Harley D's: Buying Advice

Harley D's: Buying Advice

The Corporate Takeover of the Motorcycle Club World

Everyone who has been reading any of what I have been writing over the past few years, Knows I fight for Bikers Rights , Safety and Unity. In the past few months my big concern has been the new Biker Movies and TV shows coming out like "Hell Ride" and "Sons of Anarchy" I knew these shows would have people wanting to join Motorcycle Clubs for all the wrong reasons! One thing I know will happen is many people will go out and put patches on there backs and think they are now a Motorcycle Club and start acting the way they saw the Clubs in the Movies act. As I have stated in other articles, most Clubs for many years have been working for the betterment and unity of the Motorcycle Club world. Most Motorcycle Club's want to put the Hollywood Biker Gang image way behind them. They want to focus on the Brotherhood that is the heart of all Motorcycle Clubs.

Most Clubs make good money selling their Support Shirts and gear. Over the past few years I have seen many large chain department stores selling T-shirts that are Dangerously Close to the Colors/Patches of Some of the worlds Major Clubs. It does not take much for one to assume these Stores know what they are doing and they just do not care about the people who buy these shirts or any of us in the biker world, All they care about is the cash flow! When Motorcycle Clubs contact these stores about copyright infringement the response from most if not all of these companies to the clubs is one of you don't count or matter! When I see a person who knows nothing about the biker world wearing one of these shirts I understand that person just does not know better, But when I see a person who is a biker wearing one of these shirts I let him know "He is selling us all out " There are too many who use the excuse they are only weekend warriors! I understand cash runs the world so these companies are going to try to skate the line by changing these shirts just enough so they can't be sued under copyright laws and all the wannabe bikers will buy these shirts and wear them! In my opinion it is a total slap in the face to every biker out there!

Well as if those shirts where not bad enough I was recently informed of a jean company who has come out with T-shirts that are Motorcycle Club Member T-shirts of Fictional Motorcycle Clubs ! Go to the websites emoda.com/item.asp?prodid=129470 and emoda.com/item.asp?prodid=129464 to see these shirts. Anyone from the new rider to the old time Club Member who saw a person wearing one of these shirts could easily think that person is a member of a real Motorcycle Club . These Shirts are made by some foolish corporation who probably does not care what they are doing ! The shirts go for around $52-$65 ! For $20 you can go out and buy a real Motorcycle Clubs Support shirt and Support the Biker World. The final insult to all in the Biker world is on the left sleeve there is a Diamond, this leads me to believe that the Manufacturers of these shirts knows at least a little bit about what they are doing. From the pictures I can not see if it says 1% inside the Diamond, But even if it does not it can be mistaken for one. The 1% Diamond is supposed to mean you are part of an elite Motorcycle Club the best of the best, and if you are wearing the shirt of a fictional Motorcycle Club that you paid $60 for, Well then you do not even rank as high as a wannabe Biker in my Book!

Motorcycle Clubs don't always get along, But we all have always taken great pride in what we are and what we stand for! The true Bikers are the ones who know what "Freedom" really is! We are the ones who feel it for the rest of the world every time one of our rights gets taken away. The mass population walks around with their head up their butt not caring about the things they are no longer allowed to do!

My one concern about posting this is that more people will be exposed to these shirts and buy them and wear them! If you respect anything about the Biker world not only will you not buy these shirts you will speak out and let those who make these shirts know you think this is an insult! When you are at a store and you see a biker looking shirt that looks like the patch of a Motorcycle Club you will speak out, Even if its a club you are not a fan of, It is still an insult to all Clubs and all true Bikers! I remember hearing as a child that all Bikers where "Brothers in the wind" No matter what they ride। I always figured that even if you did not like your Brother you would always fight along side him when he was under attack! I feel this is an attack on all of us at the very heart of what we are ! So I ask those out there that came before for me, what they think and what do we do next ?

http://harleyds.com/corporate-takeover-of-the-motorcycle-club

Harley-Davidson: Live by it

We believe in going on our own way, no matter which of the rest of the world is going. We believe in bucking the sistem that.s build to smash individuals like bugs on a wile shill, some of us believe in the Men upstairs, all of us believe in stickin' to the men down here. We believe in the sky, and we dont believe in the summer. We believe in freedom , we believe in dust, tomboleads, buffalo, mountainrangers and riding out in to the sunset. We believe in salbags, and we believe that cowboys had it right. We believe in refusing not to belong to anyone, we believe in wearing black because it doesnt show any dirt or weekness. We believe the world is going soft, that we are going along with it. We believe in motocicles riles that last a week, we believe in road side attractions, gasstations, hotdogs and finding out what.s over the next hill . We believe in flames and in skuls. We believe life is what we make it, and we make one hell of a ride. We believe the masine you sit on can tell the world exactly where you stand
... we dont care about what everyone else belives ...


http://harleyds.com/live-by-it

Harley Davidson 100th Anniversary

The Harley Davidson 100th Anniversary : This is a excerpt from "The Road To Milwaukee" DVD featuring the Harley Davidson 100th Anniversary road show! It is an entirly independent production. It starts with the Northeast Ride (one of four cross country rides) heading to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the "world's biggest birthday bash. The city of Buffalo's first ever Buffalo Bike Blast is featured also as well as the Parade of Heroes in Milwaukee.


http://harleyds.com/100th

Mortal Skulls Motorcycle Club a Run for Awareness

Do you remember the Story of 11-year-old Carlie Brucia ? Little Carlie was the girl from Long Island NY who while staying with her Mother Down in Florida was Kidnapped and Murdered on Super Bowl Sunday, 2004. Her abduction was captured on video in front of the car wash where she was Kidnapped by Joseph P. Smith,Who has since been found Guilty of first-degree murder, sexual battery and kidnapping.

The story was carried nationwide and was heartbreaking to all who heard it. Now there is an old saying that every dark cloud has a silver lining and if that is true then the silver lining here is Matt Barbis, Carlie's Cousin who started the Rose Brucia Educational Foundation (http://rosebrucia.org) with the Mission of reducing child abductions.

Matt goes around to Schools and does Puppet Shows and teaches children how to react and what to do if someone ever tries to adduct them. As you can imagine Matt's Mission does not come without its costs and the Foundation runs on Donations from Groups,Individuals and Businesses.

Matt who Rides a Motorcycle had seen the good that Bikers on Long Island do to Raise Money for those in need, He wanted to Start a Motorcycle Run to help raise Money for the Foundation. A Motorcycle Run is a lot of work and Matt was Referred to the Mortal Skulls Motorcycle Club (http://Mortalskulls.com) Who do a Run and/or Benefit every year.

When the Mortal Skulls Motorcycle Club heard Matt's story and what his Mission was they quickly decided that this would be the run and benefit they would be doing for many years to come.What better cause can there be then keeping Children Safe? said one of the Members.

For the past 3 years now on the 3rd Sunday in June the Mortal Skulls Motorcycle Club have hosted the run and raised money for the foundation. The run starts every year at the Bellmore NY Train station on Sunrise Hwy, with sign up from 10:30am till 12pm, and has ended at local Long Island Bars with live Music, food, Appearances by local New York Celebrities and so much more. The recommended Donation for the event is only $10 per person and Run Shirts are available for an additional $10 with every penny of the Proceeds going to the Rose Brucia Educational Foundation. The Mortal Skulls Motorcycle Club Thank all who have come out to help and Support the event every year! This Fundraiser has quickly grown into a huge Long Island NY event, With the continued Support of the Long Island biker world and appearances by Celebrates it will continue to grow for many years to come!!

http://harleyds.com/mortal-skulls-motorcycle-club

The First Banning of a Motorcycle Clubs Colors in America

If you are a Member of a Motorcycle Club as I am, I'm sure you have heard about how a Judge has banned the Colors of the the Mongols Motorcycle Club. Not only are the Members not aloud to wear their Colors but any item that has their Colors on it must be forfeited upon demand. I can not expect those who are not in a Motorcycle Club to understand what this really means! Twenty years ago this would have struck fear into the soul of every US Citizen! Today I am sure most, probably, will not even hear about it and those that do will probably not care! What has happened to this Country?

I can not believe this is actually happening, I have been writing stories on this for years. Part of me had always hoped I was just being paranoid or that all the Motorcycle Clubs would some how come together on some level and work out the problems. I have been getting calls and emails on how the Story I wrote last year called "Taken from a History book in the year 2095" does not sound so far fetched any more?

Are there Criminals in Motorcycle Clubs? We hear about Drug dealers, Rapists, Murderers in the National Football League and in Major League Baseball everyday. When was the last time you heard of a Biker running a Dogfighting ring? Can a Judge just ban the Logo of a Sports Franchise if its Members are involved in some kind of Criminal activity? You may be saying No because its different. Well I say it is only different because they haven't done it yet! There are the same problems in Motorcycle Clubs that there are in all organizations. The Police force has much more Criminal Activity going on in it then all the Motorcycle Clubs put together! Only Difference is they can bury the Truth! When it comes to Motorcycle Clubs and criminal activity the big difference is, The legend of Motorcycle Clubs is we are America's bad boys and it just sells so dam good.

This law can not be allowed to stand!!! I am sure some Sport Bike Clubs and AMA Club's feel they have nothing to fear! I am sure many are thinking this has nothing to do with them, Its only the Outlaw and 1% Clubs! They are thinking this isn't about us "we are the good guys". This is how to defeat us, take down the top level's first! The other levels will make excuses as to why it is not their fight and stand aside. All Bikers must join the fight now because once they are done with the Outlaw and 1% Clubs, Who do you think they will be looking at Next? Once the Outlaw and 1% Clubs are gone there will be no one left to come and help when they come for you!

I am pretty sure this is still the USA and this is completely against everything this Country was founded on and stands for! We all must ask, If this ruling is allowed to stand what Motorcycle Club will it be next? Will it be yours? What will the reasons be that they will use to ban your Clubs patch ? Will Jay walking be enough? Is that too ridiculous? How about if your an MC member and you get caught with a bag of marijuana? Is that enough? Will there have to be 2 Members involved? 3? What reason will they need to ban your Motorcycle Clubs patch?

When Motorcycle Clubs start having their Colors banned many members will start or join new Clubs,Because that is what we are Motorcycle Club Members! Soon the government will realize this and then Ban Motorcycle Clubs all together! Any one who thinks their Club is not at risk is kidding themselves! The time to unite and try to work together was yesterday! Today we have no choice but to ban together and fight for or right to survive for tomorrow it will be time to hide!!!

Even if some how all Motorcycle Clubs can come together and work to win this fight, It is just the beginning and there will be many more rounds to come. If we are to win this fight we MUST at least make it to the 2nd round, Then we will have a Minute to pull ourselves together!!!

http://harleyds.com/motorcycle-club-colors

Harley Davison History

The history of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle began in Milwaukee in 1903. In Milwaukee, Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson developed a one-cylinder motorcycle. Around the turn of the century the gasoline engine was developed and the one-cylinder motor was introduced. In 1901 the Indians were the first motorcycles and in 1903 Mitschell, Merkel and Yale.
This motorcycle was initially built for racing and was powered by a one-cylinder gasoline combustion engine.

In 1903 in Milwaukee, Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson developed a one-cylinder motorcycle. It was a reliable and even a beautiful cycle. And ... someone bought it !! In 1905 they had made 11 motorcycles, in 1908 it were 154 and ... they had a company, in a little wooden barn, that was build by Davidson's father.
The small company extended quickly and another member of the Davidson family, William, joined them. In no time they hired about 20 or so employees in an especcially build stone factory.

In early 1909 Bill Harley made a project of the first 1000 CC V-Twin. It produced a modest seven horsepower. The 45-degree V-twin would become one of the more recognizable images of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. This V-Twin stayed with HD for a long, long time. Maybe it's hard to believe, but Harley-Davidson didn't invent the V-twin !! When Bill Harley developed one, he just followed the tendency of the

1910 brought the legendary "Bar and Shield" logo that was placed on their motorcycle. This would become the defining symbol of Harley-Davidson to this day. Numerous first place winnings in races, endurance contests and hill climbs give Harley-Davidson more recognition.
The "F-head" engine is introduced in 1911. It will be the power workhorse until 1929, when the "Flathead" engine is introduced.

The year 1912 saw further growth of the Harley-Davidson Company. Construction began on a new 6-story factory. Harley-Davidson also became an exporter later on this year and their first overseas sales was made in Japan. In the states there were now over 200 dealerships.

1914 saw the addition on the sidecar to the Harley-Davidson. The Company also formally put their hand in the ring of motorcycle racing this year and would soon dominate the sport and become known as the "Wrecking Crew".

1915 saw the emergence of the three-speed sliding-gear transmission. In 1917, one-third of all Harley-Davidsons were sent overseas to the U.S. Military to fulfill their patriotic call and to aid in the war effort. The following year, roughly half of the motorcycles produced were sold to the U.S. military. In the end, about 20,000 motorcycles were used in the war, most of them Harley-Davidsons. By this time Harley-Davidson was the biggest motorcycle factory in the world with nearly 2,000 dealerships worldwide.

In 1918 Harley-Davidson was the biggest motorcycle factory in the world. They even survived the depression. The V-twin was Harley's specialty, so the company tried to defeat its only remaining rival ... Indian.
But these days were the thoughest, because the motorcycles got out of date and the prices of automobiles decreased (the T-Ford was born).

Therefore, Harley Davidson tried other technical enterprises, like manufacturing parts, side cars and even airplane motor-engines, but they also improved their own products.

The 1920's saw some changes to the appearance of the motorcycle, which are more recognizable today. One such change was the identifiable teardrop shape gas tank. In 1926, single-cylinder engines were once again available, having been discontinued in 1918. In 1928, the first twin-cam engine and front wheel brakes were available on the Harley-Davidson. With this modification, the motorcycle could reach speeds in excess of 85 mph. above pic :- V-Twin from 1923

The 1930's and subsequent years saw more record breaking and award winning Harley-Davidson's. In 1932, the three-wheel Servi-Car was introduced and would become a familiar commercial and police vehicle. Along with appearance changes such as the "eagle" design, which was painted on all Harley-Davidson gas tanks, changes were also made to the engine.

These days the biggest Harley ever appeared , the 1340 CC. This motorcycle became Harley Davidson's trademark. 1936 also became a milestone. That year the Knucklehead was launched and this motorcycle also became the victory over the Indian. And when in 1947 the Panhead was driven out of the factory,

In the 1940's, the Harley-Davidson once again answered the patriotic call and sent its motorcycles overseas to aid in the war effort. In 1941, civilian production on the motorcycle was mostly suspended as the company turned out motorcycles for the war. Because of their commitment and excellence, Harley-Davidson received the Army-Navy "E" award; this wouldn't be the last time. In November of 1945, civilian production once again started. In 1947, Harley-Davidson purchased the old A.O. Smith Propeller Plant and used it as a machine shop. The parts made here were shipped back to the old factory on Juneau Avenue for final assembly. In 1949, hydraulic front brakes were introduced on the Hydra-Glide models.

In the fifty's Harley survived another bad period. The Brittish owned 40 % of the motorcycle market with their Triumph ! In 1957 fortunately the Sportster was born, the fastest Harley ever. A great success !! Just like the English motorcycle industry, Harley stuck to its technic, style and caracter. That's why this motorcycle was so populair for many, many years.
In opposite to the English manufacturors, Harley Davidson survived this decision. Due to the enormous attack from the Japanees from the Far East, the English dissapeared without a trace and the American were almost dead. Even the Shovelhead couldn't save its ass.

1969, Time for a merger with the American Machine and Foudry Company (AMF).
However, the quality decreased ernormously and the Super Glide and the SLCR Caféracer of 1970 got a bad name. But Harley Davidson bought itself out and survived and with launching the new Evolution-motor in 1984, the company managed to create a modern motorcycle, which was still a Harley Davidson.

The beginning of the 1970's saw a revolution of the Harley-Davidson. In 1971, the cruiser was born. This machine united a sporty front end with the frame and power train of the FL series. 1973 saw the move of assembly operations to a new 400,000 square foot plant in York, Pennsylvania. The year 1975 was the first of four consecutive years that the Harley-Davidson won the AMA Grand National Championships in dirt track racing. In 1977, the FXS Low Rider and the FLHS Electra Glide Sport were introduced to the public. The FXS featured a special lower seat position (hence the distinguishing term Low Rider...). The FLHS was a low cost base line FLH Electra Glide with modifications intended to make the model sportier.

The beginning of the 1980's saw another change in the partnership of the engine and transmission. In 1980, the FLT model was born with a 5-speed transmission hard bolted to the engine. Also this year, the drive train was replaced with a Kevlar belt. In 1981 senior members of Harley-Davidson bought back Harley-Davidson Motor Company from AMF.

In 1982 Harley-Davidson enacted the Materials as Needed (MAN) application in their production. This would cut production costs and improve the quality of the parts. In 1983 the group H.O.G was founded and became the largest factory-sponsored motorcycle club in the world. By the year 2000, the club had over 500,000 members. In 1984 the 1340 cc V-twin engine was introduced, seven years in the making. Also this year, the Softail model became available. The Softail was most primarily distinguishable by hidden rear shock absorbers.

In 1987 Harley-Davidson began its "Buy Back Program" which offered full trade in value within two years on certain models. Also at this time, the Harley-Davidson Company obtained a place on the New York Stock Exchange for those interested in taking a financial stake in the company. In 1988 Harley-Davidson celebrated their 85th Anniversary in Milwaukee, an event that brought forth 60,000 aficionados of the Harley-Davidson. At the end of this revolutionary decade for Harley-Davidson, the FXSTS Springer Softail model was introduced into the lineup. The FXSTS Springer Softail was a modern day recreation of the 1940's Harley-Davidson. It had the classic biker look with the 1340 cc engine symbolizing the new era of Harley-Davidson.

In the early 1990's the Fat Boy design was introduced and quickly caught on. The name Fatboy was derived by combining the names of the two atomic bombs "Fat man" and "Little Boy" which were dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. It was destined from the start to become a Collector's item among biking enthusiasts and definitely achieved that status throughout its existence. Also in 1990, Construction on a 31 million dollar state of the art paint facility began in York, Pennsylvania. It was finished the following year

In 1991, The Dyna line of Harley-Davidson's was introduced with the FXDB Dyna Glide Sturgis. 1994 saw the jump of Harley-Davidson into the Superbike racing with the VR1000. The VR1000 featured a dual overhead cam and a liquid cooled engine and showed that Harley-Davidson was not fully averse to manufacturing a race inspired sport bike.

In 1996 a state of the art Parts and Accessories distribution plant was opened in Franklin, Wisconsin. The following year a new Product Development Center opened in Milwaukee. Also in 1997, a 330,000 square foot plant in Kansas City made its first Sportster. In 1998, assembly operations were taking place in another part of the world, Brazil. In the year 2001 Fuel injection was available on the Softail models.

These days, in America, Harley Davidson owns 62 % of the market of motorcycles with 850 CC or more !!

Harleys are, just like porches, maybe just fun stuff for people with money and appearance. So, "rich" customers rule the market. It could have been tempting for Harley Davidson to participate in this commercial hype, but when the hype is over surly they know the company will still be there and will still sell motorcycles because of the loyal followers it has.
For these people, despite of age and appearance, a Harley Davidson is the one and only bike to own!. It is an obviously arrogantly, massive and cool bike, without doing its best for it. However, Harleys Davidson's aren't the fastest and manageable cycles, The riding of a Harley is uncomparable with riding any other bike on the market, EVER!

Quality Bikes

http://harleyds.com/history

Buying Advice

Here's a checklist if you are cocidering buying a used Harley Davidson motorcycle

Ride to be free but do expect to pay a bit more for that very special Harley D Hog

Some Things To Consider When Buying A Used Harley Davidson Motorcycle by : Low Jeremy

Buying a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle is usually fairly easy. All you have to do is pick a model, visit serveral local dealers, test drive the Harleys, and pay by financing or if you want, in full. However, buying a used Harley-Davidson motorcycle can be a different story. Since it is already probally used, you should be more careful in closing your deal immediately. Here are some of the things you should consider if you may want to buy used Harley-Davidson motorcycle:

The Motorcycle's history
Since you may not be aware of all the things that have happened while you are yet the owner of the motorcycle, you need to know its history. Here you will learn if it was involved on accidents or have been submerged under water. These information are vital since you want to buy a good used Harley.

It's Price
One of the main reasons why you buy used Harley-Davidson motorcycle is because you want to save money. If you are not aware of the current market value of the models you are buying, then it is time for you to do some research.

It's Overall Condition
Whether you are buying a 1978 or a 2005 model, you generally have to consider the overall condition of the motorcycle. Never disregard this since you will be the one who will take the whole responsibility of your purchase in case you have bought an ill-maintained motorcycle.

The Exterior
Check the exterior or the motorcycle as well as its performance. Like buying used cars, you should check everything and test-drive the vehicle. Check the sound and the engine. Check for rusts, dents, and other things that may affect the price of the Harley.

The Mileage
Since the mileage reading is the main basis of the price of the any type of used vehicle including the Harley-Davidson motorcycle, you must check it and base it on the price being offered.

The Proximity
This may not be very important for some. But for those who want to get to see the used Harley motorcycle being sold, location is very important. If a Harley-Davidson seller happens to be near you, you can easily visit and have the deals made fast.

The Owner’s background
This does not mean you always have to investigate thoroughly the owner by hiring an investigator . All you have to do is to ask the seller questions related on how he takes care of the motorcycle while it was in his possession. Or, if you happen you have a chance to meet the owner, observe the things around him. Surely, you will get clear idea on how well he is as a motorcycle owner!

http://harleyds.com/advice

Riding and owning a Harley Davidson motorcycle is an honour and a privilege!

Ride the bike, see the road scurry underneath you, feel the wind in your face and on your body, see how it's just much better when on the bike, feel the rumble in between your legs, lean back, see the blur of the side road as you look straight ahead!

http://harleyds.com