2009 Harley Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic

With introduced of the 2009 Tri Glide Ultra Classic motorcycle, Harley-Davidson brings original-equipment design, quality and service for the three-wheel motorcycle segment. The basis of this new chassis designed specifically for three-wheel application, the Tri Glide offers classic style and populair touring features of the Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide, in a vehicle that will be sold and serviced by the network Harley-Davidson dealers and covered by two years Harley-Davidson limited warranty. The Tri glide will have an MSRP of $ 29,999.

Harley-Davidson launched a “wheels-up” strategy in the development of the Tri Glide, and has created a frame and associated chassis structure that is engineered specifically to handle the loads generated by the steering forces and weight of a three-wheel vehicle. Changes to the front-end geometry enhance steering control by reducing steering effort up to 25 percent. The forks have been lengthened by 1.775 inches compared to the regular Touring motorcycle, and rake is increased from 29.25 degrees to 32.00 degrees. A steer damper controls coast-down wobble, and minimizes bumps and other road inputs during turning events.

Harley-Davidson has designed a new rear-axle assembly for the Tri Glide that utilizes an aluminum center section with steel axle tubes. The Tri Glide retains the high-strength and low-maintenance advantages of belt final drive, and the smooth operation of a rubber-cushioned, compensated rear drive. The rear suspension features dual air-adjustable rear shock absorbers.

The Tri Glide is powered by a Twin Cam 103 V-Twin engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), rated at 101 ft. lbs. of torque. It retains the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission used on Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles, but adds an optional electric reverse ($1,195) integrated with the rear differential assembly that is engaged with a handlebar-mounted reverse module. The Tri Glide has dual front disc brakes and a Hayes Brake dual-disc rear brake system with a lever-actuated, integrated park brake.

Classic Harley-Davidson Styling

The Harley-Davidson styling department gave the new body components of the Tri Glide clean lines that integrate with the existing Ultra bodywork, especially the Tour Pak luggage compartment and the passenger seating area. The new bodywork is painted with the same quality OEM paint and process used on all Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and is a perfect color match for the tank and front fender. The composite rear fenders complement the lines of the front fender. Because the rear fenders are each a separate piece from the rest of the rear bodywork, they can be removed individually for repair or replacement, or when required to service the Tri Glide.

The molded-composite trunk provides 4.5 cubic feet of storage space and can be accessed through a rear hatch. The trunk and Tour Pak have a combined capacity of 6.56 cubic feet and are rated to carry up to 80 pounds. A single key will handle all luggage locking functions, and activate the ignition. Dual mufflers with tapered end caps exit below the trunk. Brake/tail/turn lights are located on each fender, and the Tri Glide retains the Tour Pak lighting used on the Ultra Classic, including the LED side running lights. Matching front and rear black and machined split seven-spoke cast aluminum wheels provide the Tri Glide its integrated and true, factory-built look. The 16-inch front wheel is three inches wide and carries a MT90B16 motorcycle tire, while the 15-inch rear wheels are five inches wide and are fitted with P205/65R15 tires.

Forward of the rear wheels, the Tri Glide retains the style and features of the Ultra Classic Electra Glide, including the distinctive “bat wing” fairing, auxiliary driving lamps, and deep-skirted front fender. A low-profile chrome console tops a six-gallon fuel tank. The fairing holds complete instrumentation and the 80-watt Advanced Audio System with CB radio and passenger intercom system. Adjustable air deflectors on the fairing and vented fairing lowers allow the rider to control wind flow for comfort in warm or cool weather. Cruise control is standard equipment.

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New Harley-Davidson touring chassis for 2009

An all-new chassis underpins Harley-Davidson's popular touring models for 2009. redesigned from the tires up for a ride in a responsive driving and to increase capacity and comfort. Company claims that the motor that the 2009 seven touring models ride like new motorcycles, while preserving a strong iconic styling.

“Under the skin, our 2009 Touring models are essentially new motorcycles", said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson vice president of core customer marketing. “There is likely no profile on the American road more distinctive than that of a Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycle, and we were able to retain the character of each model while significantly improving the riding experience in many ways".

Forming the core of the 2009 Touring chassis is a new frame with a single-spar, rigid backbone designed to sustain the demands of long-haul touring riders and today’s powerful engines. The new frame provides a strong foundation that supports a 70-pound increase in carrying capacity.

A separate bolt-on tail section isolates the main frame from the tail frame, improving the fit-and-finish of the rear area of the motorcycle through more-precise alignment of the rear fender over the rear wheel.

Front wheel diameter on all models except the Road King is increased to 17 inches from 16 inches, while the width of the 16-inch rear wheel is increased to five inches from three inches.

The wider rear wheel accommodates a new 180/65-16 rear tire that is wider and has a lower aspect ratio than the tire it replaces. The new front tire, a 130/80-17, also has a lower aspect ratio for a more modern look and improved handling response.

All 2009 Touring models will be equipped with new Dunlop D407 multi-tread rear tires designed specifically for the new touring chassis, which the Motor Company claims deliver up to 25 percent more rear-tire tread life than previous tires.

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A Special Feature on the Different Types of Harley Motorbikes

Throughout the year, dominated the Harley Motorbikes in the big-muscle motorcycle market is invincible, with the present excellent products. Some of the best products with high performance is a Harley-Davidson VRSCD Night Rod, VRSCR Street Rod and 1200 Sportster. Apart from the total consumers satisfaction that the company, all of its products are definitely meant to last for a lifetime.

After years of producing various kinds of wonderful and first-class motorcycles, Harley-Davidson Co. continues its great tradition of manufacturing the best-looking, super efficient, and heavy duty Harley Motorbikes. Many things have already changed, but its dedication to produce and deliver some of the best performing motorcycles goes on up to this very moment. Right now, it features a wide array of special motorcycles ranging from the classic Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster down to the tough looking Harley-Davidson VRSCR Street Rod.

The classic Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster has always been a regular product offering since the early years of the company. Some people love this model mainly because of its smaller and lighter figure compared to the regular motorcycles that the group manufactures. Aside from its rich history, this high-performing product line is without a doubt one of the best set of Harley Motorbikes available today. It comes in four special models namely the XL1200R Sportster Roadster, XL1200L Sportster Low, XL1200C Sportster Custom, and XL1200N Sportster Nightster. Made from the finest materials, Harley-Davidson offers these good-looking motorcycles from $8,695 to $9,695.

Meanwhile, the stylish Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King is another excellent line of Harley Motorbikes whose special designs are patterned after some of its best-looking models in the 1940s. Its basic features include hard-shell saddlebags, detachable windscreen, and big Hiawatha chrome headlamp, with the prices starting from $18,295 and can go up as high as $18,725. On the other hand, the comfortable Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe is a sleek yet very efficient model with highly innovative features such as the 6-Speed Cruise Drive transmission shift, ESPFI or Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection, and 1584cc Twin-Cam 96B balanced engine. Prices range from as low as $17,345 to as high as $18,150.

In the meantime, the traditional Harley-Davidson FXDL Dyna Low Rider is an excellent Harley Motorbike that combines the strength and style reminiscent of all its models. Its key features include a low-rise pullback handle bar, 4.8-gallon fuel tank, and 1584cc Twin-Cam 96 engine. Prices for this product line starts from $15,795 to $16,600. At the opposite side, the powerhouse Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod is patterned after a racing motorbike with the torque and acceleration as its forte. It features a 5.0-gallon tank, low-rise handlebars, and a beautiful customized rear shocks. The average price for this wonderful Harley Motorbike begins at $16,495.

The final two models from the latest roster of Harley Motorbikes are the muscular Harley-Davidson VRSCD Night Rod and the high-technology Harley-Davidson VRSCR Street Rod. The Night Rod features textured vinyl seat, minimalist rear shocks, and 1130cc Revolution engine. The average selling price for these super cool and highly efficient Harley Motorbike is $14,995. On the flip side, the Street Rod features a high performing Revolution V-Twin engine, wider handlebars, and dual-exhaust pipes. With all its great-looking features, the prices for this aggressive-looking motorcycle line are set at $15,495.

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How to Become a Harley Davidson Motorcycle Service Technician

If you like Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and you enjoy working with your own hands, you can earn a good living as a service technician Harley-Davidson motorcycle. There are several schools in the U.S. specifically for a motorcycle repair and service. 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.

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.

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Harley-Davidson XR1200

In the year 1970 Harley-Davidson 750 cc, 4 speed introduced. Harley-Davidson XR 750 with engine 90 bhp V-twin special motor for flat track racing. Few engineers are aware that they will be in production to bring the world to become a successful flat track bike, destined to dominate the championships from the early 1970's to this day.

The XR 750’s success was underlined again (in 2007) with Kenny Coolbeth’s second successive victory in the US flat track racing series. Coolbeth, from Connecticut led a one-two-three for the Harley Davidson ’Wrecking Crew’ team this year along with team mates Jared Mees and Bryan Smith.

With the launch of the XR1200 scheduled for 2008, there’s never been a better time to celebrate the racing heritage that the new XR 1200 model is built upon. With the XR 750’s unrivalled race winning DNA in its genes the XR 1200 is sure to take the motorcycle world by storm. Since its prototype launch in Germany in 2006 dealers and customers have been waiting to see the finished product with an anticipation fuelled by excitement.

The XR 750’s on-track success is unquestionable. Piloted by a multitude of riders down the years, the bike has won 28 of the past 36 AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) championships.

"Kenny Coolbeth’s success this season further enhances the Harley-Davidson XR 750’s reputation as the most successful race motorcycle of all time", commented Matthew Knott of Harley-Davidson Europe. "The incredibly positive reaction we’ve had to the XR 1200 prototype certainly suggests that there is growing interest in a Harley-Davidson motorcycle which has been inspired by the racing line, and we’re looking forward to launching the bike in 2008" Knott added.

Flat Track racing is an all-American series where bikes compete on a 1 mile hard packed dirt oval circuit. As in European speedway, bikes slide round the corners spinning their back wheels for balance - although unlike its European equivalent, cornering speeds are often much higher, with some bikes travelling around the oval at speeds in excess of 120mph. The bikes used are powered by a 750 cc V-Twin engine mounted in a special flat track chassis, and to keep the riders on the edge of their seats the bikes possess no front brakes.

The series runs throughout the US Summer months, with the first race usually scheduled in March and the season finale in late September or early October. The spiritual home of Flat Track racing is in Springfield, Illinois, at the Fairgrounds Mile where the first AMA championship was held in 1937.

The series is also seen as a launch pad for careers in MotoGP, with international stars like Nicky Hayden and Kenny Roberts both starting their racing careers on the Flat Track circuit.

Harley-Davidson’s works team, nicknamed the ’Wrecking Crew’ has been a key part of the Flat Track scene since 1914. The most successful member of the Wrecking Crew is Scott Parker who has claimed a record breaking 9 championships in the series. Kenny Coolbeth’s second successive victory in the AMA series this year puts him hot on the heels of Scott Parker as the most successful series rider of all time.

20 year old Kenny commented on his 2007 championship title; "It takes an amazing group of people to do what we did this season. Winning the second championship feels just as good as the first one. Our team wants to keep doing this and we’ve already put our focus on next season".

When William S. Harley first entered Harley-Davidson motorcycles in a racing championship in 1914 the team was quick to establish their authority by winning races and championships in a few short years. "Harley-Davidson motorcycles were raced almost from the very beginning of the company, first by independent owners, and then by an official racing department in 1914", said Bill Jackson, Manager of Harley-Davidson Archives.

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Harley-Davidson FXCW Rocker

The Rocker FXCW make things interesting for a difficult ride, go-your-own-way attitude. The Rocker stretches out on a 36.5-degree fork Rake that extends the wheelbase to 69.2 inches. A 19-inch tapered five-spoke cast-aluminum front wheel is finished in durable Satin Stainless Metallic powdercoat. The settlement of the same also applied to the fork lowers, triple clamps, headlamp, handlebar riser, tank console, swingarm, turn signal housings, hand controls, belt guard, oil tank and engine trim. The frame is custom color-matched to the bodywork.

A sculpted, two-piece five-inch curved riser supports independent, V-Bar handlebar with internal wiring. A new bullet-shaped headlamp rides over beefy 49 mm Showa forks. The bullet-style turn indicators feature bright LED lamps. The new Stop/Turn/Tail lights incorporate the stop and tail lamp functions with the rear turn indicators, eliminating the traditional tail lamp from the rear fender. A stretched, five-gallon fuel tank holds a low-profile console with a polished aluminum insert, integrated indicator lamps and an angled, speed-shop style speedometer housing. A machined 3-D Bar and Shield medallion is mounted in a deboss on each side of the fuel tank.

The Rocker is powered by the counter-balanced Twin Cam 96B with ESPFI fuel injection mated to the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, rigid-mounted in a frame that’s color-matched to the bodywork. The powertrain is finished in Silver powdercoat with Satin Stainless Metallic powdercoat accents on the covers. Shorty dual mufflers with a new slash bend reinforce the bike’s long, low profile. A low solo seat is mounted over a finned, cast-aluminum oil tank that recalls classic hot-rod bikes of the past. The Rocker is available in three solid colors: Vivid Black, Pacific Blue Pearl and Crimson Red Sunglo; and in Vivid Black Deluxe, which features pinstripe flames.

"Only Harley-Davidson could style and engineer a motorcycle as visually exciting as the new Rocker", said Bill Davidson, director of motorcycle product development. "To offer this level of customization in a reliable, production motorcycle is simply unprecedented. We’ve also got the Fat Bob taking the Dyna platform in a bold, new direction. And the beautiful copper-and-black 105th Anniversary models are icing on the Motor Company birthday cake for 2008".

For more than a century, Harley-Davidson motorcycles have stoked the passion of riders around the world with a distinctive combination of performance and visual appeal that simply can not be duplicated. The energy, dedication and pure enthusiasm of each individual at Harley-Davidson maintains that full-throttle intensity, season after season.

The Rockertail

It’s the Rockertail rear end that makes a Softail a Rocker. The Rockertail utilizes an all-new rear section with elliptical tubes and no visible fender supports. As on other Softail motorcycles, the Rockertail rear shock absorbers are hidden away under the motorcycle. The rear fender is mounted just above a 240 mm x 18-inch rear tire, and the fender’s broad surface is fully exposed behind a solo saddle. The Rockertail design creates the illusion of a bone-jarring, hardtail frame. But when under way, the fender and wheel move together as the rear suspension glides through 3.4 inches of travel for a ride that’s comfortable mile after mile. Laden seat height of the FXCW Rocker is just 24.5 inches, one of the lowest seat heights available on the market today.

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Harley-Davidson FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones

Harley-Davidson FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones cuts the aggressive profile of an authentic custom bobber, with some dark twists that deliver a wickedly fun and emotional riding experience. you can try and feel your own.

The new Softail model was announced today at the Harley-Davidson Winter Dealer Meeting in San Antonio. With the retro look of a Springer front end and other post-war era bobber styling cues like a sprung solo seat, half-round rider footboards, Gloss Black round air cleaner cover and chopped front fender, the Softail Cross Bones rides with a Black and Polished Twin Cam 96B powertrain, 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission and truly unique Softail suspension.

"Only Harley-Davidson could do this bike," said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Vice President, Core Customer Marketing. "It’s a motorcycle inspired as much by our early Knuckles and Pans, as by our desire to deliver innovative technology and content to make the ride today as magical and transforming as only a Harley-Davidson can. Cross Bones is a bike that makes me want to strap a blanket across the handle bar, hit the campgrounds on my next road trip and get totally in touch with what’s right about this land".

As the latest of several Harley-Davidson Dark Customs, Cross Bones melds stripped and chopped custom creativity with rough and raw finishes. Soul mates of the Cross Bones include the Nightster, Night Train, Night Rod Special and Street Bob. Check out more on Dark Custom motorcycles at www.harley-davidson.com/darkcustom.

As each Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycle declares its styling independence with exclusive components and inspired craftsmanship, the Cross Bones is a bold addition to an already free-spirited family. Many features of the Cross Bones and other Softails are reminiscent of restless riders of the past, whose defiant attitude resonates with those who march to their own beat in any generation.

The Softail name originates from its rear suspension design, with a swingarm section that honors the lines of a vintage rigid frame, while delivering a smooth, comfortable ride. Hidden horizontal coil-over rear shock absorbers are strategically mounted out-of-sight below the powertrain. The counter-balanced Twin Cam 96B powertrain is rigid-mounted in the Softail frame to give the rider a core connection to the motorcycle. Harley-Davidson Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) is standard on all Softail models, as is the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission with its accommodating clutch lever effort.

The Softail Cross Bones takes on the road with a rebellious expression accentuated by a Gloss Black painted Springer front end with chrome springs, black bucket headlamp and black mini ape-hanger style handlebar. While the chopped front fender exposes more of the front wheel, a Bobtail fender does the same for the wide 200 mm rear tire. Tires with matching treads ride on Steel Laced wheels with Gloss Black painted rims.

The sprung solo seat, gloss black round air cleaner cover and old-style half-round rider footboards form a nostalgic focal point of the Cross Bones, recalling images of a classic era on this contemporary motorcycle. With two coiled springs underneath, the adjustable two-position Cross Bones seat rides in modern comfort at a height of 26.6 inches. A distinctive Softail horseshoe-shaped oil tank with the time-honored Harley-Davidson patent badge is located below the seat.

An authentically designed five-gallon fuel tank sports a gloss black "cat-eye" styled console with accessible ignition switch and a new speedometer face. A hand-laced leather tank panel on the console compliments the sprung solo seat. A straight shot exhaust system with chrome slash-cut mufflers provides optimum performance and stands out in contrast to the Cross Bones’ many darker components.

The FLSTSB Cross Bones is available in premium custom graphics with wicked striping and paint featuring new Dark Blue Pearl, Dark Blue Denim, as well as Vivid Black, Black Denim, Olive Pearl and Pewter Denim.

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