Samuel Heath Head Harley-Davidson motorcycle display, Olympia Motor Show, King Edward Barracks, Christchurch, November 1921 Reference No. 1/1-007199-G Photographic Archive, Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand

If there’s one thing Wisconsin bikers know it’s that the Harley-Davidson brand of motorcycle is one of the best on the market. In fact, if state lawmakers get there way, Wisconsin could soon add Harley-Davidson motorcycles to its list of official state symbols.

In November, legislators introduced bills that would honor the Harley-Davidson motorcycles and make them the official motorcycle of the state. At the same time, a bill was also introduced to make Lactococcus lactis – a bacterium used in the making of cheese – as the official state microbe. This bizarre combination notwithstanding, the fact remains that Wisconsin is both the home base for Harley-Davidson as well as a huge cheese maker.

The bill naming Harley-Davidson as the official state motorcycle has plenty of support. Even former Governor Tommy Thompson used to refer to Wisconsin as the land where “Harleys roar and the Packers score.” The bill does not yet have a schedule for public hearings. After the public hearings, the bill would need to pass the State Senate, the State Assembly and be signed by the Governor, Jim Doyle.

What is it about a Harley that has the state lawmakers so excited? Well, for starters, Harley Davidson is headquartered right in Milwaukee, in the heart of the state. Back in 1901, a 21 year-old William S. Harley drew up his plans for a small engine to be placed on a pedal-bicycle frame. Along with childhood frined Arthur Davidson, Harley built his dream bicycle in a machine shop on the north side of Milwaukee. The bike was finished in 1903. This “power-cycle” could take the streets and modest hills of Milwaukee with no assistance.

Harley-Davidson was one of only two motorcycle manufacturers to survive the great depression. Over the years, the company has had to deal with hard times, but has always found a way to come out on top and to keep selling the best motorcycles around.

From those humble beginnings, and since those early days, Harley-Davidson motorcycles have been synonymous with the state of Wisconsin.

Every five years, Harley-Davidson features a celebratory ride to Milwaukee known as the “Ride Home.” This tradition, unofficially known as “Harleyfest,” is one of the biggest motorcycle events each year and brings in riders from across the globe. The 105^th anniversary event was held in 2008, and featured events in many Wisconsin cities including Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Kenosha counties, in Southeast Wisconsin.