The State Journal-Register, a newspaper serving Springfield, IL, reported a couple of weeks ago that Harley may be planning to build smaller motorcycles, perhaps to sell overseas...

Hall predicts Harley-Davidson will roll out smaller bikes than Sportsters with 883-cubic-inch engines, currently the smallest available. With smaller models, Harley would be in a position to appeal to a broader segment of the market, he said.

Labels: Harley Davidson

Harley-Davidson launched a new advertising campaign based on the phrase, "We Don't Do Fear", designed to address everyone's pessimism on the weakening economy. It involves placements in newspapers and magazines, as well as a new feature on its own website...

http://www.harley-davidson.com/screwit

The website says the following...

"Over the last 105 years in the saddle, we've seen wars, conflicts, depression, recession, resistance and revolution," reads the ad, which shows a helmeted rider on a Harley chopper silhouetted against what appears to be the red and white stripes of a slightly tattered American flag.

We've watched a thousand hand-wringing pundits disappear in our rear-view mirror. But every time this country has come out stronger than before .... If 105 years have proved one thing, it's that fear sucks and it doesn't last long. So screw it, let's ride."

Labels: Harley Davidson

The Harley-Davidson Museum isn't even open yet, but that didn't stop the Motor Company from taking reservations for private parties.

You can actually reserve the museum to host your wedding, corporate meeting, class reunion, or whatever you want. And yeah, you can reserve the whole fricken museum.


Their indoor facilities can accomodate up to 1,000 people, while their outdoor facilities can accomodate up to 15,000.

Harley provides all the food and drink.

According to them, you decide ANYTHING you want, and they'll make it happen for you.

As you can imagine this kind of thing is hard to put a price on, and as it turns out, Harley doesn't provide any prices on its website. But if you want to learn more about it, check out that website...

http://www.harley-davidson.com/..../events/overview.jsp?locale=en_US

Labels: Harley Davidson

Reuters published an interesting piece that compares Polaris, the maker of Victory motorcycles, with Harley-Davidson, on a financial health standpoint...

http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSN1628214920080416

In short, it paints of picture of Polaris gaining ground on Harley, for two main reasons...

1. Polaris is actually doing well selling ATVs, snowmobiles, and "side-by-sides", those 4-6 seater off-road vehicles. Victory motorcycle sales are actually lagging.


2. Polaris doesn't have its own financial arm, unlike Harley.

Labels: Harley Davidson, Polaris Industries

For the second year in a row, Harley-Davidson dealerships made their customers more happy than any other brand of motorcycle dealer, beating out other trusted brands including BMW, Victory, and Ducati.

Pied Piper Management Company, LLC, based out of Pacific Grove, CA, published these findings today. The company, which is a marketing consulting firm that specifically caters to the motorcycle industry, ran a study of motorcycle shoppers at 830 dealerships nationwide.

Here's their "Satisfaction Index" for all brands they studied...



The numbers in (negative and positive) reflect their change from last year.

Harley-Davidson still led all motorcycle brands in more than 40% of the sales process factors evaluated by the study. Examples of sales process factors dominated by Harley-Davidson salespeople include asking for contact information, mentioning the availability of financing, asking for the sale, and giving compelling reasons to buy now. Victory salespeople led all brands for mentioning features unique from the competition and for focusing attention on three to five memorable product features. Ducati salespeople ranked first for addressing features and benefits relevant to the prospect and for offering a test ride.

The company went on to say that while motorcycle sales have been on the decline recently, a small number of dealers have been able to boost their sales by measuring and benchmarking their sales process, and making necessary tweaks. And that's basically what Pied Piper does, help dealers figure out where to make the tweaks.

Their study concludes by saying that overall, motorcycle salespeople fail to make basic communication points with their customers, such asking for contact information only 38% of the time, encouraging shoppers to return on 44% of the time, asking for the sale only 45% of the time, and providing compelling reasons to buy only 34% of the time.

Visit online...
Pied Piper Satisfaction Index

Labels: Harley Davidson, Motorcycle Dealerships, Motorcycle Sales

Harley-Davidson announced yesterday that all "female enthusiasts" are encouraged to enter for a chance to win a spot on the company's corporate-sponsored "Women's Day Ride", held on March 4, 2008, with Karen Davidson, great-granddaughter of one of the Company's founders.

You'll get to ride into Daytona Beach Bike Week with her.

So there is it gals, now's the time to fight for the right and priviledge to share space with the great Karen Davidson. Maybe some of the MoCo Mojo will rub off on ya.

You only have until January 23 to get in on it.

To enter, visit...
http://www.harley-davidson.com/womensride/

Labels: Daytona Beach Bike Week, Harley Davidson

According to a Mexican newspaper, La Journada, a Mexican businessman, who happened to own the "Sportster" trademark in Mexico, won a four year battle against Harley-Davidson.

The Sixth Court Collegiate decided that Alberto Lenz is the rightful owner of the "Sportster" trademark, at least in Mexico. Hence, Harley-Davidson is now responsible for paying his company 40% of the sales price of every Sportster motorcycle sold in Mexico since 1989.

It hasn't yet been calculated exactly what that amounts to. But with each Sportster selling for between $6,000 to $12,000 since 1989, Harley's liability could be between $2,400 to $4,800 per motorcycle. That would work out to something like $3.2 million in royalties for every 1,000 Sportsters sold since 1989. Yikes!

Interestingly enough, Lenz had once offered the Sportster trademark for sale to the MoCo for a sum of $100K. But Harley refused, opting to instead to ignore the trademark dispute and let Lenz try his luck in the Mexican courts.

I guess what amazes me is that an American company like Harley was actually stupid enough to think that Mexican courts would see things their way. Duh!

This decision comes at a time when Harley-Davidson is going all out in selling it bikes outside US borders.

I haven't found any news of this printed in American-based media, only Mexican media.

Here is a link to La Journada (In spanish)...
http://www.jornada.unam.mx/....litigio-a-harley-davidson

And here is a link to the Google-translated article...
http://translate.google.com/....litigio%2da%2dharley%2ddavidson

Labels: Harley Davidson, Harley Davidson Sportster, Lawsuits

The Business Journal of Milwaukee reports that Harley-Davidson restructured their management hierarchy to help the company crank out some more growth.

Among the several management promotions, a couple of them stand out as trying to gain greater marketshare in some of their hottest growing segments: women, blacks, and latinos...

Mark Van Genderen, 39, has been promoted from director, investor relations, to managing director, Latin and South America, responsible for the revenue, sales objectives and ongoing development of the Latin and South American markets for all motorcycles, parts and accessories and general merchandise.

Ken Ostermann, 37, was promoted to general manager, outreach customer marketing. Ostermann is responsible for delivering relevant brand experiences to the African American, Hispanic, women and youth consumer segments.

Labels: Harley Davidson

Last Friday morning, I took the Ultra down to the Harley dealer in Temecula, CA to meet up with a club from Orange County, who invited me along for a ride. I couldn't make the ride, but I wanted to come down and hang out with them.

I got there just as the dealership opened, on the day noted by many as "Black Friday", the day after Thanksgiving, supposedly the biggest shopping day of the year. But at the HD dealer, it was dead.

I walked into the dealership and looked around. I figured I would check to see if there was anything I might put on my wish list. I found a nice pair of cold-weather gloves that was marked down by 25%.

Today, (Sunday), I brought my wife into the dealership to show her the gloves. And again today, the place was dead.

They had salespeople pacing the floor, chit-chatting together, and the place of course, was decked out with Christmas decorations. But that's about the only celebration that was going on.

I can understand that people won't be buying motorcycles for Christmas, but I figured the accessories would make great gift items. I remember last Christmas, going to the HD dealer in Riverside, CA, to pick up new helmet for my wife, and that place was mad house. Could it just be the location?

I guess it's one thing that Harley can't sell bikes. But when Harley can't sell their logoed accessories, then that's a BIG problem.

Labels: Harley Davidson, Motorcycle Christmas

Harley-Davidson got its second dealership in China, in the exotic and sinful city of Shanghai.

Being that it was the second dealership, it perhaps raises questions that the MoCo is doing pretty well in the land of egg rolls and broccoli-beef.

But I tend to doubt that there's any success in motorcycle sales. Rather, it's in accessories.

According to Shanghai Daily, it's pretty tough for locals to get a large-displacement motorcycle registered, let alone utilized within in city limits...

Motorcycles, especially those with big engines, face a lot of riding restrictions that prevent them from major roads and highways in many Chinese cities. Shanghai banned registration of private motorcycles in 2002.

The Harley-Davison motorcycles, popularly known as Harleys, sold in Shanghai are only allowed to ride outside the city's Outer Ring Road and owners have to register their bikes in Beijing, Gerry Wan, general manager of Shanghai Harley-Davidson, said.

Labels: China Harley Davidson Dealerships, Harley Davidson

Pretty much what everyone expected from Harley Davidson in the Q3 period...

http://www.bizjournals.com/..../2007/10/15/daily43.html

Based on what I'm seeing in the community, I don't think Q4 is going to look any better.

Labels: Harley Davidson

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel published an article that takes a look at the designers and design processes of Harley Davidson...

http://www.tradingmarkets.com/Stock%20News/677528/

I like the description of "The Bunker"...

The center has a large conference room called "the bunker" where company executives review designs and prototypes. The bunker's tall glass windows have motorized shades to keep prying eyes from getting even a glimpse of bikes that might not be released to the public for years, if ever.

Labels: Harley Davidson

Don't know how old this Harley Davidson ad is, but I thought it was funny...


In the upper-right corner is the Harley-Davidson bar & shield, with the words, "Stop Dreaming".

Labels: Harley Davidson

The Hindustan published an article that sheds light on why Harley Davidson hasn't been able to find more success in India.

Apparently, it hinges the approval of the "Heavy Industries Ministry", otherwise it appears that Milwaukee has clearance to start selling its 883 Sportster there...

According to government sources, the DGFT is amending its export-import policy to make way for bikes with engine capacities in excess of 500 cc, but it remains to be seen if the Heavy Industries Ministry gives its nod to the DGFT proposal.

Labels: Harley Davidson, India

The State of Pennsylvania dealt a severe blow to the union workers of Harley-Davidson's Springettsbury plant, denying them unemployment compensation during the four-week work stoppage...

A state referee reviewing the February strike at Harley-Davidson determined union workers were, in fact, on strike, and not locked out of the Springettsbury Township plant as had been disputed.

Labels: Harley Davidson

National Public Radio published an audio sound-bite this morning explaining that Harley Davidson is aware of local police departments cracking down on loud motorcycles, and is now trying to get bikers to quiet down...

Dozens of communities are passing noise laws aimed at reducing the rumble of motorcycles. The largest U.S. manufacturer of motorcycles, Harley-Davidson, says it's paying attention to the trend and trying to get riders to go easier on the ears.

Labels: Harley Davidson, Loud Pipes

Harley Davidson reached a deal with Thailand-based Power Station Motorsport to become the first Harley Davidson dealership in Thailand in the last 10 years.

The new dealership will operate as "Harley Davidson of Bangkok". The store had originally launched in 2000 as an authorized service center for the nearly 1,000 HD motorcycles currently registered in the country. Later it expanded to selling logoed merchandise. The license to sell brand new Harley motorcycles rounds out the store's goals to become the sole dealership in Thailand.

Bob Guthrie, the managing director for the new dealership, says his goal is to sell 1,000 Harleys over the next five years.

Read more at The Nation Business...
http://nationmultimedia.com/..../business_30049295.php

Labels: Harley Davidson, Thailand Motorcycle Sales

Harley Davidson announced late today that it plans to shut down five plants for one week in November as a measure to cut back production.

The Business Journal reports...

The Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer confirmed late Friday afternoon that it will close its final assembly plants in York, Pa., and Kansas City, as well as the company's powertrain operations in Wauwatosa and Menomonee Falls, and its Tomahawk Operations in Tomahawk for the week of Nov. 26.

Labels: Harley Davidson

Harley-Davidson, the iconic American motorcycle company has published a feature on its iconic American website dubbed, "Sturgis Rumblings"...

http://www.harley-davidson.com/....&locale=en_US&bmLocale=en_US

It's a collage of stories and photos from the people who attended the 2007 Sturgis Rally. If you went to the Sturgis Rally this year, then share it with Harley-Davidson, and they'll your story to the list.

Labels: Harley Davidson, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Websites

At first, I thought it was just another prank, when I heard that Honda will be buying a majority stake in Harley-Davidson.

Then I noticed the headlines were coming from Forbes, Reuters, and Associated Press, three very well respected news sources.

And then, I read the articles that said it was a rumor.

So, is Honda really going to buy out Harley-Davidson?

No one knows right now. The articles say that neither Harley nor Honda is willing to discredit the rumor. However, experts all agreee that such a merger would never get the blessing from Washington DC because it would create a near monopoly on heavyweight motorcycles.

Under the supposed rumor, Honda would control 60% of Harley.

Here are links to some articles, you decide...

Associated Press
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070622/harley_davidson_mover.html?.v=1

Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/markets/2007/06/22/harley-davidson-honda-markets-equity-cx_er_0622markets19.html?partner=rss

Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/mergersNews/idUSN2248287920070622

Labels: Harley Davidson, Honda

I noticed a couple of other biker bloggers picking up on this article written by Rick Barrett of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, but failing to come up with any decent comments. The article explained that Harley-Davidson is losing its customer-base due to the aging of baby boomers and the price disparity with metric bikes...

http://new.savannahnow.com/node/280591

So, I read the article and decided to comment. For example...

But now the demographic challenges are substantial. Executives must bridge a generation gap between boomers, who turned the brand into an icon, and younger riders, who may have no brand loyalty at all. Harley also must continue its efforts to attract women and minority customers.

Labels: Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts, Harley Davidson

Released to the public last January is a new book about the history of Harley-Davidson intended for young readers.

"Harley and the Davidsons" is about Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson, along with Arthur's two brothers William and Walter, and how they created not just a motorcycle company, but a piece of American culture.

Written by Pete Barnes, a 5th Grade history teacher from Ohio, the book was commissioned by the Wisconsin Historial Society as a resource for state-sanctioned Wisconsin history curriculum in elementary schools.

Intended for readers aged 8-12 years old, the 100-page history book puts together a piece of American history that also teaches a lesson in pursuing dreams and persevering in the face of bad times.

Here is a synopsis from The Bee, the local newspaper from Phillips, WI...

The book opens with 10-year-old Arthur and Bill dreaming of building a motorized bicycle that will make their trips home from the local fishing hole easier and faster.

They tinker and study the remedial engines available in the late 1880s and recruit the older Davidson boys to help with the fabrication of parts. While both have to obtain jobs to fund their quest and help their families survive, all four young men keep at their dream until they have a bike worthy of the Harley-Davidson name.

Barnes discusses the social times surrounding Harley and the Davidsons, how World War I, the depression of the 1920s, the Great Depression of the 1930s and World War II forced changes in marketing, manufacturing and how the emergence of Japanese business practices forced the second generation of Harleys and Davidsons to sell the company.

But like any good children's story, "Harley and the Davidsons: Motorcycle Legends" comes with a happy ending. The return of the company to family ownership under grandson Willie Davidson and the full glorious legend these spectacular bikes evoke.

One surprise in the book is the introduction of another childhood friend of Bill Harley's - Ole Evinrude. Yes, the very same Evinrude who created and founded Envinrude Outboard Motors.

Labels: Biker Books, Harley Davidson

As part of its April helmet promotion, Harley-Davidson dealers around the country are offering riders a "free helmet check"...

As the riding season begins to ramp up, it is important to ensure a helmet is ready for the rides ahead. During April's "Check Your Helmet Month" and throughout the year, enthusiasts are encouraged to visit their local Harley-Davidson dealer for personalized helmet fitment advice and a free helmet check.

Labels: Harley Davidson, Strange Stuff

While still not totally clear, it appears that Harley-Davidson will be discontinuing several models of its motorcycles for the 2008 model year, meaning this year is the last year.

These models are...

VRSCR (Street Rod)
VRSCX (Screamin Eagle V-Rod)
XL50 (50th Anniversary Sportster)
FXSTD (Softail Deuce)
FLSTSC (Softail Springer Classic)
FLHRS (Road King Custom)
FXST (Softail Standard)
FXDWG (Dyna Wide Glide)
XL883R (Sportster 883R)

Perhaps the biggest shocker is the Dyna Wide Glide being discontinued.

This information came from a thread on HDForums from a person named, "fireballin03", who claims to work for a Harley dealer, posted several copies of the same message that these models will be discontinued for 2008...
http://www.hdforums.com/fb.asp?m=1487992

Everyone would've probably believed it, if not for three models, FXDWG, FLHRS, and FXST, being on the list. Those happen to be very popular and very well known models.

A second person, also claiming to work for a Harley dealer, backed up the report.

Then a person named, "buttman" posted what he claims to be the actual letter from Harley-Davidson to their dealers:
http://www.hdforums.com/fb.asp?m=1500859

But what appears to be the icing on the cake is a Harley dealer, "Denney's Harley-Davidson" out of Springfield, MO, posting a notice on their website that these models will be discontinued for 2008:
http://www.denneysharleydavidson.com/eagle_financeapp2.asp

Based on what Denney's Harley-Davidson is announcing to the public, it sounds legit.

While these models are claimed to be discontinued, the rumor is that they won't really go away. Instead, new models will be introduced, similar to the ones being discontinued. One person hinted at the Street Bob becoming the new Dyna Wide Glide.

Labels: Harley Davidson

As part of the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death, Harley-Davidson announced it will produce 30 limited edition Harley-Davidson FLH's based on the same 1957 model that the King himself once owned...

The recreated personalized 1957 Black Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide FLH model will be styled after the one Elvis once owned. Only 30 models are being built and will be sold at 12 Harley dealerships around the country. The starting price will be $58,815, and bikes No. 2 through 24 will be sold using a lottery system. Bikes 25 through 29 will be sold at a later date.

Labels: Elvis Presley, Harley Davidson

Forbes published an article on its website indicating that The Motor Company is caught behind a rock and hard place...

Harley decided to increase shipments and inventories, which lowered the prices of used bikes. But the company also lent money to buyers who weren't able to make proper payments.

Labels: Harley Davidson

I was perusing a website called, "LifeTips", and noticed a whole section on "Harley Davidson Tips".

The Harley tips are actually a concoction of small pieces of information, some relating to Harley Davidson, and other relating to riding motorcycles. There's useful stuff in there, while others are kinda humorous...

Are blue hairs and Q-tips cops?

NO. Blue hairs and Q-tips are elderly car drivers. You may be alerted to them as they don´t always see or respect cyclists. If you hear the Q-tip was caging it, all over the road, it means an elderly car driver was driving over all available lanes.

Labels: Harley Davidson, Motorcycle Blogs, Websites

D&S Harley-Davidson of Medford, OR is now blogging.

Maybe I haven't been around the blogosphere all that much, but this is the first motorcycle dealer I've seen maintaining a blog.

So what do motorcycle dealers blog about? Well here's what their introduction has to say...

There are so many things that happen at the dealership every week that we'd like to share with you - news about our riders, our employees, our bikes. This is a space to talk about everything from torque to riding tips, the best backroads and our favorite gear. And this gives us a place to answer your questions and concerns - personally. We hope it becomes an important part of our relationship with you.

Labels: Harley Davidson, Motorcycle Blogs, Oregon

I found an article published in The Advertiser, a newspaper based in Sydney, Australia, about a company that supplies aluminium wheels to Harley-Davidson.

The company, New Castalloy, apparently has been shipping wheels to Milwaukee for the past 20 years. Recently, Harley-Davidson bought the company.

Read the rest of the story...

http://www.news.com.au/.....adelaidenow/story/0,22606.html

Labels: Australia, Harley Davidson, Wheels

The "Harley Wobble" is perhaps familiar to those who ride Harleys and ride them at high speeds. It's when the front end starts wobbling on you, and you can't make it stop without slowing down.

A search for "Harley Wobble" on Google brings up a multitude of documents covering this topic, as well as law firms that offers legal services and companies offering kits to fix the problem. There's also several news reports of people suing Harley for injuries.

Here's an article written by a California Highway Patrol officer that talks about Harley Wobble, among other interesting experiences.

I've experienced the Harley Wobble many times, but never while riding in a straight line. It's only when I hit a curve really hot, when there's a lot of G-force at work.

For example, I was riding south along Hwy 62, outside of Yucca Valley, CA, going down the grade through the curves. I think the posted signs measured the curves at 55mph, but I was hitting them at 80mph. At one point, the front end on my Ultra Classic was wobbling so bad I was convinced I was going to lose control unless I eased off on the throttle. That's what I did. A buddy of mine following behind me later told me that I was wobbling really bad and that he thought I was going to lose it.

I usually take a curve between 15-20mph above the posted recommendation, and most of the time I experience some wobble, but it's almost always slight enough not to worry about.

And it's not just FLH models that have this. A friend of mine has a 1200 Sportster, and has the same wobble. I know of a guy with a Softail Springer who has wobble at high speeds, even going in a straight line. Another guy has a Dyna Wide Glide with exactly the same problem.

I suppose most people would say that I shouldn't be riding an Ultra Classic Electra Glide as if it were a sport bike. True. But then again, I don't have this problem on my Yamaha Road Star. That bike is smooth as glass on the curves.

Labels: Harley Davidson, Harley Wobble

Walters Mfg. offers an automatic transmission kit for the 1999-2005 Harley Davidson Dynaglide (FXDX/T) motorcycle.

Just like the modern day automobile this attractive transmission has a very familiar shift lever including Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, 1st and 2nd! There is no difference in operation. Place the lever in drive and forget about up shifting and downshifting, it’s all automatic!

Labels: Harley Davidson, New Products

Browsing through Harley's "Holiday Gift Catalog" it seems that they've gone all out towards marketing to the RUBs out there.

After all, RUBs have all the money.

Lots of pink stuff, and bling bling stuff, and stuff that seems to be leathered-out versions of GAP gear.

But I can't believe Harley wimped out to the PC cops by eliminating the word "Christmas" from their gift catalog. WTF? You mean the "motor company" is too scared to piss off the liberals?

Labels: Harley Davidson, Motorcycle Christmas, Political Correctness

The Business Journal reports that workers of a labor union voted against Harley-Davidson's offer to expand facilities in Milwaukee in exchange for wage cuts.

The company had asked it's largest union, United Steelworkers Local 2-209, to lower wages for new hires, and union bosses followed through by recommending its dues-payers vote for the offer, but the workers voted "no".

Harley-Davidson now needs to find another location to build its new Twin Cam 96. The company currently has powertrain manufacturing operations in Wauwatosa, Menomonee Falls, and Kansas City, MO, final assembly operations in York, PA, and Kansas City, and components manufacturing in Tomahawk.

Labels: Harley Davidson

Harley-Davidson announced today that it will launch the Twin Cam 96, an all-new Big Twin engine, as it introduces its 2007 line of motorcycles.

The Twin Cam 96 will power all models in the Harley-Davidson Dyna, Softail and Touring product families, each of which will also feature the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission.

New motorcycles for 2007 include two VRSC models, the all-new FXSTC Softail Custom, and a limited-edition model celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Sportster introduction.

"The V-Twin engine has always been the centerpiece of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle," said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Director of Motorcycle Product Development. "It's integral not only to the performance of the motorcycle, but also to its styling, to its sound, and to the way it feels to the rider. The new Twin Cam 96 and 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission offer enhanced performance, while maintaining the traditional aesthetics of the Harley-Davidson Big Twin."

It is the timeless blend of form and function that shapes the character of every Harley-Davidson model. It's a philosophy that dictates that the machine should stir the soul not just through its physical performance, but also through its presence, an expression of the passion that has guided Harley-Davidson for more than a century.

Highlights of the 2007 Harley-Davidson line include:

The new Twin Cam 96 engine, paired with the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, delivers up to 17 percent more torque (varies by model family) than the Twin Cam 88 it replaces and incorporates a number of design changes to enhance performance and reliability. It will only be offered with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI).

The 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission features quieter helical-cut gears in ratios
optimized to match the torque curve of the Twin Cam 96. A sixth gear reduces engine rpm by 11 percent at highway speeds. New mufflers have been tuned to enhance the lower sound frequencies for a more commanding exhaust tone.

The VRSC family of liquid-cooled power-cruisers features two new models. The VRSCDX Night Rod Special offers menacing, blacked-out styling. The limited-edition VRSCX features the pavement-scorching power of a big-bore Revolution V-Twin engine with drag-bike styling and graphics that pay tribute to the NHRA champion Screamin' Eagle / Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle racing team.

The new FXSTC Softail Custom reprises the styling cues of the classic chopper, with a 200mm rear tire, king-and-queen seat, and Bobtail rear fender.

The limited-edition 50th Anniversary Sportster features special badging, a traditional peanut fuel tank, and other classic components to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1957 Sportster introduction.

The FLSTF Fat Boy is refreshed and reloaded for 2007, with new wheels and styling details, a new 200mm rear tire, and the performance of the Twin Cam 96/B engine and 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission.

The FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom is redesigned to enhance its aesthetic appeal with additional chrome and custom features, including a new two-up, ribbed seat, Fat Bob fuel tank and a mini-pullback handlebar.

Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) will offer four exciting models for 2007: the Screamin' Eagle Road King, the Screamin' Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide, the Screamin' Eagle Softail Springer, and the Screamin' Eagle Dyna. Each is powered by a new high-performance Twin Cam 110 powertrain and features new accessories and fabulous new paint schemes.

The new Harley-Davidson Smart Security System, featuring new hands-free fob and auto arming/disarming, is an available factory-installed option for all Harley-Davidson models.

Harley-Davidson will offer 17 new color combinations for 2007.

Labels: Harley Davidson

The Associated Press reports on Harley Davidson's quest to expand its reach into Asia.

Vietnam is apparently one of the countries they're eyeing. Vietnam? Who there can afford a Road King Classic or even a 883 Sportster? Vietnamese look at motorcycles strictly as utility. They pack tons of cargo on their 125cc bikes, and even haul the whole family, including the wife and four kids.

Why would they spend more money on a Sportster that carries the same load?

India, on the other hand, seems like a good call. Folks there are taking up all the high-tech jobs these days, from computer programming, database administration, to tech support. I'm sure they can afford a Harley, and can grasp the concept of joy riding.

The question I have, is will they wear leather?

Labels: Harley Davidson, India, Vietnam

An older post from the Kneeslider reports that Harley Davidson will cease selling Screaming Eagle exhaust systems for street bikes after May 31, 2006.

In my conversations with other riders, there seems to be those who hate loud pipes, and those who love 'em. The Kneeslider seems to hate 'em...

I like the sound of performance as much as anyone but being considerate of others is one of the hallmarks of civilized society. If you act like an inconsiderate fool, people react, and often their reactions are bad for a lot of others far beyond the guy that got their attention.

• There are a lot more pick up trucks with loud aftermarket exhaust than bikes with loud aftermarket exhaust.



• There are more lowered Honda Civics with loud whiny megaphone tail pipes than there are motorcycles with loud aftermarket exhaust.



• There are more 1970's muscle car hot rods with loud aftermarket exhaust than there are motorcycles with loud aftermarket exhaust.

Labels: Harley Davidson, Motorcycle Exhaust Pipes, Screaming Eagle Exhaust Pipes

Harley-Davidson today unveiled designs for the Harley-Davidson Museum development on 20 acres at the corner of Sixth and Canal Streets near downtown Milwaukee.

Click here to see plans (PDF).

The Harley-Davidson Museum design has been in development for more than a year and included extensive input from Milwaukee city officials. With an anticipated opening date of 2008, the 130,000 sq. ft. Museum development will feature exhibit space as well as a restaurant, cafe, retail shop, meeting space, special event facilities and the Harley-Davidson corporate archives.

Harley-Davidson also announced the Museum development partners. The lead design architect is Pentagram, New York, whose expertise includes architecture, graphic design and exhibit design. Other key members of the development team include Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Milwaukee, local architect of record; Oslund and Associates, Minneapolis, landscape architecture; M.A. Mortenson Company, Milwaukee, construction management; and SIGMA, Milwaukee, environmental consultant.

Harley-Davidson plans to break ground for the Museum later in the first half of 2006. When completed, the Museum is expected to attract an estimated 350,000 visitors each year from around the world.

Guess, bikers and clubs are now going to have to pencil in on their calendars a ride to the new museum.

Labels: Harley Davidson

Harley-Davidson Motor Co. is voluntarily recalling 13,400 Dyna series motorcycles due to a faulty transmission indicator.

The 2006 model year Dyna cycles have transmissions with a defect that may allow them to go into a false neutral position, even though the neutral indicator light is illuminated.

The Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer said late Tuesday that it is providing owners with free pick-up and delivery as part of the Initial Care Program being rolled out for the 2006 Dyna motorcycles. The service will commence and recall kits will be available at dealerships beginning the week of Dec. 12.

Labels: Harley Davidson, Recall Notices

Harley Davidson is running a contest that will send five lucky women from Milwaukee to Sturgis, SD for next year's rally in the Black Hills. The women will get to ride along with Karen Davidson, the great grand-daughter of founder William A. Davidson.

The contest runs until May 1, 2006.

To enter, women must submit a 100-word essay detailing why they would like to "Saddle Up for Sturgis 2006". The qualifying criteria and contest rules are available at Harley's website.

Labels: Harley Davidson, Motorcycle Writing Contests, Women Riders

Just when you thought you had every friggin' piece of Harley-Davidson branded merchandise and memorabilia, they come out with another one.

But this piece, the "Collector Edition Wristband" benefits a worthy cause.

As part of Harley-Davidson's 25th anniversary as a national sponsor for Muscular Dystrophy Association, all Chicago-area dealerships will be selling the orange wristbands to benefit MDA.

Also, anyone who comes into one of the participating dealers for a test ride on a Harley or Buell motorcycle, will get a free wristband.

The wrist bands will be available throughout the summer while supplies last. If you miss out one, don't worry, they're already selling on eBay.

Labels: Harley Davidson

S&S Cycle, of Viola, WI, was named in a lawsuit by Harley Davidson claiming infringment of patents and trademarks. According to a press release by S&S Cycle:

S&S has reviewed the issues raised in Harley-Davidson's complaint and believes they are without legal basis. S&S respects the intellectual property rights of others and the S&S products at issue in this lawsuit were the result of S&S's own engineering designs. S&S does not have any connection to Delkron in this action and does not believe that Harley-Davidson had any basis to name them and Delkron in the same lawsuit.

Labels: Harley Davidson, Lawsuits, S and S Cycles