Just as Harley-Davidson successfully embraces one era another slips into motorcycle history. Oddly enough, both were used to build the brands popularity.

In the same press release from the Milwaukee motorcycle manufacturer touting a milestone marker of 1 million fans on its Facebook page, Harley-Davidson announced it would be leaving the sidecar business.

A novel addition to any motorcycle and sure to catch the eye of riders and non-riders alike, it was 1914 when Harley-Davidson offered their first version of the sidecar. It was the perfect way to tempt would-be riders into a new and exciting form of transportation, helping the motorcycle appear as not only a cheaper answer to the automobile but a viable one as well.

In the 1920’s Harley-Davidson advertised the motorcycle as a fun-filled alternative to the automobile, implying two wheels could take you places a car couldn't. Add a sidecar and it was an experience that could be shared with that special someone in your life.

The marketing was a success with 'Get a kick out of Life' first seeing print in 1925 and the phrase becoming popular by the time the ad shown on the right saw print in 1927.

But the very fact that sidecars are so rarely seen on the road gives an idea to their declining popularity, a decline reportedly accelerated by the introduction of the Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide family of trikes. Harley-Davidson will end sidecar production upon completion of remaining 2011 model year orders and effective immediately, no new sidecar orders will be taken.

The company will offer continued support of its dealer network and customer support for sidecar owners and will support current customers by continuing to honor warranty repairs and supply service parts and technical support.

While one marketing tool takes its place in history another roars on as one of Harley-Davidsons social networking outlets continues to grow in popularity. The milestone marker of 1 million fans on its Facebook page has drawn its readers for the daily updates on new products, events, and a wide variety of other topics of interest to riders.

"The Motor Company uses social networking sites like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter to make the Harley-Davidson brand more relevant with owners, riders and enthusiasts," said Chad Hockerman, Project Manager Social Networking. "We're doing this by maintaining an ongoing dialogue with current owners and building a new one with dreamers through engaging content that revolves around our products, our culture and our company. The million fans milestone is testament to this approach."