By: Rocky Marks
The good news is the lack of rain has given us a few extra
days to tool around on our scoots, but the bad news is it hasn’t truly given us
a break from the summer heat. There have
been several times where I wanted to choose the air conditioning of my car over
the saddle of my motorcycle. I didn’t
give in though. This year I chose to
find ways to keep riding during the dog days of summer.
One of the simplest accessories you can purchase for your
motorcycle is a drink holder. You can
order a manufacturer specific drink holder or you can order an aftermarket
model. I have researched and tried many
different drink holders on the market and my favorite is a universal drink
holder from Kuryakyn. It features a
chrome outer ring big enough for a 44oz drink in its mesh basket. There are rubber grips on the inner circle of
the chrome that allow you to carry smaller drinks all the way down to a 12oz
bottle of water. It’s perfect for
around-the-town.
For long distances, one of the best products I’ve used is
the CamelBak hands-free hydration system. According to www.camelback.com,
the first CamelBak products were popular with mountain bikers and motocross
riders. It began to cross over into
other sports when scientific studies showed athletes drank more fluids and
performed better when they wore a CamelBak. For me, it proved successful when I traveled almost 1,000 miles in one
of the hottest weekends we’ve seen in a long time.
On a recent trip, my wife wore it and filled it up every
time we stopped for gas with ice and water from a beverage dispenser. While on the road I found it easy to drink
and it felt great when she sprayed it on my back every now and again to cool me
off at 70 mph on extremely hot asphalt.
Another product that I like to use is a neck cooler. All you have to do is soak the bandana in
water and it inflates with a cooling gel. Surprisingly the bandana stays cool most of the day, and at night I just
soak it in the ice bucket in the hotel room and it’s ready to go for the next
day. Most sporting goods stores carry
neck coolers during season.
In addition to finding ways to hydrate and cool your body,
there are products to keep the heat of your motorcycle away from you. A slam-dunk for any big-twin rider is a heat
deflector that mounts right under the rider’s seat and directly above the
engine. It points most of the engine
heat away from the rider and their passenger.
Motorcycles with lower fairings now have accessories that
provide a vent to allow air onto your legs and feet to keep you cool on a hot
summer day. There are also products that
allow you to replace your bolt-on parts with a quick-release for your lower
fairings so you can remove them all together and store them with very little
effort.
In 2009, Harley-Davidson started to offer a factory
two-into-one-into-two exhaust that directed the exhaust away from the
passenger’s legs and under the motorcycle. There are several after market true-dual exhaust systems that work very
well too.
The oil you use in your motorcycle can make a small
difference in heat. Choosing synthetic
over traditional motor oil and adding an oil cooler will bring the temperature
of the motor down a few degrees. Don’t
expect a night and day difference, however every degree counts.
Even though we only have a few hot weeks left in the summer,
now is the time to look for specials on these products at dealerships and
sporting good stores as they get ready to re-merchandise for the fall.
Monday, August 1, 2016
Friday, July 15, 2016
HOT METAL HARLEY-DAVIDSON CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY MILESTONE
By: Rocky Marks
It has been a very special year for the employees and customers of Hot Metal Harley-Davidson. On June 25th, the dealership and owner, Toby O’Brien celebrated Hot Metal Harley-Davidson’s 10 Year Anniversary throwing a Hugh Birthday Bash Highlighted by the giveaway of a brand new Harley-Davidson Street 750.
“We’ve worked really hard to change the culture of the dealership to make it a family friendly and professional environment, and to accommodate the needs of our customers. Giving away this motorcycle is just one of the ways we give back”
Over 500 motorcyclists, many of who are regular customers of the dealership, attended the party on June 25th. The day started with a live broadcast with Wookie from Y108. Operations Manager, Rocky Marks played the tunes while the guests ate a hearty lunch of BBQ and free beer from Iron City Brewing. After lunch, Billy the Kid and the Regulators took the stage and played well into the afternoon.
The bike giveaway was comprised of people who stopped into the dealership weekly to fill out an entry form and customers who purchased a motorcycle received two instant entries. Once all of the contestants were signed in, the giveaway began.
Each contestant had to pick a small box from a table in the middle of the showroom next to the Street 750. All of the boxes contained a Harley-Davidson keychain, but only one contained the keys to the brand new motorcycle.
After several attempts were made at picking the coveted box with the key, good customer Bob Harris picked the lucky box and won the brand new motorcycle from Hot Metal Harley-Davidson.
The Birthday Bash was just one of many events that were held so far this year at the dealership with many more on the schedule. The next large event is the police escorted ride to see Toby Keith at First Niagara Pavilion on Saturday, August 15th. Tickets are available at Hot Metal Harley-Davidson for only $30 and include a pre-tailgate party with food, beverages, and music.
It has been a very special year for the employees and customers of Hot Metal Harley-Davidson. On June 25th, the dealership and owner, Toby O’Brien celebrated Hot Metal Harley-Davidson’s 10 Year Anniversary throwing a Hugh Birthday Bash Highlighted by the giveaway of a brand new Harley-Davidson Street 750.
“We’ve worked really hard to change the culture of the dealership to make it a family friendly and professional environment, and to accommodate the needs of our customers. Giving away this motorcycle is just one of the ways we give back”
Over 500 motorcyclists, many of who are regular customers of the dealership, attended the party on June 25th. The day started with a live broadcast with Wookie from Y108. Operations Manager, Rocky Marks played the tunes while the guests ate a hearty lunch of BBQ and free beer from Iron City Brewing. After lunch, Billy the Kid and the Regulators took the stage and played well into the afternoon.
The bike giveaway was comprised of people who stopped into the dealership weekly to fill out an entry form and customers who purchased a motorcycle received two instant entries. Once all of the contestants were signed in, the giveaway began.
Each contestant had to pick a small box from a table in the middle of the showroom next to the Street 750. All of the boxes contained a Harley-Davidson keychain, but only one contained the keys to the brand new motorcycle.
After several attempts were made at picking the coveted box with the key, good customer Bob Harris picked the lucky box and won the brand new motorcycle from Hot Metal Harley-Davidson.
The Birthday Bash was just one of many events that were held so far this year at the dealership with many more on the schedule. The next large event is the police escorted ride to see Toby Keith at First Niagara Pavilion on Saturday, August 15th. Tickets are available at Hot Metal Harley-Davidson for only $30 and include a pre-tailgate party with food, beverages, and music.
Monday, June 13, 2016
Motorcycle Safety
Motorcycle safety is important at all times, but this importance is amplified at night. Be sure to stock up on the necessary safety gear before you leave the Harley dealership. Always be on the lookout for other drivers, understand your own vision, and maintain your headlights regularly. Here is a closer look at these safety tips for riding your Harley at night.
Always Stay Alert
Even the most cautious and prepared motorcyclist is at the mercy of other drivers on the road. This is why it is exceedingly important that you always pay attention to other drivers and anticipate their actions. An unfortunate amount of nighttime drivers tend to drive under the influence, which makes the dark road even more dangerous for Harley riders. Always keep an eye out for careless drivers and be ready to get yourself out of a dangerous situation.
Understand Your Eyes
If you have trouble with your vision during the day, you will want to have your eyes checked before riding at night. When you ride in darker conditions, your eyes will dilate in order to let in more light. Unfortunately this means that the problems you experience with your eyes during the day will be amplified at night. Be sure to see an eye doctor and use eyeglasses or contacts so that you can see the road and stay safe while riding at night.
Keep Your Headlights Working
Riding your Harley without working lights is both difficult and dangerous. Other drivers may not notice you on the road, and you will have trouble making out your surroundings. Properly functioning headlights will allow you to recognize potholes, animals, and other vehicles rather than running into them. Always check on your headlights before embarking on a motorcycle tour of any length.
For more safety tips for riding your Harley at night, feel free to call Hot Metal Harley-Davidson at (412) 464-9453. We are a Harley dealership serving Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and we specialize in New & Pre-Owned Harleys and safe clothing for motorcycles. Feel free to stop in and see us or visit our website for more information.
Always Stay Alert
Even the most cautious and prepared motorcyclist is at the mercy of other drivers on the road. This is why it is exceedingly important that you always pay attention to other drivers and anticipate their actions. An unfortunate amount of nighttime drivers tend to drive under the influence, which makes the dark road even more dangerous for Harley riders. Always keep an eye out for careless drivers and be ready to get yourself out of a dangerous situation.
Understand Your Eyes
If you have trouble with your vision during the day, you will want to have your eyes checked before riding at night. When you ride in darker conditions, your eyes will dilate in order to let in more light. Unfortunately this means that the problems you experience with your eyes during the day will be amplified at night. Be sure to see an eye doctor and use eyeglasses or contacts so that you can see the road and stay safe while riding at night.
Keep Your Headlights Working
Riding your Harley without working lights is both difficult and dangerous. Other drivers may not notice you on the road, and you will have trouble making out your surroundings. Properly functioning headlights will allow you to recognize potholes, animals, and other vehicles rather than running into them. Always check on your headlights before embarking on a motorcycle tour of any length.
For more safety tips for riding your Harley at night, feel free to call Hot Metal Harley-Davidson at (412) 464-9453. We are a Harley dealership serving Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and we specialize in New & Pre-Owned Harleys and safe clothing for motorcycles. Feel free to stop in and see us or visit our website for more information.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Features Of the 2016 Harley-Davidson Street Bob
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Street Bob is making headlines in the
motorcycle industry. As a newer addition to the Dyna range of the
Harley-Davidson family of bikes, the Street Bob as the name itself
suggests is the newest, coolest and sleekest bobber to cruise the
streets of Pittsburgh.
The technological features of the 2016 Harley-Davidson Street Bob are unlike any other motorbike. This bike is the perfect combination of the old-school Dyna bikes from the Harley-Davidson clan and modern 21st-century motorcycle technological advancements. The very capable and knowledgeable team of engineers and industrial designers brought their minds together to incorporate the best performance systems into these motorbikes to upgrade them to the specs of what any modern day superbike can do.
This is tricky for the Harley-Davidson engineers and designers because not only do they have to properly install these modern systems into the bikes but need to retain the old school features of any Harley-Davidson bike which is what eventually makes them so popular and desirable amongst biker fans. They must retain the styling features of the bike and not make too many changes to the original design of the bike as far as possible.
The anti-lock braking system is either the standard ABS or the factory-installed ABS. both are however top end ABS systems and give the rider the control, stability, and power to control his bike. The chassis is made to have an extreme stiffness to enable the rider to have a good grip on his bike.
Check out the Street Bob at +Hot Metal Harley-Davidson ! We're open 7 Days a week.
#Harley-Davidson
#StreetBob
#HarleyBlog
#Dyna
#Pittsburgh
The technological features of the 2016 Harley-Davidson Street Bob are unlike any other motorbike. This bike is the perfect combination of the old-school Dyna bikes from the Harley-Davidson clan and modern 21st-century motorcycle technological advancements. The very capable and knowledgeable team of engineers and industrial designers brought their minds together to incorporate the best performance systems into these motorbikes to upgrade them to the specs of what any modern day superbike can do.
This is tricky for the Harley-Davidson engineers and designers because not only do they have to properly install these modern systems into the bikes but need to retain the old school features of any Harley-Davidson bike which is what eventually makes them so popular and desirable amongst biker fans. They must retain the styling features of the bike and not make too many changes to the original design of the bike as far as possible.
The anti-lock braking system is either the standard ABS or the factory-installed ABS. both are however top end ABS systems and give the rider the control, stability, and power to control his bike. The chassis is made to have an extreme stiffness to enable the rider to have a good grip on his bike.
Check out the Street Bob at +Hot Metal Harley-Davidson ! We're open 7 Days a week.
#Harley-Davidson
#StreetBob
#HarleyBlog
#Dyna
#Pittsburgh
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
It's Check your Helmet Month, Get the right helmet for your needs!
Shopping for a new bike at a Harley dealership serving Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a thrilling prospect for any rider. As you are shopping for new motorcycles,
you may also want to consider purchasing new MotorClothes. For example,
your helmet is among the most essential pieces of safety equipment that
you will wear, whenever you get on your bike. To help you stay safe and
protected when you are out on the road, here is a look at an essential
guide to choosing a new helmet.
Consider Your Riding Style
When you are shopping for a new helmet, it is important to consider your riding style. Different helmets are suited to the demands of varying riding conditions. For example, if you will be using your bike to commute on a daily basis, you may want to consider choosing a very comfortable and lightweight helmet.
Evaluate Different Features
As you are picking out a new helmet, you will have many different features to choose from. With the help of the sales team at your Harley dealership, you will be able to decide which features will be suited to your needs. For example, you may want to choose a helmet that features sun protection, wind reduction technology, or even a communication device.
Ask About Safety Ratings
The primary function of a helmet is to keep you safe as you ride. During the helmet shopping process, it is a great idea to ask about the safety ratings of all of the helmets that are available to you. In order to get the best protection from your helmet, you will want to choose a helmet that meets minimum safety standard requirements.
To get started on shopping for a new helmet, be sure to contact Hot Metal Harley-Davidson. Our top rated dealership offers a fantastic selection of new Harleys, and we will help you pick out the best helmet for your rides. Call us at (412) 464-9453 to learn more about our current inventory.
Consider Your Riding Style
When you are shopping for a new helmet, it is important to consider your riding style. Different helmets are suited to the demands of varying riding conditions. For example, if you will be using your bike to commute on a daily basis, you may want to consider choosing a very comfortable and lightweight helmet.
Evaluate Different Features
As you are picking out a new helmet, you will have many different features to choose from. With the help of the sales team at your Harley dealership, you will be able to decide which features will be suited to your needs. For example, you may want to choose a helmet that features sun protection, wind reduction technology, or even a communication device.
Ask About Safety Ratings
The primary function of a helmet is to keep you safe as you ride. During the helmet shopping process, it is a great idea to ask about the safety ratings of all of the helmets that are available to you. In order to get the best protection from your helmet, you will want to choose a helmet that meets minimum safety standard requirements.
To get started on shopping for a new helmet, be sure to contact Hot Metal Harley-Davidson. Our top rated dealership offers a fantastic selection of new Harleys, and we will help you pick out the best helmet for your rides. Call us at (412) 464-9453 to learn more about our current inventory.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
The All New LowRider S is here at Hot Metal Harley-Davidson!
The all new Harley-Davidson LowRider S is here at Hot Metal Harley-Davidson.
It has a 110ci Screamin' Eagle engine, a throw-back design to the 70's
with the front fairing and denim gold wheels. Here is a quick walk-around video:
Check out some of the pictures below!
Check out some of the pictures below!
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Curfew on Motorcycles & Getting Road Ready on Road Hogs
This week on Road Hogs with Rocky Marks, there is a nasty rumor floating around the internet about 11 states passing an ordinance to ban motorcycle riding between the hours of 11PM & 6AM... is it true? Also, with the warm weather this week, many bikes are finding their way out of the garage, is your bike "Road Ready?" Rocky Marks talks about that plus other events coming up at Hot Metal Harley-Davidson in Pittsburgh, PA on this episode of Road Hogs with Rocky Marks!
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