Service Tips to Improve Your Touring Experience
If you want to properly prepare for a long trip it is imperative you check your mileage and review the back of your owner’s manual (can be found online for select models) to determine what maintenance interval your ride is at. It is always better to go on a long trip with fresh fluids and a complete check over like you would get at the 5,000 and 10,000 mile intervals. If you chose to purchase Gateway H-D’s Prepaid Maintenance Agreement your bike would get a quick service at 2,500 and 7,500 mile intervals which also gets you ready for a trip. If all of your services are up to date it is still a good idea to check your tire pressure, tire tread depth (for a trip less than 5/32 is less than 50% tread and time to replace) and oil level. Tire pressure can fluctuate with temperatures unless you have nitrogen in the tires and it is not unusual to have to add oil between services. If you don’t have a tread depth gauge you can pick one up at the auto parts store for a few bucks or better yet run your bike by Gateway Harley-Davidson and we will check it for you.
Have a Great Trip and be sure to stop by and tell those of us at the shop, who try and make sure your ride gets you there and back, all about your adventure. See you on the next dealership ride!
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?
Affordable First Upgrades to Any Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle
So you buy a brand new Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. What is the first thing you do? Learn to ride it properly (but that’s another story entirely). What’s next? You probably want to customize it and make it truly unique and truly you. Some will put little bits of chrome here and there. Others will put a new exhaust or practical features like a windshield or saddlebags. One of the most affordable upgrades you can make to your brand new bike is to give your motorcycle a voice with Rush Mufflers.
Rush mufflers are performance mufflers that can be put on any model of bike. They come in a variety of styles. They can be worked into just about any performance package you want or can be added to your motorcycle all by themselves. They give you a little extra “umph” in the horsepower department without expensive and in-depth tuning of your engine. At the same time, they also give you a truly customized sound without completely annoying everyone within a 50 block radius.
With just 30 minutes of labor with a certified H-D® technician, your bike can be in and out of our shop in about an hour. But the real key to this upgrade is the fact that it is affordable. A variety of styles for just about any model, installed for under $500. This is just another thing to add on to the list of parts and accessories to customize, but with the affordability offered by these mufflers… maybe this might be inch it’s way a little higher up on the priority list.
Interested in more? Let one of our associates give you a free quote.
What are some other upgrades you might make to your brand new Harley-Davidson® motorcycle?
Super Premium Oil Filters – 98.5 Reasons to Consider
Harley-Davidson® engines are some of the most demanding engines out there. They take a lot of tender loving care. And no oil filter gives them more TLC than the Harley-Davidson® Super Premium Oil Filter.
First, these oil filters were designed by people that know your motorcycle better than anyone else, because they actually designed the bike. They are built using the highest quality components to provide high performance.
The Super Premium Oil Filter is 100% synthetic and has an efficient capture of at least 98.5% of contaminants as small as 5 microns. What is a “micron“? Basically, it is one-millionth of a meter. So we are talking small. Real small.
Have you ever tried cold-starting your bike and the juices just didn’t seem to want to start flowing? Bet you never thought your oil filter might have something to do with that. A higher quality oil filter allows oil to flow better and improves cold starts.
Another thing you probably didn’t consider was that Harley-Davidson® engines have low oil film thickness in their working parts. That is how they were designed. Because of that, they require finer filtration than what most competitive branded oil filters can provide.
So when it comes to that machine of yours, sitting in the garage… You know. The one that you insist on putting Premium Gas in? What oil filter do you currently have? Is it the one that will protect your engine the best?
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.
What do we mean when we say “upgrade”?
A good fitting motorcycle is the key to the best ride. Your motorcycle should fit your body type, your riding style, your personal style, your performance needs, and your budget. Every winter, people are scrambling to upgrade certain things on their motorcycle. The largest benefit to winter-time upgrades is that you aren’t losing any prime riding time. Now is the time to upgrade.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “upgrade”? Typically it is motor work. A common myth in the motorcycling community is that performance upgrades to your motorcycle are just for people that want to race their bike. Absolutely not true. A little extra torque, horsepower, and speed can make a heavy load easier to carry, or give you the necessary power to get out of harm’s way.You don’t need to be an agressive rider to want a little extra punch to your throttle. Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® Performance Parts are proven on the track but they are engineered for the streets.
So when we say “upgrade”, typically we are talking about Screamin’ Eagle® EFI Street Legal Performance Kits. Let’s break that down. “Screamin’ Eagle®” is a brand that belongs to Harley-Davidson® to distinguish between performance upgrades and those that come stock in a bike. “EFI” stands for Electronic Fuel Injection. Pretty much all Harley-Davidson® motorcycles that have come out in the last couple of years have this. Check your owner’s manual for details on your specific bike. “Street Legal Performance” means that these upgrades are designed for race purposes. They are designed for the legal street use. “Kits” obviously means that all of the necessary parts are included, which is the easiest way to ensure you’ll get what you are looking for.
Let’s run through some other common ”upgrade” tech talk…
Stage 1: Exhaust upgrade that includes new exhaust system, air cleaner and fuel mapping system (Screamin’ Eagle® Race Tuner). It is highly recommended to do some dyno-time with your motorcycle to custom map the race tuner get the most out of your upgrades.
Stage 2: Includes everything involved in Stage 1, but also includes a Cam Upgrade which gives you more torque at different parts or throughout the power curve (which is how much power you are giving your bike at any given point in time).
Stage 3: Requires Stage 1 and generally includes Stage 2, but also includes a Big Bore Kit. With the higher levels of motor upgrades, the options continue to be endless. These options could include high compression pistons, port and polished heads, larger throttle body, etc.
Big Bore Kit: Typically this is upgrading the cubic inches of your motor which gives you more horsepower and more torque.
Stage 4: Anything goes. Turbos, blowers, nitrous, strokers, billet motors, etc. But that’s a whole other topic.
Just like you buy a motorcycle that fits you, you buy accessories to make it fit you better, you buy gear that fits you to wear while you ride, you have to find a motor that fits you as well. And no one will ever truly have the same motor. Built, maintained, ridden and loved by different people, your motorcycle’s motor must be built and upgraded to meet the needs of your ride. Best way to find the motor you need is to sit down with one of our service consultants and let them build a package for you, built on your bike and your needs.
What do you want out of your motor?
Meet Our New Service Manager
Meet our new Service Manager, Mark Boyer. We are pleased to welcome Mark to our team of employees here at Gateway Harley-Davidson. Mark’s superb customer service skills and attention to detail will do wonders for our Service department processes and experience. Here’s a little about Mark.
Are you married?
I’m married to a beautiful red head named Debbie for 35 years.
Do you have children?
We have one son named Ryan who is the assistant chief flight instructor for St. Louis University and has a commercial pilot license and all of the instructor certificates you can get.
Do you have any hobbies?
I play and write music… now mostly contemporary Christian. I play in the Priase Band (very contemporary) at my church.
What experience do you have that makes you an excellent pick for this position?
I have been with the Surdyke Family of Dealerships for 11 years. Most of that time I worked as the Service Director which helped the Service departments at each of the stores. I have other service background in the automative business as Parts Manager, Body Shop Manager, Service Manager and Service Director. Though, I wasn’t doing all of that at the same time…
Got questions or comments for Mark? Share them below!
The Only Lubricant Developed, Formulated, Blended and Tested Exclusively for Harley-Davidson® Motorcycles
Did you know there was such a thing? An exclusive type of lubricant for your Harley-Davidson motorcycle? Your motorcycle is an investment. Chances are you don’t put dirty gas in your bike. But what about cheap oil? Harley-Davidson lubricants contain proprietary additives that give the oil the specific qualities to meet the demand of Harley® engines. They contain a precise balance of dispersants, metal detergents, anti-wear components, antioxidants, anti-foamants, and rust and corrosion inhibitors. H-D® oil offers the best protection and performance for your motorcycle by:
- Reducing friction and heat
- Reducing metal-to-metal wear
- Reducing acid in the engine to prevent corrosion
- Maintaining consistent oil film thickness
- Preventing air bubble formation
- Suspending soot
- Inhibiting and dispersing sludge and varnish to the oil filter
- Neutralizing acids created by the combustion process.
This oil is tested in H-D® powertrains, in real-world riding situations under extreme conditions such as desert heat, stop and go traffic, high altitudes, full loads and sever-duty test tracks. Things you might not have thought about, like how your oil handles the high temperature ranges common to air-cooled engines or how your oil holds viscosity under heavy loads from two-up riding, have been hammered out by the engineers of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Read on…
Want to take it one step further? Check out all the features of Syn3 Premium. It’s the only synthetic lubricant custom-blended, tested and certified to use in Harley-Davidson engine, chaincase and transmission applications.
What oil do you put in your bike?
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…”?
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?
