Licensing, learning, lingo, and no more excuses.
If you already know how to ride, you're closer than you think. Each state determines the process for getting your motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license.
Never ridden? Need to brush up on your skills? Our Rider's Edge® New Rider Course will give you the skills and confidence to ride free.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation® (MSF) is dedicated to training and education that promotes safe riding. Courses can be found across the country.
Everyone's welcome. Not a rider yet? Makes no difference to us. Drop in to see the bikes, sign up for a rider education class or just to chat with people already living the dream. You owe it to yourself to have a look inside.
If it's keeping you from riding, we've got the answer.
"It's too expensive"
We've got six bikes for under six bucks a day.*
Bike parts and rider slang.
A general term for the parts made by a manufacturer other than Harley-Davidson.
A common reference to H-D® Touring motorcycles that come stock with touring luxuries (like saddle bags).
The iconic Harley-Davidson logo.
A very classic style of motorcycle dating back to when military guys came back from the World Wars and "chopped" a stock motorcycle to fit their individual taste. This style has regained in popularity in recent years.
Refers to the cubic centimeters of an engine. Your standard Harley cruiser is equipped with a 1,584-cc engine.
Custom motorcycles that originated when World War II veterans returned from war and "chopped" their bikes by taking everything off but the essentials.
Custom Vehicle Operations. Factory-built custom motorcycles produced in limited runs by Harley-Davidson.
A motorcycle that is not a bagger, dresser or sport bike. It will usually have a lower seat, loud exhaust, nice paint and plenty of chrome.
A bandana worn under the helmet to avoid "helmet hair."
U.S. Department of Transportation. Your helmet should meet DOT standards.
Electronic Control Module. The computer built into modern motorcycles to control different performance processes such as ignition and timing.
Electronic Fuel Injection. Electronic device to automate the motorcycle's fuel flow, replacing a carburetor and eliminating the manual choke.
A nickname for the Harley-Davidson Evolution V-Twin engine.
A rider who enjoys repairing and maintaining his/her motorcycle.
The endless possibilities of chrome, gadgets and accessories that one can add to his/her Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Harley Owners Group®, started in 1983.
Aggressively opening the throttle to get somewhere fast.
A type of sport bike with lowered suspension made to hug the road.
A kickstand. Always make sure it is in place before you get off and walk away from your bike.
A feature used on old-school bikes to start motorcycles before or instead of electric start.
A term used to describe a helmet or hat. Many times this term is used to describe helmets not approved by DOT. Sometimes referred to as a "skid lid."
Those scattered pieces of rubber left on the highway from truck tires that have been cheaply re-treaded.
Revolutions Per Minute. A term used to show the number of times a motor cycles in 60 seconds.
A backrest for a passenger.
Rushing a trip by taking the interstate as opposed to taking the scenic route. When you need to get from point A to point B quickly.
Motorcycles with an abundance of accessories and detailing.
A term used to describe the guy who spends more time revving his bike up in the parking lot or garage than he does actually riding it.
These are the fun roads with bends and corners that every biker dreams of riding.
Filters out any debris that might get into the engine.
An elevated handlebar that raises the rider's hands above the shoulders.
When you squeeze the front brake lever or press the rear brake pedal, pressure is applied to the corresponding brake caliper and brake pads. This in turn applies pressure to the friction surface of the disc rotor allowing you to stop.
Manages the blend of fuel and air in an internal combustion engine. All new Harley-Davidson models are fuel injected and don't have a carburetor.
Just like having a standard transmission in a car, the clutch engages and dis-engages the power from the engine to the rear wheel using a lever on the left handlebar.
Workhorse of a motorcycle engine. Contains the pistons.
The source of propulsion to move you and the motorcycle down the road. The engine is an "internal combustion design." It uses the energy from gasoline and turns it into a rotational force. Engines are measured in sizes in either c.c. (cubic centimeter) or c.i. (cubic inch) i.e. 1584cc or 96 ci.
A molded piece of the motorcycle's body that protects the rider and bike from road debris.
The place to rest the rider's and passenger's feet.
The forks are the front suspension; they keep the front wheel on the pavement and absorb bumps on the road. The angle of the front fork is called the "rake."
Think of this as the "skeleton" of the motorcycle, holding the engine, suspension and all components together.
To operate the front brake, squeeze the lever on the right handle bar.
After you fill the tank with fuel, the cap seals the tank to prevent leaking. Don't overfill the tank. Consult the owner's manual for the correct grade of gasoline for optimum engine performance.
A motorcycle frame that does not feature a rear suspension.
The "always on" headlamp has a high and low beam mounted on the front so you are seen by others during the day and for visibility at night.
The muffler dampens the exhaust sound from the engine.
To operate the rear brake, press the pedal on the right hand side of the motorcycle at the footpeg.
This rear suspension keeps the rear wheel on the pavement and absorbs bumps in the road.
Luggage that hangs from either side of a bike's rear fender.
Use the shift level to shift the transmission through different gears for different road speeds. The lever moves up and down. To select first gear move the lever down. To select second gear you move the lever up. Neutral is located between first and second.
A motorcycle frame that features a hidden rear suspension, giving it modern comfort with the look of a classic hardtail.
The system of springs and shock absorbers that protects the rider and motorcycle from bumps and vibrations.
On the rear of most motorcycles; connects the tire, shocks, brakes and suspension.
Just like the accelerator in a car that you push with your right foot, you twist the right handlebar grip to increase engine speed.
Here are a few responses to the most common excuses we hear from
people who
know damn well they'd rather be riding.
With 14 Harley-Davidson® bikes starting under $15,000, you can find yourself on a Harley for under six bucks a day*.
Pack a lunch, golf a little less, skip the casino for a night, lose a few cable TV channels-that's really all it'll take. You won't regret it.
Think of it as your canvas for self-expression. Your statement of freedom and individuality. Your introduction to a new family-riders unwilling to compromise. It's where you belong.
Not to mention what you're saving at the pump. Most of our models boast 54 mpg - 60 mpg EPA estimated on the highway. So you can go green while you ride free.
* For example, a Vivid Black 2009 XL1200 Nightster® motorcycle with an MSRP of $9,899 ($9,999 in California), 10% down payment and amount financed of: $8,910.10 ($8999.10 in California), 60 month repayment term, and 9.25% APR result in monthly payments of $186.04 ($187.90 in California). Whether you qualify for credit, the terms of credit, and APR can vary based on your past credit performance and the length of your loan. APR is calculated according to the simple interest method.
If you're here, you're on your way. Now take the next step.
A few nights in the classroom, a couple days out on the range and you're riding free. Search for classes in your area.
Just stop in. Ask some questions. See the bikes. Everyone's welcome, even folks who don't know where to start. Find your closest Harley-Davidson Dealer.
You're always doing something for everyone else. Now it's time to do something for yourself. You deserve it.
Make it a family affair. With seats that swap easily to a full line of quick detachable passenger backrests, your bike will transform from a solo cruiser to a two-up touring machine in minutes. Ride solo and ride together.
What about that boring commute to work? Or when you need to run out for some dinner or a few things at the store? Put a few more liberating miles on the bike while turning every mundane errand into an escape. It's your time. You're just wasting it in your car. Reclaim it, and free yourself from the cage!
When you finally get around to buying your first Harley, we know you'll say, "Why did I wait so long?" We hear it all the time. Just don't wait any longer. We've got a full range of models for all different kinds of rides, fits and styles. Find yours now.
Take safety seriously, and you can be better prepared for the unexpected.
Before you take to the streets, make sure you're properly trained and licensed. Motorcycle training courses like the Rider's Edge® New Rider Course include both in-class lessons and riding drills taught by experienced instructors. They'll teach you the safe riding skills that will give you confidence before you ride solo.
Increase your comfort and safety on the road with the proper riding gear. How much gear to wear is a personal choice, but Harley-Davidson strongly recommends wearing appropriate gear every time you ride, including a helmet that meets DOT requirements, a long-sleeve jacket or shirt, sturdy long pants or chaps, gloves, eye protection, and over-the-ankle boots.
We're not going to say it's as safe as sitting inside staring out the window while the world passes you by. But what rewards in life come without a little risk? If you respect the tenets of safe riding, you can increase your enjoyment of the sport. View the library of safe riding tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Luckily, you're not alone. We've seen this before. Here are some tips to help get them on board.
Arm yourself with information. Know what you want. Check out the bikes online and make a visit or two to your dealer.
Start by taking her to a dealer with you. Then talk with her about riding together. Whether on the back or on her own bike, she'll dig the extra quality time with you.
And don't lie to her. Take a rider education course and invest in the proper riding gear. It wouldn't hurt to take her shopping for some gear as well.
There's no better way to get someone excited about a new bike in the family than talking about the places you'll go on your new Harley. It might be a local bike night or an epic adventure to Daytona, Yellowstone, Route 66, the Smokey Mountains or even the Harley-Davidson® Museum in Milwaukee. What about a ride along the Great Barrier Reef in Australia? It never hurts to dream.
