Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Harley-Davidson killing six models for 2014]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/harley-davidson-killing-six-models-for-2014/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/harley-davidson-killing-six-models-for-2014/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/harley-davidson-killing-six-models-for-2014/#commentsFiled under:

Harley-Davidson FLHRC Road King Classic - profile view

Harley-Davidson is making some room on its dealers' showroom floors. The motorcycle manufacturer has announced it will kill off a total of six models for 2014, including the XR1200X Sportster, FXS Softail Blackline and the FLHTC Electra Glide Classic. The company says it's pulling the plug on the bikes to "optimize the number of choices available," according to VisorDown, and to "reduce product overlap." We imagine it also has something to do with the fact that Harley-Davidson saw sales decline by more than 9 percent year over year despite an increase in profits in 2012.

Much of that sales decline can be attributed to lackluster demand in the US. The manufacturer will axe the FLHRC Road King Classic in North America only, while the FLHR Road King will fall off of the order books in other markets. Don't expect to see the FLTRX Road Glide Custom or the FLTRU Road Glide Ultra in 2014, either, though Harley-Davidson promises both bikes will return after a redesign.

Harley-Davidson killing six models for 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 harley davidson2014 harley davidson models2014harleydavidson2014harleydavidsonmodelsharley davidsonharley davidson fxs softail blacklineharley-davidsonharley-davidson flhr road kingharley-davidson flhtc electra glide classicharley-davidson fltru road glide ultraharley-davidson fltrx road glide customharley-davidson xr1200xmotorcycleTue, 30 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552168/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/30/harley-davidson-killing-six-models-for-2014/20552168/article-detail.xml 20552168 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/flhrc-road-king-classic-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/flhrc-road-king-classic-628.jpg <![CDATA[Harley-Davidson to produce an India-market bike for 2014]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/harley-davidson-to-produce-an-india-market-bike-for-2014/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/harley-davidson-to-produce-an-india-market-bike-for-2014/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/harley-davidson-to-produce-an-india-market-bike-for-2014/#commentsFiled under: ,

Harley-Davidson

India remains one of the world's largest markets for motorcycles, and word has it Harley-Davidson may be preparing to take on the onslaught of low-cost, low-displacement machines popular with buyers there. The Indian automotive site Zigwheels reports the Wisconsin-based motorcycle manufacturer plans to develop and produce a new model in India for the country's buyers. The article says Harley-Davidson executives have already met with Indian vendors and dealers in early talks about establishing a dealer network, and word has it the new bike will debut at the 2014 New Delhi Motorcycle Show.

Details are somewhat scarce, but the report suggests the India-market motorcycle will boast a 400- to 500-cc V-twin engine and carry an MSRP of around $6,300. Of course, that sounds like plenty of fun to us, but a foreign-built, small-displacement bike runs against the grain of the company's US operations. Currently, the smallest bike on the company's showroom is the 883cc Sportster. That said, Harley-Davidson needs to grow and change if it plans to continue to be relevant moving forward, and a machine targeted at the motorcycle-hungry Indian market would be a great first step in that direction.

Harley-Davidson to produce an India-market bike for 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harley-davidsonindiaindian harley-davidsonmotorcycleFri, 28 Dec 2012 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20411272/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/28/harley-davidson-to-produce-an-india-market-bike-for-2014/20411272/article-detail.xml 20411272 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/harley-davidson-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/harley-davidson-628.jpg <![CDATA[Harley-Davidson incongruously aims Sportster 72 commercial at hipsters]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/harley-davidson-incongruously-aims-sportster-72-commercial-at-hi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/harley-davidson-incongruously-aims-sportster-72-commercial-at-hi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/harley-davidson-incongruously-aims-sportster-72-commercial-at-hi/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The official video for the new Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two XL 1200 V looks like the intro to a seventies biker flick, or like it was shot on Instagram. Part of Harley's Dark Custom line and a tribute to choppers of a Nixon-era yore, the V-Twin gets throwbacks like a 2.1-gallon "peanut" gas tank, downsized ape-hanger handlebars, chrome laced wheels on whitewall Dunlap bias-ply tires, chopped rear fender, a solo seat and a "Bigflake" paint schemes. And yes, you can get a chromed sissybar.

But instead of using a seventies biker type for riding duty in the vid, Harley went for a hipster - the slid-back beanie and the European stove top coffeemaker gave it away. We're not sure that's the target audience, but it's a neat vid and a cool looking bike anyway. Check it out in the video below.

Continue reading Harley-Davidson incongruously aims Sportster 72 commercial at hipsters

Harley-Davidson incongruously aims Sportster 72 commercial at hipsters originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chopperHarley-DavidsonHarley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two XL 1200 Vmotorcyclepromo videosportsterSportster Seventy-Two XL 1200 VvideovideosyoutubeMon, 19 Nov 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20380076/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/19/harley-davidson-incongruously-aims-sportster-72-commercial-at-hi/20380076/article-detail.xml 20380076 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/harleysportypromo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/harleysportypromo.jpg <![CDATA[Harley-Davidson Museum opens tsunami motorcycle exhibit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/26/harley-davidson-museum-opens-tsunami-motorcycle-exhibit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/26/harley-davidson-museum-opens-tsunami-motorcycle-exhibit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/26/harley-davidson-museum-opens-tsunami-motorcycle-exhibit/#commentsFiled under:



Ikuo Yokoyama was just one man among hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011, but his name will likely resonate with motorcycle enthusiasts for some time.

Yokoyama's 2004 Harley-Davidson FXSTB Softail Night Train was in a container box that was swept away during the tsunami in March 2011, and it washed up on the shore of British Columbia where it was discovered almost a year later. His motorcycle is now on display at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the exact same condition that it was found on the remote Canadian beach back in April.

After the motorcycle was traced back to Yokoyama, Harley-Davidson offered to have the bike restored and returned to its rightful owner, but instead he has asked that the motorcycle be kept in its current tattered and corroded state and displayed as a memorial to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Yokoyama lives in the Miyagi Prefecture, which was one of the hardest-hit areas of Japan, and in addition to his motorcycle, it's reported that he also lost his home and three family members as a result of the natural disaster.

Continue reading Harley-Davidson Museum opens tsunami motorcycle exhibit

Harley-Davidson Museum opens tsunami motorcycle exhibit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 japan tsunamiearthquakeharley-davidsonharley-davidson museumikuo yokoyamajapantsunamitsunami motorcycle exhibitFri, 26 Oct 2012 15:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20359897/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/26/harley-davidson-museum-opens-tsunami-motorcycle-exhibit/20359897/article-detail.xml 20359897 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/tsunami-harley-davidson_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/tsunami-harley-davidson.jpg <![CDATA[Man reunited with his first Harley after more than 30 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/19/man-reunited-with-his-first-harley-after-more-than-30-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/19/man-reunited-with-his-first-harley-after-more-than-30-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/19/man-reunited-with-his-first-harley-after-more-than-30-years/#commentsFiled under: ,



Ed Church bought his first motorcycle, a 1958 Harley-Davidson, when he was a sophomore in high school. He rode it and learned to dearly love it over the next 13 years, and then sold it when his daughter was born. Like many of us who've been in the same position, Church regretted the decision he made to sell the bike, practical though it may have been, and spent many years wondering what he'd do if he could only find it again.

This eBay video (part of its new eBay Thanks You series) may be just a tiny bit over-the-top in its tenderly scored and sepia-toned scenes, but it still tells a pretty great story. Motoring enthusiasts and romantics alike, be warned, the video below may jerk a tear or two.

Continue reading Man reunited with his first Harley after more than 30 years

Man reunited with his first Harley after more than 30 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1958 harley-davidsonebayebay motorsebay thanks youed churchharley-davidsonvideoFri, 19 Oct 2012 18:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20355443/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/19/man-reunited-with-his-first-harley-after-more-than-30-years/20355443/article-detail.xml 20355443 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/ebay-harley-davidson-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/ebay-harley-davidson-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch these motorcyclists duke it out in hand-to-hand combat to decide a race winner]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/watch-these-motorcyclists-duke-it-out-in-hand-to-hand-combat-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/watch-these-motorcyclists-duke-it-out-in-hand-to-hand-combat-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/watch-these-motorcyclists-duke-it-out-in-hand-to-hand-combat-to/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

XR1200 New Orleans last lap pass

All other things being equal, motorcycle racing isn't meant to be a contact sport. Sure, the well-used saying 'rubbing is racing' applies here from time to time, but that's the exception, not the rule. And even in that case, it's the bikes making contact, not the riders.

All of that makes the video below all the more worth watching. Here's the scene: Tyler O'Hara is in second place behind Michael Barnes, both pilots mounted on Harley-Davidson XR1200 motorcycles, on the last corner of the last lap. The race couldn't be closer... until, that is, O'Hara decides to reach out and touch Barnes in an effort to complete the pass.

It worked. O'Hara slowed Barnes down just enough that he was able to push past and take the win. At least for a little while. The American Motorcyclists Association retroactively gave the victory to Barnes, punishing O'Hara all the way into last place. If you live in the US, you can watch the action unfold in the video below.

Continue reading Watch these motorcyclists duke it out in hand-to-hand combat to decide a race winner

Watch these motorcyclists duke it out in hand-to-hand combat to decide a race winner originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harley-davidsonharley-davidson xr1200last lap passmichael barnesnew orleanstyler oharavideoxr1200xr1200 passxr1200 raceFri, 12 Oct 2012 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20349162/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/12/watch-these-motorcyclists-duke-it-out-in-hand-to-hand-combat-to/20349162/article-detail.xml 20349162 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/xr1200-last-lap-pass_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/xr1200-last-lap-pass.jpg <![CDATA[Harley-Davidson V-Rod hits the 'Ring while Yamaha R1 sets new lap record]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/harley-davidson-v-rod-hits-the-ring-while-yamaha-r1-sets-new-re/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/harley-davidson-v-rod-hits-the-ring-while-yamaha-r1-sets-new-re/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/harley-davidson-v-rod-hits-the-ring-while-yamaha-r1-sets-new-re/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Harley-Davidson V-Rod on the Nurburgring

It's been 10 years since Harley-Davidson decided to stick a pinkie toe into new product development with the V-Rod. The crew from Bridge to Gantry decided to celebrate the liquid-cooled V-Twin's birthday by taking it out for a little fun around the Nürburgring.

If it seems odd to pair the V-Rod with one of the world's most challenging road courses, it is. Technically, Porsche lent a hand in developing the 60 degree, 130-horsepower engine at the heart of the modern cruiser, but punishing the carousel probably wasn't high on HD's list of development goals. We imagine it ranked in the same neighborhood as taking the gold in the Paris-Dakar.

Even so, the bike has plenty of power on hand just waiting to throw machine and rider down the course's longer straights, but as Bridge to Gantry points out, it just isn't at home kissing apexes. That's not to say the 2012 V-Rod isn't an improvement over its predecessors. With new Michelin tires, Bridge to Gantry says the bike can now take better advantage of its suspension for some relatively reasonable handling.

So, now that we know that a V-Rod isn't the most desirable weapon with which to tackle the 'Ring, what is? You could certainly do worse than starting with a modern liter-bike, like the lightly modified 2005 Yamaha R1 used by Andy Carlilse recently to set a new two-wheel lap record of seven minutes and 10 seconds.

Scroll down below to watch both machines blaze their own distinct trails down the snaking Nürburgring.

Continue reading Harley-Davidson V-Rod hits the 'Ring while Yamaha R1 sets new lap record

Harley-Davidson V-Rod hits the 'Ring while Yamaha R1 sets new lap record originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harley-davidsonharley-davidson v-rodnurburgringnurburgring lap recordnurburgring motorcyclenurburgring recordr1v-rodvideoyamahayamaha r1Mon, 11 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20255857/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/11/harley-davidson-v-rod-hits-the-ring-while-yamaha-r1-sets-new-re/20255857/article-detail.xml 20255857 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/v-rod-on-nurburgring-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/v-rod-on-nurburgring-628.jpg <![CDATA[Japanese owner of Harley-Davidson that washed up on Canadian shore found]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/japanese-owner-of-harley-davidson-that-washed-up-on-canadian-sho/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/japanese-owner-of-harley-davidson-that-washed-up-on-canadian-sho/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/japanese-owner-of-harley-davidson-that-washed-up-on-canadian-sho/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ikuo Yokoyama

As far-fetched as it may seem, the owner of the Japanese Harley-Davidson motorcycle that washed up on the coast of Canada has been found. Beachcombers sent photographs of the bike to Harley-Davidson, which managed to track the registration to Ikuo Yokoyama in Miyagi Prefecture. Yokoyama lost three family members and his home in the tsunami that struck Japan a little more than a year ago and assumed his bike was gone forever. But the beachcombers have extracted the bike from the remote shore, and at its own expense, Harley-Davidson reportedly plans to have the machine shipped back to Miyagi, where it will be restored and returned to its rightful owner. Yokoyama is still living in a temporary shelter.

The bike drifted some 3,100 miles across the Pacific ocean in the back of a cube van. Yokoyama was using the box as storage for the bike on his property. Harley-Davidson says that despite plenty of corrosion, the motorcycle is in surprisingly good shape given what the machine has endured.

Miyagi Prefecture was one of the hardest-hit areas of Japan, where the disaster left 11,000 people dead or missing. Click past the jump to watch a CBC report on the remarkable story.

Continue reading Japanese owner of Harley-Davidson that washed up on Canadian shore found

Japanese owner of Harley-Davidson that washed up on Canadian shore found originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beachcomberscanadaharleyharley-davidsonikuo yokoyamajapantsunamitsunami debristsunami harley-davidsonWed, 02 May 2012 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20229087/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/02/japanese-owner-of-harley-davidson-that-washed-up-on-canadian-sho/20229087/article-detail.xml 20229087 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ikuo-yokoyama-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ikuo-yokoyama-628.jpg <![CDATA[Harley-Davidson lost in Japan's tsunami washes up in Canada]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/harley-davidson-lost-in-japans-tsunami-washes-up-in-canada/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/harley-davidson-lost-in-japans-tsunami-washes-up-in-canada/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/harley-davidson-lost-in-japans-tsunami-washes-up-in-canada/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Tsunami Harley

With the longest coastline in the world, Canada is bound to get all sorts of weird things washing up on its shores from every which direction. But a Harley-Davidson motorcycle? That's what one Peter Mark found while riding his ATV on a secluded island off the Pacific coast of British Columbia. Its origin? Japan.

The bike - enclosed along with other random items in what appears to be the compartment off a moving truck - appears to have traveled some 3,000 miles across the North Pacific from Japan's Miyagi Prefecture to the Canadian province of British Columbia. That's where Mark found it, rusted but recognizable inside the white cube that was apparently washed out to sea by the tsunami that struck the island nation one year ago.

The finder of the piece of iron driftwood left it where he found it and contacted the Japanese consulate in Vancouver which is trying to track down the original owner whose fate remains unknown. Scroll down to watch the fascinating video report.

Continue reading Harley-Davidson lost in Japan's tsunami washes up in Canada

Harley-Davidson lost in Japan's tsunami washes up in Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bcbritish columbiaharleyharley-davidsonjapanjapan tsunamimiyagimiyagi prefecturetsunamivideoMon, 30 Apr 2012 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20227497/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/30/harley-davidson-lost-in-japans-tsunami-washes-up-in-canada/20227497/article-detail.xml 20227497 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/tsunami-harley_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/tsunami-harley.jpg <![CDATA[Willie G. to retire from Harley-Davidson in April]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/willie-g-to-retire-from-harley-davidson-in-april/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/willie-g-to-retire-from-harley-davidson-in-april/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/willie-g-to-retire-from-harley-davidson-in-april/#commentsFiled under: ,

Willie G. DavidsonFamed Senior Vice President and Chief Styling Officer Wille G. has announced his retirement from Harley-Davidson effective April 30, 2012, after 49 years with the company. He is 78 years of age, and one of 13 executives who purchased the brand from AMF in 1981.

According to Harley-Davidson, Wille G., grandson of company founder William A. Davidson, is leaving 19-year company veteran Ray Drea in charge of the styling department.

Drea and Davidson are said to have collaborated on many milestone models. In other words, we wouldn't expect sweeping changes to H-D's overall design philosophy in Willie's absence, for better or for worse.

Willie G. will remain onboard as an ambassador at motorcycle rallies and events, and he'll lead special design projects as Chief Styling Officer Emeritus. Feel free to peruse the press release below.

Continue reading Willie G. to retire from Harley-Davidson in April

Willie G. to retire from Harley-Davidson in April originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harley-davidsonwilliam davidsonwillie g retirementwillie g.willie g. davidsonFri, 16 Mar 2012 17:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20195355/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/16/willie-g-to-retire-from-harley-davidson-in-april/20195355/article-detail.xml 20195355 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/willie-g-davidson_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/willie-g-davidson.jpg <![CDATA[Harley-Davidson sales grew 5.9% in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/harley-davidson-sales-grew-5-9-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/harley-davidson-sales-grew-5-9-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/harley-davidson-sales-grew-5-9-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide

Last year was a good one for Harley-Davidson. According to Asphalt and Rubber, the American bike manufacturer saw its sales increase by 5.9 percent globally compared to 2010. Sales in the U.S., meanwhile, were up 5.8 percent. All told, Harley-Davidson managed to move 235,188 units last year, with 151,683 of those heading to owners in the States. Those figures mean the manufacturer managed to post a net income of $105.6 million last year. By contrast, during the fourth quarter of 2010 the company saw a net loss of $46.7 million.

The global recession hadn't been kind to the company. With a model line designed to cater to the wealthy and their lust for toys, Harley-Davidson suddenly saw itself posting yearly losses. Those at the helm sold off MV Agusta and pulled the plug on Buell all together in an effort to keep Harley-Davidson up right.

Those moves seem to have helped. The company posted $4.6 billion in revenue last year, which marks an increase of 11.6 percent over 2010.

Harley-Davidson sales grew 5.9% in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsharley-davidsonharley-davidson earningsmotorcycleTue, 31 Jan 2012 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20159352/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/31/harley-davidson-sales-grew-5-9-in-2011/20159352/article-detail.xml 20159352 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/harley-davidson-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/harley-davidson-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bonhams Las Vegas Motorcycle Sale sees big numbers for vintage bikes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/bonhams-las-vegas-motorcycle-sale-sees-big-numbers-for-vintage-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/bonhams-las-vegas-motorcycle-sale-sees-big-numbers-for-vintage-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/bonhams-las-vegas-motorcycle-sale-sees-big-numbers-for-vintage-b/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

1955 Vincent Black Prince
1953 Vincent Black ShadowBonhams wrapped up an impressive motorcycle auction in Las Vegas, and some very pricey metal rolled across the block. While seriously expensive bikes like the 1955 Vincent Black Prince pictured above and a 1915 Harley-Davidson 11-F Twin failed to bring home enough cash to find new owners, the 1953 Vincent Black Shadow to the right brought home well north of its early bid estimates. A new owner laid down a hefty $122,500 for the pleasure of ownership. Likewise, one very sparse-looking 1907 Indian Camelback went for $67,860.

We took the time to pick through the auction's offerings to show off some of the more interesting bikes to roll across the stage in Las Vegas. You can check out the gallery for our personal faves or click over to the Bonhams site for more information on specific lots. The auction featured plenty of memorabilia in addition to full bikes.

Bonhams Las Vegas Motorcycle Sale sees big numbers for vintage bikes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonhamsbonhams vintage motorcycle auctionharley-davidsonindianmatchlessmotorcyclescotttriumphvincentvintagevintage motorcycleWed, 18 Jan 2012 19:22:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20147563/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/18/bonhams-las-vegas-motorcycle-sale-sees-big-numbers-for-vintage-b/20147563/article-detail.xml 20147563 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/1955-vincent-black-prince-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/1955-vincent-black-prince-628.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Twin jet-engine board track Harley-Davidson]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/ebay-find-of-the-day-twin-jet-engine-board-track-harley-davidso/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/ebay-find-of-the-day-twin-jet-engine-board-track-harley-davidso/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/ebay-find-of-the-day-twin-jet-engine-board-track-harley-davidso/#commentsFiled under: , ,

1929 Harley-Davidson Twin Jet motorcycle

If hopping on a motorcycle isn't thrilling or deadly enough for you anymore, you may want to point your browser toward eBay Motors. The world's first and only twin-pulse-jet-engine motorcycle is officially up for auction. The machine was originally constructed by Robert Maddox for a customer who wanted to try his hand at slipping into the 200-mph club. It's not clear whether the owner had a brief flash of sanity or if he simply found an easier way get his jollies, but the bike is now up for sale with a buy-it-now price of just $25,000.

That's plenty cheap in our eyes. If we had money bleeding out of our ears, we'd snap up the wild machine, which is supposedly based on a 1929 Harley-Davidson flat-track racer (we imagine that might just mean modeled after...), and park it in our living room. The seller says the bike rides straight and, not surprisingly, is plenty quick. Head over to eBay Motors to check out the auction for yourself.

eBay Find of the Day: Twin jet-engine board track Harley-Davidson originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1929 harley-davidson twin jet-engine motorcycleauctioncustomebay motorsflat trackharley-davidsonWed, 09 Nov 2011 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20102239/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/09/ebay-find-of-the-day-twin-jet-engine-board-track-harley-davidso/20102239/article-detail.xml 20102239 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-hd-twin-jet-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-hd-twin-jet-628.jpg <![CDATA[Campagna V13R [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/27/campagna-v13r-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/27/campagna-v13r-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/27/campagna-v13r-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Part Harley, Part Hot Rod, All Crazy

Campagna V13R

Think back through your own inner musings over the years, and we'd bet dollars to proverbial donuts that, at some point on your life, you've thought about buying a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The allure of riding Wisconsin's finest around your neighborhood and down the interstate may have drawn you in after seeing one on the road or being extolled in a movie. But you can't tell us you've never even thought about one.

Maybe you even went ahead and bought a Harley, and either got it out of your system or you're still riding one today. But more likely than not, you passed on the idea. Maybe you heeded the warnings of that doctor or nurse who told you horrific stories from their days in the emergency room of grotesque biker accidents. Maybe you were turned off by the criminal element that - let's admit it - is still part of the biker mystique. Or maybe you just never thought your ten thumbs and two left feet could manage to keep all that Americana on the straight and narrow.

That's where the Campagna V13R comes in. It's part Harley, part hot rod, and a whole lot of machine. To find out if it's the real deal, we hit the open roads around Montreal, Quebec, and tried it out ourselves.

Continue reading Campagna V13R [w/video]

Campagna V13R [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>campagnacampagna motorscampagna v13rcirbinfeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveharley davidsonharley-davidsonmototriket-rextrextrikev13rThu, 27 Oct 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20091327/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/27/campagna-v13r-first-drive-review/20091327/article-detail.xml 20091327 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/campagna-v13r-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/campagna-v13r-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Harley-Davidson recalling over 300,000 motorcycles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/harley-davidson-recalling-over-300-000-motorcycles/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/harley-davidson-recalling-over-300-000-motorcycles/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/harley-davidson-recalling-over-300-000-motorcycles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Harley-Davidson CVO Electra Classic Ultra Glide

Harley-Davidson has announced that it is recalling 308,474 motorcycles and trikes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the rear brake switch may be exposed to excessive heat from the exhaust system. If this happens, the rear brake light may fail to illuminate. It's also possible that the rear brake system could leak fluid, causing a brake failure. NHTSA says either condition could lead to an accident. Harley-Davidson will replace the brake light switch free of charge, though it's unclear what will be done to prevent the same condition from reoccurring in the future.

The recall covers 25 different Harley-Davidson models manufactured between 2009 and 2012. Around 250,000 of the motorcycles were sold in the U.S. while the remaining 50,000 were sold elsewhere. Reuters reports that the recall is expected to cost Harley-Davidson between $10 million and $12 million. Hit the jump to see the full recall report, including a full list of affected vehicles.

Continue reading Harley-Davidson recalling over 300,000 motorcycles

Harley-Davidson recalling over 300,000 motorcycles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brake recallharley-davidsonharley-davidson brake recallharley-davidson recallmotorcycleNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationnhtsarecallMon, 24 Oct 2011 16:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20088948/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/24/harley-davidson-recalling-over-300-000-motorcycles/20088948/article-detail.xml 20088948 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2011-harley-davidson-cvo-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2011-harley-davidson-cvo-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Harley-Davidson test track for sale in Florida everglades]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/harley-davidson-test-track-for-sale-in-florida-everglades/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/harley-davidson-test-track-for-sale-in-florida-everglades/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/harley-davidson-test-track-for-sale-in-florida-everglades/#commentsFiled under: ,

Harley-Davidson Test Track

If you've got a penchant for mosquitos, alligators and sweltering heat, Harley-Davidson may have a deal for you. The motorcycle manufacturer's former test track is up for sale just outside of Naples, Florida. The track was originally used by Ford to test its vehicles, and features a two-mile runway with loops on either end that can be used as a four-mile circuit, as well as a separate track that covers 1.5 miles. All told, there are 6.2 miles of road on the 500-acre site along with skid pads and various other test stretches.

According to Visor Down, the property also contains a number of garages and administrative buildings. All this could be yours for the princely sum of $7.5 million, though you may have to wrestle the 'gators for track time. You can check out the full property on Google Maps by clicking here.

Harley-Davidson test track for sale in Florida everglades originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evergladesfloridaharley-davidsonharley-davidson test tracknaplesnaples floridatest trackThu, 08 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20034605/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/08/harley-davidson-test-track-for-sale-in-florida-everglades/20034605/article-detail.xml 20034605 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/harley-davidson-test-track-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/harley-davidson-test-track-630.jpg <![CDATA[Strangest trade-in ever? Man swaps meteorite for motorcycle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/16/strangest-trade-in-ever-man-swaps-meteorite-for-motorcycle/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/16/strangest-trade-in-ever-man-swaps-meteorite-for-motorcycle/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/16/strangest-trade-in-ever-man-swaps-meteorite-for-motorcycle/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

meteorite for motorcycle

Landers Harley-Davidson has a motto: We'll trade for just about anything.

Really? Anything? One Arkansas man decided to test that motto himself when he called the dealership to see if they'd trade him a motorcycle for a meteorite. Wait... a what?

Jim Griffey was out minding his own business, planting trees in his backyard, when his shovel hit something solid. Out came an unidentified rock and in went the tree. That rock, though, was unlike anything else Griffey had ever seen, and had some rather strange magnetic properties.

Sensing something was awry, Griffey took his find to a local expert, who concluded that this unassuming chunk was actually a meteorite that had fell from the sky and embedded itself years ago into Griffey's backyard.

Seems that our man had more use for a Harley-Davidson than he did for a rock from outer space, and, luckily for him, Landers Harley-Davidson agreed to make the trade as long as Griffey could get documentation that his trade-in really was a meteorite.

Our take? Depending on the retail price of the motorcycle in question, we're thinking Landers has made a rather shrewd move. After all, regardless of the value of the actual meteorite, they can just take the price of the bike out of their annual marketing budget... it's darn near impossible to buy this kind of publicity. Click past the break to watch a video from Griffey's local CBS affiliate.

Continue reading Strangest trade-in ever? Man swaps meteorite for motorcycle

Strangest trade-in ever? Man swaps meteorite for motorcycle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harleyharley-davidsonharley-davidson meteoritejim griffeylanders harley-davidsonmeteoritemeteorite for motorcycle trademeteorite trademotorcyclevideoTue, 16 Aug 2011 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20019291/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/16/strangest-trade-in-ever-man-swaps-meteorite-for-motorcycle/20019291/article-detail.xml 20019291 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/meteorite-for-motorcycle_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/meteorite-for-motorcycle.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 arrives, now with more snakeskin]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/09/2012-ford-harley-davidson-f-150-arrives-now-with-more-snakeskin/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/09/2012-ford-harley-davidson-f-150-arrives-now-with-more-snakeskin/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/09/2012-ford-harley-davidson-f-150-arrives-now-with-more-snakeskin/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150

Harley riders like riding Harleys. But even for the HDMC faithful, certain situations - from bad weather to transporting cargo - call for something with a little more utility. That's where the Harley-Davidson edition Ford F-150 comes in.

Since the two iconic American motor companies first teamed up in 1999, the collaboration has produced ten special edition F-150s, six Super Duty F-250 and F-350 models and even an F-450 a couple of years ago. All in, more than 70,000 examples have been sold.

For 2012, Ford has given the Harley-Davidson F-150 a revised interior, a new set of wheels, a new color option and some updated graphics. The interior now features snakeskin accents (which ought to go perfectly with those snakeskin boots yer kickin'). The new wheels are machined aluminum, measure a massive 22 inches across and feature painted accents and new hubs. The White Platinum Tri-Coat pictured above now joins the catalog, along with the new (and relatively subtle) gray flame along the flanks.

The enormous 6.2-liter V8 packs a hefty 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque - just a teensy bit more than the V-twin in a Harley hog, and you can read all about the whole package in the press release after the jump and scope it out in the high-res image gallery for more.

Continue reading 2012 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 arrives, now with more snakeskin

2012 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 arrives, now with more snakeskin originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ford harley-davidson f-150f-150fordford f-150ford harley-davidsonford harley-davidson f-150harleyharley-davidsonharley-davidson f-150hdmcTue, 09 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20013068/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/09/2012-ford-harley-davidson-f-150-arrives-now-with-more-snakeskin/20013068/article-detail.xml 20013068 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/12harleydavidsonf15001hr-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/12harleydavidsonf15001hr-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Harley-Davidson shows off Penster leaning trike prototypes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/harley-davidson-shows-off-penster-trike-prototypes/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/harley-davidson-shows-off-penster-trike-prototypes/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/harley-davidson-shows-off-penster-trike-prototypes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Harley-Davidson Penster trike

Once upon a way back when, a few scant patent drawings of a Harley-Davidson leaning trike made their way to the web. Apparently, the company went so far as to produce a few prototypes under the codename Penster. The trikes were penned by none other than legendary custom car builder John Buttera, and despite the inherent awkwardness of the trike design, the Penster looks pretty good. For reasons that remain unclear, the design was never given the go-ahead for production. Instead, Harley buyers with a heart for three wheels wound up with the Tri-Glide.

Not surprisingly, the Penster makes use of a 45-degree air-cooled V-Twin for its propulsion, though details on exactly how the leaning mechanism works are still scant. These prototypes were hewn in 2006 and now reside in the Harley-Davidson museum. They stand out as an impressive piece of forward thinking from a company that holds steadfast to its traditions.

Harley-Davidson shows off Penster leaning trike prototypes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harley trikeharley-davidsonharley-davidson pensterharley-davidson penster trikeharley-davidson trikeJohn Butteraleaning trikepenster trikeThu, 04 Aug 2011 17:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20009359/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/04/harley-davidson-shows-off-penster-trike-prototypes/20009359/article-detail.xml 20009359 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/02-penster-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/02-penster-630.jpg <![CDATA[Policeman shows serious motorcycle agility skills]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/02/policeman-shows-serious-motorcycle-agility-skills/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/02/policeman-shows-serious-motorcycle-agility-skills/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/02/policeman-shows-serious-motorcycle-agility-skills/#commentsFiled under: ,

cop rides harley through obstacle course

The T-1000 was a pretty vicious killing machine, but it was also a mighty fine pilot on anything with two wheels. From what we can tell, the cop in the following video is clearly the template from which the T-1000 was cast.

Competing in a motorcycle obstacle course, this policeman wields his heavy Harley-Davidson police-edition Road King like it's a toy. The pegs scrape, the onlookers gasp and this cop runs through the course cleanly, much to the relief of the terrified cones. This bit of riding is two-wheeled poetry in motion.

Click past the jump to check out the clip... but don't get too close. These terminators are dangerous.

Continue reading Policeman shows serious motorcycle agility skills

Policeman shows serious motorcycle agility skills originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>copcop motorcycle obstacle course videoharleyharley-davidsonmotorcyclemotorcycle skillspolicepolice bikepolice motorcyclevideoTue, 02 Aug 2011 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20007599/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/02/policeman-shows-serious-motorcycle-agility-skills/20007599/article-detail.xml 20007599 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/cop-bike_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/cop-bike.jpg -1 2