------------------------------ Subject: 39. Buying New Buying I think you are right to look at Harley Davidsons if this is your first bike. For the most part they're not too slow, not too fast, handle well and are easy to work on. Forget Conventional Wisdom, they are as reliable as any other marque and will last a LOT longer. If you change your mind and want a different bike, the HD will have held it's value well. As of this writing, used HDs are selling for more than new in the SF area. All other bikes loose 30 to 50% of their value the first time you start them. The Softail and Sportster engines are rigidly mounted to the frame, and as a consequence vibrate more than the Dyna Glide and FLH models. There are two catalogs. The dealer may charge a few dollars for the larger one. The smaller one lists MSRP and is available from the Motor Company at: Harley-Davidson Inc. P.O. Box 653 Milwaukee, WI 53201 414.342.4680 800.443.2153 for dealer locations Other Harley Davidson addresses are: Headquarters and Engine Manufacturing Harley-Davidson, Inc. 3700 West Juneau Ave. Milwaukee, WI USA 53201 Final Assembly Harley Davidson, Inc. 1425 Eden Rd. York, PA USA 17402 717-848-1177 Buell can be reached at: Buell Motorcycle Company 2286 Church Street East Troy, WI 53120 414-642-2020 As this is such a seller's market, many dealers are marking up their motorcycles by as much as $3,000. Other dealers are bolting on $2,000 worth of chrome to maximize their profit. Shop around, as this practice varies greatly from dealer to dealer. In most parts of the country you should be able to put your name on a waiting list at MSRP. Some of the more popular models have a two year wait. In almost all of the shops I've visited there have been Sportsters and Baggers on the floor selling at list price. Scrape has supplied the MSRPs for current 1995 models. Add 15-20% for freight, set-up, taxes etc. to roughly calculate the out-the-door price. California prices are higher by several hundred dollars to pay for the catalytic converters that you will immediately want to take off. Most of the models offer Candy and Two Tone paint for an additional $75-100 and $195-450, respectively, depending on the amount of paint required. XLH Sportster 883 Solid $4995 XLH Sportster Deluxe Solid 6120 XLH Sportster Hugger Solid 5700 XLH Sportster 1200 Solid 7200 FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide Solid 13425 FXDL Dyna Low Rider Solid 12475 FXDS-Convertible Solid 12725 FXD Dyna Super Glide Solid 9995 FXSTSB Bad Boy Solid 13850 FXSTC Softail Custom Solid 13125 FXSTS Springer Softail Solid 13375 FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic Solid 13875 FLSTN Heritage Softail Special Two Tone 13650 FLSTF Fat Boy Solid 13425 FLHTC I 30th Anniversary Edition Two Tone 17500 FLHR Road King Two Tone 13700 FLHTC Electric Glide Classic Two Tone 14300 FLHTCU Ultra Classic Electric Glide Two Tone 16500 FLTC U Ultra Classic Tour Guide Two Tone 16500 FLHT Electra Glide Standard Solid 11995 ------------------------------ Subject: 40. Used Bike Pricing Buying Because of the scarcity of new bikes (see above, used Harleys are often priced higher than new. Many are buying the popular models, trailering them home, and placing an ad in the paper for several thousand dollars more than they paid. There is a special hell reserved for these speculators. If you are lucky enough to find a used Harley at a fair price, have a competent mechanic give it a once-over. The price for this is usually a six pack of the mechanics favorite brew. ------------------------------ Subject: 41. Mail Order Houses Buying The following have been recommended by regulars. Someone in rec.motorcycles does a survey of catalog operations and publishes the results in table form every blue moon. Chaparral and Kirk did well in this report, but Superior Cycles was not listed. o Chaparral Cycle Supply -- good selection and prices. 800-841-2960 o Dennis Kirk -- good selection, fair prices. 800-328-9280 o Perception Group -- Mikey & Vicki Mennards company is a source for locks, luggage, alarms, & other accessories. "We'll give patrons of the V.B. & G. a 10-15% discount. e-mail me & I'll send you a product list & prices via FAX or snail mail." -- cudatah@aol.com o Superior Cycle -- good prices. 516-421-1655 ------------------------------ Subject: 42. Singles and Lightweights Sources Buying This information was supplied by George Grevera: Two places that specialize in parts (and service manuals) for HD [Italian] singles/lightweights are the following: Moto Italia 13960 Highway 9 Boulder Creek, CA 95006 (408) 338-3340 Charleston Custom Cycle 211 Washington Charleston, IL 61920 (217) 345-2577 ------------------------------ Subject: 43. Rentals Buying The Harley Owners Group (HOG) has a program called "Fly and Ride". The cost is $75 per day with a 2 or 3 day minimum. This program is available to all HOG members. Action Adventure Rentals (No group experience with this outfit) Motorcycle Rentals featuring Harleys $99-$149 per day + $0.24 a mile. 800.862.9611 ------------------------------ Subject: 44. Insurance Buying Many insurance agencies discount up to 10% for having taken an MSF safety course. Oh, remember to disconnect the battery first. ------------------------------ Subject: 45. Buell History The following section was contributed by Chris deHahn: Erik Buell, a successful Harley-Davidson design engineer and factory racer, decided to fulfill his dream of designing a modern American racing sportbike in 1983. His first project was the RW750, a four cylinder, rotary valve, water cooled two stroke racing bike. Two were built, with one sold, before the AMA abolished it's racing classification. The next project was more traditional, the RR1000 Battletwin. Harley- Davidson sold Buell their remaining stock of XR1000 Sportster motors, and Buell wrapped full coverage bodywork around the rubber mounted motor and space frame. The XR1000 motor was a limited production Sportster motor that used an Ironhead XL lower end with special jugs and Branch-modified heads, which were similar to the XR750 heads. 50 units were produced between 1987-88. When the stock of XR1000 motors ran out, Buell adapted the RR chassis to accept the new XL1200 Evo motor, which became the RR1200 Battletwin. Production between 1988 and 1990 totalled 75 units. It became clear that a less radical sportbike was necessary to satisfy the market, so a new model, the RS1200 debuted in 1989. This model had a flip up tail for passengers, half fairing, and showed a lot more of the engine and chassis than the RR. 125 four speed units were made between 1989 and 1990, and 125 five speed units in 1991 and 1992. The five speed unit in 1991 brought the introduction of the WP upside down racing fork with the single 6 puck disc brake up front. In 1992 an additional model was added to the RS1200 lineup, the RSS1200, which featured a single seat. 75 units were made between 1991 and 1993. In 1994, the Buell Motor Company Inc. closed it's doors and a new company was formed, the Buell Motorcycle Company Inc., with Harley-Davidson buying a 49% share. The first bike to emerge from the new company is the S2 Thunderbolt, a completely new design that's even less radical than previous models. Plans are for first year (1995) production to exceed 1000 units with significant gains in subsequent years. More models are planned for the lineup. ------------------------------ Subject: 46. Sample VB&G Post Harley .net resources When the subject of a FAQ was initially being discussed, one of the regulars, a Mr. John Makel, posted this article. It was too good to cut, so I've included the whole damn thing (against John's protests). Cut it out and tape it to your fridge: "There are some things that we can pass on to newer riders that could save em money in unnecessary mods to the engine to obtain HP for a reasonable amount such as leaving the crossover exhaust, getting slip on mufflers from HD, saving those old Mufflers in case the FEDS get pushy with EPA crap, going to a air cleaner which breathes better such as the screaming eagle, getting the altitude adjustment to the carb along with a power tube, changing those lousy factory shocks as soon as you get the ride to progressive, white or konis, changing fork oil to a heavier blend, staying away from auto filters for yer HD cause of the pressure valve being to high, staying with a air cooled oil rather than oil designed for auto use, buying quality tires rather than Chengshin, removing that poor seat from HD and going to Corbin, Mustang (my personal preference), or La Pera, purchasing a factory service manual and parts manual and learning the ins and outs mechanically of your ride, the importance of changing oil when the ride is new around the 500 mile mark, and then at the 1500 mile mark and there after no longer than the 2-3,000 mile mark, and at the 2-3,000 mile mark changing all the fluids in the engine tranny and primary, pulling the wheel bearings at 8,000 miles and greasing and or replacing if necessary also have the boots when you do this, tapping the front neck for grease fittings so that you can grease the front end often through the summer, inspect the neck bearings and races annually, adjust the belt or chain earlier than the manual states, changing plugs and using a torque wrench to tighten rather than just snugging them up! Riding on the road after it has just rained and to watch for oil on it, riding in a pack and how staggering is the best idea for the novice, buying a quality lid and leathers which also include either chaps or pants and wearing leather quality gloves-cause if you ever go down your hands are going to attempt to stop you from rolling over, the advantages of a half, full and shorty helmet, reading the road and learning to be cautious at intersections and turns, never take anything for granted that anyone sees you let alone cares-you are a unseen target, riding during the Holidays and how people are unknowing of you as they speed to their destination, never drink, do drugs and ride, as you can easily become a fatality, wave to all no matter what they ride, stop and help any stranded cyclist no matter what his or her marque is, that's what cycling is all about. Learn from those who have been riding longer than you-they made it that far so they must know far more than you. Do not follow all the trends in cycles, trends are like underarm deodorant some blends work for you some will leave you wet and smelly. Ask questions that's the only way that you will be taught and given the right info, without that info you live on the edge and pay through the nose. There is no dumb question, the only thing that is dumb is when you do not ask and if you do not understand ask again till you do figure what is being said to you. Be wary for any and all will try and steal your ride from you, park in a concealed spot where no one can see your ride, invest in a quality locking system, and or cover your ride through the elements that Mother Nature will dish out along with bird shit which can damage yer ride, and or punks that will sit upon your ride and smoke cigarettes as though they own yer ride. Be wary of all 1%ers, give them wide berth, you are easily identified as being new to the sport, and you are fair game to them. Be wary of your HOG club there will be many who look worn but are new and are an image of what they perceive to be, all HOG groups are not good nor for your best interest, be wary. HD is not going to make you a celebrity by owning one, there is a camaraderie but it is not solely for just HD owners-to believe so is foolish at best! Ride when you are 110% mental and physical in health, you will enjoy your surroundings and get from point A to point B and back again safely. Riding fast is foolish at best-the essence of riding is enjoyment in a 360degree panorama of sight, sound and smells, by riding fast you miss most of what riding is about and you tempt fate by risking your life. Realize that it takes many years to hone your riding skills to survive and that you are not a racer by birth! Enjoy life to its fullest-be true onto yourself and honor thy Brother and Sister on the road, some rides end without ever saying good-bye or hello, you can never take back or give to someone when they are gone... The essence of riding is riding-everyday is a new adventure, a challenge in life itself, a struggle for survival...Only the strong survive, but along the way some fools tread lightly and make it on luck alone to the same plateau, riding on the edge is just that-never knowing when or where the road ends.... There ain't nothing like riding, nothing... Now where's my raisin pie? No Trimm needed... Anyone who is new to HD's or riding-you need help or wanna know something just post-its as simple as that... On with the FAQ-lets take it to the limit... People who are looking to make a $$$-stay out, its all of "our" TURF-and we ain't giving you "NO" respect... The FAQ is a group effort-lets do it as a group... Later... ASSHOLE#3 john... There is only so much time before the ride ends forever..." ------------------------------ Subject: 47. Harley Digest Harley .net resources If rmh is a Bar & Grill then the Harley Digest is its parts counter. Highly technical, but less colorful. If you like reading stuff such as "Chemical reactions can be exothermic or endothermic" or about Ford Pick-ups you will love the digest. The Harley Digest is Cool, even with the endothermic references. Ken Dykes, the Harley Digest Immoderator supplied this information: Most anyone interested in a mailing list about Harley-Davidson bikes, politics, mechanics, life-style, and whatever members from 11 countries make it, may subscribe by sending an Email request to: harley-request@thinkage.on.ca New subscriptions will not be granted to addresses within America Online. Your request to join should have a signature or something giving your full Email address. Do not RELY on the header "From:" field being useful to me. You must also state your real name and an evening (GMT-5) contact * telephone number. The list is a digest-only format scheduled for twice a day, Monday through Friday and occasionally on weekends. Members of the harley list may obtain back-issues, subject-index listings, other documents and search back-issues via keyword or author using the Harley Digest Servers via Email, FTP or Telnet. The telnet-able server is openly available for viewing a sample digest (the most recent one) and recent subject index. (Features such as author/keyword lookups and complete archive browsing are only available to subscribers.) (the telnet port#1340 is vital) and sign-in using your proper Email address. This list is not affiliated with Harley-Davidson, Inc. or Harley Owner's Group. ------------------------------ Subject: 48. WWW pages Harley .net resources Be forewarned that some of these may have a UJM slant. The home page for this FAQ is at: http://execpc.com/~jschwarz/rmhFAQmenu.html The Harley Digest WWW home page may be found at: http://www.thinkage.on.ca/~hoglist/ A (mostly correct) list of Harley models may be obtained at: http://www.halcyon.com/zipgun/wwg/nomen2.html NYC Motorcycle's web page, maintained by Steve Manes, is at: http://genesis.wnet.org/~manes/nycmoto.html Buell Motorcycles Inc. is on the Web at URL: http://www.buell.com/buell.html Bike images (John Stafford calls this the granddaddy MC pix site): http://www.cerritos.edu/dod/dod_images.html A list of all known motorcycle-related mailing lists is on the Web at: http://mom.isc-br.com/WL/mmlo.txt Motorcycle Online, the World's First Online Motorcycle Magazine: http://motorcycle.com/motorcycle.html. You can also subscribe to the e-mail version of Motorcycle Online by mailing "majordomo@motorcycle.com". In the body of your message (the subject field doesn't matter, you can leave it blank) write "subscribe motorcycle" Others: http://akebono.stanford.edu/yahoo/entertainment/motorcycles http://www.halcyon.com/zipgun/wwg/wwg.html http://www.lfbs.rwth-aachen.de:80/~markolf/Moto_Links.html> (most of the pix here are copies from stafford's server.) ------------------------------ Subject: 49. FTP sites Harley .net resources John Stafford's most excellent server can be found at: FTP site: vax2.winona.msus.edu <199.17.130.6> username: MOTO password: (there is no password) -- email stafford@vax2.winona.msus.edu with problems John tells me that he will soon add WWW and a live video reflector whatever the hell that is. Recommendations: Be sure to download the first "rmh FAQ" and the "Boozefighters MC" articles for enjoyable reading. Some of the VB&G barflies have pix of themselves and their bikes here. bike images: ftp://ftp.lfbs.rwth-aachen.de/pub/.rec/graphics/pix/bikes ------------------------------ Subject: 50. Suggested Books and Magazines Et cetera The book "Big Twin High Performance Guide" by D. William Denish is highly recommended. From fundamentals to esoterica it is all well written and easy to understand. If you plan to do any performance modifications buy this book FIRST. No ISBN but may be ordered direct from Crystal Publications, PO Box 699, Gates Mills Ohio 44040 216.423.0331. "The Sportster Performance Handbook" by Buzz Buzzelli is recommended by Chris deHahn and others. ISBN:0-87938-601-0. Tom DeBoni recommends Alan Girdler's "Illustrated HD Buyer's Guide", 2nd edition as a good introduction to Harley Davidsons. Recommended magazines include: All American Heroes (UK) -- "A good down to earth publication dealing with custom Harleys mainly built by bikers, there is very little of the big bucks professional built stuff." -- Chris Marshall American Iron -- The publisher Buzz Kanter is a Sportster phreak and consequentially there are a couple of XL articles in a typical issue. Harley Women Magazine -- Jane Pilsworth says "A subscription to Harley Women Magazine is $14 for one year, $25 for 2 years. To subscribe, write to: Asphalt Angels Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 374 Streamwood, IL 60107 708.888.2645 708.888.2954 Fax" Heavy Duty (UK) -- "has grown over the past few years into the UK and European definitive Harley mag. The technical content is its strong point and goes much farther than the simple reprint of the sales literature so common in US published mags. Basically if it is SHIT then the guys at Heavy Duty call it shit. For folk in the US this is a good mag that will compliment their usual diet" -- Chris Marshall Hot Bike -- recommended by my wrench. This is where Cheezie, a frequent digest contributor, writes under the name Jimmy Johnson. Hot Rod Bikes -- A new technical rag with a good unit focus every issue. A technical contributor of theirs, Rick Diaz, hangs out in rmh. Iron Horse -- "No monster creations, just plain riding iron. FWIW, this is probably the most literate motorcycle mag available. Sometimes you have to shuffle through a bunch of editorial stuff that may piss you off, but on the whole these guys seem to have all their excrement in one bag. Send your name, address & $27 to: Iron Horse PO Box 267 Sussex, WI. 53089-0267 800-229-2294 Canadian orders add $10.00 foreign add $15.00 You get 10 issues for your money's worth." -- Jon Boulle Iron Works Quick Throttle -- "Unlike the new breed of glossy Harley mags full of pin-ups of barely streetable, dysfunctional beauty queens, QT's emphasis is performance. The current issue covers how to install NOS and has a magneto performance guide, but the best piece is a monthly column called Reader's Dyno Runs where several reader bikes are dyno'd and their performance upgrades listed." -- Steve Manes Thunder Alley Thunder Press -- This entertaining left coast rag is free at dealers. It has a terrific calendar listing events from Colorado westward and *all* the independent shops advertise here. They are online at thndrprss@aol.com. RadRick has a column in this rag too. Women's World -- recommended for their tech tips My very good friend has every issue of Easyriders, but I don't know why. ------------------------------ Subject: 51. Glossary Et cetera 1% -- Outlaw Biker Bagger -- Touring model with trunk and/or hard sidebags Bro -- Bend Right Over. Implication is to be wary of some of the "Bros" that you might meet. BT -- Big Twin - Not a Sportster Cage -- Car or Truck - not a motorcycle CS -- Chicken Shit Dresser -- see bagger Emoticon -- By turning your head sideways and a bit of imagination these are used to represent emotion with a picture of a face: Wink ;-) Sad or Angry :-( Laughing :-D Sticking tongue out :-P Happy or "That's a joke" :-) On drugs %-) Me (:-{)} I'm bald and have a beard These are used to convey emotion as written communications is easily miscommunicated. Missing are the nuances of face to face spoken...What? Oh yeah, OK. On to something Harley. Sorry :-( FWIW -- For what it's worth HD -- Hundred Dollars or High Dollar referring to the high price of Harley Davidson parts. IMHO -- In my humble opinion IOW -- In other words Japanese Cruiser -- Wannabee NRN -- No Reply Necessary - used to stop endless back and forth emails OTOH -- On the other hand PITA -- Pain in the ass POS -- Piece of shit RUB -- Rich Wannabee - Rich Urban Biker - Generally thought to be someone buying a Harley on credit to counter a poor self-image. SE -- Screaming Eagle - HD's line of performance parts. Sporty -- Sportster (XL) Squid -- Any slower rider in the way and driving over his head. TIA -- Thanks in advance UJM -- Universal Japanese Motorcycle WOT -- Wide Open Throttle wreck.moto -- rec.motorcycles - The newsgroup "over there" that spends more time flaming each other than talking about their un-American motorcycles. Most are children except a couple of Brits who seem to thrive on tormenting the others. WTF -- What the Fuck YMMV -- Your Mileage May Vary. Do not expect exact results ------------------------------ Subject: 52. Attributions Et cetera The following have been quoted or have otherwise contributed (some spiritually): Barb Cheezie George fzzt.pop! Ken Kerry Matt Oldman1 Putt Scrape Chris BeHanna Jon Boulle Bruce Brodnax Mark Cronenweth (Conehead) James Cox Davey D. (all witticism in sections 3 and 4. I got tired of typing his name) Zane Darner Tom DeBoni Chris deHahn (CdH) Ken Dykes Becky Fenton Josh J. Fielek Tony Fletcher George Grevera Ivan Gregory Jim Groh John Hass Jim Henry Mitch Herzog C. John Thomas Kellar Wm Laubengayer (the Grouch) John Makel Steve Manes Chris Marshall Vicki Mennard (Cudatah) Leonard Pennock Jane Pilsworth Penny Powers Stroker Ray Ron Shaffer John Stafford Dave Strang Jeff Stubbins and many others... A special thanks to David Bergart for editing this work. I changed it a bit after he finished so any bad grammar is mine. I hope that none of you mind having your words included here, and that you enjoy this FAQ as much as I have enjoyed all of your wise and funny posts. If you do object, email bburton@ccnet.com and I'll pull whatever sections requested that are yours. ------------------------------ Subject: 53. Planned Enhancements Et cetera The following sections have been suggested for future versions of the FAQ. Please forward corrections, additions and comments to bburton@ccnet.com. recent model categories engine configurations ------------------------------ Subject: 54. Disclaimer Et cetera Many of the modifications outlined in this document are legal for off-road use only. Everything is a trademark of the Harley Davidson Motor Company. The contents of this article might be totally inaccurate, misguided or otherwise perverse. If you are stupid enough to follow any of the tips listed here and mess up yourself or your bike, everyone is absolved of all responsibility, except you. This document and its author are not affiliated with Harley-Davidson, Inc. nor the Harley Owner's Group. Copyright (c) 1995 by William D. Burton, all rights reserved. This FAQ may be posted to any USENET newsgroup, on-line service or BBS, as long as it is posted in its entirety, and includes this copyright statement. This FAQ may not be distributed for financial gain nor included in commercial collections or compilations without express written permission from the author. ======================================================================= Bill Burton - bburton@ccnet.com