Why You Should Demo Ride a Motorcycle

by Rocky Marks

Motorcycles are a beautiful thing.  I've been riding for more than 25 years now and to this day throwing my leg over a bike never gets old. Motorcycling is fun, invigorating, and gives you a sense of freedom.

As we all know freedom isn't free.  Motorcycles, especially Harley-Davidson motorcycles come with a solid price tag, and for good reason.  They are manufactured in the USA, they are built well, have been around since 1903 and typically hold their value compared to metric motorcycles.

That being said, how do you know which bike is right for you?  A bike that looks good in a magazine or on a showroom floor may not be the right 'fit' for you.  I thought I'd always like a FatBoy because of the look.  I found after riding one that even though it looks great, the ride wasn't quite right for my needs.  My wife and I like to ride together, and I enjoy listening to music while I ride, so I found that the Ultra was perfect for us, and more comfortable too.

That's not to say that the FatBoy isn't comfortable... it is VERY comfortable, but it just didn't fit my specific needs.  How did I find out?  I took a FatBoy for a demo ride solo and with my wife.  It felt okay by myself, but was more awkward when my wife was on the back.

If I didn't take that demo ride, I would have made a purchase that wasn't quite right for me and my needs.  Buying a motorcycle is much different then buying a car.  There are so many more factors that go into the feel of the ride and how comfortable you are operating a two-wheeled machine as opposed to a four-wheeled vehicle.

Some dealers allow you to take demo rides as long as the weather is nice.  Others do not.  My advice is to go to a dealership that allows demo rides and ask a sales person to pick out two or three models that interest you.   Make sure you discuss with the sales person what type of riding you plan on doing, how far you plan on traveling, and if you will be riding solo or with a passenger.  Listen to their feedback, suggestions, and experiences.

Once you take a ride on the model(s) that fit you perfectly, then you can make an informed decision on the bike that best suits your needs and feels the most comfortable.

MotorClothes-More than Meets the Eye!

By: Rocky Marks

Hot Metal Harley-Davidson has a huge selection of MotorClothes.  MotorClothes from Harley-Davidson are more than just fashion.  They are function and designed for people who love to ride.

Did you know that black is worn not to look cool but to prevent the showing of dirt and debris from riding?  There is a common misconception that it's for a look, but there is a real purpose behind it.  Although wearing too much black on a motorcycle isn't always a good thing.

That's why the Motor Company partnered with 3M to produce the most advanced reflectology for most of the outerwear we sell.  Sure, you can go for hunter orange or construction green, but the reflectology is sewn into most of the jackets and all of the rainwear.  It can be as subtitle as stitching on the back and arms, or bold as the entire bar and shield outlined in the reflective stitching.

Our rainwear is produced specifically for those who ride, so that if one accidentally touches a pipe or the engine when it's hot, the suit will not melt and create an unsightly mess on the chrome.  Many boot options are waterproof and go over the ankles to protect the rider.

Our denim is made for riders by riders.  It allows for extra room in the middle to comfortably saddle your motorcycle.  The length is even longer so that your pants don't ride too far up your shins while riding down the road to offer you maximum protection.

Of course we have the latest styles in helmets and footwear.  The helmets come with the most advanced technology providing extra venting and comfort for long rides.  The boots come in all shapes, sizes and heights, and offer non-slip tread for when you get caught in the rain.

Hot Metal Harley-Davidson also has gifts and collectibles for that special someone in your life.  You can always go to our website by clicking here.

The CVO Street Glide is Better Than Ever!

by: Rocky Marks

Recently another 2017 FLHXSE CVO Street Glide rolled into the Hot Metal Harley-Davidson showroom, and the paint on it just exploded with color and metal flake. We had to take it outside and do a little video on it in the sunlight.

The color of the particular Street Glide that I was looking at was Sunburst Orange and Starfire Black.  In the above video  you can see the vivid colors and the metal flake in the paint itself.  The motorcycle is powered by the all-new Milwaukee-Eight 114ci Engine with black powder coated heads & primary cover.

One of the first things that stand out on the bike are the speakers that are powered by the Boom! Stage II Audio System and Boom! Box 6.5 GT with built in navigation.  There are four speakers across the inner fairing and a speaker built into each saddle bag lid.

Speaking of the fairing, the color-matched Splitstream fairing vent gives the Street Glide a finished look.  Further down the forks, the TPMS Mirror Chrome Aggressor Wheels.  The brakes are Reflex Linked with ABS meaning that if you pull on the front brake lever, that engages the rear brakes as well.

A nice touch on the bike is the Electronic power locking saddle bags, meaning you don't have to carry a key with you to lock/unlock the bike.   Harley-Davidson added a new LED tailight and saddlebag fillers to give the rear of the motorcycle a nice full look.

The New Street Rod from Harley-Davidson

It may include the smallest capacity motorcycles in Harley-Davidson's lineup, but the Street series' newest arrival brings the kind of power that would compare directly with bigger models. The Street Rod introduces the High Output Revolution X engine, mated with upgraded equipment and sharper steering.




When Harley-Davidson first announced the Street series, it served two very important purposes. The 500 and 700 cc engine variants sound too small for a Harley, yet they excel at appealing to both younger riders and manufacturers' new holy grail.


With the addition of the Street Rod, Harley-Davidson simply adds a generous touch of spice to its entry-level lineup with the debut of the High Output Revolution X 60-degree V-twin motor. The evolved variant of the standard Street 750 engine features a heap of changes, including new gas-flowed cylinder heads with higher compression, sportier high-lift camshafts, a new exhaust system, and new throttle bodies fed via a larger air box.


The end result translates to an 18 percent hike in power and eight percent in torque – the latter set at 65 Nm (47.9 ft-lb) at 4000 rpm. Harley-Davidson does not mention exact horsepower figures but, given that the Street 750 produces some 58 hp (43.3 kW) in EU spec, on paper the Street Rod's output comes up around 68 hp (50.7 kW). This power reaches its maximum value at 8,750 rpm, which is around 1,000 higher than the standard engine, as the redline has accordingly climbed to 9,000 rpm.





In terms of styling, little has changed, but Harley-Davidson's suggestions of a sharper motorcycle are much more than simple marketing lingo. The suspensions now consist of 43 mm inverted forks and a pair of piggyback shocks, with benefits spilling over to the braking department as well, in the shape of a twin-disk front setup.

One of the most significant changes though is not very obvious in the photos. The Street Rod sports much more aggressive frame geometry, with fork rake reduced from 32 to 27 degrees. The rear tire is also taller at 17 inches (15 for the Street 500/750), lifting the bike's tail section in tune with the sharper handling that Harley-Davidson typically declares.

The end result is complemented with drag-style handlebars, bar-end mirrors, and several minor stylish details like the new logo on the 13.2 l (3.5 gal) fuel tank.

Why You Need a Motorcycle Safety Course

By Edgar Snyder & Associates

Why You Need a Motorcycle Safety Course
"Do I Really Need a Safety Course?"

Many motorcyclists have spent a lifetime honing their skills and techniques behind the handlebars. However, even experienced riders may find that they can learn a thing or two that keeps them safe while riding.

That's why we're talking about motorcycle safety courses. Not only are they beneficial to new riders, they may offer tips to seasoned riders that could help in the event of an emergency. In fact, 90% of all motorcyclists involved in accidents either had very little official training or learned how to ride from a friend or family member.

The Benefits of Safety Courses

After a long winter, it's often beneficial to take a refresher course to knock the rust of your hibernating riding skills. Not only that, safety courses offer a chance to meet up with other riders in your community.

Safety courses can provide you with:

New Safety Techniques
Improved Road Awareness
Riding Gear Recommendations
Basic Road Maneuvers
Navigating Traffic Situations
Sharpening Your Current Riding Skills
And Much More
New riders benefit from basic courses, while seasoned veterans can find advanced instruction from trained professionals. There's something for just about everyone who rides.

An added bonus – safety courses could provide you with a discount perk through your insurance policy. Check with your agent to see if you qualify for special deals or rate reductions after taking a certified safety course.

Find a Safety Course Near You

You may be wondering, "How can I enroll in a safety course?" The answer is easier than you think. In Pennsylvania, free training is available to state residents, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses. Contact the Motorcycle Safety Program – or visit them online at pamsp.com – to learn more about these great programs.

Don't forget to check out the Greater Pittsburgh Motorcycle Safety Council's website at pghridesafe.com for events in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas.

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!