“Ride Free” is a memoir by Willie G. Davidson, the grandson of one of the founders of Harley-Davidson. The book is a personal history of Harley-Davidson and a man who poured his life force into it. It is more than an autobiography, as it also provides insight into the company’s history, told from Davidson’s unique perspective. He does a wonderful job recounting his memories of family and events that shaped his life and the Harley Davidson motorcycles and the company.
Ride Free is an intimate, personal history of Harley-Davidson and a man who poured his life force into it. The first-person account of how the motorcycles evolved and how the company survived and thrived are riveting at times. His role in changing how the company designed and built motorcycles and his role in advancing the technology of the company.
His point of view tale of how Harley Davidson survived under AMF and how they bought the company away from AMF provided a version of the story I had not heard before. That alongside stories of the development of iconic motorcycles like the “Wide Glide” and “Fat Boy” make the book a page turner.
Whether or not you are a fan of Harley Davison this is an enjoyable read. The story of a man that dedicated his life to his family business, started by his grandfather and uncle, and sustained by his father, is worth your time.











