Willie G. Retiring from Harley-Davidson

Willie G. Davidson, the grandson of one of the founders of Harley-Davidson, announced his retirement today as the company’s senior vice president and chief styling officer. The 78-year-old Davidson, known to countless Harley riders as simply “Willie G.,” will leave his position after nearly 50 years on April 30, but will continue as an ambassador for the iconic brand.

“Throughout my life, I have been truly fortunate to have the opportunity to marry my passion for design with my love for this amazing brand that runs so deeply in my veins,” Davidson said. “What’s most rewarding has been to see the impact our motorcycles have on the lives of our customers.”

Since becoming the company’s first head of styling in 1963, Willie G. has been behind such models as the Super Glide, Low Rider, Heritage Softail Classic, Fat By, V-Rod and Street Glide. He was one of 13 Harley executives who purchased the company from AMF, Inc. in 1981.

“It has been my privilege to work alongside many incredibly talented people at this company and I have great confidence the future of Harley-Davidson’s design leadership will continue to grow in its preeminence,” said Davidson. “I look forward to spending time with riders at rallies and to my involvement in special design products.”

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Motorcycle Hall of Famer, three-time AMA Motocross national champion and Torrington resident Doug Henry makes a personal appearance on Saturday afternoon at Libby’s Motoworld in New Haven.

Henry will be in the store from 1 to 3 p.m. signing autographs and chatting up the Yamaha brand. Henry, who grew up in Shelton, bought his first dirt bike from Libby’s in the 1970s. He was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2005.