Going Fall Throttle - 5 tips for great Autumn Rides

Anyone who has lived in the Northeast during the three months of Fall knows that Mother Nature puts on one hell of a show! And the predictions for 2018 are that it'll be an Awesome Autumn up in the Adirondacks.

Gazebo in Harrisville, NY

Some of the best riding of the year can be had in the vast Adirondack mountain wilderness to the east of FX Caprara Harley-Davidson. The vistas that now have blazing orange, red and yellow can be breath-taking. 

Looking for New Roads to Ride? Get with the NNY H.O.G. Chapter or check out GoTourNY.com

But before heading out to fall in love with all the Fall colors, here's a few tips to take with you down the road:

Cool roads & tires can affect your traction -make sure you've got the right tire pressure!

• Do your T-CLOCS Inspection

Pay particular attention to your tire pressure (cooler temps can cause the pressure in your tires to go significantly lower!) and your lights (all the better to see and be seen with!).

• Check the Weather

The weather in the valley can differ greatly from what they're getting up on the mountain, so check all the points you plan on riding to know before you go. Plus it never hurts to take your Rain Gear.

FXRG Layers will help keep you warm while looking cool

• Look cool, but stay warm

It might be warm when you start out, but things can quickly change so you'll want to layer up. A good base layer (Harley-Davidson's FXRG line is good to start), wind proof jacket (in a pinch you can use your rain gear b/c waterproof = wind proof), chaps and a good Leather Riding Jacket with a removable liner is just what I've been recommending for years.

Neck gators, 3/4 or full face helmets, and insulated gauntlet gloves will complete your look -plus help fight against the cold. And a 'Hi-Vis' top layer will help you be more visible to the cagers.

• Be aware of the Road Conditions

Leaves gathering on the asphalt and in turns, wet pavement, slick 'tar snakes', frost & fog, etc., etc. -watch for these potential hazards and plan ahead for how you'll ride through or around them as necessary.

Let's not forget increased traffic -thousands of tourists come from all around the world to enjoy Autumn in the Adirondacks. Leave yourself enough of a 'cushion' so that they'll have more time to see you -not that they will... When you see someone waiting to turn left and they're going to cross your path, take that as an immediate threat to you! Slow down, cover your brakes and prepare to take evasive action.

Photo by Scott Jackson on Unsplash

• Please Deer, not tonight

The fall months mean it's that romantic time of year for our furry four-legged friends as well!! That, along with the fact that farmers are out in the fields harvesting their crops, means deer are more active.  

Best advice is to ride during the day only..... but that's not always doable so when you have to ride at night, go at the speed limit or slower (within reason) and stick to the main roads (as opposed to the back country roads for obvious reasons). For more deer avoidance tips, check out this Common Tread Post.

What I learned on my Ride Home

ICYMI: Harley-Davidson had their 115th Anniversary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin over the Labor Day Weekend. And I rode there on my 115th Anniversary Heritage Softail, aaalllll the way from Northern New York with members of our Northern New York Harley Owners Group..... and then I rode a bit more before coming home.

I went from FX Caprara Harley-Davidson to Elyria, OH, to Milwaukee, WI to Munising, crossing over the Mackinac Bridge to Alpena and Port Huron, MI, and cutting through Canada to Niagara Falls before coming home.

After 2,217 miles on the road, here's what I learned: 

Skirting rain clouds on the coast of Lake Michigan (photo credit Google Maps)

• When you stop, check the weather radar -then put on ALL your rain gear if needed!

Somewhere in Ohio on our way out our group stopped to gas up and grab a quick bite. One member checked his weather app and proceeded to suit up while I thought all I needed was just my rain jacket.... WRONG! I got drenched.

Not making the same mistake on the same trip!! As I left Milwaukee there were numerous pop-up thunder showers, so I put on my full rain gear and this time it did its job -kept the rain away.

Remember to leave room for all the goodies you want to bring home!

• If you collect souvenirs, you'll need space to carry them home!

Start with a list of what you're going to pack, and stick to it. And once you've packed it all, make sure you've got space to bring home the souvenirs. I had extra space, but not enough and so I missed out on getting duty free items in Niagara before coming home. (Of course that just means I have to go back!!)

Harley-Davidson Serial Number 1 -a must see!!

• Have an idea of what you want to do, but not a plan...

Being in Fort Drum's backyard, we have more than a few "military" types who can have the tendency of over planning... but what I found works best is to have an idea of what you'd like to do/see, but don't be a slave to a rigid schedule. When you allow for flexibility, you'll be able to relax, enjoy the moment and see what the day brings.

These lovely ladies put on a great show at Veterans Park

• Getting to meet interesting people

We met more than a few people along the way who were also riding out to Milwaukee, then even more when we got to where we were going. Guys that rode all the way from Brazil. People from Japan. Others speaking German. And to top it off, one of our Uber drivers who wants to ride his motorcycle in NNY next year.

Gertie the Duck on the Milwaukee River

• U-Turns are what make a trip interesting

These days GPS and route planners make getting from A to B a lot easier... but if your bike is like mine, you might not have that info right in front of you. Trying to remember route numbers and directions isn't always easy... and when you miss a turn, even though it's a 'mistake' it sometimes is for the best because then you find interesting stuff.  There's a saying, "You're not lost as long as you've got gas," and this is very true when it comes to traveling by motorcycle.

A quiet spot close to Niagara Falls

• There really is still kindness in the world

Despite all the news headlines would have us believe, there are nice people out there. While putting on all my rain gear (after Milwaukee) I had a couple of riders stop in to check if I was ok. And while riding in Canada, all I had to do was put on my turn signal (to change lanes) and other cars would let me right in! It seemed where ever I went there were nice people welcoming me, asking how the ride was.

My Bike looking over at the Mackinac Bridge before crossing

• It wasn't fear I was feeling, it was the excitement of getting out of my comfort zone

During the torrential down-pour we experienced on our way out to Milwaukee, the 'fear' briefly flashed through my head, "There's lots of water on the road, I'm on a new bike, visibility is bad... I could so easily loose control and go down..." but then I stopped myself. They weren't really fears, just self doubt (which I definitely don't need while riding a motorcycle down the interstate in the pouring rain!). 

Instead I focused on my riding ability and the fact that my 2018 Heritage Softail has ABS. With my Basic Rider's Course Instructor's Voice in my head (even though I took the course nearly 10 years ago), putting the fact that I was soaked through from the waist down to the back of my mind (at least it was a warm rain), and laughing because the water was giving me a nice "fresh water facial" (what some people pay $120 for!!) allowed me to relax and ride through it. The upside to the down-pour for me was increased confidence in my ability and knowing what I can accomplish.

Tribute to the fun I had after the party in Milwaukee

• Take the time and really enjoy your life, no matter your age!

Growing up in the '70s & '80s the pressure was on to know what I wanted my career to be, graduating high school and college, and getting a good paying job with great benefits... That wasn't necessarily bad advice, but I realize now that was what their priorities were- not mine. 

When traveling by motorcycle I am forced to slow down and listen to my own voice. I turned 50 this year and I've realized that if I want to stop to enjoy a view or try a restaurant I should do just that. That it's ok to not have a priority or plan and to just enjoy myself, living in the moment. 

B-e-a-utiful Sunset in Michigan

• Be grateful for the little things

Riding along the coast of Lake Michigan and seeing those views, the beauty of the setting sun, flowers blooming and bees buzzing in a summer garden... After saying "WOW!" at the show Mother Nature was giving me, I'd follow up with a, "Thank you!" I am so blessed to be able to take this all in.

Pictured Rocks on Lake Superior, Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Niagara Falls in the Evening

Beat Biker Weariness with these 7 Tips

You Deserve a Break

And taking a nice, long road trip by bike is one of the best ways to treat yourself.

However, if you find that you'll be spending quite a few hours racking up miles behind bars (say to Milwaukee for the 115th Anniversary Celebration like me!!), you'll want a plan to stay fresh and alert while on your journey.

At FX Caprara Harley-Davidson we've got these 7 tips to help you avoid the dangers of becoming road weary.

Photo by Floris Jan-roelof on Unsplash

1. Get some good shut-eye

In other words, be well rested. Plan to pack your bike a day or two before you leave so you won't be up till 2am doing last minute stuff. Or go to sleep early and pack in the morning. Either way get a full night's sleep before starting off.

Also, you can always stop and take a 'power nap' if you feel drowsiness setting in. It's much better to recharge your system for the rest of the day's ride than to push yourself too hard/far so that you're putting your life and others at risk.

2. You are what you eat (and drink)

No doubt that you spend more energy while riding than you do when driving. So much so that you might feel famished when you stop for your lunch and/or dinner... a word of caution:

When you eat a large, heavy meal (like spaghetti dinner or double cheese burger with fries) your body will then need to digest all that food -which also takes energy.... See where I'm going with this?

Instead we find it better to eat smaller meals more often -like every other time you stop for gas. Foods high in protein are best. And keep yourself well hydrated -with both water and something with electrolytes if it's hot out.

Photo by Bogomil Mihaylov on Unsplash

3. You gotta stop sometime

You've got promises to keep and 400 miles to go before you can sleep... But here's a tip: this is not a race, endurance or otherwise. Take your time, pace yourself and stop when you need to. 

My personal preference is to stop every 100 miles or so. If you're riding in a group you'll want to plan with the others when to stop, because different riders will have varying distances for their preferences.

4. Remember to Move It, Move It

When you do stop take a moment to make some movement. Walk, stretch, sit in the shade of a tree, start a conversation, grab that light snack and hydrate. This will help to keep both your body and mind fresh.

Photo by Cristobal Baeza on Unsplash

5. Ride like the Wind (just don't fight it)

The main reason Bikers burn more calories riding than other people do driving is because they're out in the wind. That wind is number one in creating fatigue, both in noise and aerodynamically (it pushes against our middle). 

To cut wind noise use earplugs and/or a helmet that covers your ears (3/4 or full face). And for looooong trips you might want to put a windshield or fairing on your bike to help split the wind around you.

6. Take the Scenic Route

When possible take the back roads versus taking the interstate. That's because you'll be going through different speed zones, shifting through the bike's gears, and leaning through the curves equals more engagement with your mind and body.

Of course there are times when you need to buzz out there as fast as you can, you'll have to be on the highways and the interstate. Here, to avoid getting lulled into a zoned out trance, pass for position and don't use your cruise control. Reasonably moving around traffic and varying your speed by 5 mph will help you keep you alert. 

7. Talk it Out

Try using a communication system so you can talk to the other riders with you, listen to your favorite talk show/podcast, or sing along to your music. 

Even doing the "Biker Wave" will help you feel more alert and engaged. Added bonus: you'll be an ambassador for motorcyclists with everyone on the road.

THE List of What and How to Pack Your Motorcycle

Head 'Em Up - Move 'Em Out

Hands down, there is no better way to experience this b-e-a-utiful country of ours than from the seat of a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle.

Taking the REAL Scenic Route

Or any motorcycle -I'm just a little biased!

Sure there's riding to and from work, but now you've decided to take things a step further and have planned to take the show on the road. Most Excellent!

To help you prepare, I've put together this list plus a few tips I've learned the hard way.

Before you go:

• Any new gear or equipment (i.e. helmet, tank bag or seat) you'll want to try out at least one month before you go!! A few years back I bought a pair of new pig-skin gauntlet gloves just for my trip, and then about threw them away. Because I hadn't broken them in, with my hand on the throttle, it felt like someone was stabbing needles in-between my fingers. Wear or use your new stuff now -it won't be new when your trip comes, but it won't be a waste either since you'll have figured out if it'll work for you or not.
• Take a small, one or two overnight trip on your bike before your big trip if you can. Pack what you think you'll need and see how it all fits on your bike. Then when you get back, re-evaluate: did you use all that you packed? Why or why not? Was there anything you needed but didn't have? These are the questions to ask now!
• Whether or not you've had the chance to take that 'Pre-trip Trip', you should start packing two to three days out. Blocking time out to pack will make your trip sssooo much easier!! Plan what you'll wear before packing and use clothes that will work for several outfits. You never need to bring clothes for more than four days, even if you're riding for weeks -hotels often have laundry service or you can stop in at a coin-op laundry.
• Shoes take up space!! You'll definitely want something for off the bike though, so pack a comfy pair of tennis shoes and/or flats. You can also use them to pack your underwear or socks in, utilizing the space they take the best you can.

Next up, What to Pack:

1) While Riding:

• Helmet and glasses/goggles
• Rain Gear
• Chaps -temperature changes can happen quickly, especially if you're riding in the mountains!!
• Gloves for Summer & Rain, plus a Neck Gaiter or Bandana
• Jeans and a Long Sleeve Tee
• A Three-Season Riding Jacket -preferably with layers you can add or remove as necessary
• Over-the-Ankle Riding Boots
• Water & light snacks (protein bar, nut mix, etc.)
• Chap stick/lip balm, sunscreen and one of those 'quick cool' towels
• Maps of the areas you'll be riding in (cell towers are few & far between, especially if you're heading West, so you might not have a signal)
• A cell phone battery recharger

Not that you'll be wearing all of that while riding, but you'll want it close in case you need to grab and use it.

Riding Gear that has multiple uses are best for a long road trip.

2) Packed on the Bike for At the Hotel/Campsite

• Not more than 3 pairs of jeans, tops/shirts, and socks -roll the jeans & shirts to save space, then secure with rubber bands before putting in zip lock bags or travel shrink bags
• 5 pairs of underwear (3 bras for the ladies)
• A Sweatshirt
• Synthetic long underwear/sweat pants
• Swimsuit
• 1 pair of Shorts
• Sneakers and/or flip-flops
• Toiletries - don't forget the nail trimmers, sunscreen and bug spray! Travel size shampoo, conditioner (or use the little bottles hotels put out for their guests, saving room), mouse, hair spray, body lotion, toothbrush and paste.
• Medications - for headache, muscle ache, allergy and any prescription meds

This is where planning ahead is key!! And if you're 'saving' outfits that you'll want to try out while on your trip, at the very least try them on before you go. I've pulled out an old outfit that I saw in the closet while packing, thinking it'd be nice to wear to dinner only to realize once we were at the hotel it didn't fit anymore!!

3) Bike Maintenance

• 8-in-1 Screwdriver & a Multi-Purpose Tool
• Cargo Net(s) and Bungee Cord(s)
• Tire Pressure Gauge (and Valve Stem Extension if needed). A compact air compressor comes in handy, but not absolutely necessary. 
• 1 Quart of Syn3 Motorcycle Lubricant or Genuine Motor Oil (depending on what you're running in your bike) and a Paper Funnel
• Touring Suspension Air Shock Pump (if equipped)
• Kick Stand Puck
• Travel size windshield cleaner, cleaning wax, a shop towel and two micro-fiber cleaning cloths

Unless you're a Motorcycle Mechanic, you probably won't need a set of tools with you. Even if you do wrench on bikes for a living, having Roadside Assistance  coverage through your Insurance Company or through H.O.G. is always a good idea -review your policy before you go and make sure you take any necessary documents with you.

And now, how to pack your bike:

Let's go back to school for a moment... We'll be talking about Physics and Geometry:

The Load Triangle & Center of Gravity -things to keep in mind while packing your bike

• You and your bike's Center of Gravity: an imaginary point in a body of matter where, for convenience in certain calculations, the total weight of the body may be thought to be concentrated. In a uniform gravitational field the center of gravity is identical to the center of mass, a term preferred by physicists. The two do not always coincide, however, which is why it's important to load up your motorcycle correctly.
• That's where the Load Triangle comes in handy: defined as the triangle created by the bike's two axles and your head. Bike manufacturers know about this too -that's why you see the rider and engine (the heaviest things on the bike) are squarely within the triangle.

While packing your motorcycle, you'll definitely want to keep those two in mind. Put all your heaviest gear as close to the bottom of the triangle as you can. That way the additional weight will have the least effect on your bike's handling.

Got Bags?

If your bike came equipped with saddle bags, then I highly suggest getting liners for them -it makes it way easier to carry your stuff into the hotel or campsite.

If you don't have bags, you can get after-market hard or throw-over bags for your bike.

Either way, because they're close to the bottom of the load triangle, you'll want to put your heaviest items there. Keep in mind the side-to-side balance as well (think scales of justice type of thing). That'll keep it from affecting handling and also helps throw-over bags travel evenly on the bike.

Higher = Lighter

For those with a tour pack/trunk, a luggage rack or a large bag strapped to the sissy bar backrest, remember to keep on the light side when packing. Look back at that triangle -the location of that is way away from the center of gravity.

You can use it for those layers of your three-season jacket, rain jacket, map, gloves, goggles -in other words, things that you'll probably use often while you're actually riding.

My bike all packed up and ready for a new adventure!

Tanks a lot, bag
A popular place to keep an open map or written directions (large print of course). Even in the days with GPS & smart phones, Tank Bags are still pretty useful -an extra place to store gloves, goggles, water and snacks. And if your bike has auxiliary power, you can run wires to your tank bag to keep your phone and other stuff charged.

You might think that because it's within the Load Triangle you can load up a tank bag with heavy stuff... Yes and No. Too much weight in a tank bag will make your bike top heavy, so be reasonable. 

Also, make sure you go for a ride with your tank bag before going on your long trip -see how you like riding with it and that you can still see your instruments.

Practice Makes Perfect
At least a week before your trip, do a test pack.

If you have the saddlebag liners, I highly recommend putting those in your bags first, then stuff your stuff in them. That's because you'll most likely over pack your liners and then try to cram those into your saddlebags... Good Luck! 

You can also try placing different things in different places to see if this helps you include more gear. If you took that pre-trip trip, refer to your notes on what you did and didn't need.

Last but not least: take the time to do a T-CLOCS Inspection on your bike!!

All set? Ride Safe and Have Fun.

To Biker Wave or Not to Biker Wave -that is the question

I'm getting ready to Ride out to Milwaukee for Harley-Davidson's 115th Anniversary Celebration over Labor Day Weekend. So, in addition to taking the long way to and from work, I just finished a 3 day trip over to Ticonderoga (check out my pics on Instagram).

Summer Riding in the Adirondacks -this is one of my favorite things!! The way the road just stretches out before me, inviting me to twist the throttle and fly...

From Route 84, between Newcomb and Interstate 87

And the crystal clear lakes -I always feel like I've found a slice of heaven. (These three pictures are from Google Maps -I'm not that technologically advanced to go with a personal camera. But this is from the route I took.)

Route 74 by Eagle Lake

Of course, I'm not the only motorcycle enthusiast who enjoys riding in Northern New York. I saw Kawasaki, Yamaha, BMW, Honda and -my favorite (obviously)- Harley all out and about enjoying the day.

Some bikers waved at me, others didn't...

The tradition of the Biker Wave supposedly goes back to the day Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson passed each other while riding and gave each a friendly wave.

Some think it goes back to the days of Knights on Horseback, lifting their visor to acknowledge each other.

And there are as many styles of biker waves as there are motorcycle manufacturers: two fingers (like ✌) pointed down, pointed up, open handed regular wave, a 'thumbs up', etc., etc.

There are a few Bikers out there who will only wave to other Harley Riders. Sport Bike Riders sometimes fall into this as well. 

As for me, I'm a little different.

At first I wouldn't wave to anyone on a Can-Am Spyder, believing that since they never started out as an actual motorcycle those riding them weren't 'true' Bikers. I wouldn't wave at anyone on a scooter either.

But then I had an 'ah-ha' moment. 

Those that are brave enough to get out of their cage [of their car or truck] and share the road deserve to be recognized. 

There's a whole lot of people in this great wide world, and those of us that ride are truly linked in a special way. 

The Bike doesn't make the Biker. It's the Biker that makes the Bike.

So, I choose to wave. Hoping you'll wave back.

The Best Fall Leaf Peeping Trips are by Motorcycle.

Even though the calendar now says we're into Autumn, Mother Nature (in Northern NY anyways) has deemed it to be Summer - temps in the 70's & 80's with big, white cumulus clouds in the sky.

But regardless, the shorter days and cooler temps are coming and will trigger the

My fav tree in my backyard

leaves to throw on their many coat of colors. That plus the many Fall Festivals & Events going on throughout our area make this the perfect time to jump on the bike and do some Leaf Peeping.

Just some quick tips from FX Caprara Harley-Davidson: 1)Do your T-CLOCS inspection - make sure your bike is ready to go. 2) Dress in layers, especially if you plan to be out for the entire day. 3) Watch for wet leaves in the corners and frost on the road in the early morning. 4) Be sure to bring a camera or that your phone is fully charged so you can take as many pictures of the b-e-a-utiful scenery as you like. 5) Leaf Peeping is really a thing for a lot of folks, and they'll be taking to the roads as well this time of year. Watch out for cagers who aren't paying attention.

Here's my idea of a perfect Fall Ride in the Adirondacks:

Gazebo in Harrisville on the Oswegatchie River

1) Start off with a Good Breakfast: Just like your bike, you'll need a good tank of fuel to get you through the day. My favorite spots are Gram's Diner in Adams (they are on vacation 9/25-10/3) or Lloyd's of Lowville in Lowville of course. 

2) From Lowville (pronounced "Lau-ville" by the locals), take Route 812 up to Bonaparte's Cave State Forest and take a hike in

The Adirondack Hotel is popular with riders & non-riders alike

the region where Napoleon's brother once eluded hired assassins. 

3) Take Route 812 back to Harrisville, then jump on State Route 3 heading East. In Tupper Lake follow Route 30 to Long Lake. Just about now you might be hankering for lunch, and the Adirondack Hotel is a perfect spot to grab some grub.

4) After lunch hop back on Route 30 going South to State Route 28 and head West. Enjoy the views of Raquette, Seventh and the Fulton Chain Lakes as you ride into Old Forge. A stop at the Old Forge Hardware Store is a must because they have everything.

Inside Old Forge Hardware Store

5) Continue West on 28 until you get to Route 12, jump on that heading North. It won't be too long before you'll be in the quaint village of Boonville. If you're wanting dinner, a place to stop for the night, check out the Boonville Hotel - a great place for both.

Or you can ride with Northern New York H.O.G. Chapter on their Fall Foliage Ride, October 7th. Meet at FXCHD at 11am, KSU at 11:30.

Of course you can do your own thing too - check out Go Tour NY for more rides/routes in the Adirondack & 1000 Islands regions. Just as long as you take the time and celebrate Autumn in the Adirondacks the best way possible - by Motorcycle. 

Don't be "THAT Guy": 13 Biker Snobbisms to avoid

Yes, the world of motorcycling (aka Bikers) can be intimidating. And yes, when we're intimidated, some people try too hard to fit in. So I'm here to stop you before going too far and you do a shameless Sons-of-Anarchy-makeover. 

Once you've learned a bit about something, especially if it's something you're passionate about, it can be hard not to share your new-found knowledge with everyone. Bikes, Star Wars, credit scores, or even wine - the path from novice to snobbery is actually a pretty slippery slope. 

If you've already caught yourself being a "big-bad-biker" with reckless abandon, you should definitely check this list out- make sure you'll never be found guilty of these snob acts.*

*To keep things accurate, I've graded these acts on a level of 1 to 10 backfires (the universal biker symbol of snobbery).

YOUR BIKE IS THE BEST - E V E R
You've completed tons of research before buying your bike, you test rode it, bought it way below asking price, and have read through the owner's manual twice. Now you're telling your friends, family, complete strangers and even coma patients just how spectacular your bike is, exactly why you choose it, and are giving mile-by-mile recaps of the rides you've gone on. Besides annoying those around you, there's the needlessness of it all. Trust me, a simple, "Hey - I got a new bike," will do just fine. 
Snob factor: 2 backfires 

THE EXPERT
Those commercials with the lux sports car going through the cones, with the "professional driver - do not attempt" warning on the bottom of the screen. This does not apply to you since you took the Basic Riders Course and have the "M" endorsement on your driver's license - you are now an expert. You'll correct your friend's on their riding style, you'll yell at those inconsiderate drivers for the smallest traffic infraction. But please, until you become a certified driving/riding instructor or go into law enforcement, be the better person and let the small things go. 
Snob factor: 4 backfires

NEGLECTFUL NED/NADINE
You believe Harley's are built to last, which they are, but that doesn't mean they're maintenance free. So when you allow your bike to go 25,000 miles or more without anything more than an oil change, and that poor bike finally cracks under the pressure and you're a long way from home, it's not the mechanic who is at fault. Bonus points if you insist the dealer take the part your bike needs off a new bike in the showroom just so you can get back on the road. 
Snob factor: 6-8 backfires

THE PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE RIDER
Another rider who is new to the sport is excited about a new road they've discovered. Except that excitement doesn't carry over to you, and you make sure to say it. "Wow - you've lived here how long and didn't know about that road? Well, I've known about that for -" Don't, just don't. He or she is trying and here you are, being the "big-bad-biker" and crash their efforts.
Snob factor: 5 backfires

QUARRELING WITH PEOPLE IN PARTS
It's a nice day for a ride, so you've ridden up to the local dealership to see if they've got the one part you've been wanting, only to find out it's not a part they have it in stock. Now, somehow, you get it in your head that the Parts Department is to blame, even though it was you who didn't bother to call first. Extra snob points for complaining how you had to ride all that way, on a beautiful day, while they're stuck inside trying to help you.
Snob factor: 4-6 backfires

COMPETING WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER
You know the entire history of Harley-Davidson Motor Company, which is great - maybe write a book. But when you're at the dealership, talking with the Service Department Manager, don't get into a debate about why you think a 1977 FXS Low Rider is an over-valued piece of sh.... Unless you worked next to Willie G. for all those years.
Snob factor: 5 backfires

CORRECTING THE SERVICE MANAGER/MECHANIC
Did you go to MMI? Great, we'll get you a job application. Ok, so you asked for a black oil filter, and they put a chrome one on instead. But if it's a matter of meticulous detail ("I hope you did torque that to the recommended 3.5 foot pounds of torque...) or subjective taste ("Well, I certainly don't use anything but Amsoil and you have only Harley-Davidson oil...") maybe just let it go.
Snob factor: 8 backfires

IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWER
You're out riding with a group of friends and they stop for lunch. Like to go around the table, asking everyone what they thought about the ride? Well stop. You're not Oprah. You don't need to interview each of your companions on how they felt about the ride they just took. If they want to get verbal about it, they will, and then you can join in with your experiences.
Snob factor: 3 backfires

SELF-ANOINTED HARLEY ADVISOR
It's great you know enough about bikes to help your friend narrow down the choices. But don't be 'that guy' who tags along to the dealership and then immediately (and without invitation) become the sales negotiator, as if saving your friend from making the mistake of not letting you choose the perfect bike for him/her. 
Snob factor: 4 backfires

REFUSING HELPFUL ADVICE
Just like when you go to the doctor because you're sick, chances are it's something small and simple, like a the flu rather than the next pandemic. Same goes for your bike. So when you say you want to drop off your bike because there's a wobble in the front end, and we ask if you've checked the tire pressure, it's because we're trying to save you time and money. Bonus points for insisting you did, you still drop off your bike, and the only thing we find wrong with it is that the front tire is 12 pounds under pressure. 
Snob factor: 5-7 backfires

REVIEW REGURGETATOR
You know who you are. You can never talk about bikes without mentioning the review. "Did you see what Motorcycle.com had to say about the [fill in the blank]? Well, I'll tell you...." Nice. You know what's not nice? Your regurgitation of reviews. And what makes you even more of a snob is if you bring up these reviews out of topic. 
Snob factor: 2-4 backfires

MODEL POLICE
There are nearly 40 bikes across 6 'families' in Harley's 2017 model year, and not everybody is as educated as you when it comes to which bike goes where in the family tree. But when you correct someone's honest mistake ("The Low Rider was never in the Softail family!!") you just come off as annoying. Even if you're intention is well meant, you still come off as a near complete ass. 

So, unless you're in an interview with the MoCo., let the Low Rider be in a Softail frame*. It's adorable. And the ride is still good.

Snob factor: 6 backfires
*A few days after I posted this blog, Harley announced their 2018 lineup, with a redesigned frame that combines the best of the Dyna & Softail frames. And now the Low Rider DOES exist in a Softail frame!! Read more about it in my "Did I predict the future?" blog.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
No doubt about it, riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle is more about freedom than anything else. But whenever someone is talking about their bike, or even bikes in general, you announce to any and all gathered: "I will only ride my [fill in year, make & model]!!" with as much passion as Patrick Henry asking for liberty or death. You see, by announcing that you've narrowed down the big, wide world of motorcycles to just one isn't the best way to impress. Remember the saying, "Knees in the Breeze," and let each ride their own.
Snob factor: 7 backfires

Go Fourth & Ride • Top 5 Tips for a Better Trip

'Tis the Season!! And if you're lucky enough to have a motorcycle to ride (a Harley-Davidson 😎 we hope), then you're lucky enough. 

When you get time to go ride, no matter if it's just to work & back, over the next mountain or off to another state, here's what you need to know to make your ride that much better:

1. Get the right gear: The most important thing to
   
   know is your riding gear can make or break your trip. You should have gear that's made by riders for riders: tough, reliable & able to hold up. The essentials are a versatile riding jacket, over-the-ankle boots, jeans or riding pants, a good quality rain suit with heat shields (that won't melt on your hot exhaust), and a DOT approved helmet.
2. Embrace the challenge: Starting out on your motorcycle, even on a short trip to work, might not seem that challenging... but don't ever underestimate the physicality of any trip. Recently I started off for work knowing I'd encounter rain (so had my rain suit on) but halfway there the rain turned into a deluge. The idea of pulling over to wait it out was attractive, but instead I pushed through and when I arrived I felt even more accomplished.
3. Bring your charger: My life is on my phone!
   Checking my work email, looking up a route on Google Maps, listening to Pandora, and taking pictures to post to Instagram. Even taking a lunch break on the road I'll charge my batteries so I won't miss taking as many pictures as I want.
4. Stay comfortable: Nearly as important as the right
   
   gear, getting out of your riding gear - especially on the longer road trips - is a must do. Flip-flops and/or slippers, shorts and a t-shirt, and a hoodie are easy to pack (and feel really good at the end of a long day!).
5. Go Slow: I'll be the first to admit - I like to go fast! The thrill of speeding down the road, feeling the wind, maneuvering my bike through the twisties is a lot of fun. But I have to remember that when I go too fast I'll miss the scenery (no matter how fast I'm going I always take time to see what other riders/drivers are doing!). Remember that on a bike you're seeing much more than you do in a car, so take the time and enjoy the view.

Your motorcycle trip should always start by planning ahead. What's the weather going to be like? What gear should I have with me? Thinking it through in advance will help you to have a great experience instead of being preoccupied with the other stuff.