107 Years Of Harley Davidson Motorcycles

The Harley-Davidson Company or HD has been around for just over 107 years. It all began with two friends in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1903. William S. Harley stands for the H in HD. Arthur Davidson is one of three D's. The other two D's being his brothers, Walter and William Davidson. William Harley and Arthur Davidson began working on the prototype and eventually sought the help of Walter and William. Walter was a skilled mechanic. William was an experienced toolmaker. Together the group formed the HD Company, which was later incorporated.

During 1903 HD turned out a grand total of 3 motorcycles. All were bought and paid for before completion. Gray was the standard color of the first HD motorcycles, which were often referred to as the "Silent Gray Fellows".

By the end of 1905 the HD Company was not only selling motorcycles, but also motorcycle motors, marine motors, reversible propellers and float feed carburetors. The price of their motorcycles was $200.

The popularity of the HD motorcycle continued to grow through out the following decade. By 1914, nine departments of the federal government of the United States used HD's. The U.S. Postal service alone used more than 4,800 Harley Davidson motorcycles for rural mail delivery.

In 1916 the military began using HD's in border skirmishes with Pancho Villa. The motorcycles were equipped with machine guns. HD motorcycles were also used in World War I with half of all models produced being shipped overseas. The war also was responsible for the establishment of the first Harley-Davidson Service School. The HD Company saw a need and met it.

The 1920's brought an end to the war and a beginning to the world of racing. HD made quite an impact. Harley-Davidson suffered, but managed to survive the Great Depression and continued to prosper through the 1930's.

Unfortunately World War II came in the 1940's and HD was pressed into service once again.

The 1950's brought about new, more aggressive marketing strategies and expansion for this great company. Once again war broke out, this time in Korea. Motorcycles were replaced in popularity with the military with the Jeep. HD was free to concentrate on its civilian consumers.

The 1960's brought about as much change for HD as everyone else in the United States. This was also when the company began to branch out into an unrelated field of leisure product with the production of 3-wheeled golf carts. By the end of the decade these carts cornered about one third of the United States market, and were even used oversees. HD also began marketing an extensive line of motorcycle accessories.

The 1970's saw continuing success in the racing venue. Great advancements were made in the racing bikes that were produced by HD. In late 1970 the company also unveiled its brand new snowmobile. Perhaps the biggest change was the merger between HD and the AMF.

The 1980's began with a buyback, and the HD Company returned to private ownership. The company seemed to show a renewed interest in building better machines So much so that they won the contract with the California Highway Patrol in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1989.

The 1990's were ushered in with the appearance of HD's most customized factory custom motorcycle to date, the FLSTF Fat Boy. This bike was reminiscent of the past while still being up to date with the times.

The Twenty first century has come and HD remains strong. Its current line of bikes includes the Sporster, the Dyna, the Softail, the VRSC, and a Touring line. Each line includes several models. Harley bikes now sell from between $6,000 and $30,000.

Harley Davidson Inc is traded on the Stock Market under the Symbol HOG

Who Rides Harley Davidson Motorcycles?

Some people carry the belief that Harley Davidson motorcycle riders are hardcore, tattoo-laden, testosterone-filled men who drink hard liquor and end up in bar room brawls. While this profile makes for a good Hollywood movie, the vast majority of Harley owners are laid-back, friendly individuals.

Harley Davidson has gone to great lengths to build a family of sorts among harley owners. The wildly successful Harley Owners Group (HOG) has over 1.2 million members worldwide. With local chapters around the globe, members unite to share their passion for the Harley-Davidson lifestyle.

Women who own Harley Davidson motorcycles are privy to the Ladies of Harley (LOH) membership. LOH is the group of female Harley Davidson enthusiasts who promote activities and adventures from within a local HOG chapter. The members of LOH run their own meetings and sponsor activities that both women and men can participate in.

HOG events include national and international rallies, state rallies, touring rallies, open houses, pit stops and pin stops where members can pick up HOG pins and other memorabilia.

While each chapter offers a variety of events, each being unique to the chapter, the focus is to have fun and share your passion for HOG and the Harley-Davidson lifestyle. HOG chapters include a variety of fun and "good deed" events including dinner rides, parades, observation runs, toy runs to provide toys to sick or needy children, charity events, safe rider programs and more.

Becoming a HOG member will open up the doors to life with a Harley and present you with many opportunities to make good friends and be part of an exceptional group of fun-loving, kind and caring individuals.

Harley Davidson owners include men and women who range in age from 18 to 90. Some harley owners have been riding Harley Davidson motorcycles for more than 50 years. Many of the soldiers who served in WWII became avid fans of the motorcycle, as they were frequently used for transportation during wartime. A few of these soldiers still ride today.

The female population of harley riders has significantly increased during the past two decades. Perhaps the most famous female Harley motorcyclists are Avis and Effie Hotchkiss. In 1915, this mother and daughter duo traveled from New York to California on a three-speed V-Twin with a sidecar.

Another female trendsetter was Linda Dugeau, co-founder of the Motor Maids, Inc. Linda began riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle in 1932. She traveled around the United States and stories about her travels were published in Motorcyclist magazine. In 1938, Dugeau began establishing a network of female motorcyclists, which officially became The Motor Maids. The organization was chartered with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in 1941, making it the oldest motorcycle organization for women in North America.

Women of all ages and backgrounds ride harley davidson motorcycles and the lifestyle they offer. Female celebrities like Pink and supermodel Niki Taylor are both harley owners. Harley-Davidson dedicates an entire section of their store to women..

Motorcycle riding is quickly becoming a family activity. Safety equipment is available to protect children while riding and include tether straps, helmets, jackets, chaps, and gloves. Touring bikes and cruisers make it relatively easy to take the kids on a weekend camping or road trip.

Many members of the military are avid harley riders. They love the feeling they experience when they hit the road and connect with their fellow brothers and sisters through sponsored events or charity rides. Harley-Davidson promotes multiple rides for U.S. troops and Veterans.

A common trait of people who own Harley Davidson motorcycles is that of a giving nature. Harley owners frequently embark on charity rides to help national organizations or to provide for the needs of someone in their local community. Harley owners have raised millions of dollars for charities of all types.

Harley owners are a group of passionate people who love the thrill of adventure, there is nothing like a harley to bring together a diverse group of people of all backgrounds and ages.

Tips for Buying a Used Harley Davidson Motorcycle

Harley Davidson motorcycles are some of the most durable bikes on the market and harleys are built to last from high quality materials and craftsmanship.

Many people find that purchasing a used motorcycle is a better option due to the cost of a new harley. However, it's a good idea to possess a healthy dose of skepticism when purchasing a used bike; particularly from a private seller.

Previously owned motorcycles can be found through private sellers who oftentimes announce their offer via classified ads posted in magazines or online bulletin boards like craigslist. Used motorcycles can also be found at authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships and public auctions.  

Authorized Harley-Davidson Dealers. One of the safest ways to purchase a used Harley-Davidson motorcycle is through an authorized dealer. Along with financing options, many dealers offer extended warranties and optional maintenance services. They inspect the bikes for any potential problems and provide buyers with documentation that guarantees the used motorcycle is legal.

There are many online classifieds websites like ebay and craigslist that offer a wide range of used motorcycles. Ads are placed by private sellers and transactions are made directly from seller to buyer. Both buyers and sellers are required to create an account in order to communicate with one another. Upon registration, buyers can contact sellers via email to obtain information, arrange a meeting, and arrange financial transactions.

Care should be taken when buying or selling through online classifieds. While the majority of people participating are honest, you should thoroughly investigate the motorcycle and its history before handing over your hard earned cash. If you are selling a harley on a classfieds site, never accept a cashiers check and agree to ship your bike, this is a very common scam. They buyer overpays a few thousand dollars with a cashiers check, asks you to ship the bike, take out the money for shipping and wire them the difference. The cashiers check will not clear, you will have shipped the bike and wired them a few thousand dollars that you will never see again.

E-bay is one of the most popular auction sites for used Harley Davidson motorcycles. Certain precautions are required and buyers should thoroughly investigate the seller using E-bay's tools and seller rating system. If you use common sense and adhere to the information provided on E-bay's website, chances are excellent that you will have a safe and happy transaction. When you begin shopping for a used harley, it's a good idea to educate yourself about the makes and models of motorcycles you are interested in. Do some research to determine the average cost of the motorcycle in your area; investigate insurance and finance rates; and make a list of common defects to look out for.

When purchasing a used motorcycle through online classifieds or auctions, be aware of any claims that sound too good to be true. If you find a potential deal, physically review the bike before purchasing it. Look at the paint for scratches, irregularities and rust. Visually check the tires and foot pedals for wear and tear. Make certain that electronic equipment, such as lights and blinkers, are in good working order.

Always take a good look at the maintenance history of any used motorcycle you are considering purchasing. Start the engine to see how well it runs. Check for blue smoke from the exhaust pipe, which is a sign that the engine is worn. Make certain there are no oil or gas leaks. The seller should possess written documentation of mechanical check-ups.

Pay particular attention to mileage, damage, accident history and any paint jobs. Find out how many people have previously owned the bike and be certain to verify the VIN number. To verify the VIN number, visit www.is-it-a-lemon.com or the Department of Motor Vehicles at www.dmv.org.

Preventing Costly Repairs

Proper motorcycle maintenance and preparation before riding will prevent the need for costly repair jobs. The Internet abounds with motorcycle repair videos, DVDs, books and magazines. If you prefer not to go to an authorized repair center, it is possible to learn how to do-it-yourself.

A quick pre-ride check of your bike will help prevent the need for repair, especially if you are going on a long road-trip, and even if you are just riding to the store.

First check the oil and the oil filter. Learning how to change your own filter will save time and money. If you do change your own oil make sure to dispose of the old oil properly. It should be sealed in an approved container and taken to a legitimate oil disposal facility. This is a good time to check the other fluid levels as well.

Make sure to check for any fuel, oil, or hydraulic fuel leaks. Check both the cases and the lines for leaks. Running out of oil out in the middle of nowhere will definitely mean costly engine repair or even replacement.

Next check the controls to make sure they all operate properly. Controls include front and rear brakes, throttle, clutch and shifter. Also check to see that the steering mechanism works smoothly. This may be done by turning the handlebars through the full operating range.

Position of the mirrors while you are sitting on the bike to ensure that they are correctly positioned.

You should check your tire pressure often. If you are touring, carry a tire gauge and check it daily. The owner's manual that comes with your bike will tell you what the correct tire pressure should be. Remember that air pressure can change with air temperature. When you check your tire pressure you should also check the condition of your tires. Replace any tires that have less than 50 percent of the tread left. Also replace tires that have cracks, cuts or signs of wear, do not attempt to repair a damaged tire, buy a new one, a blown tire on a motorcycle can be a deadly mistake.

Check your headlights, taillights, and turning signals and brake lights. Get into the habit of doing this every time you ride. This is for your own protection letting other drivers see you as well as letting you see them. Instructions on replacing bulbs should be in your owner's manual, if you do not have an owners manual, try to find one on ebay.

 Now check your battery. You may actually double the life of your battery by checking and maintaining water levels regularly. This is as simple as shining a flashlight into the opening and filling to the indicated level. You may also consider installing a battery charger with a convenient disconnect.

Following this simple maintenance plan can save you time, money and the need for repair. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, find the closest Harley Davidson dealership to help you out.

How To Find A Harley Part Online

Finding a good source for a Harley Davidson motorcycle part online can be easier and quicker than looking for a part out in the "real" world if you know where to look.

The first step in locating a part online is to locate a source or supplier. Open you favorite search engine, or multi-search engine and type into the search box the name of the part you are looking for. Once you have entered the terms, click the search or submit button. Within just a few seconds you should have a list of several web sites that sell the part you are looking for.

Don't just choose the first one on the list because there are many websites available, how do you know which one to buy your part from? Start by comparing prices. Look for special deals like frequent buyer's clubs and free shipping. The cost of shipping can sometimes vary from site to site, as well as the price of the part.

Before your make a purchase, make sure the site you are using is secure by looking for the https:// before the domain name on the pages where you enter your credit card number and take the time to read their terms and conditions, especially their payment policies, as well as their return policy.

If you are still unsure of what online site to order your motorcycle part from try asking in a Harley Davidson discussion group, forum or blog. Just register and type in something like "Where can I find a reliable online site to order a Harley Davidson part?" You will have feedback from other members, and some of these sites have online links to parts distributors already.

Online motorcycle magazines, newsletters and articles may also be helpful. Online auction sites are another source and may offer the part at a lower price than a distributor. Just be sure to check the seller's ratings before you bid.

Once you have located an online supplier for your part, go ahead and place the order. You should receive some kind of an order confirmation. Be sure to print your confirmation or save it to your hard drive incase you need to track or return your order. Now that you have learned how to buy a Harley Davidson motorcycle part online you buy all your parts and accessories this way and save money.

Become a Certified Harley Davidson Motorcycle Service Technician

If you love Harley Davidson motorcycles and enjoy working on engines, you can make a decent living as a motorcycle service technician. There are several trade schools across the U.S. that specialize in motorcycle service and repair. Programs take between 12 and 18 months to complete and classes can be attended at the institutes or through correspondence and online.

One of the most recognized motorcycle service technician programs is offered at WyoTech. Students are taught to diagnose, service and repair modern motorcycles, and given the option to choose the motorcycle manufacturer of their choice. Wyotech offers motorcycle service and repair classes in Daytona Beach, Florida and Fremont, California.

At the Baran Institute of Technology, you'll receive hands-on training with various brands of motorcycles. As a student, you'll get up close and personal with the intricacies of motorcycle service and repair. From the engine to the exhaust system, and clutches to electrical systems, this 75.5 quarter credit hour program is designed to prepare you to enter the world of motorcycle service and repair. Class size is limited to 20 students and the program can be completed within one year.  

Motorcycle Mechanics Institute offers a unique program to Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. MMI's Motorcycle Technician program addresses the basics of motorcycle repair and service on a full range of motorcycles. Students learn in a classroom environment and through hands-on training. After completion of the prerequisite training, students choose 12 weeks or more of elective course training.

Harley Davidson course electives include:

- Harley Davidson Early Model Technology - focuses on repair and restoration of motorcycles dating back to 1936.

- Harley Davidson Late Model Technology - Training to become an entry level Harley-Davidson motorcycle technician.

- Screamin' Eagle - Focuses on the Screamin' Eagle performance motorcycle.

- V-Rod Motorcyle - Focuses on the award-winning VRSCA (V-Rod) motorcycle.

- Buell - Focuses on design, technology and engineering of Buell motorcycles.

Motorcycle Mechanics Institute offers the only certificate course in the nation that's officially sponsored by the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Classes are offered in Orlando, Florida.

Penn Foster Career School offers distance learning classes, which are conducted online and through print publications. Students have access to instructors and a toll-free instructional support hotline. If necessary, Penn Foster can help potential students earn their GED. Motorcycle technician training can be completed in nine months and financial assistance is available.

Professional Career Development Institute is a nationally accredited correspondence school founded in 1987. PCDI does not require any educational prerequisites to get started as a motorcycle service and repair technician. Students learn about each part, each system and how the entire motorcycle works. Courses can be completed in a matter of months. Upon completion of training, graduates receive a nationally accredited diploma.

With the ever-rising cost of gasoline, motorcycles are quickly becoming a favorite mode of transportation. Over the course of the next decade, more and more people will be riding motorcycles so the need for service technicians will increase. Additionally, there is an ever-growing need for motorcycle mechanics in the field of motorcycle racing.

Regardless of your choice of learning institution, becoming a certified motorcycle repair and service technician can provide you with an exciting and rewarding career.


School contact information:

Wyotech - www.wyotech.com
888-577-7559

Baran Institute - www.baraninstitute.com
800-243-4242

Motorcycle Mechanics Institute - www.uticorp.com
800-859-7249

Penn Foster Career School - www.pennfoster.edu
800-275-4410

Professional Career Development Institute - www.pcdi.com
800-417-2407