Episode 8: Bill Davidson Reflects On All Things Harley-Davidson

In this episode, we sit down with Bill Davidson, the son of Willie G. Davidson and great-grandson of Harley-Davidson co-founder William A. Davidson. Few names carry as much weight in the motorcycle world as Davidson, and Bill has spent his entire life surrounded by one of the most iconic brands in motorcycling. We talk about his unique upbringing in the Davidson family, what Harley-Davidson means to him, the responsibility of carrying that legendary last name, and how he’s seen the brand evolve over the decades. From stories about life inside the family to thoughts on Harley’s future with bikes like the LiveWire and Pan America, Bill gives us a rare perspective you won’t hear anywhere else. If you love Harley-Davidson, motorcycle history, or just great storytelling from someone who’s lived it, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 00:00 Intro 00:37 Advertisement 01:17 A preamble 02:09 Introducing Bill Davidson 03:45 Bill's first taste of freedom 06:05 Feeling the weight of the name 13:38 Early memories of meeting fans 17:14 What does Harley Davidson mean to you/How has that changed over time? 24:35 Balancing Harley's past, present, and future 30:30 Harley has the biggest challenge in the industry 37:30 Advertisement 38:14 Favorite model and why 40:40 What competitor impressed you? 43:24 Do laws make Harley and its owners more creative? 44:45 What do you say to riders who say "That's my dad's brand." 46:56 Pivotal moment in Harley's history 53:52 Thoughts on Harley entering other segments 55:27 Biggest misconception of Harley or its riders 59:22 Advice to new Harley Davidson owners 01:00:38 Rapid fire round! 01:08:54 Closer/Leave us a rating 01:10:28 Advertisement