harley davidson prices

Bigger is better. It’s the American way, and for 2011 Harley-Davidson, America’s leading motorcycle manufacturer, made Big Twin engines for select models a little bit bigger—and better.

For the 2011 standard models lineup (non-CVO models), H-D has unveiled the Twin Cam 103, an over-bored version of the tried-and-proven TC96. The new engine powers several of Harley¹s top-flight baggers, among them the all-new FLTRU Road Glide Ultra. Only The Motor Company¹s exclusive CVO line (stay tuned for reports on those high-end models) with their 110-inch engines offer more displacement among bikes wearing the Bar & Shield logo. The new TC103 is a result of increasing the TC96’s bore from 3.750” to 3.875”.

Before we snoop through the FLTRU’s spacious saddlebags and Tour Pak, and poke and prod at its other long-haul features, a little clarification about the engine displacement is in order. No doubt, there’s no replacement for displacement, but Harley-Davidson opted to keep engine size at 96 cubic inches for the remaining Big Twin line (Road King, Electra Glide Classic and Ultra Classic Electra Glide, plus the Softail and Dyna platforms).

The Road Glide Ultra is Harley-Davidson’s latest addition to its line of touring models.

The Road Glide Ultra is Harley-Davidson’s latest addition to its line of touring models.

But there’s a method to Harley’s marketing madness for model year 2011 that should find favor among Harleyphiles who feel that bigger is, indeed, better. You can special-order the 103-inch engine package on certain other Touring models (FLHX and FLTRX), too. Known as the Power Pak, customers can upgrade to include the larger engine, or stick with the TC96 for their bikes.

There’s plenty of storage space in the saddlebags and Tour Pak, standard items for the Road Glide Ultra.

There’s plenty of storage space in the saddlebags and Tour Pak, standard items for the Road Glide Ultra.

The Power Pak option also includes ABS (anti-lock braking system), the Smart Security System with hands-free arming and disarming functions, and exclusive “103” emblems for the derby cover and air cover.

Now for the even better news: the optional Power Pak costs $1,995, a bargain when you consider that the cost for upgrading a standard 96-cubic-inch engine is about that for parts and labor alone. Think of the ABS and security system as a bonus. Ditto for the engine ID emblem.

Owners who opt for the Power Pak package will feel another bonus once they fire up their 103-inch engines. Harley rates the 103’s peak torque at 102 ft. lbs. at 3500 rpm—about a 9.6% gain over the 96-inch motor—so there’s more power on tap for leveling steep grades or overtaking those pesky motorhomes that swagger and sway like petrol-powered pachyderms along our scenic highways.

Interestingly, the price for the Power Pak equates to about 10% over the MSRP of both eligible models, so you pretty much get what you pay for in terms of added torque per dollar spent. And keep in mind that torque, not horsepower, translates to a rewarding ride for most long-distance riders packing extra gear.

And speaking of long-distance riding, Road Glide Ultra customers won’t be disappointed in what they’re treated to once they settle into the newly formed seat for an all-day excursion. In fact, all the Touring models have re-shaped seats for added comfort. In addition, the sculpted saddles for the Ultra models (Road Glide and Electra Glide) offer additional lower back support, and a narrower forward section makes it easier for riders to place their feet firmly on the pavement during stops.

All the 2011 baggers have new seats that have narrowed front sections, making it easier to plant both feet on the pavement at stops.

All the 2011 baggers have new seats that have narrowed front sections, making it easier to plant both feet on the pavement at stops.

Other comfort features can be found in the Road Glide Ultra’s vented fairing lowers, passenger backrest and electronic cruise control. Audio acoustics are improved for the Harman-Kardon Advanced Audio System thanks to four speakers (two in the frame-mounted fairing, two on the Tour Pak assembly), plus there’s a CB/Intercom system so you can link to truckers or your passenger while logging the miles.

Vented fairing lowers keep you warm and relatively dry during winter riding.

Vented fairing lowers keep you warm and relatively dry during winter riding.

Like the rest of the Touring line, the Road Glide Ultra rides on Dunlop’s D407 Multi-Tread rear tire that was developed exclusively for Harley’s big rigs. The tire’s construction offers longer-life center tread compound with softer shoulder compound for improved cornering grip. The rear wheel hub’s Isolated Drive System compensator helps control vibration and noise under all riding conditions, too.

But make no mistake, the centerpiece for the new Ultra (as well as the Road King Classic and the Electra Glide Ultra Limited, the latter of which we tested here), is the 103-inch engine.

"...the centerpiece for the new Ultra is the 103-inch engine."

Which begs the question: why doesn’t Harley-Davidson equip all of the Big Twin line with this bigger and better engine? Good question, and when asked, one Harley spokesman merely smiled.

Over the years Harley’s marketing strategies have favored introducing a major upgrade such as this on one or two models, and then coming back in a following model year with the upgrade included across the board. So if Harley history is any indication, speculation leads to the obvious, and that’s that the 103-incher will be standard fare on all Big Twin models for 2012.

After all, bigger is better. It’s the American way. And Harley-Davidson always follows the American way.

The Road Glide is a big machine, but it hides its size well.

The Road Glide is a big machine, but it hides its size well.

Related Reading
2011 Harley-Davidson Sportster SuperLow
2010 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Custom Review
2010 Harley-Davidson Road Glide vs. 2010 Victory Cross Country
2010 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited Review
All Things Harley-Davidson on Motorcycle.com

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harley davidson financing

Try Our Version of Financial Freedom
Harley-Davidson offers a variety of financing options with competitive loan rates and terms for qualified customers.* Use the payment estimator to get a sense of what you’ll pay or visit a dealer near you to learn what's available.
Why Finance?
Financing your Harley® motorcycle allows you to pay for your motorcycle over a period of time. With flexible repayment options and specialized services, your local Harley-Davidson dealer will customize your financing based on your needs. Through the Seller’s Assist Program financing is available to qualified individuals who are buying a motorcycle from another individual or private party.
Budget Planner
Just enter your monthly income and expenses and we’ll help you plan your budget to get the Harley-Davidson motorcycle you’ve been waiting for.
Payment Estimator
Select a bike, choose your color and some options, and you can easily estimate your monthly payments.
Harley-Davidson® Visa Signature® Card
The ultimate rider rewards card. The Harley-Davidson® Visa Signature card gets you more Harley gear in less time with Harley Chrome® Cash you earn from everyday purchases.

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Harley Davidson Motorcycle Insurance

On the face of it Harley's should be a low-risk prospect for motorcycle insurers. There are hundreds of thousands of riders buying Harley Davidson Motorcycle Insurance - these bikes are slow compared to sport bikes, and tend to be ridden by more mature riders.

However a couple of factors swing the pendulum the other way:
Harleys are much more expensive than most other motorcycles, which can make them much more costly to repair.


It's the numbers - if 1% out of a million generate a claim that's 10,000. And if you have a $20,000 bike you will certainly claim if it gets nudged over in a parking lot.


Harley Davidson Motorcycles are extremely desireable to thieves - and easy to strip or change the bike's identity.

There have been articles in the motorcycle press about the Harley scene being centered around bars, and the likelihood of driving after a few Bud's. I'm not aware of any public data about this - but interested readers should read the section about Drink & Drugs on our site.

In a nutshell, being unfit to drive through drink or drugs invalidates your insurance - Insurance companies are not obliged to consider your claim. This applies to all vehicles - bikes and cars.

Irrespective of the above, Harley's are the most popular motorcycle in the USA and there are many reputable companies catering for this sector, and even more riders looking for the cheapest motorcycle insurance state. Look out for my special reports on Harley Davidson Motorcycle Insurance and cheap motorcycle insurance USA.



Accessories and Custom Work - VERY IMPORTANT
This can tranform the price or value of a Harley Davidson enormously - sometimes by a factor of 3 or 4, So if you have a heavily customized Harley Davidson or special or clone, you should make sure your insurers have an agreed value for your bike. I will also have reviews and recommendations of insurers for this sector in an new section soon.
Check back.




Theft is the biggest threat to most Harleys, check our page covering theft insurance


Check our Listing of Popular Harley Davidson Motorcycle Insurance Companies

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Harley-Davidson engine timeline

The classic Harley-Davidson engines are two-cylinder, V-twin engines with the pistons mounted in a 45° "V". The crankshaft has a single pin, and both pistons are connected to this pin through their connecting rods.[6]

The design causes the cylinders to fire at uneven intervals. This is an engineering tradeoff to create a large, high-torque engine in a small space. This design choice is entirely vestigial from an engineering standpoint, but has been sustained because of the strong connection between the distinctive sound and the Harley-Davidson brand. This design, which is covered under several United States patents, gives the Harley-Davidson V-twin its unique choppy "potato-potato" sound. To simplify the engine and reduce costs, the V-twin ignition was designed to operate with a single set of points and no distributor. This is known as a dual fire ignition system, causing both spark plugs to fire regardless of which cylinder was on its compression stroke, with the other spark plug firing on its cylinder's exhaust stroke, effectively "wasting a spark". The exhaust note is basically a throaty growling sound with some popping. The 45° design of the engine thus creates a plug firing sequencing as such: The first cylinder fires, the second (rear) cylinder fires 315° later, then there is a 405° gap until the first cylinder fires again, giving the engine its unique sound.[76]

Harley-Davidson has used various ignition systems throughout its history - be it the early points/condenser system, (Big Twin up to 1978 and Sportsters 1970 to 1978), magneto ignition system used on 1958 to 1969 Sportsters, early electronic with centrifugal mechanical advance weights, (all models 1978 and a half to 1979), or the late electronic with transistorized ignition control module, more familiarly known as the black box or the brain, (all models 1980 to present).

Starting in 1995, the company introduced Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) as an option for the 30th anniversary edition Electra Glide.[77] With the introduction of the 2007 product line, EFI is now standard on all models, including Sportsters.[78]

In 1991, Harley-Davidson began to participate in the Sound Quality Working Group, founded by Orfield Labs, Bruel and Kjaer, TEAC, Yamaha, Sennheiser, SMS and Cortex. This was the nation's first group to share research on psychological acoustics. Later that year, Harley-Davidson participated in a series of sound quality studies at Orfield Labs, based on recordings taken at the Talladega Superspeedway, with the objective to lower the sound level for EU standards while analytically capturing the "Harley Sound."[citation needed] This research resulted in the bikes that were introduced in compliance with EU standards for 1998.

On February 1, 1994, the company filed a sound trademark application for the distinctive sound of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle engine: "The mark consists of the exhaust sound of applicant's motorcycles, produced by V-twin, common crankpin motorcycle engines when the goods are in use". Nine of Harley-Davidson's competitors filed comments opposing the application, arguing that cruiser-style motorcycles of various brands use a single-crankpin V-twin engine which produce a similar sound.[79] These objections were followed by litigation. In June 2000, the company dropped efforts to federally register its trademark.[80][81]
Electra Glide "Ultra Classic" in Bristol
[edit] Big V-twins

* F-head, also known as JD, pocket valve and IOE (intake over exhaust), 1914–1929 (1000 cc), and 1922–1929 (1200 cc)
* Flathead, 1930–1948 (1200 cc) and 1935–1941 (1300 cc).
* Knucklehead, 1936–1947 61 cubic inch (1000 cc), and 1941–1947 74 cubic inch (1200 cc)
* Panhead, 1948–1965 61 cubic inch (1000 cc), and 1948–1965, 74 cubic inch (1200 cc)
* Shovelhead, 1966–1984, 74 cubic inch (1200 cc) and 80 cubic inch (1345 cc) since late 1978
* Evolution (a.k.a. "Evo" and "Blockhead"), 1984–2000, 80 cubic inch (1340 cc)
* Twin Cam 88 (a.k.a. "Fathead") 1999–2006, 88 cubic inch (1450 cc)
* Twin Cam 88B (counter balanced version of the Twin Cam 88) 2000–2006, 88 cubic inch (1450 cc)
* Twin Cam 95, since 2000, 95 cubic inch (1550 cc) (engines for early C.V.O. models)
* Twin Cam 96, since 2007, 96 cubic inch (1584 cc)
* Twin Cam 103, 2003–2006, 2009, 103 cubic inch (1690 cc) (engines for C.V.O. models), Standard on some 2011 Touring models such as the Road King Classic and Road Glide Ultra and optional on other Touring Models like the Road Glide Custom and Street Glide.
* Twin Cam 110, since 2007, 110 cubic inch (1802 cc) (engines for C.V.O. models)

Evolution Sportster cruising around downtown Buenos Aires
[edit] Small V-twins

* D Model, 1929–1931, 750 cc
* R Model, 1932–1936, 750 cc
* W Model, 1937–1952, 750 cc, solo (2 wheel, frame only)
* G (Servi-Car) Model, 1932–1973, 750 cc
* K Model, 1952–1953, 750 cc
* KH Model, 1954–1956, 900 cc
* Ironhead, 1957–1971, 900 cc; 1971–1985, 1000 cc
* Evolution, since 1986, 883 cc, 1100 cc and 1200 cc

V-Rod on the show room floor
[edit] Revolution engine

The Revolution engine is based on the VR-1000 Superbike race program, developed by Harley-Davidson's Powertrain Engineering team and Porsche Engineering in Stuttgart, Germany. It is a liquid cooled, dual overhead cam, internally counterbalanced 60 degree V-twin engine with a displacement of 69 cubic inch (1130 cc), producing 115 hp (86 kW) at 8250 rpm at the crank, with a redline of 9000 rpm.[82][83] It was introduced for the new V-Rod line in 2001 for the 2002 model year, starting with the single VRSCA (V-Twin Racing Street Custom) model.[84][85]

A 1250 cc Screamin' Eagle version of the Revolution engine was made available for 2005 & 2006, and was present thereafter in a single production model from 2005 to 2007. In 2008, the 1250 cc Revolution Engine became standard for the entire VRSC line. Harley-Davidson claims 123 hp (92 kW) at the crank for the 2008 VRSCAW model. The VRXSE Destroyer is equipped with a stroker (75 mm crank) Screamin' Eagle 79 cubic inch (1300 cc) Revolution Engine, producing over 165 hp (123 kW).

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History Harley Davidson

Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Company is a leading global public company engaged in the automotive industry with spesialisai motorcycle. Located in an arid area of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the state of the United States.

HISTORY Harley Davidson actually starts from the intention of William Harley and Arthur Davidson forward ideas of his predecessors, from Sylvester Howard Roper until Gottlieb Daimler. The goal''was very simple: in order to devour climbs in the area of Milwaukee, Wisconsin,''said William and Arthur.

Compare this with the desire Roper and Daimler. Roper developed the first motorcycle in 1868. This motor uses the steam engine. Although Roper's creation was widely acclaimed, some ideas, like a gas pedal on hand, many adopted the motor of the future. In addition to steam-powered engine, Roper also created a charcoal-powered two-cylinder engine.

While Gottlieb Daimler is considered as the first person who actually creates the motor in 1885. However, lately, more intense Daimler struggling in four-wheel vehicles. He is known for his fellowship with Karl Benz to form Daimler-Benz Corporation, manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz.

When Harley and Davidson started her business, a number of other important breakthrough was also in progress. Henry Ford was experimenting to create the first car. Wright family also is engrossed with the concept of an airplane. As we know, Ford and Wright finally successful. Model T Ford with his car, and Wright with the early pioneering aircraft development.

On the other hand, Harley and Davidson managed to create an icon in the history of two-wheeled vehicles. The most important breakthrough is a V configured engine, which then also known as the Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Evolution, to the Twin Cam. This engine later became the benchmark for other companies, especially from Japan, in making a big motor.


Start with 60 cc Engine
Harley and Davidson begin this long journey in 1903, when they were still at the early age of 20s. Results prime person who tinkers two young children this is a one-cylinder engine with a capacity of 60 cc. Can the road and managed to devour the hill with ease. Later, because of this success, two brothers Arthur, Walter and William Davidson, joined.

Two years later, they agreed to institutionalize their business into the Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Co. When standing, the company produces three new motor unit. The three motors were produced from the''factory''at the Davidson family's backyard. The so-called factory was a small shack behind the Davidson family home.

In 1906, the company moved to Juneau Avenue, occupying the room more spacious. Because more freely, the year that Harley-Davidson motor can produce 150 units. Most motorcycles they bought the local police. The reason, Harley-Davidson motorcycle can be driven at speeds high enough, and agile.

Six years after being founded, Harley-Davidson introduced the two-cylinder engine configurations V with an angle of 45 degrees. Capacity is 49.5 cubic inch engine (about 790 cc) and capable of producing approximately seven horsepower. With the machine, the speed of 60 miles per hour can be achieved. At that time, Harley-Davidson engines did not think that model would be one of the characteristics of their products.

That same year, Harley-Davidson managed to break through the 1,000 units of production figures, exactly 1149 units. Competition from other factories began to be felt, two years later. Apparently, the success of Harley-Davidson became the inspiration for another factory to start a business. In 1911, most do not appear around 150 motorcycle brand. They would become a competitor of Harley-Davidson, though not really heavy.

Evidence, Harley-Davidson is not difficult to increase production. In 1913, when the factory was expanded, the production of Harley-Davidson almost reached 13,000 units. The number was increased again during the period 1916 to 1918, to around 20,000 units. This is mainly because the U.S. Government ordered two-wheeled vehicle for the purposes of World War I.


Conquer The Great Depression
ENTERING the 1920s, Harley-Davidson became the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, with total production of 28,189 units. To market a product, the Harley-Davidson has agents in 67 countries. In this decade, Harley-Davidson introduced a number of innovations. V engine capacity is developed to 74 cubic inches (about 1184 cc). Gas tank teardrop design was introduced in 1925. In 1928, Harley-Davidson began equipped with front brakes.

All the achievements were quite a Harley-Davidson's capital in the face of the Great Depression, the economic recession of 1933. Although the number of production decreased to 3700 units, Harley-Davidson is able to survive. Other motor makers who also survived the Indians. This company later became the only competitor of Harley-Davidson until the 1950s.

When depression is finished, Harley-Davidson immediately step on the gas. They introduced the EL model with a capacity of 976 cc engine. This engine model popularly known as Knucklehead. With Knucklehead, Harley-Davidson slowly rise. In 1936, total production of Harley-Davidson reaches 9812 units.

World War II brought its own blessings, as well as a new milestone for Harley-Davidson. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, all Harley-Davidson's production capacity is allocated to produce motors for the benefit of the Allied forces. Civilian consumer needs abandoned altogether.

During 1941-1945, approximately 90,000 units of Harley-Davidson created the WML series. For this achievement, Harley-Davidson gets a medal''E''from the United States Navy.

After the war, Harley-Davidson back to tap its civilian production. Eh, it attracted a lot of veterans who had motor performance, and want to restore the romance of riding a Harley-Davidson. Thousands of Harley-Davidson motorcycle units, good production after the war as well as older models, move to house the veterans, the precursor to Harley-Davidson fans.


Competing with the Indians

IN 1948, the production of Harley-Davidson to be 31,163 units. That year, Harley-Davidson introduced its new innovation, the engine is equipped with 74 cubic inch hydraulic valve lifters and aluminum cylinder head. This machine is called The Panhead because the cylinder head cover resembling upside-down frying pan.

Entering the 1950s, second generation of the founding family began to become the motor of the company. While celebrating the 50th anniversary, Harley-Davidson lived alone in the American motorcycle market. Its traditional competitor, Indian, already out of business.

In 1957, Harley-Davidson introduced the Sportster, which is touted as "The Father of Superbikes, mastermind of pure big motor. A year later, Harley Davidson introduced the Duo-Glide, which uses hydraulic rear suspension to complement the front suspension that uses a model of fork.

Next, in 1963, Harley-Davidson to adopt the use of fiberglass into the motor-bike. For this purpose, they buy 60% stake in Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Co., manufacturers of fiberglass in Wisconsin.

Year 1950-1960 was also marked by the presence of biker community, who introduced the culture of motorcycle riders. They are easily recognizable because it uses a leather jacket, covered in tattoos, and long hair. Wild Ones is the image of Marlon Brando introduced through a film titled the same.

Harley-Davidson's official community itself was only established in 1983, with the name of the Harley Owners Group (HOG). It became the community's largest Harley-Davidson owners who supported directly by the manufacturer. Currently, the number of members of HOG approaching one million people around the world.


Dark Period Due to Merger
IN 1965, Harley-Davidson went public. Four years later, the American Machine and Foundry (AMF), a merger with Harley-Davidson. However, the merger is regarded as the darkest period in the history of Harley-Davidson. The reason, in 1970 and 1980, motorcycles made in Japan that the price is very cheap to enter the market.

When Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki entered the U.S. market, Harley-Davidson's market share has fallen dramatically. Of the original 80% in 1969, to 20% ten years later. Decline in market share is to grip a number of executive Harley-Davidson. They are also looking for ways to save the company.

To restore the Harley-Davidson to khitahnya, they submitted a proposal to Citicorp. With the support fund of U.S. $ 80 million from Citicorp, they buy back shares held by the AMF (Citicorp to sell those shares to the Heller-Financial Corporation in 1986). The concept and philosophy of production and sales of Harley-Davidson was repaired.

Originally, the Harley-Davidson is a product that is affordable and easy to use and modify. That changed with the Harley-Davidson makes the product expensive and difficult to find spare parts. To replace the rear lights, for example, Harley-Davidson motorcycle owners can not just buy a shell. But I have to buy a whole sepatbornya.

In addition to Marlon Brando, a number of celebrities make Harley-Davidson parts of their appearance. Whether on the big screen, glass screen, as well as in everyday life. In 1956, Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle enthusiast the cover of magazines.

The mid-1990s, Arnold Schwarzeneger appear with Harley-Davidson in the movie Terminator. Action Lorenzo Lamas and Harley-Davidson Softail gasoline bertangki yellow with red flames in the Renegade series is also a favorite spectacle at the end of 1990.

Recently, actor Keanu Reeves distributed 12 units of Harley-Davidson, which is worth about U.S. $ 200,000, to all the Matrix Reloaded movie stuntman. According to Reeves, this is a sign of his gratitude to the stuntman that.


Reputation Hell's Angels and Modification Arlen Ness

EXCEPT celebrities, there are other bikers group that triggered the popularity of Harley-Davidson, which Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club. Hell's Angels club first established in Berdoo, California. There is literature that says that the embryo of this group is pissed off Bastards Club in Fontana, California.

Hell's Angels famous all over the world (there are 100 chapters around the world and third in the United States). But at the same time very mysterious. New Ralph''Sonny''Barger, through a book called Hell's Angel, who can tell their lunge kick. Sonny himself a member of the club.

Hell's Angels''is a collection of men who are willing to die for his friends whatever the stakes,''said Sonny. Although impressed exclusive, the influence of the Hell's Angels clearly significant. ''It is they who pioneered the Harley-Davidson modifications to motors scary,''said Sonny.

The name Hell's Angels more famous after the incident at the Rolling Stones concert, November 1969. In concert at the Altamont Raceway, the Stones asked Hell's Angels to be security guards. The concert marked the culminating incident when someone climbed onto the stage brandishing a gun. A member of the Hell's Angels was shot. The man with the gun was stabbed to death another member of the Hell's Angels.

In addition to Hell's Angels, the name of Arlen Ness also can not be separated from the way Harley-Davidson. Ness is a craftsman specialized accessories Harley-Davidson. Ness became a reference for fans of Harley-Davidson in customizing the bike.

Ness started his business in his garage in 1967. Ness Capital is a unit of time Harley-Davidson purchased with money from winning the bowling tournament. Motor did not last long with the original design. With a capital of spray paint, repainted Ness motor. His work and then brought to a successful tournament and won the first award.


More Powerful than Intel and General Electric

AFTER that, many orders of painting flow. All orders done Ness began the afternoon until past midnight. The reason, Ness is still so office workers. Finally, the work was released Ness. In 1973, Larry Kauferman, the editor of Custom Bike, see Ness creations. According to him, Ness has a uniqueness that is not owned by another modifier.

Ness then do not dwell only on the affairs of paint-paint. He penetrated into the manufacture of accessories and modifications to the engine and chassis. In creating custom parts, Ness holds the grip''Innovate always, never imitate.'' From Custom Bike magazine, Ness faces appeared in other magazines such as Hot Bike, Easy Rider, American Iron, and more.

For nearly 1000 years, Harley-Davidson maintain their traditional engine cooling system, using air. New in October 2001, Harley-Davidson introduced the V-Rod, which uses water as a cooling machine. V-Rod is Harley-Davidson result of a collaboration with Porsche.

The launch of V-Rod is concerned with Harley-Davidson won the U.S. youth market that attracted heavy Italian-made Ducati motorcycles are considered to have a sexy design. In addition, Harley-Davidson also made a bid for the European youth market, who prefer BMW made motorcycles.

Harley-Davidson's answer is a motor that whole body diluluri chrome and aluminum. Motor for U.S. $ 17,000 it has 110 horsepower. Because using water cooling, the machine can be forced up to high rotation. This makes the V-Rod can be driven up to 225 kilometers per hour. V-Rod proved able to make demand queue. Eddie Irvine, Formula 1 racing driver, is one of them. Just a few days after the launch of the V-Rod, Irvine has wara-Wiri in the parking lot with this motor circuit.

Last year, Forbes magazine oust Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Co. as a''Company of the Year''. According to Forbes, the year that many companies are overwhelmed with the poor, but Harley-Davidson's record sales growth of 15% to $ 3.3 billion. Revenue also increased to 26% to U.S. $ 435 million.

The company's shares are sheltering 8000 people, is on the stock exchange increased by 41% in 2001, when the S & P stock indicators recorded a decrease of 15%. In fact, since entering the stock in 1986, Harley-Davidson's annual revenues increased by 37%. And since Harley-Davidson went public, its shares have increased 15,000%. Compare with Intel, for example, that''only''recorded an increase of 7200%. Or General Electric that 1056%.

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privileges harley davidson

From his voice, you can already know the existence of this bike from a distance of several meters. Once passed, all eyes stared straight! Harley Davidson, or often called Harley and HD, was able to make any rider so incredibly brave. The causes can vary, ranging from a high historical value, it looks macho, until the price is exorbitant.

Naturally, because the United States motor home manufacturer it does have its own prestige and market share. Not a few who even so loyal fans and collect its existence. Want to know more distinctive Harley Davidson? Now it's time!

Ancestor

All started from a young man from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, named William S. Harley. In 1901, Harley-young (21 years) trying to build a powerful 166 cc engine for his bicycle, assisted by the Davidson brothers, Arthur and Walter Unfortunately, the strength is still lacking.

Never give up, he woke up the machine again with a larger capacity, which is 405 cc. In 1904, their creation is a champion to-4 in a motor race held at State Fair Park, Milwaukee. Before long, they put ads and sell their services in assembling the motor.

Development of Harley Davidson

Two years later, they built the first factory on Juneau Street (formerly known as Chestnut Street) and managed to produce 50 motors each tahunnya.Mesin which had one cylinder (440 cc), then increased so V-Twin models (880 cc). As a result motorpun sales skyrocketed to more than 1100 motor in 1909.

Once World War I raged, Harley Davidson so the only motor manufacturer to supply of motor transport the war to 15,000 units. In 1920, Harley Davidson so successful in the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer, produces up to more than 28,000 motors and exported to 67 countries.

However, when the Great Depression, sales of their shattered. Harley-Davidson continues to survive, until the World War II, returned to produce motors for the U.S. war.

Period in the 1950s to the 1970s so dark times for Harley Davidson. At that time, large motor is synonymous with violence and the biker gang. By necessity, the company was sold to American Machinery and Foundry (AMF).

He is doing massive layoffs to happen to strikes and loss of quality motors, and nearly bankrupt. Innovation of Japanese motorcycles kept coming. So as not to lose competitiveness, President Reagan also assist local manufacturers by raising the tax rate for motor up to 45% for imported motorcycles over 700 cc powered.

Used Machinery

Energy is unusually large, because this motor uses two-cylinder engine, the V-Twin, with a piston mounted on a 45 degree "V". If judging from history, this motor has been several times to replace the ignition system. Beginning in 1995, Harley Davidson uses the ignition system Electronic Fuel Injection.

Harley Davidson Model and Type

Model released today is divided into five:

* Touring. Also known as dressers, including the Road King and Electra Glide Models Models. Characteristics: large seats, air suspension at the rear, with a full fairing radio, as well as a unique body frame. This motor is used by the Chicago Police Department and Los Angeles.

* Softail. This motor Harley Davidson raised the value of tradition with typical rear wheel is located hidden in the transmission.

* Dyna. Series this one featuring two twin engines with coil-over suspension, connected to the handle of the driver. The engine is also greater than the Sportster model.

* Sportster. Originally this model is often used for racing thanks to his body smaller and lighter than other models, but still equipped with 1200 cc engine.

* VRSC. This model uses a V-Rod engine jointly developed with Porsche. The result? Using liquid cooling, with machine 60-degree V-Twin, radiator, and hydroformed frame as well as air cover is round. After the year 2008, this series is also equipped with anti-locking brake system.

* VRXSE. This series is built specifically for drag race and not to the public, being able to run as far as ¼ mile for 10 seconds.

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