948 ---------74” FL Pan 1949 - 1957 74” Hydra Glide 1952 ---------45” K 1954 ---------55” KH 1957 - 1971 55” XL Sportster 1958 - 1963 FL Duo Glide 1965 - 1970 FL Electra Glide [1966 - 1984 *The Shovelhead Engine] 1970 - 1971 - XR750 (1972-80 = Aluminum, 1981- ? engines only) 1971 - 1980 - FLH1200 1971 - 1972 - FX1200 Super Glide 1972 - 1976 - XLH, XLCH 1000cc 1972 --------- Shortster 1974 - 1980 - FXE 1200 1977 -----------FLHS 1977 - 1979 - XLT 1977 - 1978 - XLCR, FXS Low Rider 1978 ----------FLH80 1979 ----------FLH80 Classic, FXS 80, FXEF1200, Fat Bob 1980 ----------FXWG Wide Glide 1980 - 1982 - FLT Tour Glide, FLHS, XLS, FXEF80, FXB Sturgis 1981 - 1986 - FLT Classic 1982 - 1985 - XLS Roadster 1982 ----------XLHA, XLSA 1982 - 1983 -FXR, FXRS Super Glide II, FXSB Belt, FXRT Tour Glide (shovels) 1983 ----------FXDG Disc Glide 1983 - on-----FLHT, FLHTC [1984 - present *The Evolution Engine] (First years) 1984 ----------FXST 1984 ----------FXRDG - only year 1986 ----------FXR - re-introduced, FLST Heritage Softail 1987 ----------FXLR Low Rider Custom 1988 ----------FXSTS Springer Softail 1990 ----------FLSTF Fat Boy 1991 ----------FXDB Dyna Glide Sturgis 1992 ----------FXDB Daytona Dyna Glide - only year 1992 ----------FXDC Super Glide Dyna Custom 1993 ----------FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide, FXDL Dyna Low Rider 1995 ----------FXSTSB Bad Boy, FLHR Road King