Archive for the ‘Harley Davidson’ Category
Tips for Buying a Used Harley Davidson Motorcycle
Harley Davidson motorcycles are some of the most durable bikes on the market. They are built to last using high quality materials and craftsmanship. Therefore, the cost of a new Harley may be out of reach for some individuals.
Many people find that purchasing a used motorcycle is a better option. However, it’s a good idea to possess a healthy dose of skepticism when purchasing a used bike; particularly from a private seller.
Previously owned motorcycles can be found through private sellers who oftentimes announce their offer via classified ads posted in magazines or online bulletin boards. Used motorcycles can also be found at authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships and public auctions.
Authorized Harley-Davidson Dealers. One of the safest ways to purchase a used Harley-Davidson motorcycle is through an authorized dealer. Along with financing options, many dealers offer extended warranties and optional maintenance services. They inspect the bikes for any potential problems and provide buyers with documentation that guarantees the used motorcycle is legal.
To find a list of authorized Harley-Davidson dealers visit www.hogs4sale.com. Click on the state you reside in to locate a dealer in your area.
Online Classifieds. There are several reputable websites that offer a wide range of used motorcycles. Ads are placed by private sellers and transactions are made directly from seller to buyer. Both buyers and sellers are required to create an account in order to communicate with one another. Upon registration, buyers can contact sellers via email to obtain information, arrange a meeting, and arrange financial transactions.
Care should be taken when buying or selling through online classifieds. While the majority of people participating are honest, you should thoroughly investigate the motorcycle and its history before handing over your hard earned cash.
Three of the most reputable online classified websites for used motorcycles include:
www.CycleClassifieds.us, www.HD4Sale.com, and www.HarleyHunters.com.
Online Auction Sites. E-bay is one of the most popular auction sites for used Harley Davidson motorcycles. Certain precautions are required and buyers should thoroughly investigate the seller using E-bay’s tools and seller rating system. If you use common sense and adhere to the information provided on E-bay’s website, chances are excellent that you will have a safe and happy transaction.
Hopefully the information presented so far has been applicable. You might also want to consider the following:
Other used motorcycle auction websites include www.MotorcycleAuctionsOnline.com and Yahoo Shopping Auctions at http://auctions.yahoo.com.
Before you begin shopping for a used motorcycle, it’s a good idea to educate yourself about the makes and models of motorcycles you are interested in. Do some research to determine the average cost of the motorcycle in your area; investigate insurance and finance rates; and make a list of common defects to look out for.
When purchasing a used motorcycle through online classifieds or auctions, be aware of any claims that sound too good to be true. If you find a potential deal, physically review the bike before purchasing it.
Look at the paint for scratches, irregularities and rust. Visually check the tires and foot pedals for wear and tear. Make certain that electronic equipment, such as lights and blinkers, are in good working order.
Always take a good look at the maintenance history of any used motorcycle you are considering purchasing. Start the engine to see how well it runs. Check for blue smoke from the exhaust pipe, which is a sign that the engine is worn. Make certain there are no oil or gas leaks. The seller should possess written documentation of mechanical check-ups.
Pay particular attention to mileage, damage, accident history and any paint jobs. Find out how many people have previously owned the bike and be certain to verify the VIN number. To verify the VIN number, visit www.is-it-a-lemon.com or the Department of Motor Vehicles at www.dmv.org.
That’s how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest news.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, who just launched this List Building Guide, on how to build a 1000 member list in a month
How to Travel Across America on a Harley Davidson Motorcycle
Are you looking for some inside information on Harley Davidson? Here’s an up-to-date report from Harley Davidson experts who should know.
Imagine hopping on a big fat Harley Davidson motorcycle. As you turn the key, the motorcycle begins to rumble and your adrenaline starts to flow. With the wind on your face and pavement under your feet, you hit the road for an adventure of a lifetime.
Before heading out and exploring, you’ll want to pick up a copy of Harley Davidson’s Ride Atlas. This must-have guide has a durable rubber-like cover and contains well-designed and easy-to-read pages of scenic routes complete with detailed descriptions and maps.
You’ll also want to pick up a copy of “Riding the World” by Gregory Frazier. 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.
You don’t need to own a Harley Davidson motorcycle to embark on a journey across America. There are many companies that allow riders to rent nearly any model of Harley Davidson motorcycle. Most offer travel packages that include hotel accommodations, sightseeing tours, and meals. Riders can rent a motorcycle daily, weekly, or monthly.
Ride Free Motorcycle Tours are designed to deliver life altering travel experiences. Ride Free offers a variety of tours including a cruise from L.A. to Vegas; a weekend ride along the California coastline; the Route 66 to Grand Canyon ride; and the ever-popular Sturgis Rally.
The Sturgis Rally began in 1938 and has grown to be a worldwide motorcycle event that attracts more than 500,000 motorcycle enthusiasts each year. Bikers from all walks of life join together to celebrate their love of motorcycles and the freedom they provide.
EagleRider Motorcycle Rental has a nationwide network of locations where you can choose from the world’s largest rental inventory of Harley Davidson motorcycles. While EagleRider specializes in motorcycle tours of San Francisco and Northern California, they also offer tours to destinations across the United States. Riders can escape for a weekend or participate in a month-long cross country tour.
Now that we’ve covered those aspects of Harley Davidson, let’s turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.
When traveling on a motorcycle, the first thing you must realize is you will have to pack lightly and include only the basic essentials. Pack a small travel bag for personal items and include travel size bottles of everything needed. Choose items that have multiple uses such as an Army knife.
Saddle bags are one of the best options when it comes to storing food, clothing and personal gear. Take clothing that is versatile, easy to care for, and requires little space. Bring along sealable storage bags or plastic grocery bags to store dirty clothes or dispose of any trash.
If you will be camping out, you can use the luggage rack or passenger seat to hold camping equipment. Look for lightweight gear and compact equipment that can be tightly folded or rolled up. Cooking equipment should be limited to one pot and eating utensils.
If you’re riding your own motorcycle, take it in for a thorough check-up before heading out on an extended trip. If you’re renting a motorcycle, ask the representative to show you the written maintenance record on the motorcycle before taking it out on the road.
Always chart your route so that you know where gas stations, restaurants and camping facilities are located. Leave a copy of your route with a friend or family member and keep a map and compass handy so you don’t get lost on the road or while camping.
Harley Davidson motorcycles are one-of-a-kind bikes, designed for the ultimate driving experience. Isn’t it time you threw your cares to the wind and ventured out for a weekend getaway or a month long hiatus?
Hopefully the sections above have contributed to your understanding of Harley Davidson. Share your new understanding about Harley Davidson with others. They’ll thank you for it.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson (Click on the link to learn more about me)
How to Become a Harley Davidson Motorcycle Service Technician
The only way to keep up with the latest about Harley Davidson is to constantly stay on the lookout for new information. If you read everything you find about Harley Davidson, it won’t take long for you to become an influential authority.
If you love Harley Davidson motorcycles and enjoy working with your hands, you can earn a good living as a motorcycle service technician. There are several trade schools across the U.S. that specialize in motorcycle service and repair. Programs take between 12 and 18 months to complete and classes can be attended at the institutes or through correspondence and online.
One of the most recognized motorcycle service technician programs is offered at WyoTech. Students are taught to diagnose, service and repair modern motorcycles, and given the option to choose the motorcycle manufacturer of their choice. Wyotech offers motorcycle service and repair classes in Daytona Beach, Florida and Fremont, California.
At the Baran Institute of Technology, you’ll receive hands-on training with various brands of motorcycles. As a student, you’ll get up close and personal with the intricacies of motorcycle service and repair. From the engine to the exhaust system, and clutches to electrical systems, this 75.5 quarter credit hour program is designed to prepare you to enter the world of motorcycle service and repair. Class size is limited to 20 students and the program can be completed within one year.
Motorcycle Mechanics Institute offers a unique program to Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. MMI’s Motorcycle Technician program addresses the basics of motorcycle repair and service on a full range of motorcycles. Students learn in a classroom environment and through hands-on training. After completion of the prerequisite training, students choose 12 weeks or more of elective course training.
Harley Davidson course electives include:
- Harley Davidson Early Model Technology – focuses on repair and restoration of motorcycles dating back to 1936.
- Harley Davidson Late Model Technology – Training to become an entry level Harley-Davidson motorcycle technician.
- Screamin’ Eagle – Focuses on the Screamin’ Eagle performance motorcycle.
- V-Rod Motorcyle – Focuses on the award-winning VRSCA (V-Rod) motorcycle.
- Buell – Focuses on design, technology and engineering of Buell motorcycles.
Knowledge can give you a real advantage. To make sure you’re fully informed about Harley Davidson, keep reading.
Motorcycle Mechanics Institute offers the only certificate course in the nation that’s officially sponsored by the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Classes are offered in Orlando, Florida.
Penn Foster Career School offers distance learning classes, which are conducted online and through print publications. Students have access to instructors and a toll-free instructional support hotline. If necessary, Penn Foster can help potential students earn their GED. Motorcycle technician training can be completed in nine months and financial assistance is available.
Professional Career Development Institute is a nationally accredited correspondence school founded in 1987. PCDI does not require any educational prerequisites to get started as a motorcycle service and repair technician. Students learn about each part, each system and how the entire motorcycle works. Courses can be completed in a matter of months. Upon completion of training, graduates receive a nationally accredited diploma.
With the ever-rising cost of gasoline, motorcycles are quickly becoming a favorite mode of transportation. Over the course of the next decade, more and more people will be riding motorcycles so the need for service technicians will increase. Additionally, there is an ever-growing need for motorcycle mechanics in the field of motorcycle racing.
Regardless of your choice of learning institution, becoming a certified motorcycle repair and service technician can provide you with an exciting and rewarding career.
Contact Information:
Wyotech – www.wyotech.com
888-577-7559
Baran Institute – www.baraninstitute.com
800-243-4242
Motorcycle Mechanics Institute – www.uticorp.com
800-859-7249
Penn Foster Career School – www.pennfoster.edu
800-275-4410
Professional Career Development Institute – www.pcdi.com
800-417-2407
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 (Click on the link to learn more about me)
Clothes Make The Rider
Whether you own a Harley or just want to look like you do, the clothes you wear can make or break you. The true Harley Davidson experience requires a little preparation besides the bike. Most dealerships also sell clothes, or purchase them online.
The Black leather jacket is the first clothes item that comes to mind. Harley Davidson has a trademark black leather jacket. This jacket is worn not only for attitude, but to protect the rider from the elements. It is important to get a jacket that fits. Leather sizing is not always the same as regular street clothes sizing. Also remember that leather will stretch a little and mould to your body shape with frequent wearing. This does not mean that you should buy a size smaller as leather only gives in areas that it needs to. If you can’t afford a leather jacket, a vest made of leather or denim with a Harley Davidson logo may be a good substitute.
Black leather pants are also important for the rugged rider clothes look. Buying leather pants at the same time as the jacket will ensure that the color of the dyes matches if that is important to you. There are several different styles available ranging from classic leather pants, to black leather motorcycle chaps that are worn over jeans or other pants.
Black leather boots are classic Harley Davidson attire. They scream the word “tough”. They are available in several styles for both men and women. Women may also choose clogs and sandals, however these are not recommended for serious riding.
Should motorcycle riders wear helmets or not? This is a question that has been left up to the rider to answer. If safety is as important as the clothes you wear a Harley Davidson half helmet may be just what you are looking for. Several other styles are available if you can’t pull off this classic look.
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.
Whether you choose a helmet or not, goggles are valuable eye protection that keeps out dust and bugs, as well as adding to “the look”. No one looks cool with a dead bug in his or her eye.
Gloves are also popular with riders. They are of course made of black leather too, and may be open tipped, full fingers and even heated. Gauntlets with fringe look especially cool.
These are the basic pieces of a Harley Rider’s clothes wardrobe. Other options include t-shirts, jeans, special rain gear, bandanas, watches and sunglasses. Leather saddlebags are also a good investment.
There are several articles of clothes available for your special little rider as well. Everything from diaper covers and micro-sized leather jackets to teeny leather boots. It’s never too early to love a Harley.
Motorcycle leathers represent a significant investment. Proper care should be taken to preserve and protect these articles, especially if the wearer is a dedicated rider who rides in any weather. Waterproofing and cleaning properly will help keep leather clothes supple and looking good, as well as promoting longevity of wear.
About the Author
Anders Eriksson hands out nice gifts on these topics to all visitors: free adsense ebook and free adsense sites
100 Years Of HD
Would you like to find out what those-in-the-know have to say about Harley Davidson? The information in the article below comes straight from well-informed experts with special knowledge about Harley Davidson.
The Harley-Davidson Company or HD has been around for just over 100 years. It all began with two friends in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1903. William S. Harley stands for the H in HD. Arthur Davidson is one of three D’s. The other two D’s being his brothers, Walter and William Davidson. William Harley and Arthur Davidson began working on the prototype and eventually sought the help of Walter and William. Walter was a skilled mechanic. William was an experienced toolmaker. Together the group formed the HD Company, which was later incorporated.
During 1903 HD turned out a grand total of 3 motorcycles. All were bought and paid for before completion. Gray was the standard color of the first HD motorcycles, which were often referred to as the “Silent Gray Fellows”.
By the end of 1905 the HD Company was not only selling motorcycles, but also motorcycle motors, marine motors, reversible propellers and float feed carburetors. The price of the motorcycle was $200.
The popularity of the HD motorcycle continued to grow through out the following decade. By 1914, nine departments of the federal government of the United States used HD’s. The U.S. Postal service alone used more than 4,800 Harley Davidson motorcycles for rural mail delivery.
In 1916 the military began using HD’s in border skirmishes with Pancho Villa. The motorcycles were equipped with machine guns. HD motorcycles were also used in World War I with half of all models produced being shipped overseas. The war also was responsible for the establishment of the first Harley-Davidson Service School. The HD Company saw a need and met it.
The 1920′s brought an end to the war and a beginning to the world of racing. HD made quite an impact. Harley-Davidson suffered, but managed to survive the Great Depression and continued to prosper through the 1930′s.
Unfortunately World War II came in the 1940′s and HD was pressed into service once again.
I trust that what you’ve read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.
The 1950′s brought about new, more aggressive marketing strategies and expansion for this great company. Once again war broke out, this time in Korea. Motorcycles were replaced in popularity with the military with the Jeep. HD was free to concentrate on its civilian consumers.
The 1960′s brought about as much change for HD as everyone else in the United States. This was also when the company began to branch out into an unrelated field of leisure product with the production of 3-wheeled golf carts. By the end of the decade these carts cornered about one third of the United States market, and were even used oversees. HD also began marketing an extensive line of motorcycle accessories.
The 1970′s saw continuing success in the racing venue. Great advancements were made in the racing bikes that were produced by HD. In late 1970 the company also unveiled its brand new snowmobile. Perhaps the biggest change was the merger between HD and the AMF.
The 1980′s began with a buyback, and the HD Company returned to private ownership. The company seemed to show a renewed interest in building better machines So much so that they won the contract with the California Highway Patrol in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1989.
The 1990′s were ushered in with the appearance of HD’s most customized factory custom motorcycle to date, the FLSTF Fat Boy. This bike was reminiscent of the past while still being up to date with the times.
The Twenty first century has come and HD remains strong. Its current line of bikes includes the Sporster, the Dyna, the Softail, the VRSC, and a Touring line. Each line includes several models. Bikes now sell from between $6,000 and $25,000.