February 27, 2008
Harley-Davidson Sidecar: The Cool Way to Take a Friend Along
Since the 1920’s, a Harley-Davidson sidecar has been available for people to ride along side of a motorcycle as a passenger. Some people liked to ride in the sidecar because they were afraid to drive a motorcycle, children couldn’t drive, and it wasn’t acceptable back then for a woman to ride a motorcycle. Whichever reason people chose to ride on the side of a bike in a sidecar, they are still doing it. However, today the sidecar is even better with fantastic qualities that are hard to turn down.
The sidecar built today can be put on the Road King and other versions of the Harley-Davidson. The sidecar can be painted the same color as the motorcycle and match the paint scheme with a powder-coated paint. The sidecar can even have a snap-in windshield for bug and wind protection.
A sidecar today is built about 6 ft long and 3 ½ feet high and about 2 feet wide. The sidecar weighs approximately 240 pounds. The sidecar includes single disc brakes and the frame of the Harley-Davidson sidecar is easy to tow in and out. The sidecar includes lights for signaling and breaking and also a fender tip lamp.
The body of the sidecars build today by Harley-Davidson are hand built with fiberglass. The insides are fully carpeted and the seats are comfortable padded with vinyl and include an optional backrest.
The Harley-Davidson sidecar has come a long way providing a passenger option for transportation on the side of the motorcycle that seems much safer to some people. From metal frames to fiberglass and hard metal seats to vinyl padding, people are now riding in a lot more comfort. In addition, the sidecars match the motorcycle paint specifications and look great together. The sleek looking sidecars still offered by Harley-Davidson are still a fun way to travel for kids or anyone who would like to ride.
A Harley-Davidson sidecar is still available from most Harley-Davidson manufacturers and you can find one at your nearest location. If they don’t have one, they can order one for you, custom to look just right with your bike.
February 5, 2008
Harley-Davidson Golf Cart: Be the Envy of the Clubhouse
Who knew Harley-Davidson would come out with a golf cart? The Harley-Davidson golf cart has actually been out for almost 30 years. Harley has their own versions of the Ford pickup truck, kid’s motorcycles, clothing, and even a golf cart. They actually have several versions of the golf cart that they designed.
A version of the Harley Davidson golf cart made in the 1970’s through the late 90’s is a three-wheel version that seats two people and the golf bags sit behind the driver and passenger. The golf cart was black, had silver seats, and was very sleek looking. The golf cart was very popular with many people.
In the 1990’s, Harley-Davidson designed a four-wheel golf cart that people used to cruise around the golf course. Some of the other styles of the golf carts manufactured with the Harley-Davidson logo on them also could seat four people and had roof tops on them in case it rained. They were very spacious and there was enough room on the back to fit all of the bags. People favored golf carts anyway because of the need to get around the course, but Harley was targeting a different audience with their name brand when they came out with the golf cart.
Keep in mind, the golf cart had a basic engine in it and by no means was it designed with the same engine as an actual Harley-Davidson motorcycle. As a matter of fact, Harley-Davidson did not build the golf cart, they made a deal with a manufacturer of golf carts to use their logo on it. The Harley-Davidson golf carts can still be found today and you can find parts for the carts online at several websites if you need parts for them. You can find used Harley-Davidson golf carts for sale and available from the 70’s or 80’s and they are still running today.
A Harley-Davidson golf cart was another way that the company targeted different audiences of people and let them know that Harleys were not just for bad boys, they were for all types of people rich or poor and they had a style of bike for everyone.
Filed under Accessories, General by Tom Wheeler
January 14, 2008
Harley-Davidson Art: Is it Still Popular?
Harley-Davidson Art varies from painted tin signs from the World War I and II days, to bright neon signs displaying the logos. Many people have painted beautiful artwork displaying the Harley Davidson logo and others show garages with a sign above the door. Whatever the artwork is showing, it is still being created today.
Harley-Davidson was the primary transportation for the Army during the early wars and then they started providing motorcycles to the public. Creating a bad boy attitude and back then everyone loved it and James Dean became one of the many popular bad boys that rode a motorcycle. Harley-Davidson artwork in these times depicted different styles of motorcycles offered by the company, bikes that were used in war, and much more. The pin up girls became popular during this time and Harley-Davidson art became popular with a girl standing next to a Harley. Pin up girls and old-fashioned Harley-Davidson art is considered collectable for some of the pieces and very expensive to purchase today.
Over time, the Harley-Davidson art has changed along with the many different logos representing the company. People love to ride and the motto or Harley-Davidson is ‘Live to Ride’. Many people believe in this concept and the artwork of Harley-Davidson is just a part of the living that they like to display. When motorcycle enthusiasts are not out riding, they like to be surrounded by the artwork and symbols they feel make them who they are. Thousands of people have even tattooed Harley-Davidson art on their bodies so they can proudly display it and wear it for life. Harley-Davidson art has become a concept. Anyone displaying Harley-Davidson artwork is usually proud of it.
Today, Harley-Davidson art is still popular and is a large part of the revenue the company thrives on today. New art is being created and the old art is being duplicated because of the demand for it. You can find Harley-Davidson art all over the world in bars, tattooed on people, and in display cases. People are proud of the Harley-Davidson concept and the art is a favorite way for most motorcycle enthusiasts to display it.
Filed under Accessories, General by Tom Wheeler
December 23, 2007
Tips for Using Motorcycle Salvage Parts
There are many motorcycle builders that use motorcycle salvage parts and build amazing motorcycles. Used parts is a smart way when brand new parts can be expensive and they may not be available anymore if the motorcycle was discontinued.
There are many ways people try and find used parts when a motorcycle has been discontinued. Sometimes, people will go as far as buying another used bike the same make and model so they can use the parts from it when things break. Many people dig through newspapers, the Internet, and visit local motorcycle shops looking for a specific need for their bike and they cannot find the parts they need.
The best parts to use are motorcycle salvage parts. Many people don’t even think about selling their bike out for parts when the crash it and sometimes they will just throw the bike away. Salvaged motorcycle parts are the best because you can get them for very cheap discounted prices. If you absolutely need a part that you cannot find in any of the stores and anywhere at all, a salvage yard is the best place to look.
Many people are reluctant to buy used parts because of safety reasons, and others worry about rust. You can find motorcycle salvage parts without rust on them and even if there is a little bit of rust, the part can be fixed and the rust can be removed from the part.
Many people like to build a chopper or motorcycle from scratch and they don’t have the money to buy all brand new parts. Motorcycle salvage parts are the only option and some people will buy their parts for their motorcycle one part at a time. It is big business and you can find what you are looking for if you are willing to by salvaged parts.
Motorcycle salvage parts are cheap and can be a lifesaver for someone who cannot find the brand new part that they are looking for. Sometimes people never think of looking through salvaged parts for what they need when their bike was discontinued.
Filed under Accessories, Customs, General by Tom Wheeler
December 10, 2007
The History of the Harley Logo
The Harley logo represents Harley-Davidson motorcycles and people from all over the world wear the Harley logo proudly representing their love of riding motorcycles. The most famous logo representing Harley-Davidson is the bar and shield or the skull and wings Harley logo, but there are hundreds of other logos that exist for Harley-Davidson. The Harley logo brings in over 50 million dollars of revenue each year.
Harley-Davidson has been around since 1903 when two men attempted to attach a motor to a bicycle. During World War I and II, the government bought up all of the Harley-Davidson bikes and the army used them in the war efforts. After the war was over, Harley-Davidson decided to build bikes for civilians.
The Harley logo is one of the most famous logos in the world. People have been displaying the logo proudly for over 70 years representing the motorcycles and gear. Harley-Davidson is an American made brand of motorcycle, which is another reason Americans proudly purchase the bike. Many Harley-Davidson enthusiasts claim that the Harley logo is a display of a way of life. They would argue that nothing beats a Harley.
The bar and shield logo was the first representation of the Harley-Davidson. All of the Harley-Davidson motorcycles have this logo. Although, there are hundreds more Harley logos that are radically different in design, the bar and shield is the most common. Another common logo is the skull and wings Harley logo. This logo was designed in the 1930’s when the outlaw reputation formed. Harley-Davidson got the idea of the skull and wings from the skull and bones that originally was put on tombstones in the 1600’s. They removed the bones and added the wings with the skull and it became very famous.
Harley-Davidson owns rights and full ownership to the Harley logo. However, they do give permission to people to make changes to the logo that they see fit to their store. For instance, one of the Harley-Davidson stores in Littleton, Colorado added mountains to the back of their Harley logo. You must get permission from Harley-Davidson to make changes to the Harley logo.
Filed under General by Tom Wheeler
August 28, 2007
Harley Davidson Servicar: Why They’re So Popular
If you have ever seen a Harley Davidson servicar you know that they are some of the strangest looking vehicles in existence. Like tricycles on steroids, these three-wheeled motorized vehicles were first introduced during the depression-era and primarily used to give employees a ride back to the garage or service station after they delivered vehicles to their owners.
With a wide back and storage space, Harley Davison servicars grew in popularity, utilized as a practical form of transportation for small businesses (you may have seen them used as hot dog carts) before being employed as police bikes. They were originally available only in turquoise blue and the flat back was a popular site for advertising, with companies painting their name and phone number across the flat surface.
Since the vehicle was never really designed to be driven on highways and interstates, the Harley Davidson servicar was relatively short-lived. It is hard to find any information about them as Harley Davidson doesn’t really include anything about them in their list of products.
Today, Harley Davidson servicars are rarely used but they can still be found on e-bay and other on-line sellers. They range in price from $15-$20,000 with customized rebuilt versions going for more.
If you find one of these unusual looking vehicles, you can rebuild it or customize it yourself. There are plenty of Harley Davidson servicar parts and accessories on-line and through various dealers.
Some Harley Davidson servicars have even been redesigned with a wider seat to accommodate more than one person. That makes it a fun vehicle for those who want to take it out for family expeditions.
Similar to the popular three-and four wheelers manufactured today, Harley Davidson servicars are also good for getting around on large properties such as resorts or ranches. They are small and comfortable and, with three-wheels, offer a sturdier base than a traditional motorcycle.
Filed under General by Tom Wheeler
August 27, 2007
Finding Harley Davidson Graphics
If you are thinking about creating your own motorcycle Web page or adding some flair to you’re my space page, Harley Davidson graphics are the way to go.
Harley Davidson graphics not only show your Harley spirit, they add color and pizzazz to an otherwise boring page. This is definitely the way to stand out and get noticed.
Many Harley Davidson graphics can be downloaded free off the Web. There are several designs from which to choose including logos, bike silhouettes, flames, eagles and more. Use one as the background for your page and then accent with additional Harley Davidson graphics that appear in 3D or use animation to add interest.
There are bikes that appear to be moving on the road, spinning wheels, rotating logos flashing neon signs, leaping flames and hundreds of other designs to personalize your space.
In addition to computer graphics, there are plenty of Harley Davidson graphics available to personalize your bike. Reflective Harley Davidson graphic kits look great when displayed on fenders and tanks. Not only are they decorative, these Harley Davidson graphics are functional and may just save your life with their reflective properties.
Imagine how great your motorcycle or motorcycle Web page will look with Harley Davidson graphics. Or you could download them as screensavers or wallpaper for your computer screen for a little Harley fix every time you look at your screen.
With so many graphics to choose from, it may be hard to narrow it down. No problem—download several and switch them out as you see fit. Change your page daily, weekly or monthly depending on your mood. However you choose to use them, Harley Davidson graphics add originality and fun to your life.
Filed under Accessories, General by Tom Wheeler
August 24, 2007
Harley Davidson Forums: Find All the Answers
Wondering where to ride this weekend? Going out of town and want to know the coolest biker bars? Trying to discover the source of that “pinging” sound? Visit the online Harley Davidson forums.
This is the place where Harley enthusiasts (or any motorcycle enthusiasts) can go to learn where to buy the latest gadget or accessory, discuss problems about certain models or make recommendations, discover the greatest places to ride or simply meet other folks like themselves.
The Harley Davidson forums are a community where people know they have something in common—a love of the open road. People post blogs, have chats and make new friends.
A Harley Davidson forum is also the prefect place to buy or sell a bike, parts or accessories. Many have a classified page where you might just stumble across that vintage bike you’ve been looking for. Many Harley Davidson forums even include a photo page where you can show off that customized paint job.
Motorcycle maintenance, repair tips and trouble shooting technique can also be found on a Harley Davidson forum. You might be able to solve your problem here before you head to that expensive mechanic.
Even if you don’t want to be an active participant, registering with the Harley Davidson forums gives you access to all the topics. You can view an ongoing discussion; browse the classifieds, search for information by topic and more. How much you participate is up to you.
However, if you are a true Harley devotee, chances are that you will want to join the Harley Davidson forums and put your two cents in. You never know you might connect with someone you can meet at the next convention.
Filed under General by Tom Wheeler
August 22, 2007
The History of Harley Davidson Logos
Harley Davidson logos are among some of the most recognized logos in the world. Even people who don’t know anything about the company know a Harley Davidson logo when they see one. The main Harley Davidson logo is the company name in front of what appear to be wings. Other logos incorporate eagles, roses, skull and wings, flames and other representative symbols into the design.
The History of Harley
Harley was created in the early 1900s by two men who had a simple idea. All they wanted to do was figure out how they could successfully attach a motor to a bike. A few years after the started tinkering with the idea, they rolled out their first Harley Davidson. In 1920 Harley Davidson became a household name because Leslie Parkhurst broke speed records while riding a Harley Davidson bike. Parkhurst was a known motorcycle racing ledged. Harley Davidson was also used during the World War I effort. Harley Davidson sold roughly half of its bikes to the federal government to use in the war. By the time World War II rolled around in the 1940s, Harley Davidson decided to stop selling civilian motorcycles and concentrate all of its production efforts on army bikes. The war drummed up a huge demand for the bikes. When the war was over, Harley started making bikes for civilians again.
Since the 1940s, the company has changed its bike numerous times. It has applied different technologies to change the style and ride of the bike. It just recently entered a contract to start producing trikes, or three wheel bikes. This is a big step for a company that’s been devoted to two-wheel bikes for roughly 100 years.
The Harley Davidson Logos
Every great company needs some kind of logo that makes it recognizable. As soon as Harley Davidson recognized that it had developed its cash cow, it created its first logo. This logo is usually called the bar and shield logo. This is the logo that you see on all of the bikes.
The skull and wings logo came about because in the early 1930s, motorcycle riders started to develop a kind of modern day outlaw reputation. The skull and wings logo is a derivative of the skull and bones logo. Americans typically associate the skull and bones logo with poison or death. This logo was first placed on tombstones in the late 1600s. Harley Davidson morphed this logo into its own by removing the bones and adding wings.
Dealers in different areas of the country can add certain elements to the logo. For example, the Colorado dealer ahs added mountains to the background of one of its Harley Davidson logos. Adding anything to Harley Davidson logos has to be approved by the company first.
Filed under General by Tom Wheeler
Harley Davidson pictures are a good way to preserve Harley Davidson events, look at Harley Davidson bikes, or promote the Harley Davidson name.
Professional Harley Davidson Pictures
One way to preserve your Harley Davidson trips is to take a lot of photographs. Harley Davidson riders are known for getting together and going on rides across the country. If this is something you enjoy doing, don’t forget to take your camera! If you’re really into having a great scrapbook when you get back, you can also get professional Harley Davidson pictures.
Harley Davidson photographers know a lot about the bikes, which wakes them attractive to the Harley Davidson crowd. They know how to interact with the bikers and they know how to get good bike shots. They’re also skilled at taking action shots. Any biker knows that plenty of action occurs on a ride. These photographers generally have nice bike layouts on their Web sites or in their galleries. This allows bike enthusiasts to buy photographs of the bikes they love without actually hiring a photographer to take the pictures.
If you are going to hire a Harley Davidson photographer, make sure to ask them lots of questions before agreeing to sign a contract. Make sure you’re clear on exactly how much they charge and what the package includes. Also, make sure you know if you’re picking up any travel costs or if they’re picking up the costs.
Other Outlets
You don’t have to hire a photographer or buy a really expensive matted photo to get Harley Davidson pictures. You can find Harley Davidson pictures on your computer. You can find posters for less than $10. You can also find Harley Davidson wallpaper for the background on your computer or a Harley Davidson mouse pad. Photographers and Harley Davidson enthusiasts have also put together Harley Davidson photo books that include all different pictures of the bikes.
Harley Davidson apparel allows you to wear Harley Davidson sponsored pictures, or logos every single day. You can find shirts, pants, boots, jackets or any number of different gear that will show your support of the bikes. These items will have Harley Davidson logos on them. While it’s not exactly a picture of a Harley Davidson, it is a way to subtly show your support for the product.
Body Art
If you want to display your love of Harley Davidson bikes forever, you can always get a Harley Davidson tattoo. Most people who get Harley Davidson tattoos become addicted to them. They start with one tattoo and before they know it, that entire body part is covered in tattoos. You can take your favorite Harley Davidson picture and have it permanently engrained in your body. But, be careful with your choice. You do not want to be permanently stuck with Harley Davidson pictures that you don’t really like.
Filed under General by Tom Wheeler
