Harley auctions V-Rod motorcycle signed by Captain America stars

Even as superheroes and motorcycles are roaring their way through the summer blockbuster ‘Captain America-First Avenger’ Harley-Davidson are auctioning a V-Rod autographed by the stars of the movie.

The 2011 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle VRSCF motorcycle is signed by Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Neal McDonough, director Joe Johnston, as well as comic actor Stan Lee. All of them took some time out during the film’s world premiere in Los Angeles to put their John Hancock on the Harley-Davidson.

The sum raised will support Disabled American Veterans.

Harley-Davidson collaborated with Marvel Studios to create five motorcycles for the Captain America: The First Avenger film, which traces Captain America’s origins as a World War II era Super Hero who rode a military motorcycle as a means of transportation.

To get the authentic look that appears on the big screen the Milwaukee motorcycle manufacturer coordinated the modification of the current day Harley-Davidson Cross Bones model to resemble an original 1942 WLA Army motorcycle. The Motor Company also worked with Marvel Studios to recreate additional parts, such as an ammunition box and leather gun scabbard, to ensure the motorcycles looked as authentic as possible.

In real life during World War II, Harley-Davidson produced and dispatched almost 70,000 WLA motorcycles overseas to support the war effort. The motorcycle was affectionately known as the “Liberator” by U.S. Service Men and Women.

Bids will be taken on the motorcycle from July 28 through August 4, 2011 on eBay with all the proceeds of auction to benefit Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust to fund the Harley’s Heroes program. DAV is a non-profit organization that represents the nation’s disabled veterans that provides assistance to veterans in a number of ways.

Harley-Davidson is a major supporter of the DAV since 2006 when The Harley-Davidson Foundation gave a $1 million grant to the organization. A second $1 million grant from The Foundation DAV received in 2010. The grants helped fund the creation of the Harley’s Heroes program, which brings benefits, education and counseling to veterans in communities all across the U.S. through the DAV Mobile Service Offices.

Since 2007, Harley’s Heroes has visited thousands of sites across the United States to secure the benefits veterans obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense and other government agencies.

For those not lucky enough to win the autographed motorcycle, the ones used in the movie itself can still be seen up close and in person. Two of the motorcycles will become part of the Harley-Davidson Museum’s permanent collection.

Also, Harley-Davidson Motor Company has created the “H-D Free the World” promotion, which features two grand prizes. One lucky U.S. military member, as well as a non-military member, will each win the opportunity to work with Marvel and the Motor Company to customize their own one-of-a-kind new Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom motorcycle in Harley-Davidson’s hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Each of the grand prize winners of the “H-D Free the World” promotion will travel to Milwaukee to create the Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom of their dreams at one of the Motor Company’s production facilities. The promotion also features unique “first prizes” for one U.S. military member, as well as non-military member to attend a Harley-Davidson Academy of Motorcycling Riders Edge class to learn how to ride alongside a friend.

Additionally, Captain America fans can visit their local Harley-Davidson dealers to secure an exclusive poster featuring Captain America on his 1942 Harley-Davidson “Liberator,” while supplies last.

“Captain America and Harley-Davidson are both great symbols of freedom, but we can never forget the brave men and women who have made extraordinary sacrifices to protect our way of life,” said Dino Bernacchi, Harley-Davidson’s director of Marketing Communications. “We’re excited about the potential of this unique auction to strengthen our relationship with the Disabled American Veterans and the work they do.”


source: www.clutchandchrome.com

The Impact of Harley Davidson Motorcycles

The Harley Davidson motorcycle was and always will be an American icon. Although other American motorcycle companies have flourished, none has had the staying power of Harley. Over a hundred years after its inception, the Harley Davidson motorcycle company is stronger and better received by the American public than ever before. Its line of motorcycles is diverse enough that it appeals to both men and women and priced for those on a wide range of budgets. The bikes themselves are only the start. The clothing, accessories, and memorabilia are an extension of the motorcycle and the entire concept of the Harley lifestyle reaches outward to interest just about anyone with a fascination of two-wheeled transportation.

Harley Davidson began its illustrious history in Milwaukee, Wisconsin back in 1903. The pioneers were Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson and the entire operation was located inside of a wooden barn built by Mr. Davidson’s father. They would remain in the barn manufacturing their motorcycles until 1912 when they would relocate into a multi-level building, reportedly six stories high. The Harley Davidson motorcycle company was started with the design of a one cylinder engine which developed specifically for racing and grew from there. In 1905 they had produced eleven motorcycles and by 1908 the number had grown to one hundred fifty four. By 1912 they had begun to export their motorcycles with the first motorized bike being sold overseas in Japan. The quest for world peace also fueled the sales of Harley motorcycles in the coming years. Harley was the largest supplier of motorcycles for the United States military. Their patriotism and reliable motorcycles helped the war effort and added to the company’s ever-growing group of enthusiasts. Two wheeled transportation was proving to be a viable means of moving about versus traveling by automobile. Over the next few decades, the company continued its growth and presence on the roads of the United States and around the world. Motorcycling, however, was about to get something it never had before… a bad reputation.

During the fifties, Americans viewed the release of movies depicting motorcyclists as less than honorable citizens. The term biker gang was introduced to the world and there was no going back from here. Rebellious bikers had come to be associated with Harley Davidson motorcycles thanks to a bit of Hollywood make-believe and the imaginations of the movie goers. The success of these biker flicks fueled even more bad-boy biker films especially during the sixties and seventies. Movie goers would have a better chance of finding a needle in a haystack than finding movies with honorable and honest bikers. The whole concept of the Harley motorcycle would never be the same from this point forward. The attitude, the attire, the tattoos, and the owner loyalty would go well beyond that of any other brand of motorcycle. To this day, regardless of innovations in imported motorcycles, Harley remains as good motorcycle as any in the world. Harley owners rarely defect to different brands. The motorcycle’s simplicity and timeless design help promote the brand loyalty. To many owners, very simply the concept of riding a symbol of American ingenuity through the city streets or country roads of America is enough. Harley sounds like no other bike, looks like no other bike, and feels like no other bike. Most Harley owners would agree that it’s the only motorcycle for them. Biker rallies and get-togethers draw more and more motorcycle enthusiasts every year. Whether you consider the motorcycle a means of transportation, or a means of relaxation, depends on your overall opinion of two-wheeled travel. Harley Davidson, however, is guaranteed to remain at the forefront of the industry for decades to come based purely on owner loyalty and genuine love for the ultimate American motorcycle.

Motorcycle Insurance: more than required, it's vital

Riding a bike is very risky as one is susceptible or prone to accidents very often. The most basic motorcycle insurance you can get is Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability. You can buy motorcycle insurance either online or in person. The motorcycle insurance can include liability coverage, medical payments, roadside help, uninsured motorcyclist, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, custom parts and equipment, and more. The coverage for motorcycle insurance is very different from that of an automobile insurance policy.

If your injury expenses exceed the “at-fault” person’s liability limits, you can use Underinsured Motorists Coverage to pay for the amount not covered by the person’s insurance. This coverage is an addition to your comprehensive or collision coverage. The liability coverage is required by law but in many cases collision coverage is optional.

Collision insurance usually covers the book value of the motorcycle before the loss occurred – factory parts. If you get fancy and add anything extra, like nifty chrome accessories or a custom paint job, additional coverage will be required for compensation. If a rider causes an accident, collision insurance will cover the cost of motorcycle repair. Collision coverage is the most expensive component of a motorcycle insurance quote. As with cars, most motorbikes will depreciate quite rapidly. In the event of a material damage claim, insurance companies will only pay the current market value of your bike.

Transportation of motorcycles is usually done with flatbed transporters and is a rather specialized operation, since the motorcycles in question are usually brand new. Motorcycle towing companies are usually heavily insured against transport mishaps.

The first step is to get insurance quotes from several companies. Quotes provided by insurance companies, agencies, or brokers usually give an estimate of your insurance payment. Quotes are the first step towards buying motorcycle insurance and they are provided quickly online. Valued customers can enjoy significant discounts and riders with a good safety record are given low premium quotes. Insurance quotes are computed based on a rider’s safety record, marital status, age, type of motorcycle and the number of claims made against previous policies.

Affordable insurance policies are available which enable the companies to customize your premium payment plan and pay it monthly or in any specified way. Online insurance options grant immediate access to the policy plan, and let you file claims and pay your premiums electronically, without any fuss. Motorcycle insurance policies can be quite flexible considering their level of risk due to theft and danger.

Are you purchasing a used motorcycle there is probably not an option for you to purchase gap insurance because most gap insurance policies are only good on brand new motorcycles. At Progressive, customers have a choice between Drive and Progressive Direct. Drive policies are offered through brokers and agents while Progressive Direct is for riders who prefer making their purchase online or through the telephone. An annoying feature of existing motorbike insurance policies is that discount bonuses are not able to be accumulated over time.

NY Motorcyclist crashes & dies from head injuries at anti-helmet protest

In the state of New York, all motorcyclists are required to wear helmets, by law. But many riders oppose the mandatory helmet law, including a group that participated on a protest near Syracuse this past weekend.

The protest ride, which was organized by the ABATE (American Bikers Aimed for Education), unfortunately ended with a tragedy: ironically, one participant riding his 1983 Harley Davidson bare-headed crashed on Saturday on Route 11 in Onondaga, New York.

The unlucky fellow in question, 55-year-old Phillip A. Contos, hit his brakes and the motorcycle fishtailed, losing control of the bike. As a result, he flipped over the bike's handlebars and hit his head on the pavement.

Contos, who was still alive when intervention crews arrived at the scene, was taken to the Upstate University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He reportedly died from head injuries, as he was not wearing a helmet. However, evidence at the scene and information from the attending physician indicate Contos would have survived if he had been wearing a Department of Transportation approved helmet, the troopers said.

"The medical expert we discussed the case with who pronounced him deceased stated that he would've no doubt survived the accident had he been wearing a helmet," said Trooper Jack Keller to NewsChannel 9.

It looks like there were no other incidents reported during the protest ride. In fact, most members put their helmets back on as they left the scene.

ABATE told the aforementioned source that despite this incident, they still believe in freedom of choice and bikers know the risk when they ride without a helmet...


source: autoevolution.com

Big bikers, bigger hearts

Representing Bikers Against Child Abuse, Pilot, Twisted Sister and D-Day offered their services to
Saline County at the Inter-Agency Council meeting on Tuesday morning.

The unlikely guardian's black-inked tattoo, gruff appearance and crass language makes him seem dangerous, and the thunderous roar of his bike is surely off-putting.

The biker poses a threat, but that's the point.

As a member of Bikers Against Child Abuse, he fends off perpetrators of abused children, and he works to empower kids living in fear of violence. At the Inter-Agency Council's regular meeting Tuesday, D-Day and his biker buddies, Twisted Sister and Pilot, offered their assistance to Saline County.

"We're big burly guys," D-Day said. "But we're guys with big hearts."

The group of bikers exists to create a safer environment for abused children. Founded in 1995 by a therapist known as Chief, the bikers encourage children to testify against perpetrators in court.

"We are the plague to end child abuse," Chief said in a video message viewed by the council.

The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System estimated 1,770 child fatalities in 2009 in the United States. D-Day said 96 child abuse related deaths occurred in Missouri last year, and for every reported case it is believed there are three unreported cases of abuse.

Every BACA member rides because they have a "big heart" for children. If it helps empower the victim, they'll send the child to therapy, horseback riding or karate classes. The non-profit organization directs all the donated money toward helping the BACA kids.

"There's nobody in BACA that gets a check for doing what we're doing," D-Day said.

The bikers prepare the kids for the courtroom, go to trial with them, and, if needed, provide full-time protection during a threat.

"If you want to come after me that's fine, just don't go after the kids," he said. "I can take care of myself."

BACA works in conjunction with local and state officials, but the group consists of bikers from different backgrounds including law enforcement, lawyers, blue collar workers and people with "shady pasts." They only exclude child abusers or non-bikers from the organization.

According to their mission statement, they never condone violence. But if necessary, the bikers stand ready to divert perpetrators from children.

"If you're a pedophile or someone who's going to hurt a child, you're going to meet my fist," he said.

Consequently, in times of need D-Day has gone prom shoe shopping and sat at Wendy's all night while a BACA kid worked. He even took a 10-year-old boy to the swimming pool when the previous solution for his safety had been to keep him indoors.

"We stay there until the threat goes away," Twisted Sister said.

While there isn't a BACA organization here, well established BACA chapters border Saline County on all boundaries. BACA hopes to protect children in this area, too.

"We'll send whoever is closest and makes the most sense," she said.

BACA assigns each child two primary bikers. These bikers act as the child's protectors, but they also form a relationships with the child by taking them for ice cream and showing up at schools for "show and tell."

The BACA kids grow to trust their new "brothers and sisters," and when 40-plus bikers appear in the neighborhood for a ride, it sends a clear message of protection. This intimidation factor proves essential in securing the children, because most perpetrators live near their victims.

"We say what we do, and we do what we say," D-Day said. "And, there are a lot of us."

The child's confidentiality remains a priority even through the high profile rides. Most of the time, BACA riders don't learn anything about the child's specific case, until they accompany the child to court. Even the child's name remains confidential.

Each BACA kid chooses their own road name. Upon initiation into the BACA family, the kids receive a vest with their new name on it. On a ride, the abused children travel surrounded by their new biker friends, under their new pseudonyms such as "Frilly" and "Duck Man."

"We are a big ugly people, but that empowers them to be the kids they need to be," D-Day said.

For more information visit http://bacaworld.org or call the Kansas City, Mo. Chapter hotline at 816-520-0991


source: www.marshallnews.com
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About Texas Biker Lawyer, David Cole:

Attorney David Cole, as a youngster, recognized his love and passion of motorcycles. Well before law school, he owned and regularly rode numerous motorcycles. With his passion for the open wind and motorcycles, fighting to protect injured Texas motorcyclists and motorcycle rights seemed a natural fit after graduating from law school.

Fixing a flat motorcycle tire with a plug

At highway speeds it took Michael a few seconds to realize the rear tire was flat and he was riding straight into California's Mojave Desert on a rim. Pulling off the freeway into a gas station, Michael looked at the rear tire and found a nail. Although motorcycle tires are not designed to work with plugs, Michael was desperate and stranded out in the middle of the desert. He walks over to a mechanic and asked if he had any plugs for sale and if they would hold air in a motorcycle tire. "Yep. It'll hold forever," replies the mechanic. Thankfully the mechanic had a tire plug kit that included: tar plugs, reamer, a needle with screwdriver and a razorblade.

Start by locating the hole. If it's not apparent, add air to the tire and spray soapy water and look for the bubbles. Once you find the hole, mark the spot with a marker or piece of tape. Next remove the nail, screw or piece of metal with a pair of pliers. Grab the reamer, which is a sort of pointed file, and spend a couple of minutes roughing up the edges of the hole. Next, remove a tar-plug, which looks like convenience store beef jerky, from its packaging and feed the tar-plug through the eye of the needle with the screwdriver handle. Push the tar-plug and needle through the hole. Remove the needle by jiggling it free of the tar-plug once you have a ½-inch of the tar-plug outside of the hole. Cut the excess tar-plug flush with the motorcycle's tread. Add air then spit on the tire to look for bubbles to indicate an air leak. This worked for Michael across the Mojave Desert but the tire picked up another nail outside of San Francisco. Since he was closer to society he stopped by a motorcycle shop to pick up some Slime tire sealant.

Slime works by sealing a tire from the inside with the benefit of not having to remove the tire from the rim. Rotate the tire so that the valve stem is at its closest point to the ground and remove the tire's valve stem cap. Remove the cap off the bottle of Slime, which doubles as a tool to remove the tire's valve stem needle, and remove the valve stem needle. Empty the contents of the bottle of Smile into the valve stem. Once that is accomplished, raise the rear tire off the ground and begin spinning the tire as fast as you can for five minutes; to allow centrifugal force to spread the Slime evenly across the tire. Insert and tighten the valve stem needle and re-inflate with air. A repaired motorcycle tire is at best a temporary fix but out in the middle of no-where you have to do what it takes to get where you're going.

Cleaning Tips For Your Bike

Now that riding weather is in full effect, it is time to think about getting your motorcycle out of storage and ready for riding. After being stored all winter, your bike is bound to need some serious cleaning. There is nothing worse than a dusty, dirty bike. You probably paid really good money for that piece of machinery that you have not seen for months and seeing it a mess is almost heartbreaking to some of us. The question is, what are the best ways to clean your bike.

It does not matter if you are just getting your bike ready for another season of riding or putting your bike up for sale, the following is a list of things that can help you keep your bike looking it's best.

• If you don't have a pressure washer then you should get one! A pressure washer used with a good cleaning agent/degreaser is the best tool for removing baked on road grime and dirt. Make sure that the cleaner is designed for automotive use.
  
  
• Wash your bike in the shade. Washing it in the sun will cause stubborn spots that are very difficult to get off.
  
  
• Commit to the task at hand. give yourself a couple of hours. You cannot do a good job in 30 minutes.
  
  
• Put your bike on a lift or stand to get the wheels off the ground. This is not required but it will make cleaning and polishing the wheels easier. The lifts and stands also raise the bike so you don't have to bend over as much.
  
  
• I use a really good leaf blower to dry my bike. I found that I save a lot of time and have less spots using a blower.
  
  
• WD-40 and wax can give you professional results. If you have lots of chrome then you can use fine steel wool to polish out blemishes. If you have sensitive skin or allergies to chemicals then try and wear rubber gloves and other protective garments to protect you body,face,and hands. Your local Harley dealer has a great detail kit you can use.

These tips will help you keep you bike looking nice. Have pride in your ride!! Happy safe riding this year!