The #1 Question at the Parts Counter

As we round the corner into my second favorite time of year (the Riding Season, aka Summer, being my first), and we get customers wanting to buy parts for their beloved, I thought I'd try to answer the most asked question during the holidays at FXCHD: 

Will this part fit his bike?

But, as with anything, it's best if you do a little homework on your end. "Well, it's either a Street Glide or a Street Bob.... it's definitely got 'Street' in there somewhere....." just isn't going to cut it.

Let's start off with what year the bike is. We know that all bikes look essentially the same from year to year, but trust us- there are also minor changes that can affect how a part fits. The size of a gas tank could be different from one year to the next, so the seat (where it butts up to the tank) might not fit. Or a more narrow primary will mean a different derby cover.

Then there's Harley's "Alphabet Soup".... which can sometimes look like a whole other language. It starts with what family the bike is in, but it doesn't end there. 

Sure you know his bike is a Sportster, but the next question from us is going to be, "Is it an 883 or 1200??" So if you can tell us you're looking for forward controls for your guy's 2013 XL1200L, we will be able to get you the right kit. 

If you're trying to be sneaky because you want to surprise your man with the parts he's been drooling over, take a glance at the R/O (repair or work order) paperwork - that'll usually tell you the year, make and model of the bike. Or, if we've seen the bike here for service, we can look it up for you in our system.

Of course, one word of warning: Some guys (and gals too!) are very specific [read picky] about what they think does and doesn't look good on their bike. If your significant other fits this description, you might just want to get him/her a Harley-Davidson Gift Card and let them pick out their own parts.

T'was the night before Christmas - the Biker version

Here's another Christmas Poem I came across the other day and, even though it's the day after, I'm going to share this now rather than wait another year [life is short ya know!].

It's similar to the Christmas classic "A visit from St. Nicholas" (aka "T'was the night before Christmas"). Like the last poem, I don't know the author of it... What I do

know is I posted in on my Facebook page and they were kind enough to remind me about it in my "memories." 

I actually did a very small version of this myself - see the picture on the right - but this is the entire poem done up in "Biker" style. So here it is:

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the garages, not a motorcycle was rumbling,

except for Santa Claus's.

The leather was hung in the closet with care in hopes that nice weather soon would be there. Our bikes were all nestled snug under their covers with visions of blacktop and burning up rubber.

With Momma in her bandana and I in my skull cap, we had just settled down for a long winters nap. When out on the lawn, arose such a rumble - I sprang from the bed and I started to grumble.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear? A pack of motorcycles, with riders in gear! With one old rider so lively and quick I knew in a moment it must be a biker named Nick.

He was dressed in Red Leather, from his head to his foot and his clothes were all tarnished with bugs and road soot. A bundle of chrome he had flung on his back - down the chimney he came, carrying a big red sack.

He spoke not a word but went straight to his work. As he filled all the bike boots, then turned with a jerk, and laying a finger aside of his nose, and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprang to his bike, to his team gave a sign. They all cracked their throttles and got into a line. "Now Harley, now Honda, Now Triumph and Indian; on Kawi, on Suzuki, on Yamaha and Victory."

But I heard him exclaim as he roared out of sight:

"Keep the rubber side down and have a good ride!"

Aaaand - we're back

Kate and I had lots to see and do in Phoenix last week - but you'll have to "tune in" after the motor company releases the bikes to the public for some of the photos I took (yes there are bonuses to working for HDMC!!). Harley-Davidson will be releasing two 2016½ Motorcycles later in the week that I'm excited for you all to see. 

The newest in Parts & Accessories

L to R: Ashley, me & Sherri 

The pictures I can show you now are of Harley folk just having fun! First there's the one photo I barely remembered to get because we were having such a great time - it's the one with the 

Harley-Davidson of Atlanta crew. Then there's the Parts & Accessories portion of the floor in Phoenix. Last but not least is the palm trees - this wasn't too far from our hotel. Of course we heard some Harley's rumbling around downtown and that just gets me wanting to ride.... NOW!!

"What's the big deal? You're not riding till April," you might be saying. But THIS is the time of year that most Motorcycle Enthusiasts dream of the upcoming riding season. We plan out where & when we'll be riding to. Heading north, south, east or west - we're currently finding those back roads to that obscure, middle-of-nowhere destination. If you want some inspiration and/or start doing some planning of your own, check out the H-D Ride Planner.


Another big thing us Northern Motorcycle Enthusiasts do is work on our bikes. Performance upgrades or bike maintenance, you'll find the majority of Bikers who will be among the first out once the weather breaks. That's because we didn't hibernate - we worked on (or, as in my case, had FXCHD work on my bike) and took advantage of the 'down-time.' Once Mother Nature gives me two good rains to wash most of the salt & sand off the road, 45°F and a decent sky, I'll be out on my bike! 

After all, we are just about half way through winter, and there's no use in complaining about it.... So why not look forward to Spring??

Up, up and away!!

Kate & Dawn - Summer 2012

Kate, FXCHD's Parts & Accessories Manager, and myself are flying to Phoenix for Harley-Davidson's Retail Readiness Event. I'm excited to take this trip - Kate & I have been co-workers and friends for about 5 years now, and this will be our first real 'road trip' together.

I'll get to see over 625 new styles of clothing & riding gear from Harley - plus countless more from their licensed vendors. There are two types of clothing that come directly from Harley: Core which is clothing we can pretty much get anytime; Seasonal which has been created just for that particular time of year in limited quantities. I'll be ordering now for the stuff FXCHD will get for Winter/Holiday 2016 and Spring 2017.

A pic from the 2015 HDMC Summer Dealer Meeting

Kate will take a look at all the accessories and learn from product experts. At the show she'll be able to review and learn all about LED Lighting, Screamin' Eagle Street Performance Parts, BOOM! Audio and get the New Product Highlights.

Of course the best part of any work convention is meeting up with our friends in the industry. I'm looking forward to seeing (and of course partying with!) my friends from Harley-Davidson of Atlanta, Hellbender Harley-Davidson, Harley-Davidson of Rochester, and North End Harley-Davidson to name just a few. 

The Mythical Phoenix - rising from the ashes 

Another plus is that while Kate & I are there the weather is expected to be a sunny 70°F - I guess that's how Phoenix got the nickname "Valley Of The Sun" (oh, and I'm looking forward to some great Mexican Food!!).

It's been over 30 years since I've been to Phoenix - my parents took me to see the city, the Painted Desert and (of course) the Grand Canyon. So be on the lookout for my blog post from Arizona - I promise I'll take more pictures than I did at FX Caprara Car Company Christmas Party!!