Biker Issues
The Next Harley?
01/10/08 12:05 Filed in: USA | BikerIssues
I ran across this today. This is not a joke. This guy actually built this thing and flew it! 
Come on now, shouldn't Harley had invented this? With some loud jets, black paint, leather jacket and boots made for cruising around town.
Instead of a bar-hopping ride, it would be a cloud-busting ride. Do you really think that helmet will protect you in the case of a crash? Or is that in case of a flock of ducks or seagulls? Hey at least ducks aren't on their cell phones, drinking coffee, putting on make-up or eating a hamburger while they are flying! Seems a lot safer in the sky than on the road! All I know is this: After hitting all those bugs, this guy needs a Air Shammy "jetpack" dryer!!!
Come on now, shouldn't Harley had invented this? With some loud jets, black paint, leather jacket and boots made for cruising around town.
Instead of a bar-hopping ride, it would be a cloud-busting ride. Do you really think that helmet will protect you in the case of a crash? Or is that in case of a flock of ducks or seagulls? Hey at least ducks aren't on their cell phones, drinking coffee, putting on make-up or eating a hamburger while they are flying! Seems a lot safer in the sky than on the road! All I know is this: After hitting all those bugs, this guy needs a Air Shammy "jetpack" dryer!!!
Riding to Sturgis with Your Buds
20/09/08 16:44 Filed in: USA | What I Think
Some friends of mine recently rode up to Sturgis. Ron and his awesome wife Darlene are two of my favorite people. The kind of brother and sister you feel comfortable with. In their company, you just feel like you are home. Here is a picture Ron sent me this past week from his travels.
This picture sums up so much about bikers. Someone is always watching your front and guarding your back. Bikers are a unique species of human that only God could have designed. On the outside, we may appear rough with our tattoos, long hair or shaved heads, leather, bandanas, colors and loud bikes. But I have seen the hardest of the hard-core biker cry at a benefit for terminally ill children. I have seen thousands of dollars donated in time and money by bikers. I have seen a biker jump in his truck and drive a few hours to pick up a buddy who was broken down on the side of the road. I have seen bikers slow down and check on me when I am pulled over on the side of the freeway. Are bikers the ultimate rebel? Maybe. But I do know this - Bikers are the first to stand up for America; they are the first to open their wallets to a need; they are the first to help someone out; and they are the first to defend those who cannot protect themselves. Thanks Ron for the great picture and for reminding me what is great about America.
This picture sums up so much about bikers. Someone is always watching your front and guarding your back. Bikers are a unique species of human that only God could have designed. On the outside, we may appear rough with our tattoos, long hair or shaved heads, leather, bandanas, colors and loud bikes. But I have seen the hardest of the hard-core biker cry at a benefit for terminally ill children. I have seen thousands of dollars donated in time and money by bikers. I have seen a biker jump in his truck and drive a few hours to pick up a buddy who was broken down on the side of the road. I have seen bikers slow down and check on me when I am pulled over on the side of the freeway. Are bikers the ultimate rebel? Maybe. But I do know this - Bikers are the first to stand up for America; they are the first to open their wallets to a need; they are the first to help someone out; and they are the first to defend those who cannot protect themselves. Thanks Ron for the great picture and for reminding me what is great about America.
Sturgis Rally~Got to Love Politicians
20/09/08 16:24 Filed in: USA | Industry News
You got to love politicians. They seem to always know when to show up and talk. Sometimes they say the wrong things and are immortalized forever on youtube. Other times, you witness something historical. I found this picture on the internet the other day and thought it would go good with a speech John McCain gave. McCain decided to attend the Sturgis rally because Americans were there. Nothing is more American than the freedom of riding. 
I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else's. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency; for its faith in the wisdom, justice and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again. I wasn't my own man anymore. I was my country's.
I'm not running for president because I think I'm blessed with such personal greatness that history has anointed me to save our country in its hour of need. My country saved me. My country saved me, and I cannot forget it. And I will fight for her for as long as I draw breath, so help me God.
If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you're disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and work to correct them. Enlist in our armed forces. Become a teacher. Enter the ministry. Run for public office. Feed a hungry child. Teach an illiterate adult to read. Comfort the afflicted. Defend the rights of the oppressed. Our country will be the better, and you will be the happier. Because nothing brings greater happiness in life than to serve a cause greater than yourself.
I'm going to fight for my cause every day as your president. I'm going to fight to make sure every American has every reason to thank God, as I thank Him: that I'm an American, a proud citizen of the greatest country on earth, and with hard work, strong faith and a little courage, great things are always within our reach. Fight with me. Fight with me.
Fight for what's right for our country.
Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.
Fight for our children's future.
Fight for justice and opportunity for all.
Stand up to defend our country from its enemies.
Stand up for each other; for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.
Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. Nothing is inevitable here. We're Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history. We make history.
Thank you, and God bless you.
All Motorcycle Owners Need to Vote
11/09/08 10:41 Filed in: USA | BikerIssues
I got an email this week that I need to share with you. Being a biker and a business owner, I have to weigh all the issues associated with voting for our next President and VP candidates. We can argue the issues about the economy, the war in Iraq, oil prices, health care, etc. all we want till we are blue in the face. (Being from Kentucky, blue is the state color because of UK).
But someone once said that a picture is worth 1,000 words. So I present two pictures to you and you can decide who you want to vote for!
But someone once said that a picture is worth 1,000 words. So I present two pictures to you and you can decide who you want to vote for!
RIding is Good for the Soul
There is nothing better for your soul than a good, long ride on your motorcycle. Someone once said "Sometimes it takes a full tank of gas before you can think straight." I agree with that.
Ever feel like you want the world to stop so you can get off? There is no better way to do some deep thinking than when you are riding. My bike does not have a CD player so every time I ride is thinking time. It is head clearing time. It is time for me to reground myself. I think about the priorities in my life : God, my family and my friends. It is just my motorcycle and me; and a full tank of gas.
I think about how blessed I am to have such a beautiful and incredible wife. I think about my children and how I would lay down my life for them. I think about how blessed I am to live in a country that has so many freedoms.
Some people drink till they forget their problems. I ride till I realize how small my problems are.
My problems are shrinking with every mile.
1/2 tank left to go.
I am a blessed man.
Ever feel like you want the world to stop so you can get off? There is no better way to do some deep thinking than when you are riding. My bike does not have a CD player so every time I ride is thinking time. It is head clearing time. It is time for me to reground myself. I think about the priorities in my life : God, my family and my friends. It is just my motorcycle and me; and a full tank of gas.
I think about how blessed I am to have such a beautiful and incredible wife. I think about my children and how I would lay down my life for them. I think about how blessed I am to live in a country that has so many freedoms.
Some people drink till they forget their problems. I ride till I realize how small my problems are.
My problems are shrinking with every mile.
1/2 tank left to go.
I am a blessed man.
Motorcycle Thefts
02/09/08 12:49 Filed in: Industry News
After posting our newest top ten list for new motorcycle riders, I decided to check out how many motorcycles are stolen each year. YIKES, what an eye opening experience. The top 5 bikes stolen are:
1. Suzuki
2. Honda
3. Yamaha
4. Kawasaki
5. Harley Davidson
Obviously, most thefts are for sport bikes (Thank God!).
The top five states are:
1. California
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. North Carolina
5. Ohio
North Carolina? I don't get that one. How scary are these stats! The interesting part of this research was that the majority of the thefts were from professional theft groups. So how do we protect our rides?
First of all, lets not make it too easy for them to steal it. I know of one technique that blew me away: they simply use a truck with a lift gate, put a mattress on the lift gate and push the bike over on it. Lift the lift gate, pull the mattress with the bike into the truck and drive off. Ignition kill switch and steering wheel lock do not deter this.
To prevent this, be sure to chain your bike to something stationary, even another bike if possible. Although this will not stop a determined thief, it may make them think twice and go after someone else's bike instead of yours.
LoJack has a motorcycle recovery program now for motorcycles.
As more and more people purchase motorcycles to commute to work, you can bet that thefts of motorcycles will increase. I would also be wary of parts sold on-line from questionable sellers. Many of these parts could be stolen. Buyer beware!
1. Suzuki
2. Honda
3. Yamaha
4. Kawasaki
5. Harley Davidson
Obviously, most thefts are for sport bikes (Thank God!).
The top five states are:
1. California
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. North Carolina
5. Ohio
North Carolina? I don't get that one. How scary are these stats! The interesting part of this research was that the majority of the thefts were from professional theft groups. So how do we protect our rides?
First of all, lets not make it too easy for them to steal it. I know of one technique that blew me away: they simply use a truck with a lift gate, put a mattress on the lift gate and push the bike over on it. Lift the lift gate, pull the mattress with the bike into the truck and drive off. Ignition kill switch and steering wheel lock do not deter this.
To prevent this, be sure to chain your bike to something stationary, even another bike if possible. Although this will not stop a determined thief, it may make them think twice and go after someone else's bike instead of yours.
LoJack has a motorcycle recovery program now for motorcycles.
As more and more people purchase motorcycles to commute to work, you can bet that thefts of motorcycles will increase. I would also be wary of parts sold on-line from questionable sellers. Many of these parts could be stolen. Buyer beware!
What I Would Do If I Owned Harley-Davidson
28/08/08 20:37 Filed in: What I Think
I was thinking today what I would do if I owned Harley-Davidson. Well first I would get a new bike to ride. (Hey, you would too!) But then I would start to strategize the best way to grow my company and maximize profits. I mean, really, I am a capitalist at heart so growth and profit would be a goal.
First, I would have bought Indian the last time it went into bankruptcy. That way, it would not rear its ugly head again in the future. Heck, I would have bought it if I was Honda too.
The Indian purchase would be interesting. I could introduce small, entry-level bikes to compete against the Honda's and Yamaha's while still protecting my HD branded products. HD tries to do this with their Sportster line, and while I like the new Sportsters, it seems most Sportster owners end up trading up within a few years. You can always find used Sportsters for sale. An entry level bike at $9,000 seems stiff anyways. And I would guess that the profit margin on a Sportster is less than it is on a Dyna, Heritage or Fat Boy model. The Indian purchase would have its possibilities while also eliminating a historic rival.
Secondly, I would work with my dealers on maximizing their profits by STOCKING product. There is nothing more irritating than to need or want a new part for my hog and go to my local dealer only to find out he doesn't stock it. I am talking high profit, straight-out-of-the-catalog, chrome accessories. I want it now and don't want to wait a week till he orders it and gets it in. I would venture to say that Harley dealers are making 50% minimum on parts. With that profit margin, they can afford to stock parts.
Lastly, many dealers do a poor job of understanding aftermarket sales. It seems that they want you to buy the bike and get you out the door as fast as possible. When I bought my hog, they did not introduce me to the service manager or parts manager. Don't they realize that there is A LOT of profit AFTER the sale of the motorcycle? Some dealers need training on understanding aftermarket sales and service. By the way, I always bought my parts and had my bike serviced at a different dealer than the one I bought it from. Any Harley owner knows that the HD logo outside a dealer means "Hundred Dollars".
Lastly, I would give an Air Shammy motorcycle dryer away with every bike purchase.
There, now you got my two cents on improving Harley Davidson.
First, I would have bought Indian the last time it went into bankruptcy. That way, it would not rear its ugly head again in the future. Heck, I would have bought it if I was Honda too.
The Indian purchase would be interesting. I could introduce small, entry-level bikes to compete against the Honda's and Yamaha's while still protecting my HD branded products. HD tries to do this with their Sportster line, and while I like the new Sportsters, it seems most Sportster owners end up trading up within a few years. You can always find used Sportsters for sale. An entry level bike at $9,000 seems stiff anyways. And I would guess that the profit margin on a Sportster is less than it is on a Dyna, Heritage or Fat Boy model. The Indian purchase would have its possibilities while also eliminating a historic rival.
Secondly, I would work with my dealers on maximizing their profits by STOCKING product. There is nothing more irritating than to need or want a new part for my hog and go to my local dealer only to find out he doesn't stock it. I am talking high profit, straight-out-of-the-catalog, chrome accessories. I want it now and don't want to wait a week till he orders it and gets it in. I would venture to say that Harley dealers are making 50% minimum on parts. With that profit margin, they can afford to stock parts.
Lastly, many dealers do a poor job of understanding aftermarket sales. It seems that they want you to buy the bike and get you out the door as fast as possible. When I bought my hog, they did not introduce me to the service manager or parts manager. Don't they realize that there is A LOT of profit AFTER the sale of the motorcycle? Some dealers need training on understanding aftermarket sales and service. By the way, I always bought my parts and had my bike serviced at a different dealer than the one I bought it from. Any Harley owner knows that the HD logo outside a dealer means "Hundred Dollars".
Lastly, I would give an Air Shammy motorcycle dryer away with every bike purchase.
There, now you got my two cents on improving Harley Davidson.
American Ironhorse Bankruptcy Sale September 12-14, 2008
28/08/08 15:50 Filed in: Industry News
From the up and coming manufacturer to bankruptcy. I knew the largest dealer in Southern California for American Ironhorse and saw them grow with the AI Texas Chopper and a few other designs from AI. What a sad state to see this company go under. For those who bought one, at least they were using S&S engines and Baker transmissions. All other parts seemed to be custom.
Anyways, if you are in the Fort Worth area, you may want to check out the sale. The parts list is downloadable at the auction site here.
I checked out the list and it seems to have inflated values on it. Give them some time, the prices will come down. According to the information I read, someone bought the rights to manufacture and these are excess parts. How can you have TEN MILLION DOLLARS of excess parts?
Anyways, if you are in the Fort Worth area, you may want to check out the sale. The parts list is downloadable at the auction site here.
I checked out the list and it seems to have inflated values on it. Give them some time, the prices will come down. According to the information I read, someone bought the rights to manufacture and these are excess parts. How can you have TEN MILLION DOLLARS of excess parts?
Patriot Guard Riders and Kentucky Law
28/08/08 08:33 Filed in: USA | Industry News
I was researching the ACLU website today and ran across an article on a 2006 Kentucky law that was passed to limit speech at funerals. The ACLU took the case and won citing the 2nd amendment for Freedom of Speech. The part that struck me was that the law was written so broadly that, according to the ACLU article, it could have prevented the Patriot Guard Riders from "being close enough to support the families of soldiers who have died in Iraq during military funeral protests."
While I do not always support the fights which the ACLU enters, I will always defend the rights of Americans to Freedom of Speech - even if I do not agree with the method they choose to exercise that freedom. What makes America great is the Rights and Protections we have under our Constitution. No other country has these rights.
In my humble opinion, anyone who would protest a military funeral is an idiot. The rights that protester is exercising was fought for and defended by soldiers - many of whom gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect that right.
I am a member of the Patriot Guard Riders and recommend to all bikers that they look into supporting this organization. You can find them at Patriotguard.org
God Bless America!
While I do not always support the fights which the ACLU enters, I will always defend the rights of Americans to Freedom of Speech - even if I do not agree with the method they choose to exercise that freedom. What makes America great is the Rights and Protections we have under our Constitution. No other country has these rights.
In my humble opinion, anyone who would protest a military funeral is an idiot. The rights that protester is exercising was fought for and defended by soldiers - many of whom gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect that right.
I am a member of the Patriot Guard Riders and recommend to all bikers that they look into supporting this organization. You can find them at Patriotguard.org
God Bless America!