It's more like............
Triumph Motorcycles was the first manufaturer to produce a marketable motorcycle in any quantity, The was one year befor HD begain production. HD is the second oldest manufacturer in existence today.
The first ever Triumph motorcycle hit the market in 1902. Until then, the marque (formerly registered as Bettmann & Co. but re-incorporated as "Triumph" in 1887) had only produced bicycles, which might explain some of the controversy surrounding the question.
Harley's first motorbike dates back to 1903.
At least they got a water cooled one now, and it only took them 105 years. Good thing they had their reputation to carry them through. y'all take care, xhdskip