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