Bill Davidson

A Life Fueled by Harley-Davidson

William J. “Bill” Davidson, Vice President of the Harley-Davidson Museum, was born into motorcycling royalty. As the great-grandson of one of the four founders of Harley-Davidson, Bill was surrounded by the roar of engines and the company’s legendary history from an early age.

Bill’s love for motorcycles started when he was just 7 years old, riding a Harley-Davidson M50 with a push from his father, Willie G. Davidson. This early experience sparked a lifelong passion. Growing up, Bill immersed himself in the world of Harley-Davidson, frequently attending family gatherings where discussions about the company’s future were common.

After earning a marketing degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Bill joined the family business in 1984. Over the years, he held key leadership roles, helping shape the company’s outreach efforts and pioneering programs like the popular Harley demo rides. He also played a major role in growing the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.), now the largest motorcycle club in the world.

Today, Bill leads the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, home to one of the largest collections of unrestored Harley-Davidson motorcycles. As an ambassador for the brand, Bill travels the globe, connecting with fans and celebrating the company’s history.

His lifelong dedication to Harley-Davidson earned him a place in the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame, an honor that puts him alongside his family in one of motorcycling’s most revered institutions.