In 1901, the 21 year-old William S. Harley had created the blueprint of an engine that was designed to fit in a conventional bicycle. Two years later, William together with his friend Arthur Davidson started and developed a one-cylinder engine that was installed on a conventional bicycle during that time. However, this motorized-bicycle was proved to be incapable of climbing through the Milwaukee hills without pedal assistance. Harley and Davidson developed further their motor after that experience.

Immediately, they have created a bigger engine (405 cc or 24.74 cubic inches) that was become the very first and real Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Meanwhile, the first Harley-Davidson factory was in a 10 x 15-foot wooden shed. The two friends were helped by Arthur’s older brother Walter.

After a year, the Harley-Davidson motorcycle entered its very first motorcycle race at Milwaukee.

The first years came in so quickly for the company that after 3 years, Harley-Davidson motorcycle production was transferred at Chestnut Street (that was later become Juneau Avenue). This is still the Harley-Davidson headquarters up to this time.

In 1907, William received a degree in mechanical engineering at University of Wisconsin. This helped them to development of better Harley-Davidson engines in the future. The same year also provided them a much needed factory expansion for the growing motorcycle demands. The year 1907 introduced the 45-degree V-Twin engine which has become the sole Harley-Davidson engine for a very long time.

Over the years, the company has gained so much popularity that was converted into sales output. During the First World War, Harley-Davidson was commissioned to provide more than 20,000 units for military use. The story of the Second World was the same for the company. They produced thousand upon thousands of motorcycle.

Before the entry of the 70’s, AMF or the American Machinery and Foundry bought Harley-Davidson. Policies had changed that resulted to labor strike and substandard bikes. The popularity and reputation of the company was severely damaged.

In the 80’s, it was sold to a group of investors headed by Willie G. Davidson and Vaughn Beals. The provided innovations such as the introduction of the “Sturgis”. The costumers began to return and the company had seen clearer promise.

Since then, the popularity of Harley-Davidson motorcycles was unquestionable. They regained their leadership in motorcycle industry as they create a unique line of motorcycles, different from the conventional Japan made. Now, after more than a hundred years of existence, Harley-Davidson motorcycles have become an attraction in every road around the world.

When we talk about bikes, especially the touring class, there is one model that would leave everything behind: the Harley Davidson Sportster.

>From its first release in 1957 until today, everyone would agree that the Sportster is undoubtedly the best touring bike ever created. Not to be very flaunting about it, whether you are a Harley fanatic or not, you, in one way or another, you would want to have a Sportster in your garage.

Why?

Here are the reasons…

Versatile – Imagine a bike that could be added with sport windshield, Harley’s flush mount leather saddlebags, overnight rack bag, sport rack, a tank bag, and low sissy bar with passenger back rest, and will have a unique and sport-looking touring Harley-Davidson Sportster. Worried about the effect? No problem at all. The Harley-Davidson Sportster will definitely look great with all these accessories.

Ride – Sportster is at its best when moving, while you are on it of course. With a low center of gravity, suspension geometry, and excellent basic frame, coupled with the infamous V-twin engine, the Harley-Davidson Sportster will bring you wherever you want to go with great comfort and stability. Steering is superb on a Sportster without requiring you to lean from side to side like you normally do on a sports bike. What about the sound? Distinct to every Harley is the sound the engine produces. While riding a Sportster, each mile is a proud ride.

The final touches – There are several thousand Harley-Davidson Sportsters and other Harley models out there. You may see several of them but you will never see 2 Harleys that look exactly alike. Why? It is because each owner adds a little something out of his personal taste to dress up his Harley. And with all the accessories ranging from appearance accessories, comfort and convenience accessories, general performance and safety accessories, to engine performance modifications, each Sportster will remain unique for as long as it can hit the road.

It’s a Harley – Well, there is no question about it; a Sportster is a true-blooded Harley-Davidson with unique qualities and special features, no other motorcycle can imitate. Each Sportster is unique of its own. Each Sportster is crafted by history and heritage of a company.

The Harley-Davidson Sportster has been in the factory line for almost 50 years. Designs, parts and displacements have been changed, but the true legacy of the original Sportster remains on each Sportster.

Since ultimate comfort while riding is one of the main aims of motorcycle buyers, many Harley Davidson riders are more concerned with the height of the seat. This would give them a relaxed, more convenient cruise with the confidence that they can lay their feet flat on the ground whenever needed. Yes, we can say that bikes can be ridden even without having the foot flat on the ground, but to keep the rider in control while maintaining full balance when at full stop, the height of the Harley-Davidson seat is very important.

The seat’s main purpose of course is to keep the rider in a comfortable position while traveling. A Harley-Davidson seat is very effective in this. However, you might not be aware that each seat is different from each other.

Having said that, it must be noted that each Harley-Davidson model has different seat height.

The list below contains the seat height of the 2006 Harley-Davidson models. The figure on the left is in inches. The right column is the list of 2006 Harley-Davidson models.

If you are trying to figure out which one will you buy, this list will be a great help.

Motorcycle Seat Height Motorcycle Model in Inches

302006 Harley-Davidson VRSCR Street Rod 28.12006 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883R 28.12006 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200R 27.52006 Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide FXDWGI 27.32006 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Classic FLHTC/I 27.32006 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard FLHT/I 27.32006 Harley-Davidson Road King FLHR/I 27.32006 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883 27.32006 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide FLHTCUI 26.92006 Harley-Davidson Road Glide FLTRI 26.92006 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic FLHRCI 26.82006 Harley-Davidson Dyna 35th Anniversary Super Glide FXDI35 26.82006 Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom FXDCI 26.62006 Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide FXDI 26.52006 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883C 26.52006 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200C 26.32006 Harley-Davidson Street Glide FLHX/I 26.12006 Harley-Davidson Road King Custom FLHRS/I 262006 Harley-Davidson Night Train FXSTB/I 262006 Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce FXSTD/I 262006 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883L 262006 Harley-Davidson V-Rod VRSCA 262006 Harley-Davidson VRSCD Night Rod 25.92006 Harley-Davidson Softail Springer Classic FLSTSC/I 25.82006 Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob FXDBI 25.52006 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic FLSTC/I 25.52006 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail FLST/I 25.42006 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy FLSTF/I 25.22006 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider FXDLI 25.22006 Harley-Davidson Softail Standard FXST/I 24.92006 Harley-Davidson Springer Softail FXSTS/I 24.52006 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe FLSTN/I

Visiting a Harley-Davidson store. Whether online or offline gives you choices of wide quantity. Ranging from motorcycles, motorcycles parts, clothes, accessories, jewelries, to merchandise with Harley-Davidson logo on it.

The company’s web site alone offers a wide array of products that will surely give every Harley-Davidson enthusiasts a collection of a lifetime. Sounds overrated? No, we are just telling the truth.

Take for instance the company’s official web site. The company’s web site has several pages to visit but let us focus on the products the offer. On the motorcycle, the site offers both the 2006 and 2007 Sportster, Dyna, Softail, VRSC and Touring. Genuine motor accessories are also offered. Other merchandises are sold. To be particular with these here are the following Harley-Davison items:

For men, there is the FXRG functional riding gear, leather collections, gloves, jackets, helmets, eyewear, boots, heated gear, rain gear, vests, shirts, chaps, pants, and other accessories for men. Large sizes are also catered.

For women, items available are FXRG functional riding gear, leather collections, gloves, jackets, eyewear, helmets, rain gear, heated gear, vests, shirts, chaps, pants, and other accessories.

There are also Harley-Davidson items for kids. These are rain suit, finger gloves, helmet, hog bank, and Harley-Davidson sticker book.

For collectors, items such as H-D rage, FXRG functional riding gear, denims, leathers, wet weather gear, cold weather gear, and warm weather gear are available.

Harley-Davidson can also be good as gift items. The site offers men’s perforated fingerless gloves, men’s FXRG midweight leather jacket, men’s stock leather jacket, men’s maverick leather jacket, men’s canal street rain suit, men’s fleece-lined denim jacket, men’s heritage jacket, men’s gear head cotton garage jacket, men’s torque leather jacket, men’s genesis leather jacket, men’s deluxe leather chaps, men’s defiance leather vest, different kinds of t-shirt designs and other item. There are also gift items for women and kids.

Other online stores also offer these products. More often than not, inventories are wider and choices are better. Prices may also be lower.

Auction sites also give better chances of getting Harley-Davidson items in low prices. Sites you are in control of the price at an auction site, it is sometimes better to shop here.

Speaking of savings, there are also Harley-Davidson stores that offer discounted Harley-Davidson product. All you have to do is to watch out for discounts so that you will get cheaper merchandise.

Harley-Davidson is not only limited to motorcycles so every time you visit Harley-Davidson store, you are given more items that you can take home.

When you hear about “Harley-Davidson rider”, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?

Although this may generate several different answers, most of you would say: “A bearded man wearing a black leather jacket, black leather pants, a pair of leather boots, black helmet and a bloated tummy.” Right?

Well, this image has become very prominent these days since movies made with riders look like this. And often, these movies use Harley-Davidson motorcycles as a ride. Somehow, these look has become the standard if speaking about Harley-Davidson.

But, nobody says it is wrong. In fact, this image has become very popular that most Harley-Davidson riders you see on the road posses this look. You wonder where they did they get all these?

Harley-Davidson clothes are sold on different store across the United States and even in other countries in 6 continents. Here’s a tip: if there is an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer near you, you can surely get a Harley-Davidson clothes and merchandise.

Harley-Davidson clothes are also sold on department store. Official shops can be available near you so if you are want to have one to add in your collection or simply to have one on your closet; you can easily have one.

Harley-Davidson clothes are available online. There are several online stores that sell different Harley-Davidson clothes from t-shirts, jacket, to pants. A complete Harley-Davidson apparel if you may call it.

The official web site of Harley-Davidson also sells these clothes including other Harley-Davidson merchandise, services, and of course motorcycles.

Other sites devote the selling of Harley-Davidson clothes and other Harley-Davidson merchandise while others choose to sell Harley-Davidson clothes along with other brands.

Auction sites on the other hand offer several Harley-Davidson clothes and other Harley-Davidson products. Place a bid and if you won, Harley-Davidson item will be delivered to you. There are several auction sites in the internet where you can find Harley-Davidson items.

If you are done with Harley-Davidson clothes, you can go to sites that offer Harley-Davidson jewelries and other accessories. These jewelries range from earrings, bracelets, necklace, birthstone charms, and watches. Accessories can be helmets, caps and sunglasses.

Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts are also available both online and offline. So whether you want to upgrade the performance of your motorcycle or would need to replace one, Harley-Davidson got you covered.

Gary has a Harley Davidson chopper at home. This took almost a year to assemble since the parts were purchased from different suppliers. Now that it is almost complete, the only thing to do will be to get the right motorcycle helmet.

The motorcycle dealer only sold bright colored helmets. After fitting this and checking it for any defects, Gary chose the yellow one since this is the most visible during the day and at night.

Gary was not happy with the helmet being in just one shade. To make this better, this person thought of either putting stickers or having this custom painted. Given that it will be another 4 to 5 years that this will have to be replaced, the owner decided to have it painted.

The local shop was able to make the changes after 2 weeks. Since it was very sunny where Gary lived, there was a need to buy other accessories.

One of the most important things that had to be purchased was a visor. Gary preferred to get the detachable kind to protect this person from the brightness of the sun and debris, which may come toward the biker.

Gary also replaced this strap to hold the helmet in place. This person believed that the two-ring type that is able to hold better than the one made of Velcro. The bike owner got this idea after reading a safety report in a magazine which said the head gear could come off if this isn’t fastened securely while cruising fast or suddenly breaking on the road.

A month after changing a few accessories on the helmet, Gary was ready to hit the open road. This person not only traveled on short trips but also used this for traveling from one town to the next.

Many people admired the changes that were made by Gary. This person did not boast about it and just accepted the compliments humbly and said this can be done by anybody. All the biker has to do is use one’s imagination and make it happen. Those that need a little guidance should watch other riders or read up on magazines to find it.

Gary did not pick accessories for the helmet so that people can give compliments. This person did it to express this biker’s individuality. The owner felt this was the only way to feel safe and cool at the same time whenever getting on the road with the bike.

The beginning of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company in 1903 was very impressive. The founders, Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson, began at a prototype with a small engine- so weak that it cannot conquer the Milwaukee hills. But, all things must have started from small beginnings. And that was exactly what happened to the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Schoolboys, as they can be considered, Bill and Arthur may have been born to give contribution to the motor industry.

The concept of the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle was very advanced at that time considering that fact that these two individuals were living in the period where horses were still the main form of transportation and automobiles were still developing. Bill and Arthur lived in an era where motorcycles were still in infant stage. What was more surprising was that, Bill and Arthur were still too young to be founders of a company then.

The prototype may be considered a success but could not produce more power to be efficient in hills. As resourceful as they were, Bill and Arthur made stronger engines that produced more power and speed.

That very same year, Harley-Davidson made its very first sale. Two years later they had made 11 motorcycles. And in 1908, they had made 154.

As the years went by, the company had produced and sold more and more units. Harley-Davidson, which started at a small backyard of a modest home, grew to become a motorcycle empire in a very short span of time.

Innovations after innovations and awards after awards, Harley-Davidson Motors had increased its reputation as the leader in the motorcycle industry.

Harley-Davidson was one of the 2 motor companies that had been commissioned to mass-produce motorcycles for the government to be used for First World War and the Second World War as well.

Within the 100 years of the company’s existence, they had been challenged with so many trials. The company’s sale went off in some periods but they regained on the next. The company’s quality had been compromised but they had regained it. And like the toughness of the motorcycles they built, the company had remained tough.

After more than a century of motorcycle manufacturing, Harley-Davidson is among the most sought after motorcycle brands around the world. They have created several models that are truly world-class. Harley-Davidson will continue to manufacture quality motorcycles that are indeed an exiting machine to ride.

There are several manufacturers of motorcycles around the world. The BMW for one, builds performance driven motorcycles for years. Japan-made Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha also have race winning motorcycles. Ducati is another motorcycle brand that is very popular around the world. But why a Harley Davidson?

Why is Harley-Davidson so popular around the world? Why is that when a Harley rolls on the road, everyone will turn their heads for a glance? Why is it that when one talks about motorcycle, the very first brand in mind is the Harley-Davidson?

Finding answers to these questions will give us 3 words: name, quality, and pride.

Name – When you hear the word “Harley-Davidson”, the first thing that might pop out from your mind is a “one hell of a machine”. Hearing the name “Harley-Davidson” would also easily gives you the impression of a great motorcycle company that set a great legacy throughout history. The name can be synonymous with toughness, quality, speed, and versatility. The name itself will set itself on the top of your mind.

Quality– Whether it is a CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations), Dyna, Sportster, Softail, Touring, or VRSC model, it is a Harley-Davidson. And when we say Harley-Davidson, we mean quality that is built over the years. Each Harley-Davidson motorcycle is made in superiority from the engine parts to the decals and finishing touches. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are made not only to sell but to live for a lifetime as well.

Pride – Harley-Davidson has been manufacturing motorcycles for over a century. And with a company that survived this long, owning one is like owning a piece of history of the company. Harley-Davidson motorcycles have gained so much respect over the years and it has set the trend for the motorcycle industry in the United States. Any Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner would say that they are proud to have at least one great motorcycle in their possession.

What would you feel if you are riding a motorcycle with the name “Harley-Davidson”? Surely, you feel proud. Proud as if you have your first baby; proud as if you have owned a brand-new house; and proud as if you have realized your dream. Indeed, owning a Harley-Davidson can be a dream come true for most. As the price of a Harley motorcycle does not come cheap, owning one can be hard. But if you do, you feel fulfilled and you somehow feel you have your life complete.

How about you? Why are you dying to have a Harley-Davidson motorcycle? The answer is in you…

If you share interest on becoming a Harley Davidson dealer, the first thing you should know is that Harley Davidson is open for dealership. Having said that, the next question that should be answered is: “How?”

There are two possible ways where you can acquire for dealership.

First, is the sellout of the existing dealership. Here, Harley-Davidson has a list of existing dealership locations ready for sale. If you match the requirements on this site, you can be contacted for an interview. But first you have to submit an application. Harley-Davidson can disclose the list of dealerships that are to be sold-out once you have submitted your perspective dealer application. It does not end here though. The company has to review your application, your business experience, your financial strength, and your geographic preference.

Second, is the opening of a new dealership location. You must be aware that the company is the sole determiner whether it needs to open a dealership on a particular location or not. Once it has determined the need and the location, Harley-Davidson advertises on newspapers for applications, interviews and assessments.

The Harley-Davidson requires you to complete the Prospective Dealer Application together with the required documents that come along with it. Failure to provide the required documents will mean delay on the processing of the application.

What are the investment requirements?

Take note that Harley-Davidson does not charge for franchising fee. It only requires applicant to have sufficient financial status, which depends on the need and the market standing of the dealership location. Your finances will be reviewed and your capability to become a dealer lies greatly on this.

What are the financial requirements?

To become a dealer of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, you must reach the minimum financial requirements. This is to guarantee the capability of the applicant to sustain and improve the business. In general, a minimum $600,000 of liquid asset and $1 million net worth are required to pass the financial requirement.

The processing

Once you have submitted the documents and your application, expect to receive a reply within a 45-day period. Your file will be kept on the database for a year. Take note that it is only to first step to become a Harley-Davidson dealer. There are several processes that will follow. You become a dealer once you have signed the contract with the company. From then on, you are a proud dealer of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

With the company that has built its name to become one of the most respected manufacturers of top quality motorcycles around the world, there is no doubt that each Harley-Davidson part is assured to fit in the category: superior.

Harley-Davidson was founded in 1903 and had rolled-off thousands of motorcycles since then. For more than one century of motorcycle manufacturing, the company had gone through several times where its toughness is challenged. It is seemed obvious that Harley-Davidson has gone through all. But the real test is not within the company. The real test is outside- on the road where each Harley-Davidson motorcycle is being tested everyday several thousand times over- by Harley-Davidson motorcycle owners around the globe.

What makes each Harley-Davidson motorcycle a living legacy? The answer can be found in the motorcycle itself. From the overall look of the motorcycle, to the tinniest moving part inside the engine, Harley-Davidson is superb.

Of course, every Harley-Davidson part contributes on how the motorcycle performs. The suspension parts provide the smooth ride to the Harley. The seat gives the rider comfort while cruising down the road. The infamous v-engine gives each Harley-Davidson motorcycle the power to conquer roads. The handlebars give the motorcycle the stability that each rider needs. The paint provides the exterior look of the Harley.

The different decals make each Harley unique from another Harley. The wheels roll the motorcycle to any place of any terrain. The transmission parts give better run to the motorcycle. And every Harley-Davidson part contributes to how Harley behaves on the road.

It is not surprising that each Harley-Davidson owner would want to infuse a little something out of their personality to their motorcycle. This the reason why there are several Harley-Davidson parts available just to provide better performance to the motorcycle. There are also several Harley-Davidson parts that are made to transform the stunning Harley into a more interesting motorcycle on the road.

Some Harley-Davidson parts act as an accessory. Some of these are the fender trims and instrument trims that highlights the fender and the gauges to become more attractive; the exhaust system that makes each Harley look more sporty, saddlebag and sissy bar bag that act as an accessory and provide additional storage room, backrest pad that gives extra comfort while you ride, windshield that creates a tougher look on the motorcycle, and more.

With Harley-Davidson parts, your motorcycle can posses the best look possible.