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Harley Davidson motorcycles are some of the most durable bikes on the market. They are built to last using high quality materials and craftsmanship. Therefore, the cost of a new Harley may be out of reach for some individuals. Many people find that purchasing a used motorcycle is a better option. 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. 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.
To find a list of authorized Harley-Davidson dealers visit www.hogs4sale.com. Click on the state you reside in to locate a dealer in your area.
Online Classifieds. There are several reputable websites 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.
Three of the most reputable online classified websites for used motorcycles include:
www.CycleClassifieds.us, www.HD4Sale.com, and www.HarleyHunters.com.
Online Auction Sites. 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.
Other used motorcycle auction websites include www.MotorcycleAuctionsOnline.com and Yahoo Shopping Auctions at http://auctions.yahoo.com.
Before you begin shopping for a used motorcycle, 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. |
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If you love Harley Davidson motorcycles and enjoy working with your hands, you can earn a good 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.
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 |
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As the owner of a Harley Davidson motorcycle, you have the opportunity to become a member of an elite group. This group is known as HOG - Harley Owners Group. Currently, there are more than 1 million HOG members around the globe who have united to display their passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles. Members of HOG attend activities presented by local hog chapters. Activities fall into three categories:
- Closed events - conducted primarily for the benefit of HOG chapter members. Some closed events allow members to bring one guest.
- Member events - only open to HOG members.
- Open events - chapter events open to HOG members and other guests.
There are three types of HOG membership:
- Full membership - Entitles members to all the benefits and services of the Harley Owners Group organization.
- Associate membership - Designed for passengers and family members of full HOG members. Associate members must be sponsored by a full member in order to participate in HOG events.
- Life membership - Available as a full life membership or as an associate life membership. Special benefits and recognitions are available to life members.
Members of HOG receive many benefits besides the camaraderie of fellow Harley enthusiasts. HOG members receive:
- Subscription to Enthusiast magazine; the oldest continually published motorcycle magazine in the world.
- Subscription to Hog Tales; the official publication of the Harley Owners Group that keeps members up-to-date on hog happenings around the world.
- HOG Fly and Ride membership. This program allows hog members to fly to locations throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia; pick up a Harley-Davidson motorcycle from a local dealership; and tour in style without any hassle or delay.
- HOG membership manual to help members get the most out of their hog membership.
- Access to the HOG "Members Only" website.
- Copy of the official HOG Touring Handbook; a guide filled with maps, dealer location, riding laws, and much more.
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.
Every hog chapter reflects the passions and personalities of its members. No matter where in the world you go, HOG members can always feel at home when they attend hog meetings and events.
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. |
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Today, Harley Davidson motorcycles are a household name, but it hasn't always been that way. It began way back in 1901, when a young man named William S. Harley had a vision for attaching an engine to a bicycle. William had a friend named Arthur Davidson who embraced his concept. Together, they began working endless hours in a small wooden shed, with the words "Harley Davidson" scrawled on the door. By 1903, they rolled out the first production Harley Davidson motorcycle.
The legendary "Bar and Shield" logo became the defining symbol of Harley Davidson motorcycles in 1910. The logo is representative of strength and ruggedness. The design was patented in 1911 and continues to be used today.
In 1920, motorcycle racing legend, Leslie "Red" Parkhurst, broke numerous speed records on a Harley Davidson racing motorcycle. Each time Parkhurst won a race, he would carry a pig on a victory lap and it was during this time the term "hog" became associated with Harley Davidson motorcycles.
During World War I nearly half of the Harley Davidson motorcycles produced were sold to the United States Army. Throughout the 1920s, major changes took place to the design. The most notable was the change in the gas tank, which was switched to the now infamous teardrop shape. In 1928, Harley Davidson introduced the first twin-cam engine and front wheel brakes. These modifications allowed Harley Davidson motorcycles to reach speeds in excess of 85 mph.
Throughout the 1930s, Harley Davidson motorcycles continued to break speed records and won multiple awards. Harley Davidson further expanded into commercial and police vehicles through the introduction of the three-wheel Servi-Car.
Appearance changes were made to Harley Davidson motorcycles and included the famous "eagle" design, which was painted on all Harley Davidson gas tanks. During this time, the trademark 1340 cc engine was introduced and the "Knucklehead" motorcycle was launched.
Between the years of 1941 through 1945, Harley Davidson ceased civilian production of motorcycles and focused solely on providing reliable motorcycles to the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II.
When civilian production resumed, Harley Davidson motorcycles were in high demand. The organization expanded and purchased the A.O. Smith Propeller Plant to be used as a machine shop. Here they manufactured motorcycle parts and shipped them to the factory for final assembly.
1947 saw the introduction of the "Panhead" Harley Davidson motorcycle, which was deemed "THE American Motorcycle". Two years later, hydraulic front brakes were introduced on the Hydra-Glide models.
The 1950s were filled with challenges and triumphs. During this time, the British captured nearly 40 percent of the motorcycle market with their ever-popular Triumph motorcycle. Harley Davidson owners knew they would have to get creative if they were to remain at the top.
To compete with the smaller, sportier motorcycles coming from Great British, Harley Davidson developed the side-valve K model with an integrated engine and transmission. Today, the K model is known as the Sportster.
1953 marked the 50th anniversary of Harley Davidson motorcycles. The organization marked this event by creating a special logo which included a "V", with a bar overlaid reading "Harley Davidson" and the words "50 Years American Made". Every motorcycle manufactured in 1954 had a medallion version of the logo placed on the front fender.
During the 60s, Harley Davidson scaled down production and offered the only scooter bike ever produced. It was also during this time that the Sprint model was introduced. Other innovations included the electric starter and the introduction of the "Shovelhead" engines.
The 70s brought about transformation of the Harley Davidson motorcycle. A new Sportster racing motorcycle was introduced in 1970. One year later, the FX 1200 Super Glide cruiser was introduced; along with the first Harley-Davidson snowmobile.
1977 brought the Harley-Davidson Low Rider to the forefront when it was debuted to the public in Daytona Beach. Later in the year, the Café Racer was released.
Last, but not least, Harley Davidson introduced the FXEF Fat Bob in 1979. This bike has dual gas tanks and bobbed fenders. It was featured in Hollywood films and quickly became a favorite of the American public.
During the 80s, Harley Davidson went through considerable internal changes and more attention was focused on motorcycle racing. One of the most notable changes occurred in 1986, when Harley Davidson became listed on the American Stock Exchange.
In the 1990s, Harley Davidson expanded its U.S. operations to include a multi-million dollar paint facility, a new distribution center, power train plant, and production facility. Harley Davidson also opened a new assembly facility Brazil, the first operations outside of the U.S.
Since the beginning of 2000, Harley Davidson has exploded the marketplace with a variety of new and exciting motorcycles. These include the Softail Deuce; the Buell Blast, Firebolt, and Lightning; the Road King Custom; and the Street Glide.
Today, Harley Davidson owns more than 60 percent of the motorcycle market share. Considering their history and reputation, chances are good that Harley Davidson motorcycles will be around for another 100 years. |
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