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H.O.G. Announces 2009 Schedule

2008-11-19T19:56:13Z

The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) organizes some of the largest and most popular Harley events annually, and they have announced that Oklahoma City as the host of the 2009 H.O.G. OKC. This event will be held on June 27-27, 2008, at the Oklahoma State Fair Park, and it will offer a wide variety of HD related entertainment under the name "Club HOG OKC".

Activities at the event will include musical acts on two stages, demo rides on 2009 Harley and Buell models, service seminars, the Willie G. Award, the H.O.G. Wall of Ink tattoo contest, the H.O.G. Garage, The Chapter Parade of Flags, and many other related functions. Of course, free motorcycle parking will be offered, and Kiddie demo rides are also being offered, so CLUB HOG OKC could be fun for the whole family.
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The first of the rides, named the American Muscle Tour, starts in Bowling Green, Kentucky on July 14 and travels to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, ending on July 19. Along the route, stops are made at the National Corvette Museum and the Corvette plant for a tour, then to the United States Air Force Museum in Dayton, and once in Milwaukee, a stop at the Harley Davidson Museum is the finishing touch. This is limited to 1,000 registered rides, and registration opens on March 18, 2009.

The second ride begins on September 15 in St. Joseph, Missouri and ends up in Sacramento, California on September 24th, and is appropriately named the Pony Express Ride. This ride follows the historic path taken by the Pony Express rides who were taking mail to the new west in the 1860s. Stops along the way include a variety of museums and monuments dedicated to those who blazed those same trails, as well as the opportunity to see the west while meeting other H.O.G. members. This is limited 750 registered rides, and registration opens on May 20, 2009.

HOG Report for week ending 11/14/2008

2008-11-14T16:04:14Z

The stock market has continued its downward spiral, and luxury items, such as Harley Davidsons, have been hit the hardest. Company stock prices today have been in the 16.90-17.05 range early on this Friday, and HOG closed the week of 11-3-2008 at 21.31. Based on the trends this week, there is a chance that HOG could look at a weekly closing under 20.00 for the first time since the week ending January 7, 1991.

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Market analysts are predicting fourth quarter revenue of 58 cents per share, down about 25% from where it was last year for the same period. In the last year (four quarters) the company has exceeded this projected value twice, and fallen short of it twice.

This week's closing statistics will be added at the close of the business day.

Orange County Choppers Hit SEMA

2008-11-11T18:34:02Z

The SEMA (Special Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas every year is held to recognize the leaders in the automotive aftermarket industry. This is aimed at the aftermarket for cars and trucks, but in the past few years some motorcycles have found their way into various displays, and this year saw a handful of bikes from Orange County Choppers.

The first two that we came across were the OCC Mobil 1 Bagger and the OCC Airgas bike. The Airgas bike built in 2006 as part of a deal between OCC and Airgas, as they provided all of the welding equipment for several seasons. Both of these bikes were fairly tame as OCC bikes go. ]]> The most popular of the bikes at the 2008 SEMA Show was the OCC Dodge bike, and unlike the other two, this was more typical of OCC with Dodge related styling cues all over the bike. The front of the bike offers some of the most obvious indications of this bikes roots, with a Dodge crosshair style grille between the front folks, and on the front fender, the massive Dodge Ram head found on the early Dodge Ram and Ramchargers.

The engine wears the Hemi badge atop each of the cylinders, and the Dodge Ram logo found on the tailgate of the new Dodge Ram forms the air cleaner. On the opposite side, the red Dodge emblem is embossed on the belt cover. Even the wheels are Dodge inspired, wearing the large 5-spoke style found on many new Dodge products.

The Dodge OCC bike a crowd around much of the time, and perhaps the interest in this bike, along with the others at this years show, will lead to more motorcycle attention in the future.

Sales are slumping, but Harley Davidson Opens 2nd Vegas Location

2008-10-29T14:56:45Z

Harley-Davidson has announced some slow downs in production, but even with the economy struggling the company has continued to move motorcycles. Sales in and around the Las Vegas area have been strong enough that on October 28, 2008, the new Red Rock Harley-Davidson opened its doors for business. This 104,000 square foot Harley superstore will celebrate its grand opening with their "Rock Hard, Ride Harder" event. This is open to the public, running from November 7 to November 9, with features food, drinks, Hawaiian Tropic girls, test drives, a look at the 2009 HD lineup, and a charity poker tournament, with a chance for the general public to play in a tourney with poker legends like Doyle Brunson.

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Even though automotive dealerships around the US have been closing due to low sales, Harley-Davidson rolls on, adding new dealerships around the world, as well as a European arm in the form of MV Agusta. The view of the company is that their business continues to grow thanks to the faithful owners, as while many people buy a new car or truck just to get around, Harley owners buy a new bike more often to fuel their passion for the best motorcycles in the world.

(photo courtesy of redrockharley.com)

Harley-Davidson's "Build It - Win It Sweepstakes"

2008-10-21T14:04:48Z

From now until November 6, 2008, visitors to Harley-Davidson's Customizer website have a chance to win a free bike of their choice, with any available option and accessory from the company. How?

Simply by going to http://www.harley-davidson.com/customizer , and clicking on the link for "Launch the Customizer". It opens a new window, and you can select any model, any trimline. Once you have picked your bike, you can go through the online catalog, adding everything from bags to a big bore kit. As you add things to the bike, the additions are shown in the Customizer window, and at any point you can click the estimated payment box for a price on your custom bike.

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All you have to do to enter the Build It Win It Sweepstakes is go to the HD Customizer site, create a login (which takes about 30 seconds), and then start building your dream bike. When you've configured the 2009 Harley-Davidson motorcycle to your ideal specifications, just save it and you will be entered!

On November 6, 2008 at 5pm the contest ends, and one of the entries will be chosen at random, and the bike picked will be built to those exact specifications and awarded to the designer! So, if you have a few minutes and would like a shot at a free, fully customized 2009 Harley-Davidson, check out their Customizer site.

Harley-Davidson knows sex sells with new ad campaign

2008-10-17T15:07:46Z

Considering that Harley-Davidson has been atop the list for best selling motorcycles for over a century now, with a long history of quality and freedom helping to sell the bikes, the launch of their new V-Rod Muscle is likely an event that will make a great deal of noise in the industry on its own. However, with a struggling domestic and world economy, HD took some measures to see that this sleek new motorcycle has an advertising campaign that will be likely to catch the eye of the male market, and what better way to do that than to employ the help of one of the most beautiful women in the world?

The ad campaign, which was launched on October 13, 2008, features Supermodel Marisa Miller, who was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Issue, as well as being ranked the Number 1 on Maxim Magazines 2008 Hot 100 list. Miller, whose family has long been involved with the Harley scene, jumped at the chance to be involved with this project.

The videos and imagines pairing the new V-Rod Muscle and Marisa Miller are available for both viewing, and as downloadable wallpaper on the Harley-Davidson site. Along with the pictures and videos of the two, there is also a ton of information about the newest installation in the Harley-Davidson saga.

Million Air Gives Away Custom Harley

2008-10-10T16:25:57Z

In 1903 the Wright Brothers made their historic first flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, and while that flight brought us an innovation that would change the world, from the travel industry to the face of warfare. However, there was another big event in 1903, although many at the time didn't notice due to the fuss made over two brothers flying a short distance 20 feet off the ground. 1903 was also the year that Harley Davidson Motorcycles was founded.

105 years later, the airplane has become an everyday form of transportation for some people, and Harley-Davidson has become one of the most well know companies around the world, even though both have changed greatly since their early days. In order to commemorate the 105^th anniversary of both, Million Air, a private jet company with locations around the world held a contest drawing for a 2008 HD Heritage Softail Classic featuring a custom paint scheme in honor of the two 1903 events.

The winner of that drawing was announced on October 8, 2008, and Kim Yensen of Edmond, Oklahoma is the lucky new owner of this one-of-a-kind Harley. Along with the many events that have gone on this year to commemorate the 105^th anniversary of the company, the 2008 Softail raffled off by Million Air has helped to further promote and celebrate 105 great years of the best motorcycle company in the world.

Harley-Davidson Purchases Italian MV Agusta

2008-10-08T16:20:04Z

Over the past three years, Harley-Davidson has seen a massive amount of growth in the European markets, and to aid that growth, HD purchased popular Italian motorcycle company MV Agusta in early August, 2008. This new branch of the HD empire will help the company increase its foreign market sales, and while the popularity of the Harley has grown around the world, the distinctly Italian design of the MV Agusta bikes, such as the Brutale 1078RR.

The MV Agusta company stormed onto the scene following World War II, offering low price, small motorcycles as a low-buck vehicle option, but in the 1960s and 1970s, the demand for small displacement motorcycles declined. Over time, their focus became racing and performance rather than low cost and efficiency, and with that came the extinction of their smaller engine models, and in their place were larger, more powerful, and more excusive (low volume) bikes. This caused a decline in sales, and by the 1980s, the company stopped producing bikes. It would be some 17 years and the company's first buyout before they were start producing MV Agusta bikes again, but when they did, they did so with a bang. The new Agusta's were direct competition for some of the hottest sport bikes in Europe, and when they released their Brutale lineup, their intention was to introduce a sort of Ferrari of motorcycles....super high performance and super low production volume, making them among the most expensive motorcycles in the world. Even with that high price tag, the MV Agusta models have earned respect around the world; on both the street and the track.

This 108 million dollar acquisition gives HD not only a stronger foothold in the European market, but the variety of ultra high performance "Sport bikes" add a new element to the Harley-Davidson family, and this new division of the HD family will surely help to continue to spread the growth of the brand around the world.

Harley Davidson to Offer a Factory Dual Front Wheel Trike?

2008-10-02T16:40:45Z

Rising fuel costs have caused growth in unique areas of the transportation market, and motorcycles offer a far more exciting alternative to an egg-shaped, battery powered foreign car. Some companies have begun offering more "everyone friendly" alternatives, such as the Can Am Spyder (pictured on the right), which is marketed as a roadster, but is little more than a sport bike with dual front wheels for ease of use.

While certainly not in the same league as a Harley, this bike has given people an alternative and in seeing the popularity, there is a chance the HD could be debuting a trike concept at a large show later this year in Cologne, Germany. Many had expected a more typical setup with dual rear wheels and a single front wheel, but the rumors suggest that HD will be releasing a dual front wheel layout to compete with the market currently controlled by the Can Am Spyder.

It has also been reported that rather than the common 45 degree air cooled engine used in most of the Harleys, the new trike concept could be powered by a liquid cooled, 90 degree Revolution V-Twin. Again, while these are all rumors, we should see in the next few months what Harley Davidson has in store for the ever changing motorcycle market.

Mixed Reviews Meet Indy Area Innovation.

2008-09-29T16:41:49Z

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".

]]> The process begins by riding your bike into a wash bay entrance similar to most automotive wash bays, when you pull onto the loading area and put down your kick stand. Mounting blocks then clamp down on the kickstand and front tire, and the bike is secured as it moves through the tunnel. A robotic arm then moves across the front of the bike, then passing over the bike, and the pre-soak, wash, and rinse processes are completed as the wheels are slowly rotated and cleaned. The entire process is said to take less than five minutes and offer a hand-washed look.

Many bike owners are very careful about who touches their bike, so this new offering may not prove to be popular with owners, but that is yet to be seen. For some owners, this will be a welcomed addition to the quick care of their bike, but to others this innovation may seem more like blasphemy.

The Pomona Area Prepares for California Bike Week

2008-09-17T14:52:28Z

October 24^th, 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.

]]> Sunday's main event during the day is the 25^th Anniversary Love Ride, and as has always been the case, the Grand Marshall for this massive fundraising ride is Jay Leno. That ride begins in Glendale at 6am and ends at the Pomona Fairplex, and at noon on Sunday a concert featuring the Foo Fighters and rock legends ZZ Top cap off the weekends events. The Sunday ride is expected to draw over 25,000 riders, and will be joined by a few other celebrities such as Peter Fonda and Robert Patrick, who are both Honorary Grand Marshalls to the event.

For more information on the Love Ride, the Love Foundation, or California Bike Week check out www.LoveRide.org .

The Blue Ridge Parkway - "A Motorcyclist's Paradise"

2008-09-15T23:49:54Z

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.

]]> As you ride your motorcycle, you will come to many scenic stops along the way. You can stop and get off your bike and take in the breathtaking mountain vistas, take pictures that you will cherish for a life time or eat a snack that you brought along. More often than not, someone will ask you about your bike and your trip, bikers and nonbikers alike and you will be eager to tell them about your trip. Also there are many, many stops along the way that you can see wonders such the many waterfalls like Linville Falls, beautiful streams with rocks that you just know have the best trout in them. There's spectacular areas of nature such as Mt. Mitchell that is the highest point east of the Mississippi at 6684 feet. You have to take a short exit to get to this mountain, and then a curvy ride up to the parking lot, but the ride on a motorcycle to that point is not bad at all. The view at the top will be one you will never forget!

There are the many tunnels you ride through which are dark and cool. It's really fun to ride through them. Then there's the wonderful city of Asheville which is the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains. What a great city this is and a wonderful spot for great meal or a room and just a nice city all the way around.

Also with the frequent scenic stops and exits along the way, as you ride the Parkway you are often met with rolling fields complete with split rail fences, old log cabins, and everything is kept as if it were in olden times. This is especially true in the North Carolina section. In Virginia there is more private land on the Parkway, but the land is still beautiful. You will see wildlife such as deer and bear, but be very careful and on the lookout for them.

During your ride you will be thrilled with the different levels of elevation, the subtle changes in temperature as you climb and descend, have your breath taken away at the scenery that meets your eyes around each and every curve, marvel of the vastness of the land, and thank your lucky stars that you have the opportunity to experience it like no one ever could in a car.....but in the saddle of your motorcycle.

There are so many more things to see on the Parkway that I do not have room to mention. If I mentioned them all we would have a book here. I leave it to you to discover the rest. I promise it will be your adventure of a lifetime.

My husband and I have ridden the Parkway many times on our motorcycle and it is like no other place in this world. Nothing could ever match it in it's wonder and majesty. It's the most exciting, exhilarating road we have ever ridden on our bike because it is filled with adventure around every curve. We have met so many wonderful people on this road and have talked with them about their bikes and experiences. Everyone you meet you will feel instant camaraderie.

I invite you to experience the true jewel of the south, our Blue Ridge Parkway.....a motorcyclist's paradise.

Harley-Davidson, Brew Crew Announce Partnership

2008-09-10T01:05:19Z

The 105^th 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 Miller Park - 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.

The Boss Rocks The 105th Harley-Davidson Anniversary Celebration

2008-09-10T00:57:56Z

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 105^th 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 105^th 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 Harley Davidson Museum.

HDForums.com Updated - Harley Davidson Articles

2008-09-08T20:29:06Z

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!