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.

Three things to remember about Motorcycle Insurance!!

Oops!! You and your bike have fallen... Fortunately you're both back up but not yet back on the road. But on the plus side, your insurance company is going to take care of everything.... sort of.

First, I'm not an expert in, nor do I sell insurance. Also, I'm not an insurance claims adjuster. This blog is just to make you, the consumer, aware of some of the little things that the, "save money now by switching to us" insurance commercials don't tell you.

Next, let me tell you that I'm constantly yelling at the television when those "spend 15 minutes and save 15% or more" come across the screen. Exactly how are they saving you money?? Sometimes by cutting certain insurance coverage you don't need right then.... but you might need it down the road!

This past March I blogged about Insurance Coverage, mainly because our Northern New York H.O.G.® Chapter was hosting a seminar on the subject and I learned a few new things. Now that we're into the riding season, I'm seeing customers in FX Caprara Harley-Davidson® that are regretting the fact that they can't go back in time and change things..... 

So the first of the Three Things To Remember is: 

MEDICAL COVERAGE

In New York State, because our riding season is about six months

out of the year (if we're lucky), motorcycles are considered recreational vehicles and are treated as such. That means if you want medical coverage for yourself you'll need to make sure your plan covers you for that.

You might be thinking, "My medical insurance will cover me if I get in an accident, so I'm fine!" But what you might not be considering is if you have to pay any type of co-pays.... What's your plan's co-pay for an emergency room visit? What about physical therapy? And who pays if you have to be transferred to the hospital by ambulance? Or by helicopter (which is around $33,000!!)?? 

Next is:

DOT HELMETS AND THE LAW

Is your motorcycle insurance policy written specifically for New York State? If yes, then I'm sure you're aware that New York requires all riders and passengers to be wearing a DOT approved helmet while on a motorcycle. 

But now you're riding through Pennsylvania - a lovely state that

does not force the rider or passenger to wear a helmet. But if you get in an accident and you're not wearing a DOT helmet, your NY motorcycle insurance policy might not cover you because you have a NY policy. Either read all the fine print, check with your insurance broker or agent, or check with a lawyer who is used to dealing with motorcycle accident claims.

Last but not least is:

GENUINE PARTS REPLACEMENT

Here's a recent scenario that actually happened in our shop last week - owner wrecks his bike, bike goes to other nearby shop (not a dealership but a local, privately owned mechanic shop) for repair. Insurance claims adjuster shows up at said other shop, inspects the bike to see what he thinks needs to be replaced, writes up the claim complete with part numbers, gives paperwork to other shop, authorizes repair cost. Shop calls us, orders parts by giving us the part numbers the insurance adjuster gave them. The parts come in, get back to the other shop only to find out the part is the wrong year for that bike, or just the wrong part all together.

Of course the correct parts for that particular bike will be

covered.... once the insurance company realizes their mistake. How long do you think that's going to take? Insurance Claims Adjusters do know their stuff.... about insurance claims, not about motorcycle parts!! Neither they nor any local mechanic have the same access a dealer does to see what exact parts need to be ordered. 

Not to mention, did the claims adjuster see everything that should be replaced? Did s/he see the big dent at the bottom of your cross-over exhaust pipe? How about the gouge out of the cylinder fins from the horn hitting? Remember your insurance adjuster is used to looking at claims all day, not motorcycles.

The take-away on this is just for you to double check and see if all your "t's" really are crossed, and all your "i's" really are dotted. Your insurance agent says, "Yup - you're fully covered!!" but what does that really mean for you???

Please allow me to introduce....

ICYMI, Harley-Davidson released two new bikes into their line-up

2016.5 FXSE CVO Pro Street Breakout

for 2016: the Dyna Low Rider S and the CVO Pro Street Breakout. This is not the first time Harley has released bikes half-way through the model year, but they did not release any 2015.5 bikes last year. Kate & I got a chance to see these bikes up close and personal while we were in Phoenix (these are the pictures I couldn't show you till today!) and now - after seeing the Screamin' Eagle 110 motor in a Dyna frame - I have a problem.

First though, let me go over the CVO Pro Street Breakout FXSE.

2016.5 FXSE in White Gold Pearl & Starfire Black

The Breakout model is in the Softail family which got their name because it has the look of a 'hardtail' (no suspension in the rear = a not so comfortable ride) but it does have rear suspension that's hidden. Also, the motor is counterbalanced, providing an even smoother ride. This bike has a seat height of 25 inches, weighs about 730 running order weight, has a 6 speed transmission, and a 5 gallon tank. Security, ABS braking and cruise control are all standard. According to Harley's specs this bike pulls 112 foot pounds of torque - which is pretty decent - and gets 43 miles to the gallon (but if you're buying a CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations), I'm guessing you're not going to be too worried about that). In Phoenix we saw the White Gold Pearl/Starfire Black version, but I much prefer the Black on Black version. Either way, I wouldn't be kicking this bike out of my garage should anyone buy it for me! The price tag on this bike is $25,699 before freight, tax, title & reg.

Now onto the Low Rider S FXDLS. This is not the first outing for

2016.5 FXDLS Dyna Low Rider at Phoenix RRE

the Low Rider - that made it's first appearance in 1977 as the FXS Low Rider (the Dyna family of H-D Motorcycles wouldn't be around till the 1980s - for more on the history, click here if you don't mind babes in bikinis). This bike has long been a favorite - bigger than a Sporster but nearly the same maneuverability. Easy to take for a quick trip or across the country. This version of the Low Rider has 26 inches for the seat height, 4.7 gallon gas tank, running weight is 674 pounds, 6 speed transmission, and is expected to fetch 44 miles to the gallon. And again ABS, security and cruise are all standard. But my favorite number is the 116 foot pounds of torque - yummy!! Plus a very affordable price of $16,699 before freight, tax, title and reg.

[Read even more detail about the bikes here.]

What's my problem?? Last year my 2004 Dyna Super Glide got

My 2004 FXD Dyna Super Glide getting new jugs

new Screamin' Eagle 204 Cams which gives her a nice 'lub/dub' sound to her motor. Now Jeff, FXCHD's Master Technician, has begun the process of putting new jugs onto my her and cleaning out the top end for better compression and performance. But Harley has to tempt me with this 110 motor in a Dyna frame!! Do I trade in my baby on the latest and greatest?? Or do I keep my one of a kind bike I love?? Decisions, decisions..... 

...for the new

the old...

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!!