3 Tips That Aren't "Good Advice"

The majority of us want to help- and for some reason, when a friend or family members ask us for advice, it's waaay easier to solve their problems than our own.

We see it occasionally at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson- those that are 'new' to the sport ask a friend that rides to help them. To advise them on what helmet to buy, or what bike they should get. 

Most of these friends are good at dispensing advice without letting their ego get in the way. They'll actually ask us if they don't know, rather than make something up.

Then there's the "Harley Advisers" that have been there, done that, and will tell you (and anyone else within ear-shot) just what's wrong with your choice of [fill in the blank]. 

In case you know of someone that fits this description, this post is dedicated to you -you probably already figured out that they're full of sh*t (although some do honestly feel like they're 'helping'). 

Here's the most common advice that these Harley Advisers give that's not good advice at all:

• Riding Gear= 

Bad Advice: "You want to get a leather jacket a size bigger so you can wear a sweatshirt under it." Except that when the leather jacket breaks in, it'll be way to big. 

Good Advice: With a new leather riding jacket, you actually want it to fit a little snug, so that once you've gotten it broken in it'll be juuuuust right.

• Which Bike= 

Bad Advice: "That bike doesn't have enough power- you're going to be disappointed in six months." 

Good Advice: Actually, Harley has their Freedom Promise, which takes care of that. 

• What to Do= 

Bad Advice: "If you're going to crash- just lay your bike down." Unless you're a real life stunt rider, there is no reason to do that... 

Good Advice: If you find yourself in a situation where an accident is about to happen, your best bet is to keep your bike upright and shed as much speed as possible. Even if you can only slow down 10-20mph, it'll make a big difference.

I'm not saying you can't bring a friend with you to the dealership. What I'm asking is that you seek more than that friend's opinions and advice. Get a rapport going with the dealership employees, go to bike nights and talk with Bikers there, and you can always ask your Riding Coach (if you've taken a Basic Riders Course) as well. 

Challenging the "norm".....

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company announced today on their Facebook

page that they, along with Rolling Stone Magazine, are going to NYC for Fashion Week. One normally wouldn't put the Fashion Industry together with Motorcycling. After all what does a bunch of clothes have to do with how a Harley runs?? The answer is: A lot! Coco Chanel said it the best: Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.

Back to the Beginning:
The industrial age came along and suddenly everyone is going faster and farther than ever before. Best to have some protective gear/clothing for the safety of the rider - leather jackets, tall boots, goggles and the like. Not very glamorous but practical. 

The King shall ride:
Go forward a couple of decades and the second world war, soldiers are back customizing surplus motorcycles they got from the military. Throw in a couple of celebrities on bikes and now what these bikers are wearing is beginning to be seen on clothing racks. "Press Week" - the precursor to Fashion Week - begins in New York City and continues till the early 90's. Held in separate lofts and studios all over town, it proved difficult to get around and see all the designers.

Here and now:
For safety reasons (a ceiling collapse), the fashion industry looked to put everything in one spot and #NYFW was born. Today clothing inspired by the Motorcycle Industry can be seen in numerous designer collections. Don't believe me? Check out Helen Mirren dressed in biker chic; or this jacket from Ralph Lauren. 

This gives rise to the argument that HDMC - an industry icon in it's own right - be part of this spring ritual. Sure our leather jackets and boots protect the rider AND they look good too. Our Motorclothes (a term coined by Harley) have been built by riders, for riders - clothing to help keep the rider warm in the cold or cool in the heat. All of that makes for a more enjoyable and safer ride. Plus there's lots more clothing with a "Bar & Shield" tag - denim, hoodies, button up "garage" shirts, hats, scarves, wallets/purses, jewelry and more. 

Customers coming into FX Caprara Harley-Davidson for the first time - maybe to check it out for themselves or to grab a gift for a friend - are sometimes amazed at the amount of clothing we do have. They thought we just sold motorcycles! I'll begin talking with them only to find out they've always loved Harley motorcycles and want to learn how to ride someday. My reply: "It all starts with the clothes!!" 

New Year = New Stuff!!

The year 2016 is officially here (and winter along with it for the time being), and with it all new possibilities as well as new stuff. This year really does feel different - with personal technology (think GoPro Cameras & Fit Bits) gaining by leaps and bounds - I think there's a lot of things that'll be changed by the end of this year. So let's get right into it:

First up is Riding Jackets with brake & turn signal lights built into it. Those of us

who ride are always playing the game "Can You See Me Now?" with cagers, so any technology that helps us be seen is always a good thing. At first glance in order for these jackets to work, it looks as if you have to install something on your bike for the lights to link up. I'm sure as this technology becomes more widespread Harley-Davidson will integrate this into their riding jackets. For now you can check out Speed Society - New Technology, Ryde Bright, and this YouTube video. 

Next is a 'Reverse Trike' kit. Many of Harley-Davidson's core customers will tell me, "One day I'm going to get a Trike!" Do to time passing and injuries, at some point they may not be able to hold up the 900+ pound touring bikes that we have all become found of. But that's not going to stop us from riding!! Enter trike conversion kits that will take your current Harley from two to three wheels. Then in 2009 Harley came out with their factory Tri-Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCUTG < that's what we call Harley's alphabet soup) which is built in York, PA. These are traditional trikes with one front wheel and two rear wheels. In 2007 Can-Am introduced it's Spyder - with two front wheels and one rear wheel. A lot of us feel like these are just snowmobiles with wheels since they handle about the same. But the recurring theme between all three is the same: the vehicle does not lean in the curves. When you're riding through the "twisties", leaning your bike one way, then the next, it's just too much fun (this is why bikers LOVE the Tail of the Dragon!). 

Welcome Tilting Motor Works into the picture. They've designed a 'Reverse

Trike Kit' which allows the bike to actually lean through the curves and yet still be a three wheeled trike. The company is based in Washington State, so I only have Charles Fleming's test ride to go from (read his review in the LA Times here) - but still I must say the conversion does look interesting!

Last, but certainly not least, Harley-Davidson is extending their 'Heroes Ride Free' program to all First Responders (law enforcement, EMS & firefighters) as well as to our U.S. Military men and women. This is in effort to thank all those who fight for us and help to protect us, day in & day out. All current and former U.S. Military and First Responders can learn to ride for FREE with Harley-Davidson Riding Academy. 

Now my dad always used to tell me, "There isn't one thing in this life for free. Somewhere, someone has got to pay." But in this case, with the Heroes Ride Free program, I can assure you that it really is free to those who qualify. Harley-Davidson is picking up the tab for you to take the Basic Riders Course which, as long as you pass, will get you that "M" endorsement on your driver's license (and you may even get a discount on your auto insurance - the BRC makes you a better cager too!). Click on Heroes Ride Free for more info, or head on over to your local Harley-Davidson dealership.  


With that I whole-heartedly welcome 2016!! It looks to be an exciting year with lots of good stuff happening.