How To Fit A Helmet

April is here, and it's check your helmet month at Hot Metal Harley-Davidson! 

Stop in to browse our selection and have your helmet professionally fitted by our trained, qualified MotorClothes associates.  This month only, bring in an old helmet and get a gift card toward the purchase of a new helmet.

HelmetCheck.org gives us some helpful tips on how to make sure that you have the right helmet for your head:

• Size

  There's more to fitting a helmet than just buying the one that matches your hat size or guessing at “small, medium or large.” However, hat size is a good starting point. Measure your head at its largest circumference – usually just above your eyebrows in front, over your eyes and around in back. Try it several times so you know you've gotten the largest number. If your head size falls between the numbers listed, use the larger size. Most helmets are marked and sold as S, M, L or XL, so you may need to contact the manufacturer for size equivalents. Helmet sizes vary among manufacturers and model types.
  The Best Way to Try on Your Helmet
  
  • Hold it by the chin straps. The bottom of the helmet should face you with the front pointing down.
  • Put your thumbs on the inside of the straps, balancing the helmet with your fingertips.
  • Spread the sides of the helmet apart slightly and slip it down over your head using the chin straps.
  
  The helmet should fit snugly and may even feel a bit too tight until it is in place correctly. Be sure it sits squarely on your head. It shouldn't be tilted back on your head like a hat. Remember, if your helmet is too large, several things could happen: it will move around and up and down on your head when you least want it to; it can be noisy and let in wind; worst of all, it may come off in a crash!
  Once the helmet is on your head, make a few other fit checks before fastening the straps.
  
  • The cheek pads should touch your cheeks without pressing uncomfortably.
  • There should be no gaps between your temples and the brow pads.
  • If the helmet has a neck roll, it shouldn't push the helmet away from the back of your neck.
  • On full-face helmets, press on the chin piece. The helmet or face shield should not touch your nose or chin. If it does, it will surely do so at speed from wind pressure.
  
  With the helmet still on and the straps securely fastened, move it from side to side and up and down with your hands. If it fits right, your skin should move as the helmet is moved. You should feel as if a slight, even pressure is being exerted all over your head. Remember, too, that a helmet loosens up a bit as the comfort liner compresses through use. A new helmet should be as tight as you can comfortably wear it.
  
  Now, with the chin strap still securely fastened and your head straight, try rolling the helmet forward off your head. You shouldn't be able to pull it off. If you can, the helmet is too big. Take off the helmet. Does your head feel sore anywhere? Are there any red spots on your forehead? Pressure points can be uncomfortable and can cause a headache after a long ride, so be sure your helmet isn't causing any. If it is, choose the next largest size or try a different brand of helmet. Human heads are not all the same shape, neither are helmets.
  
  If you are still unsure about the helmet's fit, wear it around the store for a while to see if it remains comfortable. A helmet is an important investment, no matter what its price. Be sure the one you choose is right for you.
  

 

Transitioning From Rider to Passenger

This week on Road Hogs, Rocky talks with his wife about giving up the rider seat for the passenger seat.  Was it difficult? He also talks about what to pack for overnight trips.  What's essential and what can stay at home!

10 Things to Expect When Starting to Ride a Motorcycle

By Genevieve Schmit 

Many seasoned motorcycle riders have done or experienced some or all of these things. We thought it'd be fun to share the list we came up with so new riders can find some peace in knowing others have been there or are experiencing what they are right now.

1. You're going to drop your motorcycle at least once.
2. You're going to be nervous for awhile.

3. You're going to get frustrated.

4. You're going to hear "crash" stories from non-riders, whether you like it or not.

5. You're going to get advice on riding from others, whether you ask for it or not.

6. You're going to realize at some point that you're not wearing the gear that fits properly, like sunglasses that make your eyes water, gloves that are too bulky, pants that expose your back side, etc.

7. You're going to struggle with how to manage a new hair style called "helmet hair."

8. You're going to spill gasoline all over the tank at least once.

9. You're going to realize riding your own motorcycle is cooler than you ever imagined.

10. You're going to find yourself smiling a lot more, both on and off the motorcycle.

Win $1,000 with our Payday Giveaway!

Everyone is asking how to get a piece of the $1,000 that we are giving away either in cash or with Gift Cards to Hot Metal Harley-Davidson!  It's easy, all you have to do is stop in to Hot Metal Harley-Davidson and fill out  your entry at one of two kiosks.  Enter your information and you are automatically entered into our drawing!

Our drawing will happen the 2nd Saturday of each month.  One month it will be cash, the next month it will be 40 $25 Gift Cards and they will continue to alternate through out the year!  Stop in to Hot Metal Harley-Davidson today and ask us about our $1,000 Giveaway!    

Hot Metal Harley-Davidson's New Website is Finally Here!

If you are reading this, then you have found the brand new website for Hot Metal Harley-Davidson! This project has been over a year in the making and for good reason.  We wanted to offer our customers a unique one-of-a-kind website that gives you all the tools you need to educate yourself in one easy-to-use platform.

In this new website you'll find clear, concise links across the top to get you to a specific department page.  In some cases, that department may have pages within their main page and those links are located to the left of the content on the page.  To make navigation quick, there is a "quick-nav" button at the bottom the page that expands and collapses accordingly.

We've increased the size of the video that you'll find on our homepage.  This will make it easier to watch Road Hogs Podcasts, videos about our Parts Department, MotorClothes Department and Service Department.  In addition, we'll showcase both New and Pre-Owned motorcycles in that video box as well.

As part of our new website launch, Hot Metal Harley-Davidson is giving everyone who likes and reviews our new website on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Google Reviews a chance to win a Hot Metal Harley-Davidson Gift Card.  Winners will be chosen at random.

Our website isn't just limited to desktop computers.  You can access every function of the desktop site on your mobile device or tablet.  All the important information and pictures you need to make an informed and educated decision will always be within a tap of the screen.

If you have questions or comments about the new website, please feel free to contact us at info@hotmetalharley.com!

IT’S MUCH MORE THAN AN OIL CHANGE

By: Rocky Marks



When maintaining your Harley-Davidson, some people think bringing your bike in for a “service” is just getting an “oil change”. It is much, much more than that.

You get more than you may expect with Harley-Davidson Authorized Service. Our Regular Service at Hot Metal Harley-Davidson always includes a thorough performance and safety inspection along with so much more.

For example we replace the engine oil, filter and drain plug O-ring, and torque the drain plug to proper specifications. We ensure oil level is correct at operating temperature. We check operation of all electrical equipment, lighting and controls.

We also take a look at the big picture and inspect the front and rear tire tread depth and air pressure. We check the tightness of all spokes. The inspection continues on to the brakes of your motorcycle as well as the level of the front brake and clutch reservoirs.

Hot Metal Harley-Davidson will also check the torque of switch housing screws, clutch lever handlebar clamp screws, and master cylinder handlebar screws. We drain and replace primary chain case lubricant and drain plug O-ring. We drain and replace the transmission lubricant and drain plug O-Ring.

Once that is completed, our service technicians inspect and oil brake and fuel lines and fittings for leaks, contact, or abrasions. The rear brake reservoir is filled to the proper level and the torque is checked once again on the cover screws. The tech will also inspect the front brake pads and discs, and ensure that pad thickness is within specification.

Once the front brake pads and discs are checked, the rear of the motorcycle checked as well. The torque of the front and rear axle nuts are checked at this point in the inspection process. Even the kickstand is checked and lubricated accordingly.

Lubrication is also applied to the clutch cable, brake, and clutch controls. The drive belt is inspected as well as the wheel sprocket. Next the exhaust system is checked for leaks, cracks, and loose or missing fasteners or exhaust shields.

Finally the battery is looked at to make sure that it is charged correctly and there are clean connections. Hot Metal Harley-Davidson will check for open recalls, product campaigns and trouble codes. At the very end of the inspection, a final road test is complete as well as the service at Hot Metal Harley-Davidson.

As you can see, it’s much more than just an oil change.

My time on the Milwaukee-Eight from Harley-Davidson

Hi there, it's Rocky and I had an opportunity to take a 2017 Street Glide with the Milwaukee-Eight engine on a ride with the Mon Valley HOG chapter to Punxy last week to find that pesky groundhog that keeps us from riding in the spring.

When I rolled up to the other bikes to line up, the first thing others noticed was the engine. It had a very nice shape to the heads and it was pretty quiet with a different sound than a Twin-Cam. I told the crew that I was taking this new bike on the ride and almost immediately several chapter members wanted to switch bikes for a period of time on the way up and on the way back.

I thought about it, but this was my time to spend with the bike to get a true feel in real-life stop and go, acceleration, and braking. Besides that, I didn't have the legal paperwork for others to ride a dealership motorcycle with me.

I followed behind a 2016 Screamin' Eagle with at 110" engine. Even though my bike was a 107" I noticed that I was pulling off the line a little stronger. The torque is amazing.  Even if we were riding and I needed to speed up, I didn't have to downshift at all. It was so nice to just twist the throttle and keep up.

Another thing I noticed was how quiet the engine was.  I've been riding bikes since I was 16 and really paying attention to bikes when I started here at Hot Metal Harley-Davidson over 10 years ago. There has never been a more quiet engine. Even with the quietness, this engine is no sleeper.

The ride was so comfortable on the street glide, the engine was so smooth and the gas mileage was so much better than what I'm used to even with the bigger engine.

Bottom line: I can sit here and describe the feel, the power, the performance, and the look for hours, but until you come and test ride it, you can't appreciate the new engine. We're offering test rides 6 days a week. Simply call Todd at 412-464-9453 or stop in Monday-Saturday!