10 Fast Facts About Willie G. Davidson

William Harley, Arthur Davidson and his brothers Walter and William were the pioneers of the bikes we love. Willie G. Davidson is William’s grandson.

Willie G’s father was president of the company for just shy of 30 years. Notably, while Willie G. Davidson may have descended from Harley-Davidson royalty, he however was certainly going to create his own legend in the company.

In 1957, Willie G. married Nancy. When Willie G. started working at Harley-Davidson in 1963, Nancy was teaching at a school.

Nancy and Willie G. were often seen together. Her passion for Harley-Davidson shone through. Her work in the community was inspirational. Sadly, she passed away in 2021.

Before joining Harley-Davidson, Willie G. had worked for Brooks Stevens Design. He was involved in designing things like outboard motors.

In 1963, Willie G. set up the Styling Department at Harley-Davidson. The timing of his arrival cannot be overlooked. The Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide was still commanding the highways. A string of two-stroke bikes had come along, like the 175cc Pacer. Not to mention, 1963 was the year of Harley-Davidson golf carts.

Willie G. Davidson is a creative genius. His creativity and artistic talents had been honed when he went to California’s Art Center College of Design. But he had graduated from there, and he was now applying his artistic skills in the workplace.

One of his passions has been watercolor painting. Over the years, Willie G. has grown an extensive portfolio of watercolor paintings, which showcase his artistic flair. His works have even been exhibited.

Willie G. Davidson certainly showcased his extraordinary talent when he came to Harley-Davidson.

One of his creations was the 1971 FX Super Glide.
1971 Harley Davidson FX Super GlideVia: Mecum Auctions
This FX Super Glide is powered by a 1207cc Shovelhead. Its frame combines elements from the XLH Sportster, such as the telescopic forks, and the FLH Electra Glide, such as the frame and rear suspension.

Willie G. was promoted to a vice president role in 1969. He created a succession of different designs that resonated with the motorcycle world, such as the 1977 FXS Low Rider.

Willie G. was instrumental in not only creating awesome motorcycle designs, but was also one of the people who helped to rescue Harley-Davidson from the brink of bankruptcy in 1981.

Maybe one of the Harley logos many riders recognize is the Willie G. Skull. Many of the Harley products use this logo, whether it be on a keychain or displayed on part of the bike.

The Willie G. Skull logo shows the extraordinary impact upon the Harley-Davidson brand that Willie G. came to have. That impact still reverberates today, seen in his designs.

Willie G. was the driving force behind many Harley designs. We certainly cannot forget the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy. The 1990 “Grey Ghost” has the chrome finish we love, along with the yellow touches, not to mention the silky, smooth lines that enamor us.

Willie G. was also the man behind the 2001 Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod. It departed from the old-school script, but certainly left its mark. It was designed with the assistance of Porsche.

In 2012, after an extraordinary career, Willie G. Davidson retired from his role as Senior Vice President and Chief Styling Officer.

t was not like Willie G. disappeared from the company. He is still an ambassador for the Harley-Davidson brand and took on the role of Chief Styling Officer Emeritus.

Willie G. was honored as an AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Legend. His legacy lives on, not only through the Harleys he helped design, but through his passion and his visionary leadership.

In the same way, his grandfather was a pioneer, along with the other Davidson brothers and William S. Harley, so too, Willie G. has been a trailblazer, leading the way with his passion for Harley-Davidson.