Two research developments came together in 1984 when Harley-Davidson introduced the Softail model family. Work on the Softail frame, which hid the rear suspension to give the bike the look of hard tail choppers of the 60’s and 70’s, began in St. Louis in 1974.Vital StatsManufacturerHarley-DavidsonModelSoftail CustomBike ClassCruiserYears1986 – 1999, 2007 – 2010Configuration1584 cc air-cooled […]
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There was a time when you only saw exhaust wrap on performance bikes. More and more, the process is becoming a moto-fashion statement. So what is the actual purpose of wrapping heat tape on exhaust headers and pipes? What are the benefits and possible down-sides? Here is the tale of the tape.The LookExhaust heat wrap […]
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The brainchild of Willie G. Davidson, senior vice president and chief styling officer at Harley-Davidson until his retirement on April 30, 2012, the first Super Glide made its debut in 1971. In an effort to appeal to customizers, and offer some competition to aftermarket suppliers, Willie G. took the frame, powertrain and rear suspension of […]
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Ducati North America has just announced that it is recalling 375 model-year 2012 1199 Panigale superbikes due to rear suspension concerns. Apparently, certain 1199 models contain a defective screw, which is used for retaining the swingarm to the rear suspension linkage.The RecallIf the linkage were to detach from the swingarm, the suspension would collapse, according […]
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The case of the Dallas sport biker who appeared to be pulled over and arrested for his helmet camera on the Memorial Day weekend is being internally investigated by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department.What HappenedThe biker, Chris Moore, claims he was pulled on Stemmons Freeway in Dallas because police wanted to view what was on […]
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The Allstate Insurance Company announced that it will install motorcycle warning signs in dangerous U.S. intersections in 30 cities this year. The first ones were recently erected at the intersection President and Pratt in Baltimore, the site of two bad, non-fatal motorcycle crashes in the past few years, and Atlanta, said Allstate spokesman Adam Polak. “It […]
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In the folklore of outlaw motorcycle clubs, the Pagans stand side-by-side with the notorious Hells Angels. The 1%er MC has a widespread presence in the Eastern United States and is the most fierce rival of “81.” They are known as a “One Percenter” motorcycle club and are classified as an “Outlaw Motorcycle Gang” by the […]
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A new federal study has concluded that fewer motorcyclists die in states that require riders to where helmets. The study, which was conducted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), also found that the cost to society is much lower in states that have helmet laws on the books. Interestingly, the study determined that roughly […]
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The Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider traces its origins to Harley’s first factory custom. At the 1977 Daytona Beach Bike Week the Motor Company unveiled the FXS Low Rider. The first Low Rider had extended front forks and shorter rear shocks to put the rider just 26 inches off the ground.Vital StatsManufacturerHarley-DavidsonModelDyna Low RiderBike ClassCruiserYears1995 – […]
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Harley-Davidson has manufactured motorcycles under the Sportster model family since 1957, making it the Motor Company’s longest running model. The earliest Sportsters were equipped with 883 cc and 1,000 cc Ironhead engines. The Sportster 1200 debutted in 1988.Vital StatsManufacturerHarley-DavidsonModelSportster 1200Bike ClassCruiserYears1988 – presentConfiguration1200 cc air-cooled fuel injectedWeight562 lb (dry)Height45.1″Seat Height30.5 mmWheelbase59.80″Related Bikes1200 Custom1200 Low1200 NightsterSportster […]
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It’s been called the motorcycle that saved Harley-Davidson. The Sportster was introduced in 1957 and is the longest continuously produced model in Harley-Davidson history, and one of the longest in the world. Only the Royal Enfield Bullet, first manufactured in 1948, has a longer production history.Vital StatsManufacturerHarley-DavidsonBike ClassCruiserYears1986-2008Top Speed105 mphWeight563 lb (dry)Height45.7″Seat Height29.3″Wheelbase60.00″The Harley-Davidson Sportser […]
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Biker gangs have been a part of American culture (and abroad) since the aftermath of World War II. Among them is a subculture known as the “One percenters”, which is comprised of what the average person knows as “Outlaws.” Such groups have been the subject of various criminal investigations and are generally held in low regard […]
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The Harley-Davidson Road King is the direct descendant, and the replacement of, the Electra-Glide Sport. Each Harley has a model name and a multi-letter model designation. While those letter designations are often confusing, they can be helpful in tracing the lineage of a given model.Vital StatsManufacturerHarley-DavidsonModelRoad KingBike ClassTouring CruiserYears1994 – presentConfiguration1690 cc air/oil cooledTwin Cam […]
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The Harley-Davidson V-Rod is a direct descendant of Harley’s VR-1000, ridden by the Superbike Race Team. The VR-1000 featured a liquid-cooled, dual overhead cam, fuel injected engine that had been developed in partnership with Porsche.Vital StatsManufacturerHarley-DavidsonModelV-RodBike ClassCruiserYears2002 – presentEngineRevolution liquid-cooled fuel injected 1,250 cc V-TwinPower125 hpTop Speed140 mphWeight637 lb (dry)Height46″Seat Height26.7″Wheelbase67.00″V-Rod History & DevelopmentThe VR-1000 […]
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The origin of the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, and the entire Softail line, goes back to a garage in St. Louis in 1974. Bill Davis was a bike customizer who preferred the look of the single piece hardtail frames, but he also enjoyed long distance riding. The lack of rear suspension on the hardtail motorcycles made […]
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The roots of the Harley-Davidson Hummer can be traced back to pre-World War II Germany and the auto and motorcycle manufacturer DKW. Through the 1920s and 1930s DKW was one of the largest motorcycle companies in the world. DKW introduced the RT 125, a single-cylinder, two-stroke, 125 cc, air-cooled motorcycle in 1939.Vital StatsManufacturerHarley-DavidsonModelHummerBike ClassEconomyYears1955 – […]
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After Harley-Davidson, no other manufacturer of American motorcycles has had as great of an impact on the industry as Indian. Below is a timeline that chronicles Indian’s rise to prominence, mid-century bankruptcy, and many attempts at revival.1890s1897 – “Indian Motorcycle Co.” originally founded as the Hendee Manufacturing Company by George M. Hendee. First produces bicycles under […]
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A timelime of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, from the iconic American motorcycle manufacturer’s humble beginnings to the present day.1900s1904 – First real Harley-Davidson, a 405 cc loop-frame, competes in a motorcycle race at Milwaukee State Fair Park. 1907- Prototype of a 45-degree V-Twin engine is shown at the Chicago Automobile Show. The 880 cc V-twin produced about 7 hp.1910s1914 – […]
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The AMA has done a nice job in preserving and presenting the full array of motorcycling history. Upon entering the museum, the first thing that catches the eye is a faithful reproduction of one of the first motorcycles ever produced, the German Reitwagen. It is a striking wooden and metal work of motorized art. The rest […]
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If the choice of bike had been left up to the producers, we probably would have seen a “murdered out” Ducati Monster or something of that ilk, which would have drawn much more attention to itself. Instead, this decision was passed on to Justin Kell of Glory Motor Works, Los Angeles, who never doubted for a […]
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While we can’t decisively say which of the motorcycles made by Harley-Davidson over the years is the very best, we’ve narrowed down a list of ten Harleys that really stand out. What do you think is the best Harley-Davidson motorcycle of all time?1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Café RacerThe XLCR Café Racer was a memorable ride with loud […]
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Those entering into the world of motorcycling should look out for the best beginner bikes. Experts recommend avoiding heavyweight cruiser motorcycles (Sorry, Harley…). Lightweight and smaller cruisers are more manageable for starters. Here’s a list of 5 best cruiser motorcycles tailored to meet the needs of new riders.2011 Suzuki Boulevard S40New motorcyclists will enjoy the […]
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Honda has announced their new or revised scooter models (PCX 150 and Metropolitan) for the 2013 model year. No, that’s not a typo, I did write 2013 — but you don’t have to wait until 2013 to see them because these new models will be available during the Spring & Summer of 2012. The Honda PCX […]
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Teknic has been producing high-quality motorcycle protective gear for some time, and they have a reputation among riders for selling their wares for a fair price. However, they don’t skimp on style in order to achieve this. The Xcelerator (cheesy spelling, yes) is a one-piece riding leather suit which exemplifies the highly capable gear Teknic […]
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BASIC PRODUCT INFO Geigerrig Hydration PackBrandGeigerrigModelRig 500Product Line124.95ONLINE ManufacturerGeigerrigWhen reviewing products the easiest thing to do is to compare them to similar items. How does it measure up? Is it the best? Middle of the pack? The worst thing you’ve ever laid eyes on? In regards to the Geigerrig Hydration Pack, doing an apples to […]
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BASIC PRODUCT INFO EXO2 Heated Motorcycle GearBrandEXO2ModelHeated Motorcycle GearWinter Schminter. Most riders in the northern hemisphere decide to put their motorcycles away when the first snowflakes start to fall. But why? A little cold never hurt anyone… OK, so riding in cold weather can be pretty miserable if you don’t have the right equipment. Luckily, there’s […]
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ONLINE ManufacturerGoProOrder OnlineGoPro Battery BacPacGIFT LISTS Top Budget Gifts If you use your GoPro Camera very much, you’ll soon run up against the limits of the battery. The GoPro Battery BacPac is a relatively inexpensive addition that will double the life of your GoPro with one quick snap. A GoPro Camera normally lasts for about 2.5 […]
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ONLINE ManufacturerGoProOrder OnlineGoPro LCD BacPacManufacturerGoProOrder OnlineGoPro LCD BacPacGIFT LISTS Top Budget Gifts The GoPro LCD BacPac is a great addition to the gear of any motorcycle rider who has a GoPro Camera. GoPro Cameras are designed to be ultra light and small so you can wear them on your helmet without experiencing discomfort. Unfortunately, those benefits […]
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ONLINE ManufacturerSlimeOrder OnlinePower Sport Smart SpairGIFT LISTS Top Budget Gifts Slime Power Sport Smart SpAIR is device for an occasion you never want to see, but definitely will at some point: getting a flat tire. If you ride or drive any vehicle for very long, you’re guaranteed to get a flat tire sooner or later. Then […]
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ONLINE ManufacturerCruz ToolsGIFT LISTS Top Budget Gifts Something like the Cruz Tools Econokit M2 Tool Kit should be a part of every motorcycle rider’s basic pack. If you ride often, you will, or already have, run into a situation where you need to make a quick roadside fix. Bolts come loose, wires come unplugged, and tires go […]
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