Save a horse, ride a Hog

Why are Harley Davidson motorcycles called hogs? One might assume that it’s because of their hulking nature, or maybe because of the enormous sound the engine makes as it’s revved. Despite these truths, the iconic nickname actually comes from a strange piece of racing history.

Leslie “Red” Parkhurst with fellow Harley-Davidson racer Fred Ludlow in the sidecar.

In the beginning of 1920, a group of homegrown farm boys came together to make up a Harley racing team.​​ This particular team stood out in the racing scene not only because of their finesse on the track, but because of their peculiar mascot- a piglet named Johnnie Duroc.

After each win, Class A Racing Champion and owner of the piglet, Ray Weishaar, would pop Johnnie on his bike and take him for a victory lap. Fans would cheer as they rode past. The new mascot made quite the impression-- sporting his very own green and white H-D pennant. Johnnie’s notable rides and seemingly good luck earned the team the nickname “Hog Boys”.

Ray Weishaar giving Johnnie a sip of Coca-cola after a 200-mile race in Marion, Illinois, 1920.

Ray Weishaar with the famous Harley “hog” mascot on the tank of his bike.

The “Hog Boys” were a racing force to be reckoned with. The team’s popularity grew as they continued to win races and set records across the country. They lived their lives on and for the racing track- a few of them died for the sport-- all while riding on their Hogs.