1957 H-D Drag Bike Leo Payne’s Legendary “Turnip Eater”

When an ordinary Harley-Davidson Sportster arrived at Mike Wilson’s Iowa dealership in 1957, there was no way of knowing it would become a legendary motorcycle.

Drag Strip 101

The dragstrip is 1,320 feet long. You've got your stage beams, and then 60 feet out you've got your 60 foot clock. After your 60 foot clock, you've got your 330 foot clock. Those are just incrementals. After the 330 clock, you get to the 1/8th mile clock.

Now, they set a trap that is a set distance between a mph block and the 660 [foot] block that calculates your speed; you get an eighth mile (660) mph and E/T, it's going to tell you how fast you're going.

A Dark Custom American Legend: 2012 Sportster Forty-Eight

Since 1948, the Sportster models have been making garages blush. In 1948, Harley-Davidson first introduced the authentic peanut tank that is now a key feature on all Sportster models. The peanut shell shows off the engine, giving this model all the attitude to conquer the road ahead. The will have you screaming to break out of your cage.


Think back to those classic motorcycle movies of the 1950’s and this is the bike that will come to mind. The Forty-Eight embodies the essence and style of a simpler time with the performance and handling of a modern machine.

Harley Davidson Engine Modification Manual

Following Modifikation Manual Engine applies for Harley Davidson motorcycle. There are 4 stages of modification explained and described in this manual. Stage 1 modifications are made by bolt-on changes or modifications to external components on the engine. These components include air cleaners, carburetors, exhaust systems and ignition systems. No special tools or training is required to perform Stage One modifications. These modifications will provide from 55 to 66 horsepower at the rear wheel of a late model 80 CID Harley-Davidson big twin Evolution engine.

Stage 2 Harley-Davidson engines modification involve Stage 1 changes plus changes to some internal “bolt-in” engine components. These “bolt-in” modifications include camshafts and milling of the heads to increase compression. Some special tools and knowledge of engines is required to perform stage two modifications. These modifications will provide from 60 to 80 horsepower at the rear wheel of a late model 80 CID Harley-Davidson big twin Evolution engine, depending upon the condition of the engine and the components used.

Motorcycle gangs

An outlaw biker and his “colors” declare membership in a particular club. Colors usually consist of a three-piece patch embroidered on a leather or denim jacket which contains the name of the club, the club’s logo, and the club’s location.
Bryan Denson of The Oregonian wrote an interesting Article Eko about the rise of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs OMG in Oregon.   Specifically it detailed how the Mongols Motorcycle Club MMC had discretely opened a 4th chapter in Eugene after previously setting up chapters in Portland, Medford and Bend.  The article characterized them as one of the most violent OMGs of the “Big Five” and it made me wonder if Oregon was set for a bloody turf war like the late 60′s in San Francisco.  The aftermath of many killed bikers was that the Gypsy Jokers MC left California and the Hells Angel agreed to stay out of Oregon.

Dragon The Solution Harley Davidson photo's

1926 Racer Harley Davidson

I bought this bike in full street trim a few months before the Motorcycle Cannonball, but left it parked in secure storage. (I had to focus all my spare time on prepping my 1915 Harley for the cross country ride.) I purchased it from a bar owner who’d shut down his bar and was selling the classic motorcycles he had on display. He’d bought this Harley model J racer a decade or so earlier, and was told it was correct and complete. It wasn’t.

Warboy 883 XWL Harley Davidson

You’ve seen the old Harley-Davidson WL models, decked out in olive drab and used by the military in WWII, really neat old machines. The original WL engines were reliable but not ideal for riding around on today’s roads, combined with 3 speeds and a foot clutch, you had an interesting, but very vintage ride.

Sturgis-Winning Harley Davidson

This is Strike II, one of the winners at last year’s world custom bike building championship at Sturgis, which is now making it’s first public UK appearance at special Harley exhibition in Manchester.

Built by Shaw Harley-Davidson of Sussex the ‘40s-style ‘Speedster’ is based on a 2010 Crossbones and features a hand-made rear fender, special petrol tank, 1940s style handlebars and custom paint.

1959 Harley Panhead Custom

A hotrod and chopper shop in Boise, Idaho. And when he’s not building slammed Fords and Chevys, he’s riding this super-clean 1959 Harley. His Panhead has an effortless beauty about it, but the build was a mission for Matt. He’d had his eye on the bike for a long time, and finally scraped together enough money to buy it. After an incident-prone four years of riding it, he sent the motor off for a rebuild—and the shop burnt down.

Wonder Bikes XR 1200 Harley Davidson

Wonder’s Rev-2 was one of my favorite Harley customs last year. It was also a big hit with Ronan of design company RD-2, so Jason to build a sequel. And here it is, but this time based on an XR1200 rather than a V-Rod. It’s also 120 lbs lighter than a stock XR1200.

Naked Cafe Harley Davidson

DP Customs are on a roll right now, and according to owner Justin Del Prado, this is their fastest and best-handling bike yet. It’s a café racer based on DP’s favorite platform, the Harley Sportster ironhead. According to Del Prado, ‘We started with a 1980 matching-numbers donor and decided to turn it into a café, with a lot of open space in the frame.

AMD World Championship Harley Davidson

The Winners (from left to right): Satya Kraus, Ken Tabata and Larry Houghton

The official AMD World Champpionship Of Custom Bike Building, held annually as part of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, features some of the planet’s coolest motorcycles. Nothing here is off the shelf; all the competing bikes are feats as much of imagination as of skill and engineering.

That’s especially true for this year’s winners of the freestyle category: Ken Tabata’s first place, cheetah-like TAVAX2011V, Larry Houghton’s gilded but thrifty runner up Son of a Gun, and Satya Kraus’ elegant, simple Bolide in third place.

Harley Storz SP 1200 Sportster

Storz Performance introduced its XR 1200 dirt track kit for the Harley-Davidson Sportster way back in 2005. Earlier this year, Harley acquired Storz’ trademark rights for “XR 1200”—so the kit is now known as the SP 1200. It includes Storz/Ceriani 55mm inverted front forks, Flanders Café bars, a high pipe exhaust system, and a hand-formed alloy gas tank.

HARLEY BRASS BALLS 69 CHOPPER

Of all the ‘mainstream’ US custom builders, Darwin Motorcycles is one of the few that produce the kind of bikes we like. The latest model under the BRASS BALLS brand is called the 69 Chopper—a reference to the year, we’re told—and it’s based on the machine that came third in the Production Class at last year’s AMD World Championships.

harley V-Rod custom modifikation

We don’t get to see many custom motorcycles from Germany. Modified BMWs are becoming more common, especially R-series scramblers or café bikes. And we’re big fans of LSL-Motorradtechnik creations too. But this is something completely different, and completely over the top: a Harley V-Rod cafe racer.

It was built by a company called Dr Mechanik in Stuttgart—the capitol of Baden-Württemberg and the home city of Porsche, Daimler and Bosch—at the behest of Georg Friedrich, an Austrian actor. Friedrich had his V-Rod rebuilt after it was heavily damaged in a collision with a car, and it’s now packed with handmade parts. That includes the swingarm and even the rear shock, adapted from a Ducati 916 item. The front brakes are from Buell, and the engine is no longer rubber-mounted in the chassis—it’s now firmly bolted in for a more direct feel. Around nine kilograms have been shaved off the frame weight, and further reductions come from the handcrafted aluminum fuel tank and seat unit. The owner of Dr Mechanik, Max, describes the V-Rod as “retro meets high performance”: it’s unorthodox and it’s hardly subtle, but it looks like fun

Harley Davidson FL Knuckehead 1947

Carl Olsen and his son Matt do a lot more than just fix up old bikes. They actually do ground-up restorations, the obsessive kind, with an attention to detail unmatched by any of their peers. The bike in these photos did not come to be overnight. This ’47 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead was a multiple-year project, like all their bikes. It was a worldwide quest for period-correct parts with painstaking hours of fun piecing everything together to create a perfect restoration. Carl and Matt always strive for 95-plus points on the 100-point AMCA scale.

Harley Davidson Homecoming Milwaukee WI

Harley - eko prastiyo

Harley Davidson celebrated their 105th Anniversary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and thousands of riders rumbled into Beer City to join the party.

Harley Davidson motorcycles rumbled into Milwaukee from around the United States on the last weekend of August, 2008 for the Harley Homecoming 105th Anniversary. Milwaukee put out the welcome mat for the influx of powerful motorcycles who took the ride home.

Harley celebrated their landmark anniversary in a big way, with streets roped off for music, a Harley Parade and a Bruce Springsteen Concert on the Milwaukee Lakefront by the Summerfest Grounds.

Modifikation Harley Davidson Streetfighter

Suspension To Harley's

When absolute control of the road is first in your mind, your Harley needs a suspension you can depend on. For ultimate handling on all the curves and hills that the road throws at you, a reliable suspension system complete with the perfect shocks you in control and comfortable on every leg of your journey. Be sure to browse our complete selection of suspension parts and accessories to suit all your upgrading, repairing or maintenance needs.

Engine Harley Davidson

Reliable and long lasting engines are the true signature of a Harley bike. In the 100 year history of the company, there have really only been seven engine models released, each one garnering accolades on its own merits. From the Flathead of the 20's through to the Revolution engine of today, there are Harley engines out there everywhere rumbling on. When it comes time to repair, maintain or juice up the engine that powers your ride, our extensive inventory of engine parts is sure have just what you're looking for.
engine

Gifts Books Harley's

For any true biker there is nothing better than receiving an authentic Harley related gift to wear, read or display as part of their off-road life. Whether the Harley lover on your list enjoys a casual read inspired by the history of Harley or a DIY guide to Harley restoration, you are sure to find it here! And if a book just doesn't do, you will also find a variety of biker-bobbles such as watches, jewelery, belt buckles and more!
gifts-books

Helmets Harley's

Like most Harley enthusiasts, you probably considered both style and safety when purchasing your bike. These same criteria are also crucial when choosing from the wide selection of helmets and head gear available today. Whether you prefer the classic shape and style and buckets or the streamlined designs of today's hyper-stylise hybrids, choosing the right helmet will not only ensure your safety but also your self-expression. Whether you are searching for affordable value or authentic vintage helmets you have come to the right place!

Harley-Davidson Engines

1909-1929 Intake Over Exhaust Harley-Davidson Engine.

When one thinks of Harley-Davidson engines, thundering V-twins is what usually springs to mind. Though different designs in a number of different sizes have been produced over the years, the largest versions have always been referred to as Big Twins (though the same term is also used for the bikes that carried those motors). There have been six distinct Big Twin design generations, and the company's history is often segmented in accordance with those six generations -- as we have in this article.
One more note. While the general rule is that engines are gas-powered and motors are electric-powered, Harley-Davidson (as well as most motorcycle historians) typically refer to the powerplants as motors -- probably because the vehicles have always been called motorcycles, not enginecycles -- and we will follow suit.

1958 Harley-Davidson FL Duo-Glide

The 1958 FL Duo-Glide benefitted from a new rear suspension -- a modern swingarm with coil-over shocks.

1938 Harley-Davidson UL

Despite growing use of Haryle's "Knucklehead" engines, the 1938 Harley-Davidson UL used a flathead Big Twin.

1947 Harley-Davidson Servi-Car

The 1947 Harley-Davidson Servi-Car, likes it predecessors, was intended for use by auto repair shops to make house calls.

2008 AIGA CORPORATE LEADERSHIP AWARD

Recognized for its strength as an iconic brand, embracing its heritage while continually evolving what it means to be an American classic. 

Today, the Harley-Davidson motorcycle is so ubiquitous, so embedded in the public's hearts and minds, one can hardly imagine that it wasn't simply born that way. An enduring symbol of strength and freedom, of rugged individualism paired with a deep sense of community, a Harley is regarded as more than just a bike: it's a way of life, established by its founders in 1903 and perpetuated by the generations who built the machines and rode them since. Like many American manufacturers, Harley-Davidson has had its bumps in the road—brought on by wars, recessions, trends and buyouts. But if the 105-year journey can be compared to a challenging hill-climb, then Harley-Davidson has not merely held its ground but emerged at the top as the country's largest maker of motorcycles, a globally recognized Fortune 500 company and, of course, an icon.

2020 harley davidson design

Let’s talk about the future of Harley Davidson. Motorcycles from OUTER SPACE! And what does that mean? Laser cuts. Laser cuts all over the place. Options. Wheels. Great things. All of this under the title “2020 Harley Davidson 1,” designed by eko prastiyo.There’s other features, like two ways to sit, greatnesses here and there, but the most fabulous of these is the Apple Computers inspired laser-etched perforations in the aluminum which gives translucency enough to let the LED lights underneath shine through.

As Eko prastiyo, the perforations are evident in the newish Apple Macbook Pro, which has the “no-light-when-off” but “shiny loveliness when turned on” features that we all know and love. This is used on the cycle to display gauges and GPS systems on the gas tank surface. In a similar move, the perforated aluminum behind the seat hide and reveal the tail lights and turning signals.

Non skid treads. Enlarged V-Twin engine, hidden battery and oil tank. Such a lovely chrome “picture frame” for the engine this doth make. Gas tank, airbox, oil tank, and battery all located inside the tank area.

Wrapped two to one exhaust. Perimeter breaks for ultra-stopping.

Due to the long history of flat track racing Harley’s got and the designer wanted to represent, this motorcycle’s got such a power to weight ratio as to rip it up with extreme speed on roads across the country.

Comfortable, aggressive, fabulous.

Harley-Davidson Electrical Problems

Many electrical problems are the result of engine vibration, heat and moisture.

Throughout the years, Harley-Davidson motorcycles have become notorious for having wiring and electrical problems. Engine vibration, exposure to the elements, and sometimes poor manufacturing techniques have created roadside delays for many motorcycle enthusiasts. Accordingly, the manufacturer has gone to great lengths in recent years to produce a higher-quality wiring harness for its bikes. Excellent connectors and high-strength wiring and welds have begun to reduce the frequency of repairs. Nevertheless, problems can and do occur, requiring a knowledge of troubleshooting and repair.

Harley Davidson Oil Problems

There's a lot of allure to a Harley Davidson motorcycle, for bike enthusiasts and non-bikers. But like any bike or motor vehicle, a Harley is a machine, prone to mechanical problems and breakdowns.

Specialized Education

According to Harley-Davidson.com, the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute provides the necessary education, and Harley-Davidson maintains partnerships with the following four colleges to provide degree programs specializing in Harley-Davidson mechanics: Lake Washington Technical College, Central Carolina Community College, Fort Scott Community College and Pittsburg State University.

The Average Salary of a Harley Mechanic

Employment opportunities for Harley Davidson mechanics are expected to rise.

As of January 2010, the average U.S. salary for a Harley Davidson mechanic was $37,833, according to Indeed.com. Harley Davidson mechanics possess specialized skills in the mechanical repair of Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Why to Specialize in Harleys

Although there appears to be no specific indication that specializing in repair of Harley Davidson motorcycles will give you a salary advantage over other motorcycle mechanics, it is likely a boost for job security. Certain Harley Davidson motorcycles require specialized training and some shops require Harley-sponsored certifications to work on Harley motorcycles.

Training Time Frame

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  At Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, you will start with a 30-week training that focuses on service, repair and maintenance of motorcycles. After the 30 weeks you then move on to Harley-Davidson Technology. Motorcycle Mechanics Institute offers an early and/or late model Harley-Davidson program. You will also become certified through online courses with Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Fort Scott Community College offers a two-year program eligible to graduate with a Associate of Applied Science degree in motorcycle service technology. Central Carolina Community College offers a diploma and a certification course. The diploma course is a total of 46 credit hours and the certification course is a total of 12 credit hours. Lake Washington Technical College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree that consists of 113 credits in six quarters.

CHOPPER NORLEY HARLEY'S

If you haven’t already guessed, a Norley is a cross between a Norton and a Harley. In this case, we’re looking at a 1200cc Sportster motor shoehorned into a Norton-style frame. This bike was built for charity, and it’s more interesting than most machines of that ilk. It was created by Alain Bernard of CHOPPER NORLEY in Florida, using a 4130 chromoly frame from JW Motorcycles in Wales. There are some pretty high quality components throughout, including a Ducati Sport 1000 front end, Keihin CR carburetion, a Dyna ignition and coil, and a SuperTrapp exhaust system. The controls are from Storz and Beringer, and the gas tank and under-seat oil tank are both handcrafted in aluminum.Chopper Norley to the Curing Kids’ Cancer charity, and it went under the hammer at a Mecum Auction in May. The price? A cool $50,000.

GULF BOBBER HARLEY'S

This new custom from DP Customs is also a ’79 ironhead, but with a totally different vibe. According to DP’s Justin Del Prado, “We started with the idea of building a low slung, stripped down bobber and wanted to incorporate some ideas from the classic Steve McQueen movie Le Mans. We really love that race era, and try to let it show through some of our bikes.” DP tore the stock ’79 apart, chopped the frame and hard-tailed the rear. (“This keeps the factory numbers vs. going with an off-the-shelf aftermarket frame.”) The bike sits 4″ lower and longer than stock.

ZERO ENGINEERING TYPE 9

Zero Engineering has one of the best pedigrees in the custom motorcycle business. So the launch of a new model is a highly anticipated event. But don’t expect a radical restyle, or acres of plastic. ZERO is the home of the Samurai Chopper, and the company has built its reputation on old-school aesthetics and impeccable build quality. Nothing will change there.

That’s why the new TIPE 9 looks old, and it’s no bad thing. From the heavy-duty springer fork to the compact tail light cluster, it’s a modern remix of post-War American styling cues.

IRONHEAD SPORTSTER HARLEYS

Harley Davidson Launches Fat Boy Cruise Bike

OEM & interchange filters available If you can't find it, we have it!

American motorcycle specialist today launched the Fat Boy Special cruise bike in New Delhi. Priced at a whopping Rs19.7 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi) this new motorcycle will be imported as a completely built unit (CBU) from the USA.
HARLEY DAVIDSON has said the Fat Boy Special will be available at all of its showrooms and will join 14 other Harley Davidson motorcycles in the product line-up available in India .

Harley-Davidson India  Anoop Prakash said: “We are now launching the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Special, offering a special take on the motorcycle that embodies Harley-Davidson's rich heritage.”

 

To make it easier for its customers to buy its motorcycles, Harley Davidson has now tied up with HDFC Bank to offer a wide variety of financing options. The American firm already has a partnership with ICICI Bank. Mr Prakash added: “This arrangement will help more realize their dream of joining the Harley Davidson community.”

Harley Davidson's Latest Audio System Is Boom

motorcycle just because they cannot listen to their favourite musing while riding a bike. Even if one does use earphones it is not always comfortable. American cruise bike manufacturer Harley Davidson has launched a new AUDIO caters to this problem. Their solution is the Boom audio system.

The company which recently launched the Boom in America has said the audio system can be installed on all Harley Davidson bikes. The speciality of the system is that the speakers are specially designed to focus music towards the riders.

How to Prep Your Classic Harley Motorcycle For Winter

The basics are much the same. A dedicated owner will want to protect the motorcycle inside and out from any form of damage over the winter months.   In general, here is a quick check list of what to do before parking your classic Harley for the winter: STEP 1. Ride to a nearby gas station and fill up your gas tank with fresh gas. Add some fuel stabilizer and ride home at least a few miles to give the stabilizer the chance to mix with the gas and work its way through the fuel system and into the carburetor. This ride also warms up the motorcycle and all the fluids in the engine and transmission. STEP 2. Once home drain the warm oil out of the engine and the separate transmission. Refill it with fresh oil of the proper weight. Leaving old oil inside the engine could cause etching in the metal by the acids and water build up that develop in the old oil over time. STEP 3. Wash the motorcycle thoroughly from one end of the other. Any dirt or grease left on the metal can trap moisture which can damage the finish and cause rust. After washing be sure to dry it thoroughly and cover all metal parts - painted, chrome or raw - with a coat of auto wax and polish it as much as possible. This is one more layer of protection from the elements. Cover the ends of the exhaust pipes so small critters can't crawl in and make a nest in your pipes.

2010 Honda Shadow RS vs. 2010 Harley-Davidson 883 Low

These motorcycles are about cruising. They’re about unfettered riding down the open road like simpler bikes did in a nearly bygone era. Right?

Well, it’s also true the Sportster originally represented cutting edge performance, and was raced through the years. Today, after receiving a life-enhancing Evolution engine implant in 1986, it lives on as the legend that it is. It’s kind of like an old champion horse that’s out to pasture but still a joy to behold, and well able to entertain riders at a less-brisk pace.

2012 Harley Night Rod Special First Ride

2011 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Comparison

The Street Glide trailed the pack in the power and entertainment categories.

When it comes time to rock the tunes the Harmon Kardon stereo puts out pretty well in terms of sound quality, but it’s easy to over drive the fairing-mounted speakers by adding too much bass. Waheed had both the bass and treble set to 11 and there was some distortion. Bring the levels down from Spinal Tap proportions and the sound is crisp and clean. In terms of features the Street Glide’s dash mounted stereo is missing some important capabilities such as satellite radio and iPod connectivity. There is an auxiliary jack to plug in your MP3 player or stand-alone satellite system, but in this day and age it should all be right there and ready to go. Still, it’s light years ahead of Star’s half-assed attempt at a stereo.