It's all there -you've just gotta go get it 👍

 My apologies for my absence from blogging!! I've been very busy creating content for my and FXCHD's YouTube channels (here's my #LifeBehindBars, and the FXCHD channel), riding, and now editing, plus having fun. I did get some vacation time, and had planned to work on my videos while taking some time off, but the Universe definitely had other plans! 

Often I have my friends and co-workers asking how I can afford to live the life I lead -seemingly always riding here, staying overnight there, taking time off from work. Here's my secret: I just go do it!

The Universe loves to prove you right, no matter what you're mindset is, so make it a good one!! 

Of course there is a little planning involved, so I'll give you my tips & tricks on how I grab Life by the Handlebars and have a great ride-

1) It's not you, it's about how you deal with it

I've heard the phrases, "How could this happen to me?" "S/He's doing that to get back at me!" "If it weren't for _________ (insert who or whatever you're going to blame here), I'd be a millionaire by now." Guess what: things go wrong as often as things go right. It's all in how you deal with it... Is it a challenge for you to overcome? Or is it something blocking you from your goal? Your perspective is everything!! Do not allow something to destroy you - you have a choice on how to proceed. 

2) It's already all there for you

Sure there are times when it can feel that Life just dumped a load of crap on you. Realize that these are challenges designed to improve yourself, your well-being. None of us were born knowing how to walk, but we learned even though we fell a number of times. And learning how to walk gave way to other adventures. There's that old saying, "If it were easy everyone would do it!" By learning how to meet and overcome that challenge, you're developing skills that will definitely lead you on the path of abundance. The biggest lesson here is that you've got to do the work -no one else can do it for you, there is no magic wand or super pill to bring you what you're looking for.

Photo by Melissa Walker Horn on Unsplash

3) Money is just Money

For all those who think money is the root of all evil, that those who are rich must have done something 'bad' to get all that money, that all your dreams could come true if you just had the money you deserve, think again. Money is just a piece of metal (coin), paper, or numbers in a computer (online bank account) -it's the value that you're placing on those inanimate objects that's tying up your time and energy. And when you try to horde it, keep it all to yourself, you're really cutting yourself off from others and the potential for more. Think of a person trying to hold onto something -they're holding it tight to their body, often with their fists closed and their head down, and that very body language is telling everyone/thing that you don't want more. When you learn to see the true value of your worth as a human being, and the value that others bring to you, you realize how truly wealthy you are.

4) Recognize when to let go

Obviously there is some routine we have to follow in order to survive. Our ancestors worked to raise farm animals & crops so that they could eat. Now we have the convenience of stores to buy the food with the income we get at our jobs. There's heat & electricity for our houses, gas for our cars & motorcycles. We have bills to pay. That in no way implies that you have to stop living! The Universe will bring to you opportunities that will bring you happiness -you can take a moment and enjoy the little things. Often I take the long way home on my bike, taking in the summer sunshine. I'll splurge on that dress, even if I'll only wear it once (then I'll send it off to Thredup.com so someone else can enjoy it). I'll have that night out with friends. It's moments like that where I'm grateful that I can afford it that keep me going.

5) Get it out of your Head

If you're a typical American, you are bombarded with about 5,000 ads a day. Television, radio, emails, websites, streaming services, product placements in movies and t.v. shows, billboards, coupons, sales deals, etc., etc. Even when you go grocery shopping you'll get the commercial packaging blasting you from the shelves. All telling you what you want rather than what you need. 

Cut out all that noise, get quiet for a moment, and ask yourself if you really need to have that 60" 4K HDtv or if you can live with the t.v. you have now. If you get a new living room set now, will it add value to your life or can you live with the couch you have? Do you really need that carton of cigarettes or bottles of booze when both are slowly zapping the life out of your body??

You could blame me for adding to the noise, I am the Marketing Manager at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson after all. I'm devising ways to "sell you" something that you don't need for your survival: a Motorcycle. 

Although I say you really would benefit from having a motorcycle in your life -it's a connection to the Universe that I haven't been able to reproduce elsewhere in my life. Riding my Harley really brings me a lot of value, joy, and happiness into my life. Think of it as "Wind Therapy". 

And let's say that is your goal, to one day own a Harley of your own. By thinking "they're too expensive" or "I can never afford one" you are actually blocking your own path from obtaining the very thing you desire! 

Cut those negative thoughts from your head. As long as that's your mindset, you will continue to see 'roadblocks'. The Universe loves to prove you right, no matter what you're mindset is, so make it a good one!!

Photo by Paige Weber on Unsplash

3 Reasons Why Fall is a Good Time to Buy a Motorcycle

Shorter days, changing leaves and dropping temps all herald the end of the Riding Season (at least for us in Northern New York and similar climates). 

One last ride before my bike went for her nap!

You might be thinking that, since you'll probably be storing any motorcycle you get now until Spring, it isn't the best time to buy one. 

But it actually is. Here's why:

1. Less is More: I've blogged about how Bikes Call to People no matter what time of year we're in. However, those who bought their bike at the beginning of and during the season are now no longer looking. This translates to less competition and more opportunities for you, the buyer.
2. Other Ways to Save: Having less people after the same bike you want means you have a little more time to shop banks & lenders -especially if you've got a good to great credit score. This will potentially save you thousands in interest! Keep in mind tho- a little time is not a lot... give it 8 business days max. 
3. Extended Manufacturer's Warranty: The MoCo is offering an extension on their limited Two Year Warranty when you get a new 2016 through 2018 model year H-D® Motorcycle*, to make up for the 'lost' winter months we won't be riding. Who said leftovers were a bad thing? Get the deets by clicking here.

So, if you've been wanting to get a motorcycle all summer long and somehow didn't, allow this to be your motivation to get it done. NOW!

7 Ways Why Traveling by Motorcycle is Better

Photo by Gary Lopater on Unsplash

It's ALL About The Journey

For your vacation you can get on a plane and be at your destination in a matter of hours. But when you travel via Motorcycle you really get to the heart of where you're going. Turns out a Motorcycle is an even better way to see the world.

We have several large continents with lots and lots of roads. Those roadways provide access to popular tourist spots, charming towns, beautiful back-roads and hidden gems you won't see from the air.

Here's why we at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson think a Motorcycle Road Trip is the best way to travel and really get to know the country.

1. Save the Air Faire

Average ticket prices are roughly $380 -not including baggage fees, over-priced airport food, and feeling like cattle as you are herded onto and off of a stuffed bus with wings. 

Added bonus of traveling by Bike: you can skip being felt-up by TSA.

2. Travel in Comfort

No kids kicking the back of your seat, no cramped seating without any leg-room, no seatbelt cutting off circulation and no canned air recirculating other people's germs. 

On a Motorcycle you are free in the fresh air, so stretch out and enjoy the ride.

3. Stop Where You Like

On a plane you can't ask the pilot to change where they're going to land... Just another perk of traveling by Bike.

Want to stop and see that vintage roadside attraction? Saw a cool diner you'd like to try? Just want to stop and enjoy the view? You can!!

4. Easily get to Hard-to-Reach Places

Any type of travel involves time spent in transit. Of course a bike is no different.

Except your family reunion is in a little town that's going to take two planes and then another two hours by car just to get there. But on a Motorcycle you can 'fly' directly to your destination!

5. Taste the Town

If you're like us, you've gone out of your way just to try the local famous cuisine. Beans in Boston, Cheesesteak on the Chesapeake Bay, Tacos in Tijuana and Lobster in Louisiana...  

Added bonus of traveling by Bike: ask the local Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) to point you in the right direction so you can eat where the locals do. 

6. Go Greener

Jet wash: something not even Maverick in Top Gun can fly through. A Motorcycle emits the smallest fraction of that = no brainer.

7. Instant Friends

No matter if you're riding solo, with your SO, or with a small group of friends, you'll meet people along the road -some of them will even become life-long friends.

L to R: Queen Mother, Nance, Irish (me), Black Widow, Halo & LoLo

How Bikers Save Money for their Road Trip(s)

Admittedly, when most people see a Biker, they think that they have little to no money. And in most cases they'd be wrong. (Unless you see us right after a trip to a Bike Rally or long road trip.)

On my way back from Laconia, NH

Truth be told the average Biker has a decent bank roll. There's their Harley-Davidson motorcycle, about $12K+. Then there's all the Riding Gear- leather and/or nylon jackets, leather chaps, usually two or more helmets, rain gear, boots and gloves- probably $2500 all together. Plus there's bike parts and maintenance, another $1000-$2000 annually, depending on the bike's mileage. 

And then we have money for our long road trips, probably to Laconia or Sturgis, or over several (or longer) days. That's fuel (although it only takes $20 or so to fill up on high octane), food, lodging, entertainment and souvenirs. 

Our bikes (I'm in the middle) on the Cape May - Lewis Ferry

But how do Bikers afford it all? How can we afford to take our long road trips across states, or maybe even across the country? 

We save for it. And this is how we do it:

1) We don't spend excessively when we're home. We don't get Starbucks every morning, we drink the coffee at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson. We don't eat out every lunch time, we bring our lunches with us to work. Cable and streaming services are at a minimum, we look to save on groceries, and we do our drinking at home (which also saves on DUI charges!). We know that while we're on our Road Trips we'll be having coffee, eating out and having loads of entertainment while having our adventures, so waiting for that is worth it.

2) We use dedicated savings accounts. By cutting our expenses at home we're able to put that money immediately into a savings account where we can't touch it. We take $25 a week out of our paycheck, so at the end of the month that's $100, and at the end of six months that's $600. See how fast that adds up?

My boots in the sand at Lake Winnipesaukee

3) Have spare change will travel. I'm talking about apps that take the spare change from purchases on your debit card and invest them (Acorns, Digit and Chime). You spend $29.32 filling up your car, they'll take the remaining $0.68 cents and put that into an investment account. You'll be surprised at just how fast that adds up!! With Acorns (that's what I have and I love them!!) you can even have them invest another $10 -or which ever amount you wish -every week and it'll add up even faster. The only caveat: it takes about a week to ten days to withdraw your money.

Then there's apps like Ibotta, EBates and other cash back sites that will put money in your account for making certain purchases. It's a little, but it's still money that adds up over time.

4) We are H.O.G.s! That stands for the Harley Owners Group and you can be a member as long as you own at least one Harley motorcycle. By being a member you'll get pins & patches for mileage accumulated, HOG Magazine, Touring Handbook and more. While at home you can save on your AT&T wireless services, motorcycle insurance & shipping. While your traveling on the road, even if you're in your car, you can save on lodging with Best Western Ride Rewards. See all the H.O.G. membership benefits for yourself by clicking here.

5) Of course you can't travel by motorcycle if you don't have one! We at FXCHD have that covered: until the end of January 2018 we at FXCHD have a "No Money Down, No Payments 90 Days" with AmeriCU. Get the new bike now and be ready to ride come spring-time.

As with any travel, things rarely go exactly according to plan. So you'll want a little money cushion and be open to adjusting your plans as needed. And remember what all Bikers know to be true: 

It's the journey, not the destination, 

that makes all the difference.

Me stuck in the middle again!

You can bet your sweet App on that!!

Here's what happened last week in our Service Department at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson:

As you might already know, I also take pictures of damaged bikes for warranty claims. Within the last year or so, that's expanded to taking pictures of wrecked bikes for the insurance claim.

What I recently found out is that quite a few insurance companies no longer have an insurance adjuster come out to the shop to do the estimate. You just download their app - bing, bang, boom and you're done! And now, one company I just got off the phone with, is doing claims completely through their app on my (or your) smart phone. 

"Isn't that better?" I hear you ask, "That means I don't have to wait on the adjuster, right? So I'll get my money faster." Well, the answer is yes and no.

Yes - it's better if all you care about is getting some money for your accident. Notice I didn't say "enough money" to fix your motorcycle. 

This is the point is when my answer is No - it's not better because there are things that'll get missed (and I get the feeling this is why insurance companies have embraced this practice).

The particular company our customer has told him for us to download their app to my smart phone. I punched in the claim number I had, only to learn that the app allows just three - 3!!! - pictures of the damaged area. But this bike has more than three damaged areas....

So I called the insurance company through their national 1-800 number and, after going through the automated system, got a real live person on the phone. 

"Jake" was quite pleasant to speak with - so that was a plus, but the only one. As it turns out I can only submit photos through their app - I have no way to email them to a claims representative. 

Jake even seemed a little dismayed to hear that the owner had brought their bike into the dealership. "Oh, the owner could have done that [on the app] - he didn't have to take his bike to you."

Alarm bells going off!! This insurance company has done away with claims adjusters in favor of inexperienced representatives who are writing estimates based on pictures taken by the owner (whose primary job isn't as a automotive or motorcycle technician). To say something is going to get missed is an understatement.

Getting something done faster and easier is not always going to be best for you, the customer. Insurance companies are hoping you'll accept the check for a substandard, below cost estimate and just shut-up about it. Consumers need to wake up!!

Where the Rubber meets the Road

Saving money.... we all want to do it, Bikers

included. But to a Biker the term does not mean "cut corners" - especially where tires are concerned.

As someone new to motorcycling, one of the first realizations is that it can get expensive buying the bike & the parts to customize it. Usually the first 'add on' is a Stage 1 Performance upgrade (i.e. exhaust, hi-flo air intake & computer download). 

He thought he was saving a sh*t ton of money, but he nearly cost him & his girl their lives.

Then comes all the riding gear = leather jacket,

Good riding gear = always worth it

helmet, nylon jacket, rain gear, boots, gloves, etc. Over time it adds up, however it's definitely not a place to skimp on.

The same thing can be said about your motorcycle tires. Depending on your tire maintenance, how you ride, how many miles you ride, and how the tire was made, they might only last one or two riding seasons. At about $150 for a front tire, and around $300 for the rear tire (before labor), some 'newbies' look for a cheaper deal.... just remember you get what you pay for.

Old school new tire delivery

We once had a rider with a passenger traveling from NYC, riding a Dyna Super Glide Custom, stop in because they felt a "slight wobble" at highway speeds (FXCHD is right next to Exit 42 off of I-81).

This owner was very cost conscious and believed that getting tires from an auction sight online and having his non-biker friend/home mechanic put them on was saving him a sh*t ton of money.... but it nearly cost him & his girl their lives.

Just remember: you get what you pay for.

Car & motorcycle tires come with a date code because, even if they're not used on a vehicle, there is an 'expiration date' you should know about. In other words, there was a reason the tires this guy bought online were sssooo cheap.

How many birthdays have your tires had?
Check the date code!

The date code on a tire can easily be decoded - the four digits translate into the week and year; so 4708 is the 47th week of 2008. The older the tire, the faster the rubber degrades and likely to fail. Any tire over six years old is best used as a tire swing. 

As a motorcyclist, when you only have two wheels instead of four, you should want them to be the best they can be!!

Money doesn't buy happiness.... but it can buy a Harley - and that's just about the same thing!

Can you believe this guy didn't want a new tire??

Not only was the tire old, but it was the wrong size for his bike (too small), and his friend mounted the rear tire so that it was traveling in the wrong direction. Add in the fact that the tires were grossly under-inflated and steel belts were showing - yes, steel belts! - we were all wondering how they'd manage to survive the 300+ miles getting to us.

Can you believe this guy didn't want new tires?? He thought we were trying to scam him into something he didn't need.... It was only when we were insisting he and his passenger sign a release, that their families weren't going to sue the dealership, that he realized we were literally trying to save both their lives.

So, before that first ride in Spring, check out your tires: How is the tread depth and wear? Tire pressure ok? How many birthdays have your tires had? 

Should you need new motorcycle tires, you can always contact our Parts Department online or by calling 315-583-6177.