6 ways to easily customize any Harley

In just over 10 weeks we get to "Spring Forward"  which means the riding season will be soon after (at least for those of us up North). 

But we've got to get there from here first.... What's a Biker to do? At FX Caprara Harley-Davidson we like to Customize! (Check out the bike we're working on now.)

It can be as small as axle nut covers to as big as custom paint sets - it's all up to you. (And you can always ask Dennis or Kate in our Parts Department for advice!) One word of warning tho- once you start it's not easy to stop!

Now, if you're planning on using this as a reference on what to buy your significant other, please note you'll still need to know what year and model s/he has (i.e.: 2016 Road Glide Special or 2016 FLTRXS). BUT most Bikers tend to be real picky as to what they want on their bike, so unless they've said, "I want the Number One Skull Derby Cover," it's best to gift them a H-D Gift Card and let them pick it out themselves.

1) Mirrors, grips, levers and more.
Mirrors are very easy to put on - so simple I can do it! Levers moderately so, and grips a little bit more. But these are the little things people tend to notice as they get closer to your bike. Heated grips, no matter where you live, make riding nice when the weather turns cold!

2) Foot controls - floorboards & pegs, brake pedals, shifter knob and linkage.
Floorboards and foot pegs are more of a comfort item (at least they are for me!) and are easy to install. Brake pedals & shifter knobs are simple to put on too, but shifter linkage is a little more involved.

Harley even has entire hand & foot control collections -

the Slipstream Collection is just one.

3) Fuel tank: gas caps, knee pads, tank bras and more.
Providing the most surface area on the bike, the fuel tank (or air box with the V-Rod) is usually the first or second spot on the bike where one's eye goes to. Gas caps are pretty easy to put on, unless it's a flush mount or also has a fuel gauge built in.

4) Headlamp trim rings and visors.
If you're wanting to enter your bike in some bike shows, then it's the little things that will make the difference. That's where these come in - the aesthetic value outweighs the usefulness, but still it's a nice add on that shows you care about the look of your bike.

5) Air cleaner covers, derby/primary covers, timer covers.
The motor is generally the first part of a bike that most people look at, so it's a good place to start customizing. And, like the hand & foot control collections, Harley has collections so they can all match. Not saying they have to all match! Again, this is usually particular to the Biker who owns the bike. If you're getting a derby/primary cover, don't forget the gasket (sure you could re-use the old one, but that's like putting on the same underwear after a shower..... just saying).

6) Windshields, windshield bags and trim.
If you're bike doesn't have a windshield, you usually can get one that is detachable. Some even have windshield bags that will fit which make a handy place to store sunglasses, keys, etc. If your bike is from the touring family, then you can switch out your stock windshield for a "Wind Splitter", and maybe add a windshield bag (sometimes depends on the windshield). Windshield trim is a nice touch to really 'complete' the bike. 

So there you have it- six easy ways to customize your bike while the snow flies. That's one nice thing about living up North- taking advantage of the down time to work on my bike! Check out Harley's Inspiration Gallery for more ideas.

Getting real serious now - Part 1

"It's better to have it and not need it

than to need it and not have it."

Sage advice that we've heard numerous times before. But thanks to Flo, Mayhem and that guy from Allstate, we sometimes get lulled into thinking it's better to 'cut back on insurance' and save... I'm just here to remind you that what you're saving on today is what your insurance company will probably save on later.... like when you have to file a claim. 

BTW: I'm not promoting one insurance company over the other, nor am I licensed to sell any type of insurance - these are just lessons I've learned on my own or through friends' experiences.

I talked briefly about motorcycle insurance earlier this year, however I've learned a lot more since then, so I'm going to cover all of what I know so far:

• In New York, because of our short riding season, motorcycles
  
  are considered a recreational vehicle. That means what you're automatically covered with in your car may not be the same for your bike. Find out how your state clarifies your motorcycle.
• Liability coverage is required by state law, however this type of coverage protects the other guy from damage or injury, not you. It is in your best interest to get 'optional' insurance coverage on your motorcycle policy.

Let me just pause here, because this is a BIG deal. The bare minimum, state required motorcycle insurance coverage is designed to protect the person you hit, not you. So, if the other person hits you, all you'll have is their insurance to pay for your damages and injuries. 

Now, follow along with me here, because chances are good that the driver who just hit you also has the bare minimum insurance coverage required by law - about 75% of drivers do - which is $25K bodily injury per person, $50K total bodily injury per accident (if you happen to have a passenger) in New York State. And no, you don't get to add those two amounts together.

Please THINK about that a minute!! Let's just say you're riding along when Nathan No-Look turns left in front of you (the most common motorcycle accident) and down you go. Your leg is badly broken, as well as a couple of ribs and wrist. All you can see of your bike is a pile of smoking metal. 

The paramedics arrive and call for a Life-Flight because you need emergency surgery - NOW. Of course you and your family members are wanting the EMT people to act quickly, plus you're in shock by this time, so no one is thinking of the cost that all this attention will add up to at the time it's happening. But don't worry, the insurance companies already have!

Anywho, the average cost of a Life-Flight is $15,000. "Well, I've got medical insurance, so I'm covered," you say. Think again. Most medical insurance policies cover life-flights at 50-60% (if the provider is in your network.... but you didn't think to ask that either), leaving you holding a $6000-$7500 or more bill.

Of course if the Life-Flight isn't covered by your health insurance, and you only have the liability coverage on your motorcycle insurance policy (which doesn't cover any medical costs for you!), then you can get stuck for the full cost of the Air Ambulance. At that point rates are usually calculated by the cost of jet fuel, type of aircraft, distance flown and staff on the flight, which can be anywhere between $2000-$50,000.

And that bill is just the beginning....

~continued in Part 2

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...

Here's to living a life Cage Free

This is my second favorite time of year at FXCHD (my first being the riding

Cage Free? You mean like Free Range Chickens??

season of course!) and it’s not because of the Christmas lights or the holiday parties. It does have something to do with the whole gift giving scene. But mainly because this time of year we get a lot of ‘non-bikers’ buying gifts for their family and friends who are Harley Enthusiasts; and that gives me a chance to show the general public a little slice of the biker lifestyle.

For instance, a few days ago we had an older couple who wanted to buy a H-D GiftCard for their grandson – now in the Air Force stationed in North Carolina. I was showing them the choices they had for the gift card holder, and one of the choices exclaimed, “Here’s to living a life Cage Free.” So the grand-mother looks at me sort of puzzled, “You mean like Free Range Chickens?” After I laughed for a bit I explained what that meant, and I’ll explain for you too:

• Cage Free: Bikes refer to cars & trucks as ‘cages’ – since you’re pretty much in one, a roll bar cage. You’ve got air bags, a big windshield, and sound proofing which all make for a nice, quiet ride, but also removes you to from the environment. When you’re riding along in a car, you’re more insulated than a rider is on their

  

  Not this kind of cage either....

  motorcycle. Cage Free means you’re out on your motorcycle.
• ‘Cage-er’: What we call a person driving a car/truck.
• Brain Bucket: Helmet
• MSF: Motorcycle Safety Foundation – an organization that helps to educate motorcycle riders.
• OEM: Original (Factory) Equipment Parts – stock parts on your motorcycle.
• Scoot/Scooter: A term that includes any motorcycle.
• Skid Lid: Usually referring to a non-DOT helmet – one that just has a shell and little padding on the inside.
• Tar Snake: The shiny material used to patch cracks in the asphalt. They have less traction than regular asphalt, especially in light rain or on hot days (the material has a lower melting point and will get soft or even melt).

Those are some of the most common terms you’ll hear if you’re around bikers long enough. For a more concise list, check out this list of websites: Google Search: Results for "Common Biker Terms"

Until next time, Keep the Chrome Side Up & the Rubber Side Down!!

"You - in the mini-van - how long you in for??"

Getting a gift for a Biker (a.k.a. Motorcycle Enthusiast)? Here’s what you need to know:

It is a bit early – not even Thanksgiving week yet! – to start talking about holiday gift guides…. BUT with the holiday season about to kick off, I thought I’d get this out there so you can have a fighting chance!! Have that new son-in-law with a Harley® parked in the garage? Or perhaps you drew the name of that co-worker who has more pictures of his/her bike than pics of people in their cubicle…. Never fear – the first ever ‘Life Behind Bars’ holiday gift guide is here!!

First off, it really is the gift that counts with most bikers. So there’s no need to worry if they’ve already got those pair of gloves, or that set of motorcycle themed pint glasses. If we don’t already have it, we’ll use it. And if we already do own the exact same gift you just gave us, we’ll put yours to use once the other one wears out.

That being said – if you’re planning on buying parts for his/her bike, please find out the year, make and model of said bike! At F.X. Caprara Harley-Davidson® we really do want you – and the recipient – to be happy! Trust me when I say that they may be a little disappointed to find out that the gift you got them won’t fit. And we won’t know what kind of bike it is just because it has saddlebags on it – that could be a Switchback, Heritage, Street Glide, etc., etc. A picture can usually help tell us the make & model, but not the year. If we have seen the bike for service we can look it up, but if you’re shopping for Uncle Leo two states away, please know what bike Uncle Leo is riding.

You can get personal, just not too personal – meaning please think three times before sending out their gas tank for a custom paint. Surprise – for most bikers their bike is an extension of them, like an arm or a leg (yeah, it’s that important!). Sure they may have talked about having a picture of Elvira painted on their tank, but then changed their mind. I once freaked out my husband – I got a bigger tank for his Sportster®…. then I had to get a different seat because of how the two fit together…. I sent him a ‘coupon’ exclaiming how I was the best wife in the world to do this for him while he was off fighting for our country (he was deployed at the time). You can probably guess he wasn’t too happy with me until he got home and saw his bike… Luckily he liked it, but it was a close call!

Also, please do not buy a helmet for anyone unless they’re with you trying them on and say, “I want this one!” We’ve had customers find a bike in 5 minutes – and then take half the day picking out their new helmet. There are half helmets, 5/8’s helmets, ¾ helmets and full face helmets. Some with a shield, others without one. Some with a drop down sun shield. Size runs vary depending on the manufacturer – I fit a medium most of the time, but sometimes a large is better. Everybody’s head is a little different, and their sense of style – especially when it comes to a helmet – most decidedly so. If you want them to have a new helmet for safety reasons, please either get them to go shopping with you or get them a gift card.

So now you have an idea of what not to get a biker for Christmas…. Here’s some helpful ideas for what to get them:

1. Most Harley® Enthusiasts love getting t-shirts, coffee mugs, shot glasses and stickers with the dealership name on it. Especially if you live two states (or more) away, go to your local Harley dealer and get them ‘dealer branded’ stuff. Every dealership I stop at I always get a t-shirt & a shot glass.
2. GPS may be on a lot of bikes, but motorcycle maps (not made of paper) always come in handy. Have they been talking about riding up through Nova Scotia?? There you go!
3. Are they a reader?? Books like The Harley-Davidson® Motor Co. Archive Collection, Growing Up Harley-Davidson®: Memoirs of a Motorcycle Dynasty, and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance are a good bet. Do they enjoy movies?? Add to their DVD collection with Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man, The Wild One, The World’s Fastest Indian, or – of course – Easy Rider.
4. The open road is available at home or man cave: plenty of home décor can be had for the Harley® Enthusiast. From clocks to signs, from calendars to pint glasses to vintage advertising – allow them to show off their biker side even when they’re sitting on the couch.
5. One part that’s a universal fit (as long as their bike has a battery) is a SuperSmart Battery Tender. While their Harley® is sitting there it is drawing power from the battery and can drain it in as little as six weeks. In case you’re thinking they can just start the bike in order to charge the battery, I’m here to tell you it’s not. The bike has to be under power -meaning you can’t just start it & let it idle like you can with your car. A $40 battery tender now will save them a $120 bill for a new battery later.
6. Check around your area for any bike raffles going on and get them a ticket (see if they have to be present to win). For instance the Fort Drum (which is right in our back yard) chapter of the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association is raffling off a Dyna® Street Bob® in June 2016, plus cash prizes, all for a mere $20 a ticket. Even if the Biker you're getting the ticket for already has a bike, they'll still appreciate another one! Motorcycles are kind of like potato chips, you can have more than one....
7. Set the mood with some music: a MP3 Player is a nice gift! Even if their bike has a radio, chances are they can still plug in a device and jam to their own tunes as they roll down the road.
8. Get them Riding Gear – gloves, head wrap, boots, and goggles. Just double check the shop’s return policy in case of fit issues. 
9. A picture says a lot of words, a film says 10 times more! Get ‘em a Personal Camera (think GoPro) so they can show you the ride they took through the California Redwoods rather than just tell you.
10. Still not sure?? Then my best suggestion is to get them a gift card. Bikers can always use extra funds – maybe they need $50 more towards a new leather jacket, or they want to pay down their service bill. It may not seem very personal, but it will definitely be appreciated.

Not into the guessing game? Have them fill out their Wish List on Harley’s website (you can do the same too, you know) which you'll be able to see. But no matter what you decide to give them, most bikers will not consider the gift itself, but the love expressed by the giver.