While most bike owners take pleasure in carefully detailing
their bike, the owner of Harrell's Car Wash Systems has developed the first
automated, touch-free motorcycle wash.The ideal sprouted when owner Mark Harrell spoke with American Chopper's
Paul Teutul Sr. about the idea of an auto-wash for bikes.
Harrell has spent three years designing and perfecting the
layout of his new motorcycle wash, and now that the initial Moto Express Wash
is operational near Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Harrell plans to begin selling
the technology to dealers early next spring.While some are concerned about the effects of the high-pressure soap and
water on the bike, the company claims that it is safe for everything with two
wheels, "from scooters to choppers".
October 24th, 2008 marks the beginning of the
second annual California Bike Week (CBW).This three-day event, organized by the Southern California
Harley-Davidson Dealers Association and the Love Foundation, with everything
from vendors to music to food to flat track racing.
There are features that go on all week, such as the three-day
perpetual bike show, and Harley Village which offers demo rides on 2009 models,
as well as a display of vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycles.250 vendors will adorn the area referred to
by the planners "The Worlds Best Biker Vendor Village", and during the three
days, there will be various stunt shows to check out.
Friday's plans include a Hot Rod show feature both bikes and
some of the coolest cars on the west coast and the night finishes off with a
concert featuring The Blasters and Lee Rocker.
On Saturday, the featured event is the West Coast Flat Track Series'
Pacific Coast Nationals, and for just $30, you can see some of the best
Harley-Davidson racing the west coast has to offer with classes ranging from
Open/Unlimited to a class featuring just pre-1976 bikes and riders over the age
of thirty, to the Novice class.
The south has a wonderful jewel in it's midst, a road that is filled with
adventure, smooth roads, stunning scenery of mountains, sweeping curves,
valleys, lakes, and rolling fields, wildlife and many, many scenic stops along
the way, and it was as if it was made for motorcycles. And that jewel is the
Blue Ridge Parkway. Now I know that when it was first conceived in 1933 that the thought of
making it a motorcycle wonderland was not what they in mind. But a wonderland
for the motorcyclist it is. And boy is it ever!
With 469 breathtaking miles, the road starts at Rockfish Gap in Virginia and
continues on where it ends in Cherokee, NC.
As you motor up to the sign that says "Blue Ridge Parkway" then make that
turn onto the road, a feeling of exhilaration and excitement overtakes you as
you know that you are in for the adventure of a life time. We always like to
start at the southernmost point at milepost 469 at Cherokee. The moment your
tires hit the pavement you feel as though you have stepped into a different
world. The speed limit is 45 mph but you don't want to go any faster than that
anyway as you may miss something. Beautiful trees with their canopies above you
envelope you and your senses are overtaken with the coolness of what surrounds
you, the smell of the living greenery around you and the freshness of the air.
Sweeping curves greet you and you cruise ever so easily around them. So many
times after a curve you are greeted by a clearing and you are met with
spectacular views of beautiful mountains and valleys. It is nature that has been
unspoiled for millions of years and you feel like you are no longer in modern
times, but back in time when all nature was unspoiled. Only the rumble of your
motorcycle brings you back to the present.....and then a passing car or
motorcycle. But there are never any passing commercial trucks as they are not
allowed on the Parkway adding to the pleasure of your ride.
The 105th Anniversary of the Harley-Davidson
Company was a four-day event featuring activities all around the greater Milwaukee area, including a meeting of the Harley Owner's
Group (HOG) at MillerPark - the home of the
Milwaukee Brewers.It was during this
massive motorcycle show that Harley-Davidson and the Brewers announced a new
partnership for the 2009 baseball season.
The main attraction of this partnership is the new
Harley-Davidson Deck, which will be built in left-centerfield during the
upcoming off season.This new seating
area will feature the familiar HD orange and black, with a few Harleys around
the new deck.The tickets are planned to
be sold in packages which include special motorcycle-safe parking with entry through
the new and exclusive H-D Gate, two tickets to the game, two tickets to the
pre-game buffet, and two complimentary drinks.Prices have not been announced for next seasons HD Deck, but it was
announced that Harley Owner's Group members will have priority in ordering as
well as possible discounts in package pricing.
Before the new Harley-Davidson Deck is constructed, the
agreement will officially began on September 2, 2008, as the ball for the
ceremonial opening pitch was delivered by a rider on a Harley-Davidson, and
this is something that will hopefully become tradition as part of the
partnership.
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles and the nation's pastime make
for a great partnership, allowing riders to feel confident in taking their
bikes to a game, helping to promote two major staples in the Milwaukee community.
What is a more fitting way for the man who wrote the
legendary song Born in the USA
to finish off a 100 concert tour with a stop at the 105th
anniversary of Harley Davidson?While it
seems like a match made in heaven, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
finished their world tour in Milwakee to mixed previews and reviews.
Springsteen's music, which like her personal opinions
support his generally "left" views, has not always been looked upon favorably
by those who support the actions of the US military.However, Springsteen kept his views to
himself for the majority of the event, with only a brief discussion about the
song "Livin in the future", which touched on a few world events.There were some audible groans heard from the
crowd, but as the political discussions stopping as quickly as it stopped, the
crowd was positive for the show and the concerns about unhappy attendees proved
to be an unfounded one and "The Boss" and his crew jammed for almost three and
a half hours, playing in the area somewhere around 30 songs.
Those who were more concerned with the music than political
concerns were disappointed to not hear Born in the USA, but all in all the world tour
finale proved to be a big hit with the crowd, and a great touch for Harley
Davidson's 105th Anniversary celebration.
The company planned on having over 100,000 visitors from
around the world to flood to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the four-day celebration with activities
ranging from a parade through the city to special events at the newly opened HarleyDavidsonMuseum.
You've obviously noticed that the HDForums.com homepage (www.HDForums.com) had changed. What's different about it? Well, for one, when you go to www.hdforums.com in your browser you will be directed to the HDF article section rather than forced straight into the discussion forums. Don't worry - nothing has changed in the actual forums, that section has been untouched; all your bookmarks, links and posts are exactly where they were.
Why the articles section? The answer is really simple. Although the HDF forums provide a great platform for distributing information and site news, the forum posts often become buried by other data and therefore eventually hide from the average HDF user. Writing product reviews, features and Harley Davidson articles in general becomes a problem. Updating the site becomes virtually impossible! The new system allows the administrators, as well as anyone (this could be you!) with editor permissions to update the articles on the site, upload images, share event recap and so on.
I want to become a site editor and contribute - how do I start? Want to become an HDF contributing author? It's simple, click here to email us, put "Editor" in the subject line, we'll go over the details and get you ready to assit as an HDForums.com contributor!
Harley-Davidson styling heritage meets long-range riding comfort in the Road
King. The large, detachable windshield and hard-shell saddlebags make this
a versatile motorcycle suitable for touring or commuting. Classic styling
touches include the chrome Hiawatha headlamp and clear-lens auxiliary passing
lights, chrome engine covers, a deep-skirted FL front fender and white-stripe
tires. The seat has been restyled for 2009 with chrome accents and a new low-mount
license bracket locates the plate below the tail lamp, with new LED license
plate illumination.
A new chassis designed to deliver precise responsive maneuverability, increased
capacity and greater comfort for rider and passenger underpins the seven-model
Harley-Davidson Touring family for 2009.
Incorporating an all-new frame, swingarm, engine mounting system, wheels
and tires, the new chassis forms the foundation for what are truly all-new
motorcycles. The key styling elements of these motorcycles, however, are essentially
unchanged so that the distinctive character and mechanical beauty of each
Touring model is preserved.
The evolution of the Harley-Davidson hot rod continues for 2009, as
most Sportster models roll into the new year on retuned suspension.
Five Sportster models retain the raw, soulful styling that represents
the uninhibited essence of motorcycling. Responsive handling, the flat
torque delivery and distinctive sound of an American V-Twin engine, and
classic styling cues make Harley-Davidson Sportster a motorcycle that
just keeps getting better.
When it debuted in 1957, the original
Sportster projected a tough and rebellious attitude that was born on
the gritty dirt tracks and drag strips of that era. That spirit lingers
in every new Sportster model, from the retro-bobber Nightster to the
glittering chrome of the long 1200 Custom.
Sportster models are
powered by the Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) XL
Evolution V-Twin powertrain, rubber-mounted in the frame to reduce
vibration and tuned to deliver a flat torque curve for responsive
performance. Among the most-affordable Harley-Davidson models,
Sportster motorcycles offer a low, comfortable seat, smooth clutch
effort, and a durable carbon fiber reinforced final drive belt.
New on Sportster for 2009
Enhanced Suspension:
The suspension is upgraded on the 883 Custom, 1200 Low and 1200 Custom.
Springs and dampening rates have been recalibrated and new damping
devices were installed to provide superior ride quality.
New Front Fenders: All Sportster models get a new low-profile front fender that hugs the tire for a streamlined, custom look.
New Rear Wheel on Custom models:
The 883 Custom and 1200 Custom models receive new rear wheels that
weigh four pounds less while maintaining stiffness and durability. The
lighter wheel improves ride quality by reducing unsprung weight. The
1200 Custom has a new chrome cast aluminum slotted disc rear wheel,
while the 883 Custom rear wheel is a Silver cast aluminum solid disc.
Delivering an exclusive design combo of the nostalgic Springer front
end and a wide 240 mm rear tire and fender, Harley-Davidson Custom
Vehicle Operations (CVO) rolls out a truly original motorcycle with the
2009 CVO Softail Springer. Based on a totally unique frame
design with wide, fully polished and chrome-plated swing arm, fully
polished chrome cast aluminum oil tank and a host of premium components
and accessories, the CVO Softail Springer stands alone in the factory
custom category.
As one of just two 2009 Harley-Davidson models with the quintessential
Springer front fork design, the CVO Softail Springer presents a
spiritual and exhilarating ride with authentic look and feel. The
faithfully styled front end rides on an 18 x 3.5-inch Road Winder wheel
and 130 mm tire with a new four-piston brake caliper with chrome forged
mount, color-matched rigid forks and chromed spring components. The new
wide 240 mm rear tire and custom Bobtail wide rear fender with louver
accents ride on a new 18 x 8-inch Road Winder forged chrome wheel.
The third edition creation from Harley-Davidson CVO melds time honored
Harley-Davidson engineering technology and styling creativity with an
exclusive Screamin' Eagle Twin Cam 110B engine, stunning Genuine Motor
Accessories and sizzling color options.
Packing plenty of power and just the right mix of chrome, the Sportster 1200 Custom stays true to its name. With a new lighter-weight chrome Slotted Disc Cast Aluminum rear wheel, chrome Laced Steel 21-inch front wheel with new fender, chrome engine highlights, chrome handlebar and headlight, and a polished fuel tank console, the 1200 Custom shimmers with style. Forward controls and a pull-back handlebar riser give the rider a cool-for-cruising position in the saddle.
The evolution of the Harley-Davidson hot rod continues for 2009, as most Sportster models roll into the new year on retuned suspension. Five Sportster models retain the raw, soulful styling that represents the uninhibited essence of motorcycling. Responsive handling, the flat torque delivery and distinctive sound of an American V-Twin engine, and classic styling cues make Harley-Davidson Sportster a motorcycle that just keeps getting better.
When it debuted in 1957, the original Sportster projected a tough and rebellious attitude that was born on the gritty dirt tracks and drag strips of that era. That spirit lingers in every new Sportster model, from the retro-bobber Nightster to the glittering chrome of the long 1200 Custom.
Sportster models are powered by the Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) XL Evolution V-Twin powertrain, rubber-mounted in the frame to reduce vibration and tuned to deliver a flat torque curve for responsive performance. Among the most-affordable Harley-Davidson models, Sportster motorcycles offer a low, comfortable seat, smooth clutch effort, and a durable carbon fiber reinforced final drive belt.
