Protect Your Bike From Corrosion
You made a large investment on a motorcycle. There are many things that you can do to protect your bike from corrosion. Joe, one of our knowledgeable Parts Specialists, wanted to share a few tips and tricks with you.
As we all know snow salt is one of the most corrosive chemicals on the road. And it is all over the roads right now. Riding in it is fine as long as you know how to clean all of that junk off your bike when you get back to your garage.
Harley® Preserve is a very effective bare aluminum protectant that comes in little wipes. It’s great for protecting the stock wheels on some bikes and some engine covers and cases. These are typically the first things to corrode on a stock Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. A pack of these retails for $14.99 and will probably last two life times.
Harley-Davidson® also offers travel care kits that are pretty handy. They include concentrated sunwash, polish and sealant, gloss, wheel and tire cleaner, and bug remover. All neatly packed together in mini spray bottles, this is a perfect pack to toss in a saddle bag and bring with you on any length of trip. Even a short trip across town, this will help keep your bike looking and running great. These travel kits from for about $24.99.
S100 carries a lot of good products as well. The Total Cycle Cleaner seems to be the most popular. It is a spray and wash type cleaner. S100 also sells a corrosion protectant that is just sprayed on and rubbed to a shine. Since it is safe on plastics and rubber it is one of the easiest ways to maintain the look of your bike.
Basically there is a cleaner, gloss, protectant, or polish available for every type of surface on your motorcycle and it is important to keep those surfaces clean.
What types of protectants do you use on your motorcycle?
How Much Riding Do You Do in 5 Years – H-D® Leather Warranty
We’ve all seen those cheap-o leather jackets at local swap meets. They seem like a great deal because they only cost a buck or two and they have all that fancy pazzazz on them. There are many features which make Harley-Davidson® leather the obvious choice for the hard rider, but the H-D® Warranty is definitely worth focusing on.
The H-D® Warranty on Leather Jackets lasts for 5 years. If nothing else, this shows Harley-Davidson’s commitment to quality, durability and the rider’s needs. This guarantees that your leather jacket will be with you on every ride you take for five years.
One of the things we hear the most when customers come in and chat about getting a new leather jacket, is that they are expensive. It takes money to make a quality product and Harley® doesn’t skimp on the details. Most of the jackets come with reflective piping to keep you visible, an action back and pre-curved sleeves to keep you comfortable in the riding position, wind flaps to keep you warm, strategically placed venting to keep you cool, body armor options to keep you protected, double-stitched seams to keep the jacket reinforced, and drum-dyed leather to keep your jacket looking good after thousands of miles in harsh conditions.
If you still think the jacket is expensive after all of that, think about it like this. A quality Harley-Davidson® leather jacket with all of the bells and whistles, suitable for most riding conditions, can be purchased for $500. If you have the jacket for the life of the five-year warranty, that jacket will cost you $100 per year. That means that the premium jacket that will protect you from the elements of the weather and the road will cost you just over $8 per month, and be guaranteed for five years. Is it worth it now?
Harley-Davidson® Batteries – A Decision that Won’t Leave You Stranded
When it comes to buying Motorcycle batteries, or any batteries, most people make a terrible mistake by choosing the least expensive option that is available and save the extra cash. However, buying cheaper batteries that are available in the market today will eat up all your savings in the way of maintenance. Moreover, people always have a misconception that all the batteries are the same and they don’t even check the specifications of the batteries.
So, what makes Harley-Davidson® motorcycle batteries better than all the rest?
- Designed by the Motor Co. – For starters, the Harley-Davidson® Motor Co. designs and manufactures all of their own batteries right there inMilwaukee, so why not buy your battery from the same company who engineered and manufactured the motorcycle it is used in.
- Absorbed Glass Mats – Harley-Davidson® batteries are an AGM type maintenance free battery. This is a newer type of sealed, non-spillable, maintenance-free, valve-regulated battery that uses “Absorbed Glass Mats”, or AGM separators between the plates. This is a very fine fiber Boron-Silicate glass mat.
- Acid Containment – In AGM sealed batteries, the acid is absorbed between the plates and immobilized by a very fine fiberglass mat. No silica gel is necessary. This glass mat absorbs and immobilizes the acid while still keeping the acid available to the plates. This allows a fast reaction between acid and plate material.
- Leak Protection – These type of batteries have all the advantages of they typical gelled batteries on the market, but can take much more abuse. These are also called “starved electrolyte.” Basically, just like the Gel batteries, the AGM Battery will not leak acid if broken, which protects you, your bike, and the environment.
- Charging Systems – The Harley-Davidson® AGM battery has an extremely low internal electrical resistance. This, combined with faster acid migration, allows the AGM batteries to deliver and absorb higher rates of amperage than other sealed batteries during discharging and charging. In addition, AGM technology batteries can be charged at normal lead-acid regulated charging voltages, therefore, it is not necessary to recalibrate charging systems.
- Better Performance – H-D® AGM batteries contains an exclusive oxide formula that enhances the battery’s performance for more Cold Cranking Amps, faster starting power, and longer cycle life keeping you on the road. Low discharge rates extend battery life during periods of non-use and lasts from season to season, avoiding yearly battery replacement seen by a lot of the competitor’s batteries. I have personally seen 5 to 8 years usage from an H-D® battery and have thrown away countless amounts of “aftermarket” batteries that customers told me they just purchased 8 to 12 months ago.
These are just a few of the many thought-out improvements that Harley-Davidson® put into their batteries. So the next time you are in need of a new battery for your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, don’t let the price be a deciding factor. It may be a decision that could leave you stranded.
![56926_05_M_1f7db[1]](http://gatewayharley.blog.com/files/2011/11/56926_05_M_1f7db1-175x150.jpg "56926_05_M_1f7db[1]")
Handling the Cold with H-D® Heated Accessories
You might not be one of those riders out there on the road when the chill factor is below zero but don’t write off the benefits of the Harley-Davidson® Heated Accessories. Riding into work on a chilly morning, enjoying a fall ride in the country on a cool day or a dealing with the variable temperatures of a high altitude ride; any of these might be an opportunity to flip the switch of your Heated Hand Grips, Heated Seats or Heated Backrest Pad to ON. Here are some facts we wanted to share.
We all know that extremely cold temperatures can affect your ride, but the truth is that even moderately cold temperatures affect how you and your bike perform. Making sure you have the right accessories is key.
Harley-Davidson® Heated Hand Grips
The first thing most riders complain about getting cold is their hands. Cold hands affect how your overall body feels in cold weather. They can also decrease your reaction time which presents safety issues. Harley-Davidson® Heated Hand Grips are an excellent option to combat the cold. The Heated Hand Grips have six heat settings and “intelligent” heating technology that monitors the surface temperature of the grips and adjusts accordingly.
One thing riders don’t necessarily know is that these grips are smart. When you remove one of your hands from the grips, both grips will sense the air cooling and they system will try to increase the heat on both sides. In order to keep consistent temperature of their grips, they need to keep both hands on their handlebars. The grips also switch off when you turn off the bike. This keeps them from draining your battery. Another thing to keep in mind is that the thicker your gloves, the less heat will be transferred from the grips to your hands. That sounds counter-intuitive. You might think that you need super thick gauntlet gloves, but that will actually prevent you from feeling the heat of the grips.
All in all, the grips are very user friendly. They have a self-contained control circuit and control knobs which means you don’t have to install any goofy controller boxes or additional switches. They are “glueless” which allows you to switch the grips to other handlebars or other motorcycles. They also have several different styles available (small and large diameters) and they can fit on any model of Harley-Davidson® motorcycle.
Check out all of the different styles:
- Contoured Chrome and Rubber Collection
- Chrome and Rubber Collection
- Flames Collection
- Aileron Collection
- Nostalgic Collection
- Stealth Collection
- Willie G.® Skull Collection
- Ironside Collection
- Black Rubber Collection
Harley-Davidson® Heated Seats and Backrest Pad
The Harley® Hammock Rider Touring Seat and the Sun Ray® Heated Seat is the key to keeping your rear end extra toasty on a chilly ride. Seats with passenger capabilities offer dual-zone rider and passenger controls with separate controls. One standard feature of H-D® Heated Seats is the different settings, whereas most competitive seats only have an on/off option. This also allows you to switch it to a “high” setting to get the seat nice and toasty before putting it on a “low” setting to keep it comfortably warm. The Sun Ray® Heated Backrest Pad is also a nice option for those with a passenger that wants a little extra warmth.
H-D® Heated Accessories are all about adding a little extra warmth to extend a day of riding in the country or the whole riding season. How are you going to extend your opportunities to ride?
![56997_07_M_20eff[1]](http://gatewayharley.blog.com/files/2011/11/56997_07_M_20eff1.jpg "56997_07_M_20eff[1]")
![56196_03_M_16a5b[1]](http://gatewayharley.blog.com/files/2011/11/56196_03_M_16a5b1.jpg "56196_03_M_16a5b[1]")
![56512_02_M_175c6[1]](http://gatewayharley.blog.com/files/2011/11/56512_02_M_175c61.jpg "56512_02_M_175c6[1]")
![56174_03_M_16a58[1]](http://gatewayharley.blog.com/files/2011/11/56174_03_M_16a581.jpg "56174_03_M_16a58[1]")
![56926_05_M_1f7db[1]](http://gatewayharley.blog.com/files/2011/11/56926_05_M_1f7db1.jpg "56926_05_M_1f7db[1]")
![56750_04_M_1d86f[1]](http://gatewayharley.blog.com/files/2011/11/56750_04_M_1d86f1.jpg "56750_04_M_1d86f[1]")
![56619_03_M_19889[1]](http://gatewayharley.blog.com/files/2011/11/56619_03_M_198891.jpg "56619_03_M_19889[1]")
![56828_03_M_1989c[1]](http://gatewayharley.blog.com/files/2011/11/56828_03_M_1989c1.jpg "56828_03_M_1989c[1]")
![54388_11_M_277f1[1]](http://gatewayharley.blog.com/files/2011/11/54388_11_M_277f11.jpg "54388_11_M_277f1[1]")
![56047_03_M_16a55[1]](http://gatewayharley.blog.com/files/2011/11/56047_03_M_16a551.jpg "56047_03_M_16a55[1]")
Ladies, The Right Bike is Out There For You.
And it might not be a Sportster®. So many women have trouble finding the right bike for them. They are uncomfortable and unimpressed. The truth is that motorcycles are as unique as the women that ride them. There are plenty of tools online and in our shop to ensure that we can help you find the bike that is right for you.
The key to finding the right motorcycle for you is to sit on everything. Pick the bike up off it’s kickstand. Start it. Push buttons. Ask questions. Ride everything if possible. Take a test ride of any and all models. The only real way you will know if a bike is truly for you, is to ride it.
Ask yourself a few questions. What are you going to be using the motorcycle for? Riding to work? Traveling across the country? Fun, little trips on the weekends? What is the riding position of the motorcycles you like? Are your feet stretched out? Are they tucked under your body? Are your arms stretched out? Where are they most comfortable? How heavy is too heavy? Where is the motorcycle’s center of gravity? Can you sit comfortably with your feet on the ground? These are all things that need to be taken into consideration, but they aren’t deal breakers.
One of the most amazing things about your motorcycle is all of the things you can change on it to make it truly your own. Fitting the motorcycle to your body and riding style are just as important as wearing the proper sized clothes. Too big and your clothes will fall off you. Too small and you won’t be able to breath. Even if the size of your clothes are slightly off in one direction or the other, you are uncomfortable wearing them. The same is true of a motorcycle. The key is to pick a motorcycle that fits your needs and wants. And then tweak it to fit you better. That might include lowering it a bit so that you can more comfortably touch the ground. That might mean installing a windshield or sissy bar to make longer trips more comfortable. That might mean adding bling or accessories to fit your personality better. That might mean adding performance parts to make you more comfotable riding in traffic.
So if you are looking to buy a new motorcycle, whether you know what you want or not, come by the shop and talk to one of our sales associates. We want to determine the best fitting motorcycle for you. Maybe it is a Sportster®. Maybe it’s not.
What concerns do you have about picking out the right motorcycle?
Planning for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
For those that don’t know, Sturgis is a town in South Dakota. Most of the year, the population sits around 6,500 people. During that one week in August, the population has been known to increase to over 500,000 people due to the popularity of the rally. Activities vary from year to year but you can usually count on some really great concerts, exciting races, tons of vendors, and some really amazing rides. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is one of those rides that finds itself on the “bucket list” of many avid motorcyclists. You can get into a heated debate about whether to ride or trailer, where to go, what to bring, what to buy, where to eat and where to ride. There are so many things to do, places to see and roads to experience while in Sturgis, SD that we thought we’d give a little shout out to a few of our favorite things to do. Here’s a few must-do’s when going to Sturgis.
- The Buffalo Chip: Think Bonnaroo for bikers. Arguable the central point of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, this is something you just have to experience. The Buffalo Chip Campground typically puts on the best live shows (this year featuring: Alice Cooper, Styx, Buckcherry, Def Leppard, Toby Keith, Poison, Gregg Allman, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jeff Bridges, John Fogerty, Stevie Nicks and George Thorogood), littered among a sea of motorcycles and campsites. You want to party? This is it.
- Spearfish Canyon Highway: The Sturgis Experience is not just about the parties and rally activities. There’s plenty of amazing rides to keep you from wondering why they hold this rally in South Dakota. And Spearfish Canyon Highway (see video) is some of the best riding in the country. US-14 is near the border of South Dakota and Wyoming surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest. Being located so close to Sturgis, Deadwood, and Leed this is very common place to go riding.
- Mount Rushmore and Crazy Hourse Memorial: Need a break from riding? Be sure to check out a little bit of our nation’s history. Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial are some of the most iconic testaments to our country’s past. Located in some of the most amazing countryside, they are definitely worth a stop. Going a little further west? Don’t forget to check out Devil’s Tower.
- Iron Mountain Road: Also known as US-16A begins just outside of Keystone, SD. You’ll pass Mount Rushmore, head to the top of a mountain with an amazing lookout, and back down to Custer State Park. The best part about this road is most definitely the pigtail bridges, pigtail turns but on bridge not road.
- AHDRA Races at the Rally: Be sure to stop by and check out some of the All Harley Drag Racing Association Races. It’s an Official H.O.G. Pit Stop so don’t forget your H.O.G. card.
- Needles Highway: Have you ever ridden through rock before? This has some of the most amazing rock formations and tunnels. You think you’ve ridden through a tunnel but I promise, this is a different experience. It’s located on SD Highway 87 between Sylvan Lake and Legion Lake in Custer State Park. Additional hint: Go west to east.
If you talk to just about anyone that’s been to Sturgist they could probably tell you to hit up all of these amazing things to do in Sturgis. But we’ll throw in one for good measure that only the elite-Sturgis-going-veterans know about.
- Alpine Inn: Located in Hill City, SD this is the place to eat. You must go. 6oz Filet Mignon dinner for $7.95 and a 9oz Filet Mignon dinner for $9.95 includes a baked potato, texas toast, and a wedge of lettuce. That’s their menu. That’s all they serve. They simply ask if you would like a little one or a big one. Drinks and desserts are extra, but they are not to skipped over. Try the Tiramisu, Grand Chocolate Tower or the Turtle Insland Waffle.
What’s your super secret tip to getting the most out of the Sturgis Experience?
Got the Gear? Didn’t Forget the Gloves Did You?
Gloves are essential to your riding gear ensemble. They are used to protect your hands not just from the scrapes of an unfortunate incident, but also the routine scrapes and bruises caused by flying rocks, gravel, and other debris that hit your hands. Have you ever leaned down to flip down a passenger peg and grazed your hand against your pipes? Not pretty, huh? Gloves offer more than just protection. They offer a more comfortable ride allowing the rider to easily operate the hand controls of their motorcycle.
Do you ride on the highway a lot? Or do you stick around the city? What kind of mileage are you logging on a daily basis? Are you a fair-weather rider? Or are you committed to leaving your garage in the rain? These are all things to consider when thinking about what types of gloves you need for your ride.
A couple different types exist out there. Fingerless gloves have open fingertips that allow for better dexterity. They are usually made from perforated leather or mesh for maximum air flow. Perfect for rides when it’s stupid hot and humid out.
Full-finger gloves offer the better protection as they cover your fingers and go up to your wrist. It’s a great style for an all-around good glove.
Gauntlet gloves offer the most protection as they usually go further up your arm and are made of a heavier material. These are especially great for colder, rainier weather.
Other things to consider when you are looking at that bargain pair of gloves at your local motorcycle rally…
- Does it have anti-slip grip? That’s what that extra material on the palm is for. Keep your hand from slipping.
- Are the palms padded? Gel or padding in the palm of the hand will reduce the vibrations transferred through your hands and keep you riding longer.
- Does it have pre-curved fingers? Motorcycle gloves have a pre-curved shape so you aren’t fighting with the glove the entire time you are riding. It’s in a natural position around the grip.
Quickest Way to Earn $25 and Ride a Motorcycle
We know that our customers spend a decent dollar or two keeping up their motorcycle, so we’ve compiled a list of money-saving and money-earning tips.
- Tell everyone you know (friends, family members, neighbors, etc) to buy a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle from Gateway Harley-Davidson. When they tell us that you refferred them, you’ll be the proud owner of a $200 gift card you can use to buy parts, accessories, gear and service. Refer as many people as you like. No limit. Know someone that wants to ride? Just enter their information on our website.
- Apply for a Harley-Davidson® VISA® credit card and take advantage of earning Harley® Chrome Cash on your purchases. Earn points, not just at Harley-Davidson® parts, accessories, gear and service, but also on purchases you make from the gas pump to the grocery store. Apply in-store before August 31, 2011 and receive a $25 credit on your account. See the Harley-Davidson® VISA® website for full details.
- Use your Gateway Rider Rewards account when you make purchases at our store. Every dollar you spend on almost anything other than motorcycles and tax earns you 1 point in our program. Wait for your points to accumulate and cash them in for Gateway Rewards Certificates, good like cash in the store. Not a member? Not a problem. It’s free. Sign up now. Already a member? Track your point balances.
- Be a fan of Gateway Harley-Davidson on Facebook. You wouldn’t believe the offers we’re making exclusively to our Facebook fans. Be the first to post the correct answer to weekly trivia contests, participate in our online events, and get others to “like” our page. You’ll be the first to hear about all of the great stuff we have going on, inlcuding new products, services, demos, events and promotions. Not a fan of Facebook? Check out Twitter.
- Have you taken a Rider’s Edge® New Rider Course at Gateway Harley-Davidson? Did you know that by referring your friends and family members to take the class too, you could earn a $25 gift card? Make sure they mention your name and have them sign up today!
- You own a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle right? Chances are pretty good you could benefit from being a member of the Harley Owners Group (HOG). That little membership fee of $45 a year gets you access to all kinds of discounts that are especially helpful if you are someone that knows the definition of travel. Discounts to HOG members are offered at AT&T Wirelese, Best Western, and H-D® Insurance to name a few. You can also take advantage of their Roadside Assistance program, Mileage Rewards and entrance to exclusive concerts, events and giveaways. Sign up today!
- Buy a new 2011 Harley-Davidson® Touring model and we will give you a $3,000 gift card towards all the gear, parts and accessories to fit your bike to your riding needs. It’s a limited time offer that can’t be combined with any other offer. Why? Because it’s just that awesome.
How many referral bonus gift cards have you gotten? How many of your friends have told you, “I’ve been thinkin’ about getting a bike…”?
Bugs, Dirt, Dust, and Fingerprints Are No Match for Your Bike This Summer
You asked for it, so we got it. That’s right. We are now a proud dealer of Bugslide™!
- Cleans & Polishes To A Brilliant Shine Instantly
- One Step, No Water Needed
- Cleans Painted Surfaces, Fiberglass, Chrome, Lexan, Plastic, Glass, Vinyl, Leather
- Is Non-Abrasive
- Provides A Protective Microscopic Sheen
- Advanced Formula Quickly & Easily Removes Bugs
- Repels Dirt, Dust, Fingerprints and Smudges
- Resists Scratching and Marring of Surfaces
- Repels Water
- Prevents Fogging
- Non-Flammable
Watch a demo from Bugslide™!
Are there any other products you have seen in your travels that we don’t carry?
5 Tips for Hitting the Road on a Long Trip
As the Summer revs up here in St. Louis, we’ve noticed the annual rush of bikes looking to get pre-trip maintenance. School’s out for the summer. Summer vacation time has been approved. The bikes are hitting the road.
Here are 5 tips to your next great two-wheeled adventure, whether it’s across the country or across town.
5. Check your bike. If you’ve ever gotten a flat tire or needed a light bulb going down the road, you understand how important it is to keep your bike running right. A flat tire in a car will set you back a little bit of time and money but your trip probably won’t be ruined. No guarantees when you are on the bike. It’s important to get it checked out before any really long trips. Don’t forget to pack your maintenance manual and your HOG membership card in case you break down.
4. Check yourself. Are you ready to ride? How many miles have you put on your bike? How long has it been since your last long ride? Need to take a class and brush up on a few skills?
3. Check your stuff. You always forget something right? Rain gear? Toothbrush? Cell phone charger? Print out a “What to Pack Checklist“. Double check you got everything on the way. Pack less than your bike can handle and then you have room for anything you buy or forget. Going for a long trip? Pack a couple day’s worth of clothes, buy more when you run out and ship your dirty laundry home.
2. Check your route. Got any idea where you are going? Ever ask for advice from a friend? Ever get advice on where to stay, what to eat or what to do? Now you can get the same advice about where to ride from people all over the country. Go check out the Harley-Davidson Ride Planner before you leave on your trip. Just like you know where some sweet back roads are in your neck of the woods, riders from all over are sharing the sweet back roads in their areas. It’s a great way to leave all of the high-traffic tourist areas and maximize your ride.
1. Check your friends. Are they as ready as you are? Do you know what the laws are for motorcyclists wherever you are going? Do they know how to prep themselves, their stuff and their bike for the long haul?
Do you have any tips for the motorcycle traveler?
