Archive for the ‘Harley Davidson’ Category

PostHeaderIcon How Buell Became Part of Harley Davidson

In today’s world, it seems that almost any topic is open for debate. While I was gathering facts for this article, I was quite surprised to find some of the issues I thought were settled are actually still being openly discussed.

The Buell Motorcycle Company is an American motorcycle manufacturer that is based in East Troy, Wisconsin. It was founded by Erik Buell, who was once employed by the Harley Davidson Company as an engineer. The Buell Motorcycle Company is the only significant manufacturer of sporting motorcycles in the United States.

Eric F. Buell was born in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1950. He was raised on a farm, learning to work on machinery at a young age. As a teen-ager, Buell took up motorcycling. His first bike was an Italian-made Parilla 90cc moped, his second a 74ci basket-case Harley Davidson. He began racing motorcross and also became interested in road racing in his early 20′s.

Buell was also employed as a motorcycle mechanic during the day, while taking classes in engineering at the University of Pittsburgh at night. He received his engineering degree in 1979 and soon began working for Harley Davidson in Milwaukee. This is where he began designing concept motorcycles and was involved with the Porsche-designed “Nova” V-four program. He was also responsible for a lot of the improvement in stability made to the chassis design of the FXR series of cruisers.

Buell’s loyalty to the Harley Davidson Company prevented him from racing Japanese or Italian made motorcycles in the 1980’2. This led to his purchase of a bike produced by a company in Great Britain. The Barton Company produced a limited production racer that was powered by a water-cooled 750cc Square Four two-stoke engine. The bike however, was poorly made and Buell began using his engineering talents and own designs to remake it as the parts failed.

The best time to learn about Harley Davidson is before you’re in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable Harley Davidson experience while it’s still free.

Buell raced this prototype bike, which was still using the mostly-stock Barton engine, in 1982 at AMA National on the Pocono Speedway. He called this bike the RW750 with the RW standing for Road Warrior. During testing the RW750 reached speeds of up to 178 miles per hour.

When the Barton Company shut down in 1982, Buell purchased the entire stock of spare engines and parts, all drawings and the rights to produce and sell the engine. The shipment was delayed causing him to miss out on the opportunity of using this equipment for the 1983-racing season. The lack of reliability of the Barton engine also caused Harley Davidson to decline giving engineering and financial support to Buell when he asked. He then left the company to devote more time to his racing effort. Luckily the split was amicable.

Buell offered his RW750s for sale in 1984 with much success. The American Machinist’s Union Racing Team bought, tested and raced the first publicly sold RW750. Unfortunately by the spring of 1985 the AMA announced that the Formula One class was being discontinued for the 1986 season leaving no market for Buell’s machine.

Buell continued to design and improve his bikes with great success, all the time studying Harley Davidson’s concepts and maintaining a close relationship with the company. This success and partnership benefited both companies and in the 1990′s Harley Davidson invested a 51 percent interest in the newly reformed Buell Motorcycle Company. By 2003 Harley Davidson bought complete control of Buell Motorcycle Company, and currently distributes their bikes through select Harley Davidson dealerships. Eric Buell is still responsible for the engineering and design of Buell motorcycles.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

PostHeaderIcon The Evolution Of The Engine

Are you looking for some inside information on Harley Davidson? Here’s an up-to-date report from Harley Davidson experts who should know.

The first engine that William Harley ever designed was in 1901, before the Harley Davidson Company even began. It was a small engine that displaced 7.07 cubic inches and had 4-inch flywheels. This engine was designed to power a regular bicycle, however it did not give the bike enough power to ascend the hills of Milwaukee.

The next engine Harley developed with the assistance of the Davidson brothers was bigger and more powerful. This engine was 24.74 cubic inches with 9-3/4 inch flywheels weighing 28 pounds. The group also received help with this engine from outboard motor pioneer Ole Evinrude, and was much more successful, premiering the first Harley Davidson motorcycle in 1904 at a race in Milwaukee.

Since then Harley Davidson has continued to improve and develop their motorcycle engines. The Flathead engine was manufactured between 1929 and 1974. These engines did not have overhead valves. The valves ran alongside the engine and opened upward into a chamber beside the combustion chamber. A typical flathead engine displaced about 45 cubic inches and produced about 22 horsepower.

The Knucklehead engine was manufactured between 1936 and 1947. This engine was available in 60 cubic inch and 74 cubic inch variations, producing 40 to 45 horsepower.

The Panhead engine was manufactured between 1948 and 1965. This engine also came in 60 cubic inch and 74 cubic inch variations, but produced 50 to 55 horsepower. The biggest difference between the two engines was the aluminum heads on the panhead and internal oil lines, as opposed to external oil lines on the knucklehead.

If your Harley Davidson facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don’t let important Harley Davidson information slip by you.

The Shovelhead engine was manufactured between 1966 and 1985. This engine displaced 74 cubic inches and produced 60 horsepower.

The Evolution engine was manufactured between 1984 and 1999. This engine displaced 81.8 cubic inches and produced 70 horsepower. Some smaller evolution engines are still produced today, and are used in the Sportster line of Harley Davidson motorcycles.

The Twin Cam 88 engine began to be manufactured in 1999. This engine got its name because it has 2 cams in the crankcase to activate the valves. This engine displaces 88 cubic inches and produces 80 horsepower making it the largest production Harley Davidson engine. This engine is air-cooled and uses overhead valves activated by pushrods.

The Revolution engine began to be manufactured in 2001. This engine is currently only used in the VSRC model. This engine is quite different from the others produced by Harley Davidson. It is water-cooled instead of air-cooled. Its V angle is 60 degrees instead of 45 degrees. It has 4 overhead cams instead of two in the crankcase and it is fuel injected. This engine s smaller at 69 cubic inches, but it produces 115 horsepower due to its much shorter stroke.

Harley engines are big. They have a very distinctive sound. Once you know what a Harley sounds like you will always recognize when one is coming. The Harley sound is part of the whole Harley experience. The sound is enhanced by removing the muffler and comes from the way the engine is designed.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

PostHeaderIcon The History of Harley Davidson Motorcycles

The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most important thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.

Today, Harley Davidson motorcycles are a household name, but it hasn’t always been that way. It began way back in 1901, when a young man named William S. Harley had a vision for attaching an engine to a bicycle.

William had a friend named Arthur Davidson who embraced his concept. Together, they began working endless hours in a small wooden shed, with the words “Harley Davidson” scrawled on the door. By 1903, they rolled out the first production Harley Davidson motorcycle.

The legendary “Bar and Shield” logo became the defining symbol of Harley Davidson motorcycles in 1910. The logo is representative of strength and ruggedness. The design was patented in 1911 and continues to be used today.

In 1920, motorcycle racing legend, Leslie “Red” Parkhurst, broke numerous speed records on a Harley Davidson racing motorcycle. Each time Parkhurst won a race, he would carry a pig on a victory lap and it was during this time the term “hog” became associated with Harley Davidson motorcycles.

During World War I nearly half of the Harley Davidson motorcycles produced were sold to the United States Army. Throughout the 1920s, major changes took place to the design. The most notable was the change in the gas tank, which was switched to the now infamous teardrop shape. In 1928, Harley Davidson introduced the first twin-cam engine and front wheel brakes. These modifications allowed Harley Davidson motorcycles to reach speeds in excess of 85 mph.

Throughout the 1930s, Harley Davidson motorcycles continued to break speed records and won multiple awards. Harley Davidson further expanded into commercial and police vehicles through the introduction of the three-wheel Servi-Car.

Appearance changes were made to Harley Davidson motorcycles and included the famous “eagle” design, which was painted on all Harley Davidson gas tanks. During this time, the trademark 1340 cc engine was introduced and the “Knucklehead” motorcycle was launched.

Between the years of 1941 through 1945, Harley Davidson ceased civilian production of motorcycles and focused solely on providing reliable motorcycles to the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II.

When civilian production resumed, Harley Davidson motorcycles were in high demand. The organization expanded and purchased the A.O. Smith Propeller Plant to be used as a machine shop. Here they manufactured motorcycle parts and shipped them to the factory for final assembly.

1947 saw the introduction of the “Panhead” Harley Davidson motorcycle, which was deemed “THE American Motorcycle”. Two years later, hydraulic front brakes were introduced on the Hydra-Glide models.

Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.

The 1950s were filled with challenges and triumphs. During this time, the British captured nearly 40 percent of the motorcycle market with their ever-popular Triumph motorcycle. Harley Davidson owners knew they would have to get creative if they were to remain at the top.

To compete with the smaller, sportier motorcycles coming from Great British, Harley Davidson developed the side-valve K model with an integrated engine and transmission. Today, the K model is known as the Sportster.

1953 marked the 50th anniversary of Harley Davidson motorcycles. The organization marked this event by creating a special logo which included a “V”, with a bar overlaid reading “Harley Davidson” and the words “50 Years American Made”. Every motorcycle manufactured in 1954 had a medallion version of the logo placed on the front fender.

During the 60s, Harley Davidson scaled down production and offered the only scooter bike ever produced. It was also during this time that the Sprint model was introduced. Other innovations included the electric starter and the introduction of the “Shovelhead” engines.

The 70s brought about transformation of the Harley Davidson motorcycle. A new Sportster racing motorcycle was introduced in 1970. One year later, the FX 1200 Super Glide cruiser was introduced; along with the first Harley-Davidson snowmobile.

1977 brought the Harley-Davidson Low Rider to the forefront when it was debuted to the public in Daytona Beach. Later in the year, the Café Racer was released.

Last, but not least, Harley Davidson introduced the FXEF Fat Bob in 1979. This bike has dual gas tanks and bobbed fenders. It was featured in Hollywood films and quickly became a favorite of the American public.

During the 80s, Harley Davidson went through considerable internal changes and more attention was focused on motorcycle racing. One of the most notable changes occurred in 1986, when Harley Davidson became listed on the American Stock Exchange.

In the 1990s, Harley Davidson expanded its U.S. operations to include a multi-million dollar paint facility, a new distribution center, power train plant, and production facility. Harley Davidson also opened a new assembly facility Brazil, the first operations outside of the U.S.

Since the beginning of 2000, Harley Davidson has exploded the marketplace with a variety of new and exciting motorcycles. These include the Softail Deuce; the Buell Blast, Firebolt, and Lightning; the Road King Custom; and the Street Glide.

Today, Harley Davidson owns more than 60 percent of the motorcycle market share. Considering their history and reputation, chances are good that Harley Davidson motorcycles will be around for another 100 years.

There’s no doubt that the topic of Harley Davidson can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about Harley Davidson, you may find what you’re looking for in the next article.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

PostHeaderIcon The Must-Have Harley Davidson Apparel for Children

Harley Davidson offers a full line of motorcycle apparel for bikers of all ages. While all of their apparel is popular amongst motorcycle enthusiasts, the Harley Davidson children’s apparel is some of the most highly sought after apparel in the world.

Your children can be covered from top to bottom in Harley Davidson apparel. Selections range from briefs to leather jackets; all emblazoned with the Harley Davidson logo. Below are ten “must-have” pieces of apparel for young Harley Davidson enthusiasts.

1) Harley Davidson Children’s Classic Motorcycle Jacket is manufactured from genuine leather and includes silver hardware, three front zipper pockets, one front button pocket, adjustable belt and zippered wrist closures. An exact replica of the adult sized motorcycle jacket so kids can dress just like mom and dad!

2) If you’re not into spending the money on a real leather jacket, consider the Harley Davidson Kid’s Motorcycle Jacket made from durable pleather. While it looks similar to leather, it won’t hurt so much if it gets ripped or torn. The back side of the jacket sports a Harley Davidson logo surrounded by the words, “My Daddy Rides a Harley-Davidson”. The jacket’s classic design includes the same features as the adult leather motorcycle jacket, including the Shield and Bar logo.

3) Little girls will flip for the Harley Davidson Girl’s Biker Jacket. This bright pink beauty is constructed from nylon and features hearts and “Harley-Davidson” embroidered on the front. The back side of the jacket sports a heart with wings embroidery and rhinestone accenting. For girl’s that don’t like pink, the jacket is available in classic black.

4) The Harley Davidson Hoodie with Flames is one hot look for cool days. Manufactured from soft fleece, the hoodie is black in color with bright orange accents. The Harley-Davidson logo and flames are embroidered on the front of the jacket and on the sleeves. For the more adventurous types, the hoodie is available in bright orange with black accents.

Truthfully, the only difference between you and Harley Davidson experts is time. If you’ll invest a little more time in reading, you’ll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Harley Davidson.

5) The Harley Davidson Reversible Varsity Jacket offers style and comfort. Featuring a black wool body and off-white pleather sleeves, this jacket is perfect for cool fall and winter weather. The jacket can be reversed to expose a black nylon body and orange nylon sleeves. The snap-up front is easy for younger children to open and close. Harley Davidson patches are embroidered on the front, back, and sleeves.

6) Harley Davidson pajamas are the perfect choice for infants and toddlers. These comfy PJs are manufactured from 100 percent cotton for extreme sleeping comfort. The top is white with orange trim and the words “Harley-Davidson, The Highway is My Way” are imprinted on the front. The bottoms are bright orange with a motorcycles and highway signs motif.

7) When it comes to keeping kids clean, Harley Davidson offers a variety of bibs; all of which include the Harley Davidson logo. Select from bright orange bibs with a motorcycle and the words, “Harley Davidson” screen printed on the front, or bright red bibs with “Spit Happens” printed on the front. Girls will be pretty in pink bibs with cute pink ribbons and a pink Harley Davidson motorcycle.

8) Forget about boring bathing suits and swimming trucks this summer. Instead, let kids display their Harley Davidson loyalty on their swimming apparel. Swimsuits for girls include two-piece bathing suits in bright pink or aqua. Boys swim trunks are bright orange with black and white accenting. An embroidered patch of the Harley Davidson Bar and Shield logo is sewn onto the front left leg.

9) Harley Davidson backpacks make quite a fashion statement. A popular choice amongst girls is the Harley Davidson black pleather backpack that transforms into a shoulder bag. Features include pink trim accents and Harley-Davidson embroidery on the front. A popular choice amongst boys is the 2-in-1 backpack with detachable sling. Features include “Harley-Davidson” embroidered on the back, and screenprint flames on the front.

10) Every infant should be welcomed into the world with the Harley Davidson “Born to Ride” gift set. The set includes a long-sleeved creeper, bib and blanket. The girl’s set includes a matching headband and the boy’s set includes a doo rag. Both include allover motorcycle screenprint and the Harley Davidson logo.

So now you know a little bit about Harley Davidson. Even if you don’t know everything, you’ve done something worthwhile: you’ve expanded your knowledge.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

PostHeaderIcon What To Do When You See A Sign-Motorcycle For Sale

When you are riding along, or even surfing the net and you come upon a sign or ad that says motorcycle for sale what should you do? Well first of all, stop! Take a breath and think about it. Do not just buy it without thought.

First of all access your skills. Are you an experienced rider? Just because you find a motorcycle for sale and you want to buy it, does not mean it is the right bike for you. If you are a novice you might consider taken a motorcycle-riding course. If you haven’t ridden in awhile this may also be a good idea. Also consider your body type. If you can’t put both feet flat on the ground while the bike is upright, it is too tall for you. Don’t buy it. Adults don’t get taller and bikes don’t get smaller. If this is your first bike, do not even consider purchasing a high performance bike, you are not ready for that yet.

What kind of motorcycle riding do you intend to do? If you find a motorcycle for sale that is a touring bike, it is obviously not suitable if you want to ride motocross. People who ride touring bikes usually lead a much different lifestyle then those who ride sportsbikes and race.

Will you need to carry a passenger? If you plan on using your bike for transportation, you will probably eventually need to carry a passenger.

See how much you can learn about Harley Davidson when you take a little time to read a well-researched article? Don’t miss out on the rest of this great information.

How much can you afford to spend when you find a motorcycle for sale? No one needs a motorcycle. It is something that people want, not a necessity. New bikes cost anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000. Financing is an option, but don’t bite off more than you can chew.

If you can’t afford a new bike, look for a used motorcycle for sale. Many riders think used bikes are better anyway, because their previous owners have most likely already made improvements to them. If you buy from a private seller you will be expected to pay the cost all in one lump sum. If you are lucky the seller might give you a break on taxes, but do not just assume they will.

Besides the purchase price of the motorcycle there are other costs to be taken into consideration. These include state registration fee, license plate fee, and title fee and motorcycle insurance. If you buy at a dealership, all this will be set up for you. If you buy through a private seller you will both need to go to a Notary. Yes you do have to have a motorcycle license to ride a motorcycle.

If you decide to buy a motorcycle for sale on an online auction site be sure to check the seller’s rating. Make sure the offer is legitimate and you are getting what you pay for. Ask questions of the seller and check the photos carefully. Read the entire description and consider using Paypal for extra protection. Unfortunately when you buy online you cannot usually test-drive the motorcycle.

So now you know a little bit about Harley Davidson. Even if you don’t know everything, you’ve done something worthwhile: you’ve expanded your knowledge.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

PostHeaderIcon Preventing The Need For Costly Repair

Proper motorcycle maintenance and preparation before riding will prevent the need for costly repair jobs. The Internet abounds with motorcycle repair videos, DVDs, books and magazines. If you prefer not to go to an authorized repair center, it is possible to learn how to do-it-yourself.

A quick pre-ride check of your bike will help prevent the need for repair, especially if you are going on a long road-trip, and even if you are just riding to the store.

First check the oil and the oil filter. Learning how to change your own filter will save time and money. If you do change your own oil make sure to dispose of the old oil properly. It should be sealed in an approved container and taken to a legitimate oil disposal facility. This is a good time to check the other fluid levels as well.

Next check the controls to make sure they all operate properly. Controls include front and rear brakes, throttle, clutch and shifter. Also check to see that the steering mechanism works smoothly. This may be done by turning the handlebars through the full operating range.

Hopefully the information presented so far has been applicable. You might also want to consider the following:

You should check your tire pressure often. If you are touring, carry a tire gauge and check it daily. The owner’s manual that comes with your bike will tell you what the correct tire pressure should be. Remember that air pressure can change with air temperature. When you check your tire pressure you should also check the condition of your tires. Replace any tires that have less than 50 percent of the tread left. Also replace tires that have cracks, cuts or signs of wear. You should not try to repair a tire unless there is no other option. Even then it is a short-term solution.

Make sure to check for any fuel, oil, or hydraulic fuel leaks. Check both the cases and the lines for leaks. Running out of oil out in the middle of nowhere will definitely mean costly engine repair or even replacement.

Check your headlights, taillights, and turning signals and brake lights. Get into the habit of doing this every time you ride. This is for your own protection letting other drivers see you as well as letting you see them. Instructions on replacing bulbs should be in your owner’s manual. Oh, by the way, if you bought a used bike and the owner did not give you a manual, try looking on line.

Now check your battery. You may actually double the life of your battery by checking and maintaining water levels regularly. This is as simple as shining a flashlight into the opening and filling to the indicated level. You may also consider installing a battery charger with a convenient disconnect.

Finally before you start out, check the position of the mirrors. Do this while you are sitting on the bike to ensure that they are correctly positioned.
Following this simple maintenance plan can save you time, money and the need for repair. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, find the closest Harley Davidson dealership to help you out.

Don’t limit yourself by refusing to learn the details about Harley Davidson. The more you know, the easier it will be to focus on what’s important.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: GVO

PostHeaderIcon The History Of The Bike

The Harley Davidson Company officially began with the completion of its first bike in 1903. Unofficially it all began in 1901 when 21-year-old William S. Harley drew up plans for a small engine that displaced 7.07 cubic inches and had 4-inch flywheels. He designed this engine for use on a regular pedal-bicycle frame.

By 1903 William Harley had joined with his boyhood friend Arthur Davidson, as well as Arthur’s brother Walter. They used the machine shop of their friend Henry Melk to complete the prototype of their first engine-powered bike. The engine that powered this prototype was not quite powerful enough to propel the motored-bike up Milwaukee’s modest hills without the rider resorting to pedal power.

The first “real” Harley Davidson Motorcycle was finally completed with additional help from another Davidson brother named William. It had a bigger engine of 24.74 cubic inches with 9-3/4 inch flywheels weighing 28 pounds. The new bike was functional by September 08, 1904, and made its first appearance in a Milwaukee motorcycle race.

The company produced three motorcycles in 1903, followed by 3 more in 1904. Production rose to 8 completed cycles in 1905, allowing Walt Davidson to quit his job with the railroad and become the company’s first full-time employee. The Davidson’s aunt, Janice Davidson also began helping out by using her artistic talent to letter and pinstripe the bikes, which were painted black with gold trim.

If you don’t have accurate details regarding Harley Davidson, then you might make a bad choice on the subject. Don’t let that happen: keep reading.

The first Harley Davidson Motor Company factory was built in 1906 on Chestnut Street. It was a modest 40 by 60 foot single story wooden structure. Chestnut Street was later renamed Juneau Avenue, and though the original structure was replaced, this location remains the Motor Company’s corporate headquarters to this day. A total of 50 motorcycles were produced in 1906.

The following year, 1907 brought about much change for the fledgling company. William S. Harley graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in mechanical engineering. The factory was expanded and the company officially incorporated. Production increased to 150 motorcycles in 1907.

Another monumental change that occurred in 1907 was the completion of a prototype of a 45-degree V-Twin engine. These engines displaced 53.68 cubic inches and produced about 7 horsepower, just about doubling the hill-climbing power of the first singles. Production continued to increase to 450 motorcycles in 1908 followed by 1,149 in 1909.

Success continued in the years that followed. The original factory was demolished and replaced by a new 5-story structure of reinforced concrete and red brick. It soon grew to take up two blocks along Juneau Avenue and around the corner on 38th Street. During this period bikes produced by Harley Davidson began to dominate the motorcycle racing arena and production reached 16,284 in 1914.
World War I saw the demand for motorcycles in the military. Harley Davidson provided over 20,000 motorcycles to military forces during World War I. Improvements and increased production continued after the war. The Harley Davidson Motor Company was in fact one of only 2 American cycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression. The company continued to produce machines for the military throughout World War II and the Korean War. The Jeep then replaced it in popularity.

The Harley Davidson Motor Company is still going strong today, despite bumps and bruises along the way. You will recognize it on the Stock Market under the symbol HOG.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new site for adsense publishers: Free Adsense Websites

PostHeaderIcon HOG – Harley Owners Group

In today’s world, it seems that almost any topic is open for debate. While I was gathering facts for this article, I was quite surprised to find some of the issues I thought were settled are actually still being openly discussed.

As the owner of a Harley Davidson motorcycle, you have the opportunity to become a member of an elite group. This group is known as HOG – Harley Owners Group. Currently, there are more than 1 million HOG members around the globe who have united to display their passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Members of HOG attend activities presented by local hog chapters. Activities fall into three categories:

- Closed events – conducted primarily for the benefit of HOG chapter members. Some closed events allow members to bring one guest.

- Member events – only open to HOG members.

- Open events – chapter events open to HOG members and other guests.

There are three types of HOG membership:

- Full membership – Entitles members to all the benefits and services of the Harley Owners Group organization.

- Associate membership – Designed for passengers and family members of full HOG members. Associate members must be sponsored by a full member in order to participate in HOG events.

- Life membership – Available as a full life membership or as an associate life membership. Special benefits and recognitions are available to life members.

Members of HOG receive many benefits besides the camaraderie of fellow Harley enthusiasts. HOG members receive:

Knowledge can give you a real advantage. To make sure you’re fully informed about Harley Davidson, keep reading.

- Subscription to Enthusiast magazine; the oldest continually published motorcycle magazine in the world.

- Subscription to Hog Tales; the official publication of the Harley Owners Group that keeps members up-to-date on hog happenings around the world.

- HOG Fly and Ride membership. This program allows hog members to fly to locations throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia; pick up a Harley-Davidson motorcycle from a local dealership; and tour in style without any hassle or delay.

- HOG membership manual to help members get the most out of their hog membership.

- Access to the HOG “Members Only” website.

- Copy of the official HOG Touring Handbook; a guide filled with maps, dealer location, riding laws, and much more.

Women who own Harley Davidson motorcycles are privy to the Ladies of Harley (LOH) membership. LOH is the group of female Harley Davidson enthusiasts who promote activities and adventures from within a local HOG chapter. The members of LOH run their own meetings and sponsor activities that both women and men can participate in.

HOG events include national and international rallies, state rallies, touring rallies, open houses, pit stops and pin stops where members can pick up HOG pins and other memorabilia.

Every hog chapter reflects the passions and personalities of its members. No matter where in the world you go, HOG members can always feel at home when they attend hog meetings and events.

While each chapter offers a variety of events, each being unique to the chapter, the focus is to have fun and share your passion for HOG and the Harley-Davidson lifestyle. HOG chapters include a variety of fun and “good deed” events including dinner rides, parades, observation runs, toy runs to provide toys to sick or needy children, charity events, safe rider programs and more.

Becoming a HOG member will open up the doors to life with a Harley and present you with many opportunities to make good friends and be part of an exceptional group of fun-loving, kind and caring individuals.

If you’ve picked some pointers about Harley Davidson that you can put into action, then by all means, do so. You won’t really be able to gain any benefits from your new knowledge if you don’t use it.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit this new site for my swedish customers: Billigt Webbhotell – from SEK 10:- per month!

PostHeaderIcon How Choppers Evolved

Have you ever wondered what exactly is up with Harley Davidson? This informative report can give you an insight into everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Harley Davidson.

Choppers came into being in the 1960′s and 1970′s. They were the next step in motorcycle evolution after the “bobber”. The bobber came about after American soldiers returned home from World War II. While they remained loyal to the Harley Davidson company, riders that had served oversees just weren’t quite satisfied with the machines the company was producing. These riders remembered the motorcycles they had seen in Europe that were more lightweight and more exciting. Most hade been trained to work on motorcycles and automobiles in the service. They began to get together and talk about improvements.

To make the bike lighter, riders began removing or shortening the fenders. The front fender was usually removed completely, while the back fender was made short enough to just protect the passenger from mud and water thrown up by the rear tire. This is where the term bobber came from. Riders continued to make changes or customizing their bikes and eventually the “chopper” was born. Their original purpose was for dirt track racing.

The term chopper comes from the process of chopping. Riders began chopping off any part they felt was unnecessary. This included windshields, front fenders, big headlights, crash bars and big seats. The standard large footrests were replaced with forward-mounted foot pegs. The fuel tank was made smaller. This made the bike lighter.

Once you begin to move beyond basic background information, you begin to realize that there’s more to Harley Davidson than you may have first thought.

Next, riders began raking the front end of their choppers so that the angle of the fork to the ground decreased allowing for an increase in the wheelbase. They also raised the handlebars and called them ape hangers.

Anything that was thought too big or unnecessary was either made smaller or removed. The front tire was made small; the rear tire was made fat. Each rider created the bike he wanted to ride.

As always, as soon as this rage caught on, enterprising individuals began designing and creating custom bikes to sell to other riders so they didn’t have to do the work themselves. Choppers began to be built, not just chopped. While this trend slowed for a few years, it seems to have made a comeback. Custom built choppers created by top designers are greatly prized and sought after.

The Shovelhead FX Super Glide was one such Harley Davidson model to come out of the chopper evolution. Choppers became especially popular after the film Easy Rider, starring Peter Fonda, was released in 1969.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, who just launched this great product..
- Are you looking to get traffic to your website? Introducing… Free Google Traffic System!!

PostHeaderIcon Ten Gift Ideas for Harley-Davidson Enthusiasts

In today’s world, it seems that almost any topic is open for debate. While I was gathering facts for this article, I was quite surprised to find some of the issues I thought were settled are actually still being openly discussed.

1) Harley-Davidson’s Ride Atlas of North America. This must-have guide has a durable tear-resistant cover and contains well-designed and easy-to-read pages of scenic routes complete with detailed descriptions and maps. It also includes important information on each state page including local laws, gas station locations, and emergency roadside assistance.

2) Riding the World by Gregory Frazier. Greg Frazier has traveled around the world on his motorcycle — twice. This unique book offers expert traveling advice to motorcycle riders and includes color photos with sections on routes, motorcycle preparation, sleeping, eating, what to take, and whether to go it alone.

3) Harley-Davidson “Hog” Bank. Both young and old will enjoy saving money in this unique piggy bank. The black, ceramic bank is shaped like the Harley-Davidson motorcycle tank, with a hog face and hog legs. The “Harley-Davidson” name is applied to the side of the tank.

4) Harley-Davidson Ladies Pink Diamond Watch. Give the ladies what they love — diamonds! This gorgeous watch incorporates a stainless steel case and diamond-encrusted bracelet with a watch face made from pink mother-of-pearl. The numbers are marked with sparkling diamonds. As if that weren’t enough, this beauty is water resistant to 100 feet.

5) Harley-Davidson Men’s Orange Flame Watch. The case and bracelet are constructed from stainless steel and uses a fold-over buckle clasp. The watch face is bright blue with reflective orange flames shooting up from the bottom. The Harley-Davidson Motorcycles logo is positioned near the bottom center. The watch hands are luminous and numbers are marked by small dashes. Last, but not least, the watch is water resistant to 165 feet.

If your Harley Davidson facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don’t let important Harley Davidson information slip by you.

6) Harley-Davidson Women’s FXRG Gauntlet Glove. The FXRG women’s glove is the epitome of riding gloves. Manufactured from genuine leather, these gloves include a waterproof Gore-Tex(r) liner. A special water-seal system prevents water from entering around the cuffs. The knuckles and finger pads are reinforced with a polycarbonate; a protective material. The palms are constructed using an accordion design to reduce bunching and improve grip. A built-in thumb squeegee is included that allows the rider to wipe moisture off their face shield.

7) Harley-Davidson Mini Fridge. If you’re looking for a unique, yet functional mini fridge, look no further! This sleek, black beauty has chrome accents around a glass door etched with the infamous Harley-Davidson Bar and Shield logo. The tribal eagle graphic is attached to both side panels. The unit is large enough to hold up to 50 beverage cans.

8) Harley-Davidson Motor Company Wall Art. Harley-Davidson wall art is a collection of various art designs that incorporate neon lighting and LED lights. One of the most popular pieces involves the Harley-Davidson motorcycle outlined in red neon lighting. The Harley-Davidson Motor Company building is in the background. A black mat features the words, “There’s No Place Like Home” printed in red ink. The Harley-Davidson logo is positioned next to the saying.

9) Harley-Davidson Men’s Heritage Jacket. This is a must-have jacket for anyone who spends time on the road. Made from 100 percent nylon, the Heritage jacket features a built-in waterproof liner, and a removal warmth liner. The elbows and shoulders include protective body armor for additional protection. The jacket is black with reflective piping and Harley-Davidson graphics on the back, above the chest, and on the left sleeve.

10) Harley-Davidson Women’s Rain Jacket & Pant. This ensemble covers riders from head to toe and offers extra protection from inclement weather. Constructed from waterproof nylon, the jacket is fully lined and seam sealed. The pants include stirrups to prevent water from leaking in; along with built-in kneepads. For additional safety, the pants legs are protected by a heat-resistant shield. Both pieces are made from reflective material, which is lightweight and easy to pack when not in use.

About the Author
Have you visited Anders’ latest site for adsense publishers? Download new fresh sites in this all new site, called Adsense Ready Websites