Tampilkan postingan dengan label Harley Davidson Tips. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label Harley Davidson Tips. Tampilkan semua postingan

Sabtu, 12 September 2009

Minggu, 28 Juni 2009

Harley Davidson Deluxe

Harley Davidson
This is the deluxe of perfect mixture between the black and chrome with a touch of red blood on the seat and tool bag, and the golden lettering. For more info visit So-calspeedshop.
Harley DavidsonHarley DavidsonHarley DavidsonHarley DavidsonHarley DavidsonHarley Davidson
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Senin, 25 Mei 2009

Big Ideas And A Small Price Tag

On my way back from an errand the other day I passed by the Harley-Davidson dealership. Harley-Davidson has the marketing down to a science. Thinking about what the vision to mind when you see a Harley? For most, it's a 40 something accountant being able to "step outside his box." Equipment from the Leathers, cut through the wind blowing hair and a loud voice, sound of a big in the speed down open a road HOG. This is not about the bike - this is about experience. Now that's marketing.

The typical Harley-Davidson costs between $15k to 30k? Sound about right? Now that’s the same price as a vehicle but with one big difference. A car is a necessity. The bike is a luxury. It comes from the disposable part of the person’s budget not the fixed expenses. It falls into the same category as the diamond rings, campers, boats and vacation homes. It’s purely for enjoyment.

We hear a lot of whining and complaining from the car industry about the price of the product they are selling. "It’s so hard to market a big ticket item". "If only I had something less expensive to offer".

Our answer to the dilemma – offer something that is either free or low-priced to go with the main product you are selling. This does two things. 1. It builds your client list. Many people will come in for a free or low cost item. It grabs their attention. Not many things in life are free. 2. Once people spend money with you the first time they are more likely to do it again. You can focus more on the larger profit the second time.

Harley does just this. Many advertisements go like this: "[Picture of the bike] Just $23,997"!

Some ads may have a little additional info like payment terms, financing ect.

But this particular dealership I passed by had a huge banner outside that said: "Learn to Ride: $199"!

What a great idea. They took the $20,000+ sale and turned it into $199 introduction.

Think about it. You are a 40 year old guy or gal needing a change. Feeling the itch for the open road and the wind blowing through your hair. You love the idea of a motorcycle. Everyone, including your spouse and kids, thinks you are losing your mind and need to be committed to the nearest institution. After all $20,000+ is a lot of money if you are not even sure you can ride a motorcycle. What if it turns out to not be your thing?

But….for a mere $199 you can get all your concerns answered. You can prove to yourself, and your wife, that you can ride. It’s a very small investment and if it doesn’t work out you can simply walk away. What a deal! "This is the answer", you say to yourself.

For Harley this is the best part: you are paying for their sales pitch. They know that, for most people, once they sit on the bike, that is it. The itch for the open road just becomes stronger. It’s merely a test drive and you’ve just paid for it.

So when the offer is made a few things happen:

1. You become their customer
2. The thrill of the ride
3. The sales pitch
4. The desire to not only buy a motorcycle, but buy a Harley-Davidson.

All great benefits for the dealership.

So how does this relate to you? Take from what Harley has done. Try to think of something smaller you can offer to bring them in the door. Get that first sale to make them a loyal customer. Think about ways they can pay you for your sales pitch.
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Kamis, 21 Mei 2009

Hot Rod Harley

When the desire to buy a motorcycle coming, most people buy a bike just because it will look like, how it rides or a combination of both. Then there are a few people who like a challenge of purchasing a dare, we said "Ugly Duckling" only to see if this can be turned into. Such was the case with Jarrod Wells and his'00 Dyna Wide glide.

Part of the fun of buying a used bike is tearing off all the "cool" parts the previous owner installed and getting the bike down to a blank canvas to start your own transformation. When Jarrod picked up his used Dyna, it had a long way to go before he would really put some miles on it. Here's Jarrod's explanation of how it went down.

When I purchased my first bike, an '02 Road King, in June of 2005, I fell in love with it immediately. Shortly after that purchase I met Randy Miller, the owner of Miller's Cycle, a local bike shop outside Asheville, North Carolina, and we started riding together along with a few others. After more than a year of riding on weekends and a few semi-long trips with our usual riding crowd, and seeing Randy and his brother Stacy both riding Dynas, I felt the strong desire to pick up a Dyna Wide Glide".

I purchased a 2000 Dyna from a friend in May of 2007 and for the next two months I only rode the bike about 25 miles, from his house, to my house then to Randy's shop. Needless to say, I didn't have the same "love at first sight" feeling with the Dyna as I did with the RK. When I purchased the Dyna, it had stock wire wheels, shotgun style exhaust, some trumpet-like air horn crammed on the side of the jugs and a yellow paint job that was much more suitable for a school bus than for a Harley. Now, I'm not knocking those folks that may find a bike like that appealing, but let's just say it wasn't really my cup of tea. Fortunately for me, I didn't buy the bike for what it was but for what it could be with the help of the very capable hands of Randy.

I don't really know why I wanted to have this bike built, whether it was from being around a Dyna every time I stopped by Randy's shop and wanting to fit in with him and his brother, or if it was just a desire to have something different than most 25 year-old dump truck business owners. Maybe it's just nice having two bikes, one for trips and one for beating around the back roads we have in the Appalachian Mountains. Nevermind the reason, I'm just thrilled that HOT BIKE has taken an interest in the pains we took in creating our own version of a '00 Dyna Wide Glide.

Before we got started on the makeover, Randy and I took a road trip to Bowling Green, Kentucky, and one of our stops was at the RC Components factory. While there, we got to see step-by-step how the company makes its wheels. Needless to say seeing all those wheels roll off the line inspired me to purchase a set of the company's newest wheels, the Czar design. While on the trip, Randy and I started a game plan on certain things I wanted to see with the finished Dyna. It started out being pretty simple: new wheels, fenders, and of course a new paint job. But then when we got back home and Randy got his hands on it, it turned into a raked out, wide-tired Wide Glide. Anyone who has seen Randy's work from his "one man band" bike shop, knows Randy has a desire to make things different and unique for each customer. His meticulous nature made him the only candidate I would let tackle this one-of-a-kind Dyna.

Randy modified and manufactured many of the parts that are on this bike since Dynas seem to take a back seat in the aftermarket parts scene. There are pages full of parts for Softails and touring models, but when it comes to Dynas there isn't even much of a selection for pipes. This in a way worked to Randy's advantage because it allowed him to showcase a lot of his metalworking skills. He modified the stock gas tank by cutting out the speedo, gas cap and gauge, and smoothed out the tank with a flush-mount gas cap. An Auto Meter tach with a shift light was mounted to the custom drag bars Randy made.

Randy installed a 240 wide tire kit and made a fender to cover the top half of the tire. To give the bike a lower, meaner stance, he moved the shock mounts back on the swingarm and installed a set of 2-inch shorter than stock shocks from Progressive Suspension. Up front, Randy cut and raked the neck out to 43 degrees and installed a Pro-One frontend with internal fork stops. To help me fit the bike better he moved the foot controls 3 inches forward.

While all this was going on, the motor was taken apart and Luther Briggs installed some new cams, along with a H-D 95-inch kit and modified the CV carb. Then with the motor back together, Randy made a custom motor mount with the choke knob incorporated into it, made some new side covers for the battery and electrical box.

With all the work Randy was doing to my bike I thought it was going to take him forever to finish. However, I was amazed at how quickly he assessed and accomplished each step of the build. Randy is even responsible for the paint job, from the fenders to the frame, with some assistance from Mark Peters, who did the awesome pinstriping and tank logos. It blows my mind that Mark can somehow paint these show-winning accents with only a paintbrush.
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Minggu, 17 Mei 2009

Make Your Harley Davidson Look And Feel Like An Extension Of Yourself!

Maybe do you think when this is the time to make a little customizing for that old girl of yours? Check this on yourself first.Why do we make customizing and adding accessories to our Harley?
Well, for me it's simple!

We want to stand out above all else! The last thing we want is to look like every Tom, Dick, and Harry out there on the road!

You may have different reasons. You may want to add an Accessory to your bike because it fits with you and your taste.

There is an element of being practical as well. If you install a nice chrome luggage rack on your back fender, or a detachable windshield, it not only looks good but it also serves a purpose. How else would you carry your tent and keep bugs out of your teeth?

Not everyone has the same taste in customizing. Thank God for that, or it sure would be boring taking a walk down on main street in Sturgis South Dakota during the 1st week of August.

Some people go overboard on customizing their bike. Overboard for someone may be a masterpiece for someone else. It all depends on who you are and what you're about.

How do you pick out a Harley Davidson Accessory or decide on customizing?

It's a hard question to answer.

I would suggest that you decide on what you want out of your bike. Sit back and have a look at yourself. What kind of biker are you anyway?

Are you a speed demon that likes to lay rubber on the road every now and then. Do you get a kick out of doing a little showing off at bike rallies to friends and family? Do you like to participate in show and shine contests?

If you are this person you may want to look at getting your engine rebuilt for increased horsepower. You can't go wrong with a lot of Harley chrome either. Just when you think you have had enough of chrome, you find some more in that catalog.

Don't worry, there is a chrome Harley Davidson motorcycle built to date.

Your style may be a little more subdued. Your main motorcycling purpose in life may be ride the road and not waste time with anything else. You would have to agree, most people still want to look good riding a Harley.

If you are this person you may only want one or two Accessories. A nice luggage bag that slips over that backrest on your bike looks good when you are on a long trip and it serves a purpose.

Every Harley Davidson owner at some time or another has thought about adding an accessory to his or her motorcycle. You rarely see a stock Harley Davidson!

Keep in mind the kind of person you are when making Harley Davidson Accessory choices. A properly customized Harley is above all else, an extension of the owner who rides it.
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Selasa, 05 Mei 2009

The Harley Davidson Dog Collar for Motorcycle Lovers

Harley Davidson
If you like and have a Harley Davidson motorcycle, now you can get a Harley Davidson dog collar for your best friends, so they can be synchronized with the time you go ride together. Here are some options available in the Harley Davidson dog collars to match the size and personality of your dog.

Different Types of Harley Davidson Dog Collars
There are a variety of Harley Davidson dog collars for you to choose from but they mainly come in two colors, which are orange and black leather. You can also find them in nylon but in the same two colors. The inscriptions on the Harley Davidson dog collars also vary from ‘Bad One' to the logo of Harley Davidson.

Other types of Harley Davidson dog collars are also made of leather but have spikes or other different metal designs to match a typical Harley Davidson motorcycle suit.

Other Harley Davidson Items for Your Dog

In order to make the Harley Davidson costume complete you can consider adding to the Harley Davidson dog collar the bandana, cap, shirt, jacket, reflective pet ID tag and lead from the same designer brand. All Harley Davidson products are made out of the finest quality materials in order to provide durability and flexibility for highly active pets and rough wear.

Where to Purchase Harley Davidson Products for Your Best Friend

Even though they are Harley Davidson products you may not usually find them in motorcycles stores. The best places to find them are pet stores or online at the Petsmart store. When ordering online ensure you check the size and color as well as all other details because you will be paying for the shipping cost even if they provide exchange services. The same thing applies for the prices of the Harley Davidson dog items that can be found online; they are cheaper than those found in stores but, the shipping charges usually will make them more expensive in the end.

Conclusion

If you love your motorcycle but always want to have your best friend around remember he or she can now matching your motorcycle suit and the motorcycle as well with the new dog accessories from Harley Davidson. Dogs are not allowed to travel on motorcycles but he or she will still coordinate with you when you take him or her out for a walk or exercise.
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Rabu, 29 April 2009

Harley Davidson Fashion Ideas

Some people in the world does not realize the popularity of Harley Davidson. Popularity is not only limited to a motorcycle. They also developed for accessories such as boots, helmets and gloves.

There are even t shirts with the logo and some popular bike models printed on them. All of these together make a strong style statement for those who embrace it. Men are obsessed with owning the motorcycle along with all the accessories that come with it. Owning anything that has to do with Harley Davidson will surely make you stand out in the crowd.

Some of the following products are the most suitable while riding the motorcycle:

Since riding a motorcycle involves having to expose yourself to harsh weather conditions including wind, rain and dust, it is a good plan to wear something that can withstand all of that. Leather jacket in black is the best option in such a situation. They look smart and give a wild, tough look to the rider that goes well with riding the best bike in the world. That is why it is very popular among men who ride the Harley Davidson.

The most obvious piece of clothing that compliments a black leather jacket is a pair of black leather pants. They look sexy on the wearer and teamed with the jacket make for a strong style statement.

They also act as protectors to the legs during harsh riding conditions in case of bruising or scratching.

They go well with the biker look complete with the bike, the helmet and the jacket.

The biker look is not complete without the quintessential leather boots. They are not only good to look at and make a mark in the fashion scene, but also protect the feet in case of sudden injury. They are made of tenacious leather and can withstand harsh weather conditions. They last long and can be worn during long rides on the bike.

Helmets are very important when you are riding a motorcycle. They protect the head for severe injuries. The impact of many accidents is controlled by the use of helmets. Although their use is widely supported and advised, there are many irresponsible bikers who avoid wearing helmets when they are riding a bike.

Wearing the Harley Davidson helmet will not only satisfy the protection criterion but also make for an appreciable style statement for the wearer. They are built very sturdy for maximum protection.

To add to the zing of the entire Harley Davidson fashion attire you may wear the goggles made by this company as well. They are very much in fashion and at the same time they protect the biker’s eyes form the sun’s glare when he is on road.

They are available in many shades and styles to suit a wide range of customer preference.For most bikers who are interested in the Harley Davidson look, most of the above items of fashion are included in their style statement. Although most of these products are built to protect the rider while riding a bike, they also provide for smart fashion.
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Senin, 27 April 2009

Harley Davidson Parts and Accessories

There will come a time when, after you buy a Harley, you will want to buy part as a substitute or for Customization. Likewise, Harley accessory many are required by Harley owners, even many people who do not have a Harley also ask. There are several options when that need comes.

At present, the most convenient venue to get Harley Davidson parts and accessories is online. With online shops, you can select and buy items right away. There is no need to drive out and canvass prices. Just sit in front of the computer and begin searching for online bike shops.

Perhaps the most popular of these online places to buy Harley parts and accessories is the Harley Davidson site itself (http://www.harley-davidson.com). This is the official website of the motorcycle company and features a comprehensive selection of materials for the Harley owner, or just about anyone curious about these big bikes. The site offers several resources, from motoring tips to suggested bike trails. One of the centerpieces of the website, of course, is its online shopping. The Harley Davidson online store has just about everything you can want in Harley products, from helmets to decals, clothes and customization gears. The great thing with the site too is that you definitely know you’re getting authentic Harley Davidson gear.

Of course, there are other online shopping sites that offer authentic Harley parts and accessories. Some of them may even offer items at cheaper rates. You will need to select reputable ones first though. With online purchases, you can’t know if the item you are purchasing is the real deal or fakes. The best way to find good online dealers is to check out the different Harley sites and blogs for recommendations. Several blogs and forums are dedicated to listing and reviewing online sources for Harley owners.

While it seems risky to order accessories and parts online, once you’ve found a good and affordable source, the convenience and ease will stand out more than the risks. It typically takes a few days to get online orders.

If the waiting time is an issue, then you can always visit nearby Harley dealers. Dealers carry most accessories and parts that you would need. Specialty parts or accessories need a few days for dealers to order from the manufacturer.

Going to an actual Harley parts and accessories dealer is ideal for people who are still unfamiliar with the specifications of their bikes. They might need a professional to check the fit. In time, they could safely order items online.
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Kamis, 23 April 2009

Harley Davidson Owner's Manual


Harley Davidson owners manual is an important aspectwhen you buy Harley Davidson motorcycles. Oftentimes, this man gets taken for strewn and granted to the side since your bike is new. You only need bits and pieces of the manual at the start. However, when the time comes you will need to start a maintenance program for your bike, Harley Davidson owner's manual to become more and more important - if you can find it! When you get a Harley, always stash a Harley Davidson owner's manual in a safe and easy to access place.

The Harley Davidson owner's manual contains relevant information about your Harley motorcycle. This includes operation and maintenance guidelines, which are immediately relevant especially to a new motorcycle owner. While excitement at riding your bike is understandable, it is recommended that you read your manual first before doing so. At the same time, even when your bike is new, brush up on basic maintenance tips. If you want to keep your Harley in tip-top shape, you should be able to stick to a maintenance routine that include constant oil checks, and the examination of brake pads, valve stems, and wheels, among others. Your Harley is a complex and beautiful machine. You should be diligent in its maintenance. And, you can only do this right through the guidelines available from the Harley Davidson owner's manual.

There are different manuals for each bike model. Although there are some commonalities in motorcycle maintenance, each manual features model specific operation and maintenance tips. Hence, it’s important to get hold of the manual specific to your bike model. Sometimes, people are tempted to refer to a friend’s manual or a manual found online, even when this does not match the person’s bike model, just because they lost theirs. Always refer to the right manual for your bike.

In case you lose your Harley Davidson owner's manual, you can reorder these from several online bike shops. You can simply place a search for the manual and model number in your favorite search engine, or you can go directly to popular online bike shops. Ebay may carry some Harley manuals every now and then. Prices may range if you get from these online auction sites, depending on bids. The quality of the manuals varies too. If you get from online bike shops, manuals are usually new but come with a price tag of about $150. Either way, at least you can conveniently reacquire manuals for your bike’s model.
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Rabu, 22 April 2009

Customized Harley Davidson Parts

In making a variety of Harley, you need a customized Harley Davidson part. These Part can make you Harley truly unique and hot.

However, before buying Harley custom parts, you need to have a design for your bike first. The beauty of the customized bike is dependent on the sum of all parts. Some custom parts may look cool separately but these parts may look off went put together with the other parts. Search online for some design ideas. You will also likely hit upon Harley design services, which can help you put together a look for your bike.

When you’ve got the look all together, it’s time to source out customized Harley parts. To date, there are currently several online sites that specialize in custom Harley parts. These websites have several options per part that you want customized. For example, your custom front fender can be a Front Cobra, Front Cruiser, Front Duster and more. Prices of these front fender options range from $230 to $370. Your choice would then depend on your design and your budget. Likewise, there are many options for rear fenders, tanks, lighting, bagger parts, and suspensions.

You can begin to search and compare prices of custom Harley parts online. When you do, always factor in delivery costs if the sources are not local. If eventually, you decide to buy online, make sure of your sources. While there are many legitimate customized parts shops online, there are also a few scam ones. For sure sources, always check forums and blogs run by Harley enthusiast. More often than not, these would have recommendations on online resources.

Make sure that the site you select for customized Harley parts have a reputable standing in the community. Harley enthusiasts are somewhat close-knit and will likely help you out if you are seeking information. At the same time, with the many enthusiasts around, your selected site will likely have dealt with some of them. No doubt about it, online is the fastest and most convenient way to canvass, assess shops and buy parts. You will just need to add a few hours of research for it to be all worth it.

Of course, you can always just source our custom parts from your local dealer or Harley parts and accessories shops. This narrows down your pool of choices so prices are likely to be a bit higher than when you canvass online. The upside is that you will have lower delivery costs. Likewise, you can even acquire their design services, and just have them do the work for you. Post sales support is easier and more personal since these are within your locale.
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Selasa, 21 April 2009

Cheap Harley Davidson Parts and Accessories

Parts and accessories to the Harley Davidson does not need expensive. If you know where and when to find the time to purchase, you can find the cheap price and authentic parts and accessories.

Online is, of course, the best and most convenient way to source out cheap parts and accessories. When you search online, you can immediately check for supply shops, and note price and specification. This can be as simple as placing a search in your favorite search engine. You will most probably get a million or so hits. It is up to you to plough through the results to get to sites that really offer authentic and cheap Harley parts and accessories.

Or, you can head on directly to the Harley Davidson official website for a sure selection of authentic items. The downside here is that prices may not be as cheap as you’d hope. Often, the site sells as the suggested retail price. The upside is you are sure about your sources.

And yet, another option is to go directly to well-established online dealers. You can refer to several Harley owner blogs and forums for recommendations on good and affordable online shops. Here, it is always better to select sellers who are local. With local online dealers, you can expect low to zero delivery costs.

Online dealers are the better sources for cheap parts and accessories. During the sale season, prices can go as low as 20% off suggested retail price. When searching for these items online, you would need to factor in the cost of delivery, as well as the projected delivery date.

At the same time, not all online dealers are the same. Some may offer better pre- and post-sales services. Reliability is a factor to consider. The basic requirement for online sellers is to have a secure purchasing system. This way, clients won’t need to worry about using their credit cards for their online purchase. Next, these sites should have good online reputations. In this regard, you can rely on the reviews of many blogs and forums online.

Another alternative is the online auction shops. The cheap parts and accessories here are not a lot, compared to other available items. Some of these may even be used items. Regardless, you can find good deals online. It is just a matter of getting lucky.

There remains the option to canvass good cheap deals by going to different local dealers personally. This may require a lot more time from you but there are advantages. You get to examine the product first hand and assess its condition. Likewise, there may be a possibility for you to haggle with the seller.
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Minggu, 19 April 2009

Harley Davidson Maintenance Do’s And Don’t

Harley Davidson may be one of your most valuable assets. It is just right that these beauties are given proper care and maintenance. However, while many are trying to treat their Harley, who have some basic forgotten. Here is a quick refresher on maintenance do's and don'ts.

1. Do check your tires constantly: This is a very important step in everyday maintenance. Before you ride out, make sure to check your tires. Check that threads have not reached the thread wear bars that come standard in motorcycle tires. Once tires reach those bars, they become less effective against punctures and slippery roads.

2. Don’t let tires become under-inflated: Tires perform best and last longer when they have the right air pressure. Under-inflated tires can cause heat to build up inside. At the same time, under-inflation hastens the wear of the tires. Always make sure that tires are properly inflated.

3. Do check your valve stems: Valve stems are often forgotten when checking the overall condition of Harleys. These should always be capped. Make sure the caps are the same to ensure balanced riding. Watch out for cracking, especially in rubber valve stems. Replace these parts if you find too much wear.

4. Do make sure that battery cables are clamped tight: With the constant vibration of motorcycle engines, cables are bound to get loose. When you do maintenance checks, make sure to tighten battery cables. Securely clamped cables prevent your engines from dying out on you.

5. Do replace chipped or roughened brake rotors: Brake rotors are supposed to be smooth and generally clean. If your brake rotors have signs of overuse, such as rough and chipped surfaces, have these replaced right away.

6. Don’t neglect your spokes: The tension of your spokes should be correct. Else, you risk getting into accidents. To test, run a screwdriver over them. Loosened spokes sound differently. If you hear this, go to your mechanic right away. Loose spokes should be fixed as soon as possible.

7. Do change oil regularly: Oil are not just lubricants. Oil also ensure that your engines do not unnecessarily overheat. It has a cooling effect on Harley engines. Hence, make sure you change oil regularly.

8. Do ensure that your break pads are not overused: Break pads should beat least 1/16” thick. Anything less should be replaced.

9. Do check your lights every so often: Reliable lights are necessary, especially if you are prone to staying out at night. Allot at least one night a month to check your head light, tail light, brake light and blinkers.
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Jumat, 17 April 2009

Harley Davidson Designs

Harley Davidson Designs

Harley Davidson bikes come in a standard look that can be recognized from a distance. These looks are classic, definitive for their Harleys model. While many bike enthusiasts love these looks on their Harleys, others prefer to take another road. They prefer to customizing the them powerful bike for truly unique and powerful Harleys. Customization options have become populair for people who have a Harleys.

If you want to customize your Harley, you will first need a Harley Davidson design. A design covers most everything about your Harley – from the saddlebags to front and rear fenders, and color. You can look online for examples of these. There are several Harley custom service sites with sample designs for you to choose from. Just get online and do a simple search using your favorite search engine. You are bound to get several good hits. Another way to do this is to go directly to well-known Harley websites. These sites either have design concepts for you to use or can refer you to websites that specialize in Harley designs. It is always beneficial to have good references when dealing with online entities. Note that the Harley design sites you find online can come in handy by the time you need to bring in your bike for customization.

You can use the designs as is or sample patterns here and there, having these starting points for making your Harley truly your own. Of course, it is best to have a theme, such as blazing red with fiery flares or whatever suits your fancy. With a theme to start with, it won’t be as hard putting custom parts together.

Another option for design is to go to a nearby custom Harley design center. This is a good option if you do not know where to start or what suits your Harley model. The professionals at the design center will most probably have some suggestions for you – ranging from what’s popular to what suits your personality. At the same time, if you have to ask someone about design tips, then might as well ask those who spend hours in their day planning and executing designs.

Once you’ve got your design planned out, it’s time to get to work. A great way to customize your Harley is by doing it yourself. This then becomes truly a custom built bike, for you and by you. To begin this personal project, you can go online to purchase custom parts and accessories. Or, you can head on to your dealer or Harley parts and accessories shops for the gears you need. Make sure to have your manual handy when you temporarily tear your bike apart.

Else, you can just take your bike to the shop and they’ll do the work for you.
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Minggu, 29 Maret 2009

Which Harley Pipes Make More Power

Harley Davidson
The Most Powerful Harley Pipes

There is no doubt that opinions is very wildly in every subject being discussed so it does not surprise when the question of which set of harley pipes commands will produce the best power, it is hard to find a consensus as to which is better. There is a reason the good and simple to answer questions such as this one. So much of it depends on the combination and tune involved.

In many cases though, when something proves to be true far more often than not, it is safe to make some assumptions about things and expect that if it were true for 90% of other users, that you could likely expect it would be true for you too. That is the case when it comes to which set of Harley pipes produce the best power.

In most mildly modified Harley Davidsons you can count on a good 2 into 1 pipes to produce a better power curve than a set of traditional 2 into 2 pipes. A 2 into 2 may be able to match the peak power of a 2 into 1 but it will quickly show it's weakness in the low and midrange of the power curve.

I am not going to go into the physics of it but to summarize a 2 into 1 harley pipe simply has much better scavenging qualities and will produce better midrange and torque on almost stock or mildly modified Harley Davidson. I wouldn't say that would be true on every occasion but it has been proven to me time and time again from running various pipe and tuning combinations on the dyno.

Now I know that some of the more skeptical will say that a dyno doesn't tell the tale on the street but I have ridden just about every combination in existence and I can safely say that a 2 into 1 makes for a killer street pipe. I run a D&D Fat Cat on my own heavily modified 2007 Nightrain, so I put my money where my mouth is.

Which 2 into 1
The answer as to which 2 into 1 pipes would be best for your bike is a difficult one. Most 2 into 1 exhaust systems will perform very similarly on a stock or mildly modified Harley Davidson so in most cases, the answer is simply select whichever one you think looks the best.

I know that may sound superficial but the simply fact is that most of them perform so similarly that the only difference is cosmetic, regardless of what claims they might make.I have run a number of them in the past and I can confidently recommend the D&D Fat Cat or the Vance and Hines Pro Pipe as very solid selections that you won't go wrong with.

A 2 into 1 pipe will typically have a quieter exhaust note that will really growl when you crack the throttle. It's a very deep and bassy exhaust note that really sounds awesome in my opinion. Much better than any 2 into 2 pipe that I have experienced.

But I like Drag Pipes

You say you love the look and sound of a pair of drag pipes? Me too. Drag pipes and Harley Davidsons have gone together for many years and they do everything pretty well. Drag pipes look great and they sound awesome, assuming you like loud pipes of course.

What they don't do is make the best power. The question you would have to ask yourself though, is that really the most important thing to you? I mean a 2 into 1 will definitely make a noticeable difference in the power output and rideability of your Harley but if you hate the look of them, will you be happy?

Let's face it, the best 2 into 1 Harley pipe on the planet still won't turn a Harley Davidson into a Hayabusa. You need to balance your decision, weigh the factors that are important to you and then decide which set of pipes make the most sense for you.

Conclusion
So in summary, while I am not one to say that a certain kind of pipe will always perform better on every combination, I can confidently say that on 90% plus of stock to mildly modified Harleys, that a 2 into 1 pipe will almost always outperform a 2 into 2 pipe.

I can also say that I made an error above because there are some questions that have a single right answer. The answer to the question of "Which set of Harley Pipes are best for you" is an easy one, the answer is which set of Harley pipes that you prefer, are the ones that are the best.

Do your research, look at pictures, listen to the pipes and decide which set of pipes best suits your needs. The perfect set of pipes is out there.
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Rabu, 25 Maret 2009

Bolt On Power For Your Twin Cam Harley Davidson

Harley Davidson
For the owner of Harley Davidson Twin Cam, you may find that the 63 HP your bike has from the factory do not enough power. While the Twin Cam engine is an improvement on the 80 inch Evolution motor, there are many that can be done to make this machine more power.

Stage 1

The Twin Cam motor in most new Harley Davidson Motorcycles is stock as an 88 inch twin cylinder motor. Stock horsepower is around 63 and makes for a decent ride with generally acceptable power. Adding what is known as a Stage 1 kit can boost this power to 70+ HP. A typical stage 1 bolt on will include new exhaust, and air cleaner. Some folks will also put a carb kit in their stock CV carburetor or bolt on an aftermarket carb like an S&S B or Mikuni HSR42. For those folks with fuel injection a new map can be added that will make your motorcycle work well with the new exhaust and air cleaner.

Stage 2

When 70HP isn't enough, you can get to about 80 HP by adding a big bore kit. You can either have the cylinders bored our or bolt on new cylinders. Harley sells a 95 inch big bore kit that includes the new cylinders and pistons. I'd recommend using Forged pistons as they can be reused if you decide to add new heads in the Stage 3. Common in the stage 2 build is the addition of a new CAM. The combination of the 95 inch kit, cam and pistons should get your motorcycle in the 80HP range.

Stage 3

For those with more money to spend you can further boost your power 90-95HP by adding new Cylinder Heads and forged pistons. On my 2000 FXSTS this put me at 96HP and 100 Ft/Lbs of Torque.

Depending on the parts you choose you may get more or less HP than what's indicated here. The idea was to provide a basic description of the various stages and parts involved.

For exhaust I’d recommend for max midrange benefit choose a two into one system. If you must go with a two into two then try and find a manufacturer that specializes in performance like the Python III. There are many makers of great looking and sounding pipes but performance is usually an afterthought.
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Senin, 16 Maret 2009

Tune Harley Carburetor For Smooth Ride

harley davidson
Harley Davidson, the name is not new in the domain of automobile accessories and devices. The Harley Carburetor is special meant for a smooth ride on your bike. The Harley carburetor has a long life provided you tune it from time to time. Your driving will not have problems with your bike if the tuning is done properly.

The process of tuning for better performance

Don't think you won't be able to do it and dump your bike in a garage. It is nothing like that. Things are rather simple and you can yourself conduct the process of tuning the Harley carburetor. The tuning becomes important for the maintenance of the carburetor.

Well to begin with remove the Harley carburetor from the main body of the engine. You cannot just open and remove it as if opening your shirt. A particular technique has to be followed. The fuel has to be removed from the carburetor bowl and only then you can clean the thing. The backing plate and the bolts are to be removed in parts and the choke cable has to be also taken off.

The throttle cables are next put down. Therefore one by one the individual parts are disassembled. You need not entirely open the throttle cables. When the carburetor bowl is cleaned with the carburetor cleaner and you set down to reset the arrangement, adjust the throttle cables in the right location.

Resetting of the cables and reinstallation of the carburetor

The final round of tuning is the process of reassembling and fixing up the cables along with the clean carburetor bowl. The problem you face while riding a bike in simple terms is the heating up of the engine. And you fail to judge that the problem lies with the carburetor. Most of the times you even decide to change the whole unit of the carburetor.

Such changes are not required in Harley's carburetor. Simple tuning brings it back to the original performance. While tuning there is a chance of misplacing a cable or it can also be so that you cannot fix the exact cables in the right place. It is always suggested to tag or mark the cables used in a Harley carburetor. This will create no fuss either at the times of removal or at the times of resetting.

The wiring system attached to the cables of the carburetor is to be handled with care. Don't damage the fine metal wires or else you will have to replace them and get new ones fixed up. After tuning your bike or specifically the Harley carburetor, take a short trip and enjoy the difference. You won't complain any more about the engine.
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Sabtu, 14 Maret 2009

Why Bikers Choose Harley Davidson Boots

harley davidson
Harley Davidson has become synonymous with the leather-clad, american culture which to reflects the tough guy is very influential, the very strong male influence. Harley-Davidson is an American company that manufactures, distributes heavyweight, and sells, distinctively-designed motorcycles.

Attracting a loyal brand community such as bikers and rock-and-roll enthusiasts, Harley-Davidson has expanded its products from motorcycles to bikers’ gear. Part of its bikers’ gear product lines is motorcycle boots. Harley Davidson motorcycle boots are among the best and the most sought-after in the motorcycle community.

What makes Harley Davidson boots popular among motorcyclists? There are a variety of factors.

1) The company’s boots come in hundreds of styles and designs to suit each biker’s preference. They have beautiful shoelace boots such as the Typhoon, the Dipstick, and the Renegade. They also have stylish boots that use zippers rather than shoelaces for opening and closure such as the Patriot, the Tyrone, and the Amarillo.

For many, the company’s best-selling varieties (and the most fashionable) are those that feature oversized buckles. Buckle boots such as the Intrepid, the Mega Conductor, and the Side Light all feature imposing buckles that add character to the boots.

Many of their boots also combine these features. For example, the Taos feature shoelaces and a zipper lock. The Bladen, on the other hand, has a zipper and two buckles.

Many of their boots have imprinted or stitched eagle designs, the eagle being the company’s symbol.

Harley Davidson kids boots and women’s boots also have these features.

2) Although somewhat more expensive than other counterparts, Harley-Davidson boots are worth the money. Made of genuine leather, they are tough, durable, and can handle the worst of elements. Bikers opt to wear these boots due to the excellent protection and comfort they offer.

Additionally, like wine, these boots look better as they age.

3) The company’s boots have a classic, rugged, rock-and-roll look to which many people think that they are the same ‘ole standard boots. However, the company’s boots are actually constructed of high-tech materials developed after years of perfecting and developing leather shoe technology. Here are some of each pair’s features:

- Each pair of boots has ComforTemp lining, which acts as a climate control system. The lining allows the boots to retain body heat, making the feet warm even in the harshest winter. During hot weather, ComforTemp wicks away moisture, allowing cool air to come in and cool the feet.

- The boots are lined with a Gore-Tex membrane, a waterproof breathable fabric. Sweat from the feet can seep out of the polytetrafluoroethelyne membrane; however, it prevents water from getting in.

- Made of full-cushion, dual-density polyurethane, the footbeds of the boots are very efficient in absorbing shock. They are also removable.

- The Clincher Compound outsoles of Harley Davidson boots are oil-and-abrasion resistant. That means, the wearer has less chance of the person slipping. Clincher Compound has a very high safety rating given by the U. S. National Board of Safety.

- The strength and durability of the boots come from the fact that the material is made of Tec-Tuff leather. The material reduces riding wear and tear.
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Minggu, 08 Maret 2009

A Harley Helmet Can Make You Look Cool And Protect You Too

harley davidson
Harley Helmets are available in various shapes and styles. which items to choose? Depend on several criteria ... what biker style you are, if you want the most secure, and look for accessories. Let's go over a few of the options we have so you can sift through the choices and make a good determination.

Wearing Your Harley Davidson Helmet I'm not going to lecture to you on head safety -- you've heard that diatribe lots of times before. Instead, I'll assume that we all take it as known fact that wearing head protection is an excellent plan. Instead, I'll focus on the helmet choices at hand.

Full Face Helmets Your head is completely protected by these helmets. It likely won't surprise you to understand that they are the safest helmets on the market. They have a chin bar, together with a face protector and a durable external shell. These helmets are the ideal selection for people who desire to ride fast but are not interested in feeling the breeze or rain against their skin. Several options, including the super-slick Harley "Ghost Smoke" model, are made. One drawback of these helmets is that often, bikers find them to be quite hot, even though they utilize special channels for cooling so that a breeze can flow into the helmet.

Harley Half Helmet At the opposite end of the safety spectrum lies the half helmet. These are made specifically for the cruiser who desires to be close to the elements during the ride, but forego some degree of safety in the process. With these helmets, part of the head is left exposed and the rest is not as securely protected as with different models. Naturally, the traditional Harley design styles are available on half helmets.

Find a three-quarter model as an alternative to Half and Full face helmets.

Harley Davidson 100th Anniversary Helmet Because Harley experienced such overwhelming achievement in promoting their centennial celebration, the organization choose to repeat the effort several years later. For this reason, both 105th and 100th anniversary gear are available for purchase. Helmets are included in this promotional strategy. On some models, you will discover classic bar-and-shield symbols next to excellent anniversary-style images. Several other Anniversary designs are accessible as well. If you search the web, you will discover tons of ideas that may work well for you.

Vintage Helmets If you're searching for antique Harley helmets, the perfect place to look is eBay. New designs supply nostalgic styling, while used goods supply wild custom paint jobs. Careful with a used design, though, since it might not be up to today's DOT requirements.

Those are just a sampling of the Harley helmets models out there. You might want to check out Harley Davidson on the web for more info. Or, look around a little online, and you'll discover yourself with lots of items to choose from.

About the Author Ken A. is a Harley Davidson rider who tries to keep his noggin safe. He's been authoring pieces like this about motorcycles and motorcycle gear for a long time and has been renowned as an authority for a bit less than that. Ken has tried out tons of Harley gear and would love to share his musings and recommendations on Harley Helmets with you.
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Sabtu, 07 Maret 2009

Why Bikers Wear Black Leather Coats

harley davidson
Why so many bikers wear leather coats, did you notice that? Is it just a fashion statement or is it something more? Do bikers wear leather, especially black just to look tough and cool?

If you see motorcyclists in groups, you'll soon notice that most of them are wearing black leather coats. In addition, black leather gloves, boots, and pants are common. Do bikers just like the look of a black leather coat?

Go to any biker event, and it is a sea of leather coats, with almost every biker wearing one year round.

Even though black leather coats look cool, and fashion has copied the "biker look" on the runway, fashion is not the only reason bikers wear black leather coats.

Leather is the best protective covering for a motorcycle rider, and this is the main reason bikers wear leather coats. Leather usually comes in black, and when you are riding at seventy miles per hour at a few inches above the pavement, you want protection covering your skin should you happen to wreck. Protection is a key consideration when riding a motorcycle, both for the possible accident and for regular road debris that may hit a biker when he or she is riding.

Leather, while not a suit of armor, does offer some tried and true protection. Traditionally, leather has been worn by cowboys for this same reason - protection against bumps and bruises from horseback riding and other endeavors. Leather is a material man has long relied upon to protect us from rough work. Bike riding is no different, and bikers have long known that leather coats were good for their lifestyle.

It cannot be denied, however, that bikers now embody a certain look that is a part of their riding. Black leather conveys a sense of dangerous, tough, manly living. Black leather coats are particularly bold and have a cultural connotation that speaks to the serious rider's life.

These days, materials other than leather are also being used such as synthetic jackets and pants, but the traditional leather coat is still the most popular among bikers, probably because of the rich, cultural roots associated with genuine leather coats.

The synthetic coats have built-in armor in elbows, shoulders, and back. They are lighter and cool better in hot weather. There are more color choices now but black is still the most prominent color. One problem with the constant wearing of black leather or even black synthetic coats is that they make a rider hard to see at night. The synthetic coats are gaining in popularity, but will be unlikely to surpass the popularity of the traditional leather coat.

Leather coats will always rule the biker scene and prominent brands such as Harley Davidson produce custom lines of leather coats as well. This outerwear is great for protective purposes, but also displays loyalty to the Harley brand. Harley knows that serious bikers and those who love Harley hogs will always want to wear leather coats. Leather coats are synonymous with being a biker.
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